Healing Arts Chicago
Session 4: Monday, October 20 - Friday, December 20, 2024
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Healing Arts Chicago offers free arts services to support mental health and wellness at the City of Chicago’s Mental Health Centers throughout the year. Sign up for creative classes and workshops including movement, yoga, sound and body meditation, music, painting, poetry, writing, and storytelling.
Do you want to learn more about participating in or partnering with Healing Arts Chicago? Fill out our interest form to get updates.
In the News
WBEZ Chicago (Sept. 18, 2024): Here’s why Chicago is training local artists to work in city mental health centers
Englewood Mental Health Center (641 W. 63rd St., Chicago, IL 60621)
Thursday Midday Reset: Audio Pharmacology™ Sound Spa©
Artist: Shannon Harris
Description: This 2 hour experience intales identifying mental and physical pathways to better wellness. Participants will discover mental/physical wellness tools and apply them in person testing their effectiveness in real time. The session will end with an Audio Pharmacology™ Sound Spa© which promotes rest, relaxation, and restoration.
Day/Time: Thursday, October 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21; December 5 & 12, 12-2pm
Special Considerations: People with epilepsy are not encouraged to participate in this session. For those who do not feel safe in spaces that are dimly lit or when asked to close their eyes to relax, are suggested to attend the HAC (Healing Arts & Craft) series.
Thursday Evening Reset: Audio Pharmacology™ Sound Spa©
Artist: Shannon Harris
Description: This 2 hour experience intales identifying mental and physical pathways to better wellness. Participants will discover mental/physical wellness tools and apply them in person testing their effectiveness in real time. The session will end with an Audio Pharmacology™ Sound Spa© which promotes rest, relaxation, and restoration.
Day/Time: Thursday, October 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21; December 5 & 12, 5-6:30pm
Special Considerations: People with epilepsy are not encouraged to participate in this session. For those who do not feel safe in spaces that are dimly lit or when asked to close their eyes to relax, are suggested to attend the HAC (Healing Arts & Craft) series.
Breathe, Create, and Flow
Artist: Jewel Hale
Description: Breathe, Create, and Flow is a workshop promoting well-being through mindfulness, movement, and creative expression. Participants will engage in breathing and movement exercises and craft art projects using a mindfulness approach to creating.
Day/Time: Tuesdays, October 29; November 19; December 3 & 17, 2-4pm | Wednesdays, November 6 & 13; December 11, 4:30-6:30pm
Special Considerations: Mobility Range: Workshops will include minor movement components like stretching and basic yoga asanas. Sensitivities: Arts and crafts supplies might have some smells (glue, paint, other mediums)
Monday Midday Reset: Audio Pharmacology™ Sound Spa©
Artist: Shannon Harris
Description: This 2 hour experience intales identifying mental and physical pathways to better wellness. Participants will discover mental/physical wellness tools and apply them in person testing their effectiveness in real time. The session will end with an Audio Pharmacology™ Sound Spa© which promotes rest, relaxation, and restoration.
Day/Time: Mondays, November 4, 11, 18, 25; December 2, 9, 16, 12-2pm
Special Considerations: People with epilepsy are not encouraged to participate in this session. For those who do not feel safe in spaces that are dimly lit or when asked to close their eyes to relax, are suggested to attend the HAC (Healing Arts & Craft) series.
Comedic Relief: Laughter and Yoga
Artist: Jewel Hale
Description: The program aims to leverage the power of laughter and movement to enhance participants' overall health and wellness. By participating in these workshops, individuals can experience firsthand how laughter and movement contribute to improved physical health, reduced stress, and a more positive outlook.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, November 20 & December 18, 5-6pm
Special Considerations: Mobility range will be considered for all bodies, access, and abilities. Chairs can be used for those who cannot stand for long periods of time and/or cannot access yoga mats on the floor. Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing. Yoga socks, mats, and water will be provided. Room will be lightly aromatic.
Greater Grand Mental Health Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60653)
hope lives here!
Artist: Nile Lansana
Description: This writing/spoken word workshop series focuses on recognizing and lifting up how we push through what gives us strife and how we bring hope to wherever we are.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, October 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20; December 4, 18, 12:30-1:30pm
Special Considerations: NA
Move 2 Live (MTL)
Artist: Leyda “Lady Sol” Garcia
Description: A wellness offering that centers easy-going, full body movement/stretch, breathing, and simple movement sequences embodying heart, joy, and self-awareness. Lady Sol is a world reknown movement coach and choreographer who loves to work with movers of all strengths and levels.
Day/Time: Thursdays, October 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21; December 5, 12, 19, 10-11am
Special Considerations: Music will be utilized for stretch, meditation, breath work and movement.
Mobility range will be considered for all bodies, access, and abilities. Chairs can be used for those who cannot stand for long periods of time and/or cannot access yoga mats on the floor. Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing. Yoga socks, mats, and water will be provided. Room will be lightly aromatic (natural lavender).
Greater Lawn Mental Health Center (4150 W. 55th St., Chicago, IL 60632)
Growing Together: Community Based Mural
Artist: Gerry Holiday
Description: An exploration of self talk and growth language through the creation of a community mural.
Day/Time: Tuesdays, October 21-December 17, 1-4pm
Special Considerations: NA
Hand Building Ceramic Explorations
Artist: Shalom Parker
Description: In this 4-week series, participants will learn the basics of hand building ceramics as well as use their new skills and support from the instructor to design their own project.
Day/Time: Tuesday, October 22, 4-5:30pm
Special Considerations: Ceramics is likely to be a little messy and participants should be dressed accordingly. The clay will wash out of clothes in a normal wash cycle.
Wheel throwing Ceramic Explorations
Artist: Shalom Parker
Description: In this 4-week series, participants will learn the basics of wheel-throwing ceramics and have time to practice the skill with support from the instructor.
Day/Time: Tuesday, November 26, 4-5:30pm
Special Considerations: Ceramics is likely to be a little messy and participants should be dressed accordingly. The clay will wash out of clothes in a normal wash cycle.
Lawndale Mental Health Center (1105 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60612)
Mindful Breaths: A Journey to Inner Calm
Artist: Erica Serrano
Description: Experience inner peace with "Mindful Breaths: A Journey to Inner Calm," a 30 minute breathwork meditation 1 on 1 session. Learn and practice effective breathing techniques to reduce stress, enhance focus and promote well-being, leaving you refreshed and centered.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, October 23-December 18, 1:30-2pm & 2:30-3pm
Special Considerations: N/A
Breathe & Believe: A vision board workshop
Artist: Erica Serrano
Description: This workshop will provide participants with the tools and support they need to create a clear vision and actively manifest their goals .
Day/Time: Thursdays, October 24-December 19, 5-7pm
Special Considerations: N/A
Tune In: Reclaiming Inner Balance Through Sound
Artist: Mecca Perry
Description: This sound meditation experience is designed to help you disconnect from the external world and reconnect with your inner self, establishing a strong foundation within yourself. As an audible sensory experience, this sound meditation allows your mind, body, and soul to reset and recharge.
Day/Time: Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 26; December 3, 10, 17, 6-7pm | Wednesdays, October 16 & 23; November 6, 11, 13; December 4, 11, 10:30-11:30am
Special Considerations: Best for individuals who feel comfortable laying down with their eyes closed.
North River (5801 N. Pulaski Road, #UNIT C, Chicago, IL 60646)
Community Connections: Spooky Sewing with Fettle
Artist: Natalia Cuevas & Guest Artist (Fettle)
Description: An ongoing pop-up series aimed to teach skills, develop connections, and foster community building with guest artists. In this two-part workshop, participants will learn fundamentals of hand sewing by creating spooky themed plushies!
Day/Time: Wednesday, October 30, 12-1:30pm
Special Considerations: Hand sewing involves repetitive hand motions that can be difficult for participants with hand injuries, such as arthritis or carpal tunnel.
Lost & Found
Artist: Chihjou Cheng & (Guest Artist) Agnotti
Description: Using various visual arts, we will explore the question:
How can we reclaim the agency of our lives? Each session guides participants through reflective art-making, connecting the past, present, and future.
Wednesday, October 30 | 5-6:30pm – Past: Where do we come from?
Discover how your personal history and roots shape your present through artistic exploration. We’ll use visual art to reflect on the places, people, and experiences that define where we come from.
Wednesday, November 6 | 5-6:30pm – Present: Who we are
Delve into your present self. Through creative expression, we’ll explore the emotions, identities, and stories that shape who we are right now.
Wednesday, November 13 | 5-6:30pm – Future: What’s next?
Envision your future. This workshop will guide you in using visual art to imagine the possibilities and pathways ahead, asking, What’s next?
Wednesday, November 20 | 5-6:30pm – How: Living in the Now
Center yourself in the present moment. We will explore how to live mindfully and fully in the present, crafting a visual path for living in the now.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, October 30; November 6, 13, 20, 5-6:30pm
Special Considerations: We encourage consistent participation to explore personal journey stories through theatrical forms.
Carving A Path: Printmaking for Social Change
Artist: Natalia Cuevas
Description: A workshop series that examines the role of printmaking in activism and protest. Participants will learn the basics of relief printing on paper and fabric as a means of interrogating social issues and inspiring action. Each participant will produce a series of prints about a cause that is important to them.
Day/Time: Friday, November 8, 1-3pm
Special Considerations: Printmaking is likely to get a little messy so please dress accordingly! The ink will wash out of clothes in a normal wash cycle. Aprons will be provided as needed. Relief printing in particular involves repetitive hand motions that can be difficult for participants with hand injuries or limited hand mobility, such as those with arthritis or carpal tunnel.
Community Connections: Watercolor Flowers with Jimenah
Artist: Natalia Cuevas & Guest Artist (Jimenah)
Description: An ongoing pop-up series aimed to teach skills, develop connections, and foster community building with guest artists. In this workshop, participants will learn fundamentals of watercolor by creating floral designs!
Day/Time: Wednesday, November 20, 4-6pm
Special Considerations: N/A
Exploring Grief Through Art
Artist: Chihjou Cheng & Kelly Stahl (Public Health Nurse)
Description: We will use various art activities to deeply explore the layers of grief, from memories to healing and transformation. Through creative expression, participants will reflect on their personal journey with grief and discover paths to healing and renewal.
Wednesday, December 4 | 5-6:30pm – The Power of Memories
Explore the strength and significance of memories in our grief journey. Through art, we will honor and reflect on the past, finding meaning in what we've lost.
Wednesday, December 11 | 5-6:30pm – Healing with Grief
This session focuses on healing. We will use art as a way to embrace the process of grief, finding moments of peace and acceptance within our emotional landscapes.
Wednesday, December 18 | 5-6:30pm – Transforming Life After Grief
As we conclude the series, this session will focus on transformation. Participants will explore how life can be reshaped after loss, using art to envision a path forward, filled with new meaning and hope.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, December 4, 11 & 18, 5-6:30pm
Special Considerations: This series focuses specifically on grief related to the loss of a loved one through death.
Offsite Workshops
Move Like Goddesss (Muévete Como Diosa)
Session Location: Steadfast Dance, 1860 S. Blue Island Ave., Suite 302 (ring bell, 3rd floor walk up)
Artist: Leyda “Lady Sol” Garcia
Description: A sacred, feminine centered dance workshop inspired by beginner friendly, Afro-Caribbean dance, music, & culture. Lady Sol has been learning about & teaching Afro-Caribbean dance for over two decades.
Day/Time: Mondays, October 21-December 16, 6:30-7:30pm
Special Considerations: Workshops require participants to bring their own yoga mats, be able to move standing and through dance studio space for a duration of 45 minutes. All levels welcome. Beginners are encouraged. New, short routines will be taught and learned weekly. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and divinely feminine. Wear clean, sneakers for in-studio only. No street shoes, please and thank you. Water available, please bring your own water bottle. Arrive 15 min early to. complete registration and settle into space. We will start promptly at 6:35pm.
Zen Wick & Flow
Session Location: Bikettle, 4024 W. North Ave.
Artist: Erica Serrano & Guest Artist (Melissa Coleman)
Description: “Zen Wick & Flow” offers a sanctuary for self-care and rejuvenation, where individuals can indulge in creativity, movement, and healing touch. Whether seeking a moment of solitude or a bonding experience with loved ones, this fusion of candle making & yoga which provides a holistic approach to wellness that nourishes the body, calms the mind, and uplifts the spirit.
Day/Time: Sundays, November 17 & December 8, 10:30am-12:30pm
Special Considerations: ONLY 8 Participants per session. Sessions include a chair yoga sequence and meditation. Mats and Chair are provided. Wear Comfortable clothes.
Sounds and Stems: Floral Arrangements and Sound Baths
Session Location: L + A Healing Studio, 2018 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
Artist: Mecca Perry & Guest Artist (Alex Agudo)
Description: Nourish your mind and body with a sound meditation, then let your creativity blossom as you are lead by L and A Healing Studio founder Alex Agudo, craft a beautiful mini bouquet in a floral arrangement workshop. All supplies are provided, so simply come ready to relax and create. Participation in both experiences are required.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, November 20 & December 18, 1-2:30pm
Special Considerations: N/A
Lost & Found Community Theatre Show
Session Location: Links Hall, 3111 N. Western Ave.
Artist: Chihjou Cheng & (Guess Artist) Agnotti
Description: How can we reclaim the agency of our lives? Join us for an interactive community theatre experience where stories, memories, and a wanderer puppet’s journey weave together to explore belonging, struggle, and the paths we take. Bring an object, share your tale, and create a "memory box" as we uncover the next steps in our collective journey.
Day/Time: Saturday, November 23 & Sunday, November 24, 7-9pm
Special Considerations: We encourage consistent participation to explore personal journey stories but drop-in are also welcome
Move through sound
Session Location: Chicago Cultural Center, Dance Studio, 1st Floor North, 78 E. Washington St.
Artist: Mecca Perry & Chihjou Cheng
Description: This experience blends gentle movement, the power of sound healing, and introspection. Move Through Sound will guide you on a journey within, using your body and the vibrations of sound instruments to explore your inner landscape.
Day/Time: TBD
Special Considerations: No prior dance or movement expereince required. This session involves light movement and sitting or laying down.
Registration Coming Soon
Artist Cohort 2023-2024
The Chicago Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers (CAHP) is an innovative paid job training program that seeks to bridge the realms of arts, health, healing, and wellness. Funded through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) federal funds, the program pays artists to apprentice in community clinics and become certified community health workers to amplify the proven benefits of arts engagement in fostering holistic recovery, well-being and social cohesion in communities.
The CAHP program is a collaborative effort between the following organizations:
- City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) – Lead project administrator supporting overall program design and implementation
- Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Core project collaborator, supporting program design and participation of CDPH mental health centers
- City Colleges of Chicago – Provider of artist training and community health worker (CHW) certification
- One Nation One Project – National partner providing research, evaluation, technical assistance, creative support, and peer networking opportunities across all 18 participating municipal and community partner sites
From September 2023-December 2024, ten Chicago artists were placed in the following CDPH Mental Health Clinics: North River Clinic (North Park/Albany Park), Lawndale Clinic, Greater Grand Clinic (Bronzeville), Greater Lawn Clinic, and Englewood Clinic.
North River Mental Health Center
5801 N. Pulaski Road, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60646
Chih-Jou Cheng
Chih-Jou Cheng is a Chicago-based movement artist and puppeteer originally from Taiwan where she studied Community Theatre ＆Theatre in education. She is dedicated to creating artworks that illuminate the challenges and joys of the human experience through collaborative physical theatre. She is the co-founder of Dawn Theatre Project and has performed with Drury Lane, Teatro Vista, and other Chicago theatre companies. You can find more of her work at chihjou-cheng.com
“Since finding dance as a young adult, movement art has become my lens for expressing feelings, understanding the world, embracing diverse perspectives, cultivating compassion, and healing. Creating meaningful art is more than just a creative endeavor for me; it is a way of living, loving deeply, and thinking profoundly.”
Natalia Cuevas
Natalia Cuevas (she/they) is a Mexican American artist, educator, and mentor, based in the city of Chicago and actively working towards building community, bridging cultures, and supporting youth through art based learning. Their creative practice is deeply rooted in their experiences growing up in Chicago with undocumented parents and draws from traditional Mexican iconography, folklore, and family stories of migration. Through interactive, immersive, and collaborative projects, they aim to cultivate spaces for community building and create platforms for storytelling as a form of celebration and healing.
“While my family moved repeatedly throughout my childhood, I spent most of my formative years in Albany Park and developed a deep and profound connection to the sense of community that echoes throughout the predominantly immigrant neighborhood. This sparked an innate desire to contribute to the culture and advocate for others. I am interested in the art and health aspects of this program because it is the essence and foundation of what drives my artistic and educational practice and continues to fuel my work as a member of the Albany Park and larger Chicago community.”
Englewood Mental Health Center
641 W. 63rd St.
Chicago, IL 60621
Jeweline Hale
Jewel Hale is an interdisciplinary artist from Chicago, Illinois. She obtained her BA in theater studies from Northern Illinois University, received her MA in interdisciplinary arts from Columbia College Chicago, and her MS in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University. She is a certified wellness, SEL, and yoga instructor. She has been writing and performing professionally since 2012.
“I believe that education and holistic wellness practices are the keys to a bright and prosperous future for all Chicagoans. I am interested in the art and health aspect of this program because I have been teaching SEL with interdisciplinary art practices (through various organizations) to youth 4-15 years of age for over 5 years.”
Shannon Harris
As an international DJ, musician, composer, anthropologist, ethnomusicologist, label owner, videographer, Qi Gong instructor, humanitarian, pro-activist, healer, sound scientist and Audio Pharmacology™, Shannon explores obscure territories, regions, genres, styles, and traditions through his work in the Healing Arts. Receiving a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Music as Wellness certificate from the Berklee College of Music, his work bridges the dualities of unconventional futurism and indigenous traditionalism using sound energy. His journey in the fields of art, music, science, and research spans four decades, six continents, and numerous cultural and spiritual traditions.
“My journey into the healing arts started after being diagnosed with several critical ailments at a young age. After finding solutions that helped myself and those around me, I decided to shift my career and outreach objectives to serve communities in need of tools to assist them along their wellness path. This program will empower me with certifications and clinical experience to continue my career aspirations within the healing arts.”
Greater Grand Mental Health Center
4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60653
Leyda “Lady Sol” Garcia
Leyda “Lady Sol” Garcia is a proud XICANA and Chicago native who is globally recognized as a teaching artist, creative director, and street dance practitioner. She is a Co-Founder of Kuumba Lynx, Chicago's first all woman led Hip-Hip arts organization and a proud 3Arts Chicago Award winner. Lady Sol is a self-proclaimed “Professor of Practice” who has taught street dance workshops at Columbia College, Harvard U, Stanford U, and U of C.
“My inspiration is always family and community first. I have family members who have lost so much in this lifetime and I want to keep winning for them. My name is Leyda Garcia and I am Maria's immigrant daughter.”
Nile Lansana
Nile Lansana is an acclaimed interdisciplinary artist from the South Side of Chicago. His work is centered around revealing radical truths and amplifying marginalized voices and narratives through a lens of Black imagination and visionary intention. He’s just trying to be even better than he was the last time!
“My work is centered around revealing radical truths and amplifying marginalized voices and narratives through a lens of Black imagination and visionary intention. I wanted to apply because arts & health are very important to the fabric of my being and I'm excited to engage deeply with how arts & health intersect and create liberating and healing spaces for folk to be moved through creative practice in a similar manner to how I continue to be moved and inspired every sunrise.”
Greater Lawn Mental Health Center
4150 W. 55th St.
Chicago, IL 60632
Holiday Gerry
1st Gen Chicano and a Chicago native. As a CPS student, he discovered his passion for the Arts in afterschool programs such as After School Matters. Today he is a professional artist, activist, and photographer with a passion for teaching. He believes in the power of art for personal transformation and building community.
“I am drawn to the program's focus on integrating the arts and mental health, as well as its emphasis on community health and wellness through arts-focused strategies. By participating in this program, I anticipate not only expanding my knowledge and skillset in creative therapies but also gaining valuable experience in social work. This will not only help me grow as an artist but also equip me with the tools to address the upcoming generations of young artists and the Larger Chicago community.”
Shalom Parker
Shalom is first and foremost a person. One who loves people and loves making art, specifically ceramics, she is also an abolitionist and invested in her community. One of the ways that she has used those passions is through becoming an art therapist and LPC at Chicago Torture Justice Center and working with people who have been tortured by the police.
“I am passionate about making art and mental health resources accessible to people who don’t traditionally access therapy. I applied to this program because I am also a firm believer in making healing roles more accessible as well as to build a community of artist who are passionate about community and healing.”
Lawndale Mental Health Center
1105 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
Mecca Perry
Mecca Perry is a Certified Sound Meditation Facilitator, Founder of Elevated Mediation Studio, Wellness Podcaster, and Wellness Event Professional. She weaves her background in event production/culinary with modern and ancient wellness practices, all in the service of others. Mecca’s mission is to create bespoke sacred experiences that transform her clients' experience of themselves and the world. After a decade-long meditation practice, Mecca turned her passion into service. She completed over 300 hours of Sound and Meditation Training in Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Tempe, AZ and Auroville, India.
“In my experience sound healing brings our body and mind into balance and harmony, this is one benefit that inspires my craft. Combining sound healing with community mental health care training will deepen my impact within the community and expand my knowledge as an individual.”
Erica Marie Serrano
“I am happy, healthy and healed.” This mantra is the foundation for my work in my community, Chicago, and beyond. I am a motivator! I am an educator and I am a coach. Through physical movement, mindfulness and gratitude work, I touch, move and inspire young people and adults to discover their best selves so they can live happy, healthy and healed lifestyles. My name is Erica Marie Serrano or Coach Erica Marie! My certifications are in Yoga, Personal Training, and Wellness.
“I am inspired by IMPACT, GROWTH, and LIFE CHANGES in the people I serve! Helping people help themselves by giving them tools to use to have a positive outlook on life in Chicago and beyond made me want to apply to CAHP Apprenticeship Program. Through this program my best hope is to expand my outreach and collaborate with others to use our artist talents to bring out the best in all the people we serve!”
Healing Arts Chicago Advisory Committee
Meet Healing Art Chicago’s advisory team. Participating members have expertise and experience at the intersection of arts, health, and wellness sectors. Our advisory provides support and advisement by helping to:
- Determine our community’s assets and strengths at the intersections of arts, health, and wellness
- Identify challenges and gaps in arts and health related work in Chicago
- Advise on potential opportunities and strategies during the current pilot and its future iterations to support artists’ future employment while addressing the national crisis in mental health care resources
Bios
As a current Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar and Public Health PhD student in the Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration, Alex Rodriguez, MPH primarily pursues research with UF Center for Arts in Medicine’s Interdisciplinary Lab. Alex has previously developed and led a grant funded, mural-based vaccine confidence project which was selected for a Cam Busch Award by the National Organization of Arts in Health. Further, she has had the opportunity to contribute to arts in public health research such as CDC field guides on utilizing the arts to promote vaccine confidence as well as the Oxford Bibliography for the field of Arts in Health. Additionally, Alex developed a UF Honors course titled Leveraging the Arts to Promote Public Health which is currently being offered as an honors course at UF. Alongside her academics, Alex is working with One Nation/One Project as a National Research and Impact Associate.
Leah Ra'chel Gipson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art Therapy and Counseling at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an instructor at the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy Chicago. She has presented at national and international professional convenings at Rutgers University, NYU, American Art Therapy Association, American Educational Research Assocation, National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China,10th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights, Freetown, Sierra Leone, American Language Center, Fes, Morocco, Concordia, University, Montreal, Canada, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She is a former board member for A Long Walk Home, an arts-based organization led by Black women and girls that empowers young people to end gender based violence, and helped to establish ALWH’s Girl/Friends Leadership Institute in 2009. Leah is a registered and board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC), and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in Illinois, with a master’s degree in art therapy and a masters in theological studies. Her focus in counseling practice has included sexual and domestic violence, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, substance use and addiction, and trauma and grief related to state and intrapersonal violence.
Susan D. Imus, LCPC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, is a Professor at Columbia College Chicago where she currently co-coordinates the Arts in Health minor. She chaired the department of Creative Arts Therapy for 19 years which included co-founding six programs. Susan is a dancer by training having danced with 3 different companies in addition to acting in numerous theatrical productions. Susan currently works with Rush University Medical College and Rush Generations Center for Aging facilitating Arts in Health initiatives. She is currently co-leading a research study with Rush University and Columbia College Chicago funded by the National Endowment for the Arts on Dance for Health for older adults. She is an international consultant and educator to institutions throughout Asia and Europe
Lisa L. Moore, LICSW, PhD is a senior lecturer and Director of the A.M. Program in social work, social policy and social administration at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago. She has been a social work educator and practitioner for over 25 years. Her active projects involve working as a collaborator with colleagues from SAIC and UIC on the Intergenerational Dialogue Project at the Center on Addison. Her other work explores the labor of Black women in communities, institutions and families,and she writes on the intersections of race and psychoanalytic theory, and autoethnography. Her psychotherapy practice has focused on working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. She is a trained somatic experiencing practitioner, who resides in Chicago with her two children, a puppy, and a bearded dragon.
Veronica Nevarez is currently a Behavioral Health Care Coordinator at Esperanza Health Centers on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Veronica was drawn to Esperanza Health over ten years ago by her shared values of putting people first when providing quality care. She is most passionate about normalizing the need for mental health support and accessing services. In her free time, she enjoys reading and volunteering, recently served in the Open Books Associate Board and in the longest standing incorporated Latina organization in the nation; Mujeres Latinas En Accion Young Professional Advisory Council (YPAC).
Dr. Francisco Rodriguez is the director of the Greater Lawn clinic located in the southwest side of the city of Chicago close to Midway airport. Dr. Rodriguez has been with CDPH for over two decades. First as a clinical therapist and now as part of the leadership team in the mental health bureau. Dr. Rodriguez obtained his master’s in counseling psychology and his Doctorate in clinical psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Rodriguez was born in Mexico and immigrated to the States at age 17.
Kaoru Watanabe is currently the Associate Director of the National Cambodian Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial, and the Cambodian Association of Illinois. She is a nurse by training, who brings holistic and ecological approaches to the work with the community. Throughout her professional career, she has been interested in working with and facilitating dialogues among people and communities that bring different lived experiences and perspectives. She was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan; and worked in Cairo, Egypt before moving to Chicago. She has a BS in nursing from St. Luke’s College of Nursing (Japan) and an MS in nursing science from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Pascale Ife Williams, PhD is a cultural organizer, educator, disruptor, healing justice practitioner, and community scholar. Ife is a Chicago native with over 15 years of experience in justice-driven arts and community-engaged work that explores and engages racial, gender, and wellness equity. She invites communities to co-design their realities through radical imagination, strategic visioning, and creative healing practices.
This project is supported in whole by federal assistance listing number 21.027 awarded to the City of Chicago by the US Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
DCASE is a participant in One Nation/One Project. ONOP is a sponsored partner of the Tides Center and is funded by Anne Clarke Wolff and Ted Wolff, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Doris Duke Foundation, Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams Family Foundation, The Mellon Foundation, The Tow Foundation, Sozosei Foundation, and The Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation."
This program is made possible in part by a grant from FGC, a Builders Initiative Foundation Entity.