Diana McCray, Founder & Executive Director<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n When I witnessed how a single act of creative expression could help someone move through grief, reclaim their voice, or reconnect with hope, I knew art was more than expression\u2014it was healing in motion. That realization became the heartbeat of Healing Art Together<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Born from personal loss and a powerful belief, our work stands on a clear truth: creativity can transform pain into purpose. I\u2019ve seen survivors of trauma turn silence into stories. I\u2019ve watched people navigating mental health challenges find calm in a brushstroke, a rhythm, a written word. I\u2019ve watched communities reconnect through shared creative experiences. This isn\u2019t theory\u2014it\u2019s real change, happening every day.<\/span><\/p>\n Our mission is simple and ambitious: bring the healing power of art to those who need it most<\/strong> through inclusive workshops, artist-led programs, wellness events, and public art projects. We create safe, welcoming spaces where healing begins, resilience grows, and lives are restored.<\/span><\/p>\n But we can\u2019t do this alone.<\/span><\/p>\n With your support, we can expand across Long Island and beyond\u2014bringing art-based healing into more schools, healthcare settings, and underserved communities. Your investment fuels transformation. It puts brushes, pens, and music into the hands of those seeking strength. It turns isolation into belonging. Most importantly, it helps people heal.<\/span><\/p>\n Join us in building a world where healing is accessible, expression is encouraged, and every story matters.<\/span><\/p>\n With deep gratitude,<\/span> Diana McCray<\/strong> is a visionary leader with 30+ years of experience across business, education, and nonprofit development. She is the founder of Healing Art Together, Inc.<\/strong>, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses painting, writing, music, and movement to support emotional healing and community connection.<\/span><\/p>\n Diana holds a B.S. in Education<\/strong> with a minor in Psychology<\/strong> from Boston University<\/strong>, a graduate business certificate<\/strong> from Adelphi University<\/strong>, and a Certification in Women\u2019s Entrepreneurship<\/strong> from Cornell University<\/strong>. She is also a Certified Transformation Coach<\/strong> and Art-Based Life Coach<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Her career spans corporate leadership, business coaching, wellness advocacy, and digital media. As a board member and former VP of Wellness & Health<\/strong> for the Long Island Women\u2019s Agenda (LIWA)<\/strong>, Diana has helped shape initiatives that empower women and promote holistic well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n Inspired by her own family\u2019s healing journey through grief, Diana is passionate about turning pain into purpose. Through Healing Art Together, she continues to build inclusive, creative spaces for growth, resilience, and joy.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Meet our Board Members” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Roboto Condensed|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#ff914d” title_font_size=”56px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Team” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”5138c454-be54-4233-bd3b-f8e6a8747976″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.1″ _module_preset=”73121f80-a3ef-4484-8763-c3f18e3c56d2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#57cc99″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”2c55a9c4-feed-423b-9edb-ae0b5b365cac” text_font=”Lora|Lora_weight|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.64)” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.75em” link_font=”|Lora_weight|||||||” link_text_color=”#22577a” quote_font=”Quattrocento|Quattrocento_weight|||||||” quote_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”Quattrocento|Quattrocento_weight|||||||” header_text_color=”#111111″ header_font_size=”72px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”Quattrocento|Quattrocento_weight|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#111111″ header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”Quattrocento|Quattrocento_weight|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#111111″ header_3_font_size=”32px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”Quattrocento|Quattrocento_weight|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#111111″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”Quattrocento|Quattrocento_weight|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#111111″ header_5_font_size=”18px” header_5_line_height=”1.4em” header_6_font=”Quattrocento|Quattrocento_weight|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#111111″ header_6_line_height=”1.5em” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”800px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-142px||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”24px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”17px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”18px” header_4_font_size_phone=”15px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_5_font_size_tablet=”15px” header_5_font_size_phone=”14px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_6_font_size_tablet=”13px” header_6_font_size_phone=”13px” header_6_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our Board of Directors is comprised of distinguished professionals who provide strategic guidance and oversight to Healing Art Together, Inc. Their diverse backgrounds in healthcare, education, finance, and the arts enable them to offer valuable insights and support as we pursue our mission. The board’s commitment to our values and vision helps steer our organization towards sustainable growth and impactful outcomes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/healingarttogether.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/dymac-Logo-540-x-540-px-300-x-400-px-2.png” title_text=”dymac Logo (540 x 540 px) (300 x 400 px) (2)” align=”right” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Janine McCray-Booker, <\/strong>President & Co-Founder, Healing Art Together<\/strong><\/p>\n Janine McCray-Booker brings over 40 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, with a lifelong commitment to caregiving, compassion, and community wellness. Her journey took a profound turn after the loss of her beloved daughter, Shannan, in 2022. In the midst of unimaginable grief, Janine turned to art\u2014discovering not only a powerful outlet for healing but a new purpose.<\/p>\n Through painting, she found a way to honor her daughter’s life and legacy. Her emotionally rich body of work, The Multifarious Collection<\/em>, has been featured in exhibitions at the Joysetta and Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County and the Elmont Library, where her story was highlighted in local media.<\/p>\n As President and Co-Founder of Healing Art Together, Janine channels her personal experience into creating safe, expressive spaces for others navigating loss, trauma, and recovery. Her passion for healing through art now helps others find peace, purpose, and connection. She believes deeply in the power of creativity to rebuild what grief tries to take away\u2014and leads with grace, empathy, and a mother\u2019s enduring love.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/healingarttogether.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/dymac-Logo-540-x-540-px-300-x-400-px-4.png” title_text=”dymac Logo (540 x 540 px) (300 x 400 px) (4)” align=”right” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Secretary, Healing Art Together<\/strong><\/span> Dr. Nafeesa T. Nichols is a dedicated educator, scholar, and advocate whose work spans continents and cultures. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, she holds a B.A. in English\/Creative Writing from Emory University, an M.A. in Comparative Literature (2004), and a Ph.D. in English Literature (2019). Her academic journey has taken her across the U.S., South Africa, and now Norway, where she resides with her husband and two children.<\/span><\/p>\n Currently an Associate Professor of English, Literature, Culture, and Didactics at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Nichols specializes in Black feminist theory, South African literature, and Afro-Norwegian women’s writing. Her forthcoming book, Popular Spaces in Post-Apartheid Literature: Race, Gender, and Liberation<\/em>, explores narratives of liberation and identity in contemporary literature.<\/span><\/p>\n With a deep belief in the power of storytelling and cultural expression as tools for healing and justice, Nafeesa brings both intellectual depth and lived global experience to her role as Secretary of Healing Art Together.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/healingarttogether.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/dymac-Logo-540-x-540-px-300-x-400-px-5.png” title_text=”dymac Logo (540 x 540 px) (300 x 400 px) (5)” align=”right” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sheri Adebiyi, <\/strong>Treasurer, Healing Art Together<\/strong> Sheri Adebiyi is a seasoned financial services professional with over 25 years of experience across both public and private sectors. Her diverse background includes leadership roles as a former CFO for a nonprofit, Big 4 auditor, and consultant. Throughout her career, she has advised Fortune 500, multinational, and regional companies on operational efficiency, compliance, and risk management.<\/p>\n Currently, Sheri serves as Director of Finance at a global law firm, where she oversees Partner Compensation, Pension, and Payroll for over 2,100 U.S. employees. In addition, she runs a CFO consulting practice focused on supporting women-owned small businesses.<\/p>\n Sheri is deeply committed to service and volunteers with organizations that address food insecurity and youth mentorship. She was recently named a 2025 Mentor Recognition Award recipient by iMentor for her outstanding contributions.<\/p>\n Passionate about financial transparency and community impact, Sheri brings her expertise and heart to her role as Treasurer of Healing Art Together. She is honored to help steward the legacy of Shannan McCray and support the organization\u2019s mission of healing through creative expression.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/healingarttogether.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/dymac-Logo-540-x-540-px-300-x-400-px-6.png” title_text=”dymac Logo (540 x 540 px) (300 x 400 px) (6)” align=”right” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Dr. Bobbi Bernardino, <\/strong>Board Member, Healing Art Together<\/strong><\/span> Dr. Bobbi Bernardino brings over two decades of leadership in the insurance and managed care industry to her role on the board of Healing Art Together. As President and CEO of Prestige Managed Care, Inc., she leads a national organization dedicated to quality care coordination for self-insured employers, TPAs, and insurance companies. Her company is known for delivering results-driven service with a focus on professionalism, effective communication, and transparency throughout the claims process.<\/span><\/p>\n Bobbi holds an MBA from Hofstra University and has a strong background in customer service, workers\u2019 compensation, liability, and account management. Prior to founding Prestige, she served as Vice President of Sales for several national firms in the workers\u2019 comp and disability sectors.<\/span><\/p>\n A passionate advocate for community engagement, Dr. Bernardino actively supports organizations that foster healing, empowerment, and equity. Her commitment to giving back aligns deeply with the mission of Healing Art Together, and she is honored to contribute her expertise to its continued growth and impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Diana McCray<\/strong><\/span>
Founder & Executive Director, Healing Art Together<\/span><\/p>\n
\nAbout Diana McCray<\/span><\/h2>\n
Associate Professor, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Director of Finance, Global Law Firm<\/strong><\/p>\n
President & CEO, Prestige Managed Care, Inc.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n