Kristy A. Belton, PhD

Author, Forest Therapy Guide, Creativity Coach, Rewilding Facilitator, Yogi, Artist

Hello and thanks for stopping by! I am the Creative Director of my one-woman show (a.k.a, my life :) ), which is filled with a host of characters I love to play. Of the roles I enjoy the most, guiding people toward their own creative fulfillment and into deeper relationship with the land they live on are right up there.

In addition to guiding people, I revel in performing, writing and pumping the world with color through my art.

  • I enjoy making collage art, handmade journals, bookmarks and earrings, as well as beautifying spaces with native plants. My art has been exhibited at Mayslake Peabody Estate and at Lisle Library’s “Gallery 777.”

  • Over the years, I’ve spoken on a wide range of topics to diverse audiences at home and abroad. I’ve performed spoken word, shared personal stories on the stage and had a blast doing improv. If you’re looking for an inspirational speaker, look no further!

  • I’ve been writing since I could hold a crayon. I’ve published a book, poetry, book chapters, blog posts and journal articles. I’m editing my novel-in-progress and started on a second one! My piece, “Hummingbird Hymn,” came in second place for the Wild Muse Prize (2024).

 

The “Creds”

Collage Art by Yours Truly

 
 
 

My uncle once said, “Kristy is going to be a student forever.” Yup. He got me right. I’ll be 80 and in my rocker on the front porch, frames weighted down by half inch thick lenses, taking webinars – or whatever they’ll be called then – on whatever lights me up!  Here’s some stops I’ve made along the way:

I am a Kaizen Muse Creativity Coach, a certified ANFT Forest Therapy Guide, an Illinois Master Naturalist, a 250 hour certified Yoga Teacher, as well as a Wild Woman Project Circle Leader. I have completed training in Vibrational Sound Therapy, Bioregional Herbalism and NOLS/REI Wilderness Medicine.

I have a Ph.D. in Political Science, a Graduate Certificate in Human Rights and two Masters’ degrees (uno de los cuales es en español, así que si quieres trabajar conmigo en español, ¡lo podemos hacer!). I am also a graduate of Pocket MFA.

  • “You are a powerhouse of creativity, wisdom, and encouragement”

    Jill B.

  • “Kristy, wow, what passion and energy you have. You are smart, creative and your curiosity and thirst for knowing is infectious”

    Rozy W.

  • “Your passion and enthusiasm were inspiring and magnetic”

    Telyse B.

  • “Always so supportive and enthusiastic about other people…your ferocious talent, your passionate conviction and ultimately your LION’S ROAR really inspired me”

    Alem S.