Mission

Our mission is to advance the awareness and integration of
the arts and expressive therapies into community health and wellness.

Vision

Our vision is to make the arts and expressive therapies
​accessible to every individual who may benefit!

Our History

Founded in 2013 through a grant from Peg's Foundation, NEOHAA connects professionals and advocates in expressive therapy and behavioral health. We promote collaboration, communication, and community awareness of the
transformative power of the expressive arts in mental health.

Who are our members?

Our members include art therapists, music therapists, social workers, physicians, mental health therapists, writers, poets, musicians and community members.

Steering Committee

The NEOHAA Steering Committee guides the Alliance’s direction and policies. Members bring experience or interest in expressive arts and mental health, with equal representation from both fields. ​

Officers
PictureChair: Sarah Swirsky, MSW, LISW, TCTSY-F (she/her), is a mental health therapist in private practice and the Music & Wellness Coordinator for The Summit FM (91.3), where she blends clinical expertise with community-based programming. With a background in the performing arts and advanced training in EMDR, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Health Rhythms, and other evidence-based expressive modalities, she integrates creative, somatic approaches into both her therapeutic work and public initiatives. Sarah is also a hobby botanical artist, photographer and gardener. She is passionate about collaboration and works to elevate creative expression as an essential pillar of community wellness.
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Co- Chair: Amber Keaton, MA, LPC (sher/her): is a collaboration artist who creates multidisciplinary spaces towards community building, cultural resilience, and collective healing. She has worked alongside non-profits throughout Summit County to incorporate expressive arts into existing and new programming—including North Hill CDC, ASIA Inc, Center for Applied Theatre and Active Culture, South Street Ministries, and ArtsNow. Amber is the Northeast Ohio regional chair for International Expressive Arts Therapies Association's (IEATA) Ohio chapter, and the current Board President of the Center for Applied Theatre and Active Culture (CATAC). This past December, she graduated with her Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling from Ursuline College. Amber is passionate about somatic approaches to psychotherapy that utilize the arts, body, ritual, and storytelling for communal and individual healing, especially through historical and community trauma.
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Secretary: Maseh Nchang, MBA is a distinguished international drummer and therapeutic drumming professional, known for founding Trust Drum Circles. His passion for music and its healing potential led him to pursue wellness opportunities that empower communities through the power of rhythm and drumming. Currently residing in Ohio since 2017, he earned a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Ohio Dominican University, specializing in Finance, Accounting, and Fine Arts.
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Treasurer: Amy Joyce, MBA (she/her) currently works in the Expressive Therapy Center at Akron Children’s Hospital. Amy holds an MBA and a post-graduate certificate in Healthcare Administration from Walsh University. With nearly a decade of experience in finance, she combines her business acumen with her love of the arts and passion for helping people. She has been deeply committed to the revitalization of NEOHAA while also rebuilding the visiting artist program at Akron Children’s. Beyond her professional contributions, Amy is deeply committed to community engagement. She has coached soccer at various levels, supported Dance Unlimited—an inclusive dance group for individuals of all abilities—volunteered in grief support groups, and currently serves on the scholarship committee for the JordynStrong Foundation. Amy believes wholeheartedly in the transformative impact of community, creativity, and compassion.
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