Welcome!

Hello! My name is Janina.  I am a full-time licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist working primarily with special needs individuals. I found my passion for my work in 2014 and in doing so, also found my voice through my art. 

While the work I do with my clients is a large part of my life, my truest passion lies in art, in creating, and sharing my art with others.  From a young age, I found art as a comfort and I enjoyed school projects that included art-based activities. After years of creating and finding inspiration in fellow artists, I have taken the step to share my art with all of you.

Janina & Josefina was born in 2015.  The name comes from my own name and my grandmother, Josefina.  She passed away in 1992 and I had little time to get to know her before then, but my mother tells me that we would have been best friends.  She would have supported me in my endeavors and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.  I like to think that there is a part of her in all the art that I create.

My family comes from the tiny European nation of Lithuania, nestled along the Baltic Sea.  It has a rich history and beautiful culture.  I find much of my inspiration for my art from the language, the culture, writings and art, the architecture and music.  I was born and raised in California, learning how to speak Lithuanian first, then learning English from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and Sesame Street.  It is said that as Lithuanians, we bleed yellow, green and red - the colors of the Lithuanian flag. 

I have actively been a part of the Lithuanian community my entire life.  My parents enrolled me in Lithuanian language school at Saint Casimir's Parish in Glendale to learn the language, history, and culture in an academic setting.  While attending, I joined Los Angeles Spindulys, the Lithuanian folk dance ensemble and attended after school meetings as part of the Lithuanian Scout Association.

Needless to say, Lithuania and being Lithuanian is a huge part of my life.  And I find inspiration from all aspects of it.  I hope that you find some inspiration in my work to bring to your lives to.

myliu myliu,

Janina