The Healing Power of Art

“I love bringing art into these spaces. I think it does tremendous things for an individual’s mental health. It enhances the quality of life,” says Athena Toledo.

Athena is an art specialist for two of our sponsored ministries—St. Joseph’s School for the Blind and Peace Care. Though she works with both young students and elderly residents, her goal is the same: to provide a creative space where each person can feel a sense of independence and pride. She is carrying out the very mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, who believe each life is a gift.

Since she was little, Athena has loved art. “I have always found art to be another form of expression. I always used art as a modality for healing,” she says. During high school, she became inspired after seeing the film “It’s Kind of a Funny Story,” which deals with mental health. “I didn’t even know art therapy existed; it was like a little seed was planted,” she admits. Over time, that idea began to grow.

While attending night classes at Hudson County Community College, working toward her associate’s degree in psychology, Athena worked as a rehabilitation aid and transporter at Peace Care St. Ann’s. It was her first introduction to the Sisters. After graduating, she attended New Jersey City University, where she studied art therapy and art education.

Athena says her mentors at Peace Care St. Ann’s encouraged her to get an activities director certification, and she later served in that role at the adult medical day care there. During COVID, she stepped away to take care of her grandmother. She also returned to school, attending online classes at the School of Visual Arts. In May of last year, Athena earned her master’s in art therapy.

In 2022, she began working as an art specialist at St. Joseph’s School for the Blind. “I’m incredibly grateful to be here,” she shares. “I try to bring in what I learned from my studies in the art therapy program with the art teaching process as well, blending those two worlds.”

At St. Joseph’s, her focus extends beyond traditional art education. She designs projects prioritizing sensory engagement, encouraging students to explore texture, shape and movement in their creations. "Art isn't just about sight; it's about feeling, expressing and discovering," she says.

In addition to teaching, Athena collaborates closely with other educators and therapists to ensure her students' individual needs are met. Together, they adapt materials and methods, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. "Each student brings their own perspective and energy to the classroom, and it's incredibly rewarding to see them connect with their inner artist," she explains.

Now, Athena splits her time between the ministries—working part time at the School for the Blind and visiting Peace Care St. Ann’s and Peace Care St. Joseph’s per diem.

Depending on which group she’s leading determines which art elements she incorporates. Athena uses tactile and sensory-based art for her visually impaired students—from hair dryers that move the paint around, to bubbles with dye, to painting with aroma therapy. For her nursing home residents, she often uses paint or clay. “Art Therapy has shown to be an excellent add-on non-pharmacological intervention beneficial for reducing stress-related behaviors and increasing cognitive abilities. At the nursing home, we are sharing and working through the frustrations of aging and loss that cannot be dispelled by a pill. It can be like prescribing which material works better for which circumstance,” she says.

Athena sees the difference it’s making for their livelihoods. “It brings socialization to residents, especially when they are new. It helps bring one together with their neighbors to talk and connect in an intentional way,” she says. “The same goes for the students when they grasp the material, you see that spark, and then they can use it independently—that is the biggest win.”

“It brings a sense of empowerment and enhances a sense of self. It brings a sense of pride. [Art] definitely brings out this light,” she adds.

Athena hopes to bring art therapy into more ministries in the future.

If you would like to connect with Athena, she can be reached at atoledo2@sva.edu or follow her on Instagram @flora.athens.