Instructors

Emily Sullivan - executive director

Joined AMA in May, 2017
Bachelors of Fine Arts, 2009, University of Dayton
Masters of Fine Arts, 2012, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
 
​Emily is from Bowling Green, Ohio. She earned her degrees in the Fine Arts, specifically for painting. After graduating and moving back from the St. Louis area, she began teaching art and art history classes at local community colleges. When Emily found Awakening Minds Art in 2017, the change in careers made sense. “I began teaching at AMA to continue my passion for art and to spread an appreciation for the arts to as many people as possible. Art is an important part of everyday life, not just as an outlet for emotions or as a way of expressing ideas, but as a way to improve your mind and body. I am so happy to work in a place that celebrates that!” After years of studio management, grant-writing, and most recently holding the role of development director, Emily was promoted to executive director in Dec., 2022. She continues to teach programming as well.

​"Art is so powerful! It’s been a wonder to experience firsthand how art in general and specifically, our painting techniques can increase cognitive function through the release of dopamine and whole brain synchronization. I’ve seen memory care residents begin a painting session somewhat unresponsive, and by the end of class, be talking about high school art projects and family life. I see motor control improve, receptive and expressive language, memory and motor planning all change in sessions, especially within the nursing homes. It’s like magic, but of course, the brain is just amazing."

megan hall - instructor

Joined AMA in June, 2012.
Bachelors of Art Education 2010 University of Findlay
Bachelors of Studio Art 2010 University of Findlay
Minor in Art History 2011 University of Findlay

Originally from a small town outside of Defiance, Ohio, Megan first decided to come to Findlay to attend the University of Findlay on a golf scholarship.  Graduation led her to a job working with Children on the Autism Spectrum for 5 years where she worked her way up from being a classroom aide to a classroom teacher.  It was in these 5 years that she grew her passion for working with children with special needs.  “I have always used art as a personal outlet and I think that is why I was always implementing art into my general education classes I taught to children with special needs.  Art was used as a multi-faceted tool in my classroom.  To learn, as incentive, and as a way to build trust, connection and understanding. When I found Awakening Minds Art it kind of just clicked and the organization was a natural fit for me…We give them the tools to accomplish feats, build confidence, and grow in not only their art but in life!” 

Megan is the lead instructor for the therapeutic arts at Awakening Minds and specializes in One-on-One Programming. Megan also teaches at Ms. Donna’s Adaptive Learning Center. ​

mackenzie earley - instructor

Joined AMA in October, 2021
Associates of Applied Science, 2012, Marietta

Originally from Marietta in Southeastern Ohio, Mackenzie Earley has always been drawn to artistic endeavors. Her love and appreciation for the arts was cultivated at a young age by her parents and grandparents. 
 
Mackenzie earned an AAS Industrial Design Drafting in Marietta in 2012 and was employed by a local manufacturer. After graduating, art became a hobby. Mackenzie and her family relocated several times, and Mackenzie became a stay-at-home mom of her three children.  They moved to Findlay in 2016, and it was during this time that Mackenzie’s love for art was able to resurface. She began leading art at a summer camp and fell in love with art education. “It is the most amazing experience to witness a student learn a new technique and create a work of art. I am eager to share my love and appreciation for art through my work with AMA” 

Mackenzie teaches in many of our school classrooms, as well as community events.
​

bailey taylor - instructor

Joined AMA May 2023
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology & Sociology

After moving from Cleveland to Bowling Green, Bailey received his BA in Psychology and Sociology. He worked with the Wood County Educational Services Center, tutoring for children K-12 in different schools of the district. After graduating, Bailey was able to delve into his hobbies and find his passion in art again. After regaining this passion, he came across Awakening Minds Art and is able to combine his past learning experiences and love for art with AMA's mission and training.

​"The opportunity to combine what I care about of mental health, artistic expression, and helping others is a dream come true. I'm so grateful to be a part of this team that gives me the ability to do the things that I believe matter. I love the opportunity to be involved on the creative expression of not only AMA but all those we teach."

Bailey has a variety of AMA classes, including traveling to senior living facilities, working with day habs, one-on-one studen​ts, and providing private group classes to the community!

jenn denike - instructor & volunteer coordinator

Joined AMA in October, 2023
Bachelors Degree in Psychology, University of Michigan 

Jennifer is originally from Metro Detroit. She and her family moved to Findlay in 2008, and immediately started getting involved with various community organizations. In the 15 years that have followed, she’s volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, Event Chair, Volunteer Coordinator and more for St. Michael’s School and Church, Community Theatre Costumer, and even worked with the Hancock Health Center as part of the Medical Reserve Corps; all while raising her three children and menagerie of pets. 

Through her Psychology degree, focusing on children and adolescents and her numerous experiences with family and friends in skilled nursing care and assisted livings, her life’s calling is to serve others. Her first experiences with AMA came from her kids’ involvement with the Intergenerational Arts program and Tri the Arts Summer Camp. She’s adored the organization ever since. Jennifer is ecstatic to be a member of this team and loves watching her students create beautiful works of art. ​

Jenn teaches a variety of AMA classes, but was hired, in part, for her enthusiasm for Intergenerational Programming. In 2024, Jenn was given the role of volunteer coordinator, helping to bring Intergenerational Programs back, and also providing an important resource and contact for other volunteer oriented programs at Awakening Minds.