The Intersection of Art & Mental Health: A Panel Discussion

Susan Rome, LSCSW

Susan is the Deputy Director at Johnson County Mental Health Center, where she has worked for 27 years. Susan is an advocate for persons with mental illness and works to reduce stigma, while emphasizing community needs for behavioral health treatment. She has a special interest in self-care and reducing secondary trauma for those in the helping professions. She was founding member of the KS Law Enforcement CIT Council. She graduated with a BA in Psychology from Wichita State University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Kansas.

Erin Ross, LMLP

I have been working with kids and families in the mental health field since 2004. I received my BS degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas and graduated with a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pittsburg State University. I have worked as a psychosocial group leader, case manager and clinician with youth (ages 3 to 18). I began working for JCMHC as a clinician in 2011 and became a pediatric team leader in 2013. As a pediatric team leader, I supervise a clinical team of therapist and case managers that provide psychiatric rehabilitative services to youth and their families with emotional and behavior disorders.

Brittany Noriega, Artist

Brittany Noriega is a full time artist living and working in the Kansas City area. She studied studio art and sociology in the Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoys incorporating her sociological research into her artwork, especially in regards to feminist theory and gender inequality. She is also a former tattoo artist and shop owner. She blends her training in the field, her more traditional studies in studio art, and her love of sociology to create meaningful and descriptive works. Brittany has been published both nationally and internationally and has works in private and public collections across the United States.

Sherri Jacobs, Art Therapist

Sherri Jacobs is a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist and a registered art therapist. She is the founder of Heartland Art Therapy located at the InterUrban ArtHouse. Sherri is also on the faculty of Avila University, and is a Johnson County mediator. Sherri is founder of TEDx Overland Park and serves on several local boards in the community.