Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Mims.
Hi Meg, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My background includes Art Therapy & Art Education, which led to writing and designing Integrated Curriculum for Outward Bound Expeditionary Learning Schools and various Charter Schools, as well as a Grant Writer. With clients in the environment, animal rescue, and other non-profits, I wanted my focus to move more to Arts Education and Therapy in providing resources and support for students’ and families Health and well-being. About 11 years ago, I combined Grant Writing with Heal with Hearts’ mission. I wanted the community to have more access to Art, Dance, Music Education, and Creative Arts Therapies. I wanted to make an impact on students who needed project-based learning to be more successful in their school work, integrating reading and writing, and all academic areas are naturally more fun when connected to visual art, music, and dance. It was inspiring for students and families to experience a hands-on learning project that supported life’s challenges. Our impact was powerful as we focused our classes on using the creative arts to cope with trauma, stress, illness, and learning challenges.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course there were many challenges and lessons learned the past 15 years, starting a non profit , finding funding opportunities , connecting with the community. Advocating for children and families is not an 8-5 job. The pandemic was a huge challenge for Heal with Hearts events, workshops and classes. The in-person teacher student classes were sidelined for a solid year.Even on return enrollment dropped for another year. In arts and music education , students need an in person component to participate in demonstrations from mentors, practicing skills , receiving free supplies to assist their creative expression. We celebrate student learning through student art exhibits and performance n the community. That was not something we could offer. As the online education is supportive in some ways, it is not the same as learning from teachers and other students in person . We are excited to move through those perimeters and limitations of online learning. Students need to get outside or break from their home environments. They need to see professionals facilitate creative thinking. The online component was a challenge to see and support the students‘ needs.
As you know, we’re big fans of your work. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with it?
My background is in Art Therapy and Art Education K-12. Writing curriculum and guidance from my mentors led me to write grants. Writing grants and fundraising led to the starting of a non-profit called Heal with Hearts. So, I have a few different responsibilities with grant writing clients and promoting art education and creative art therapies in the community. Writing grant proposals for many non-profit environmental groups, animal rescue, a symphony orchestra, and other tax-exempt organizations has been fascinating.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.healwithhearts.com
- Instagram: #healwithhearts
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/HealwithHearts
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/q8dIbfxa8Lc?si=Z695MjF7PZ8_yAhP
