Art Therapy Studio Is Committed To Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Art is a universal phenomenon and holds the power to heal us mentally and physically. Art Therapy Studio is dedicated to bringing the healing power of art to our entire community regardless of culture, race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, mental health diagnosis, and disability. We are committed to providing art therapy to historically marginalized and underrepresented populations and elevating art therapists from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. 

Art Therapy Studio is committed to racial equity and inclusion in our organization and community. We commit to fostering a diverse and inclusive organization through our programming, staff, and board while adhering to our mission and core values of creativity, quality of care, empowerment, inclusiveness, collaboration, and accountability.  

Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee

Art Therapy Studio commits to ensuring we make progress towards REDI goals through the development of an advisory committee representing the diverse identities of our staff, client-artists, and community. The advisory committee will provide evaluation and oversight of programs and practices, recommending policy and procedure changes, and new community engagement. 

Albertine E. Boclear was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and attended CMSD schools until graduation from Glenville High School class of ’65.  After raising her family, she attended Capitol University Adult degree program. She retired from AT&T in 2004. She lived a short while in Arizona, but returned to Ohio to help raise her 3 grandchildren. Currently, she is the Site Director for Youth Enrichment Program of Greater Cleveland, a local after school program where she keeps her administrative skills sharp and occasionally teaches, which besides knitting and art is what she loves to do.  

Antoine D. Burts is the Chief Executive Officer of Spirit of Excellence, a non-profit organization providing support for individuals with Development Disabilities. Antoine founded Spirit of Excellence in 2007, which began as a summer recreational program for adults with Developmental Disabilities and grew to an Independent Provider by 2009. Antoine has dedicated his life to enhancing the lives of individuals with Developmental Disabilities to help them live healthy inclusive lives while minimizing stressors and barriers. Prior to founding Spirit of Excellence, Antoine worked at Jewish Family Services. 

Whitnye Long Jones is the Founder and Executive Director of Organic Connects, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to improving the environmental health in our communities and beyond. She also works with Ohio City, Inc. to increase opportunities for resident engagement and equitable allocation of resources. Mrs. Long Jones is a board member of the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, a member of the City of Cleveland’s Climate Action Advisory Council, and a volunteer for the Greater Cleveland United Way Health and Education Community Impact committees.  She lives in Shaker Heights with her husband and two children, and enjoys nature, volleyball, and drawing.

Simone McNitt  is the Owner and President of Talent Inclusion Partner, L.L.C. partners with entrepreneurs and small businesses to define and tailor Human Resources services to fit their current and future growth. She also works with Fairhill Partners as the Director of Engagement, the Encore Engagement Enterprise program, a social enterprise that matches experienced and engaged individuals’ age 50 or better with local employers who value the experience and talents they bring. Simone is also a member of the Council on Older Persons (COOP), an advisory committee of The Center for Community Solutions.

Eric L. King Sr is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and President of Mental and Emotional Wellness Centers of Oho, where he works with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, grief/loss as well as substance use disorders, while an integrated strength-based cognitive behavioral approach to working with his clients. In addition, Eric works with couples struggling with premarital anxiety, infidelity, and effective communication as well as men struggling with anger, sexual wellness, and health management disorders.