Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Artis Corrona Boston
Courtney Artis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Courtney:
My love for connecting with other and being a support for members in the community began in high school when I was given a chance to join Key Club. My experiences in Key Club afforded me the opportunity to volunteer in multiple settings with various populations which played a significant role in my decision to pursue the field of social work. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University followed by my master’s degree from Howard University, I began working in school and community settings which propelled me into the position I am in now. I’m excited to continue creating my story as I navigate this journey in Heartfelt Wellness Connection, LLC.
Corrona:
Corrona Boston, LPC, ATR, is taking her gifts and passion for unconventional mental health/wellness services, philanthropy and the arts to new heights! She is a native of the urban communities of Baltimore City, and was introduced to the arts by her father. Since childhood she surrounded herself with family and friends, who thrived on quality time, connection, love and supporting one another in spite of life challenges. These innate traits combined with her love for the creative arts paved the way for pursuing a profession in the healthcare industry as an Art Therapist. Her style of therapy promotes empowerment and personal insight into oneself through artistic expression. With this specialty, she integrates the multifaceted components of the arts into various service types ranging from trauma-informed care, workshops and community-based events.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Courtney:
Navigating the mental health space as a provider and a first-time business owner has been challenging as there are many nuances involved in owning a business. I want the absolute best for not just our agency, but the community members, staff, and ourselves as well, so decision making can be tough as it affects many people.
Corrona:
As a start-up company, we understand and appreciate both the rewards and challenges that come along with any goal-oriented journey. So far, we were privileged to experience the intrinsic satisfaction from partnering with local non-profit organizations to host drives and provide donations to families in need. And in contrast, work strategically towards overcoming recruitment scarcity. We are diligently taking an intentional approach to seek specialized professionals to ensure we can service the diverse needs of our clientele. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure we create a team that comprise of synergy, alignment and equitability.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Corrona:
As a Psychotherapist, Art Therapist and Entrepreneur, Corrona, has accumulated over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She received the opportunity to work for several mental health agencies in the surrounding DMV area, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, school-based settings and mental health organizations. Her extensive educational and professional background in both traditional and expressive art therapies serves as a unique asset. Her clinical experience includes evidenced-based treatment models i.e. Person-centered, Trauma Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and MultiSystemic Therapy. Additionally, Corrona received the honor to serve as a Guest Speaker to address Mental Health, Art Therapy and Healthy Relationships concerns at Howard University, Bowie State University and Coppin State University. Additionally, as a result of providing trauma-informed care to children in various communities, her co-publication, Your Secret Is Not Safe With Me, serves as a resource and an educational tool that promotes body safety for young children. What sets our company apart is that over the years, we have acquired lived experience in the field through the lens of both a Psychotherapist and Social worker. We take pride in offering quality services and being in the trenches, while still remaining on the frontlines to educate and support our team. We are not just a company, but a community where we truly value our clients, clinicians/coaches and community!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Courtney:
When considering risks I have taken while embarking on this endeavor, simply agreeing to this great mission was a risk for me. As a generally reserved person, it can be difficult to show up as a part of something so valuable and special as it can bring about self-doubt and uncertainty. Despite my reservations, I took the risk to partner with a dynamic woman to begin Heartfelt Wellness Connections, LLC. To serve the community one connection at a time!
Corrona:
I will never forget a saying my friend stated, “It is a beautiful feeling when your passion, purpose, and profession aligns.” For me, my work is my ministry, and taking risks is attached to that role and responsibility. When you take a career position to be of service, it is a path that sometimes includes the unknown. This can be applied to the people you serve, or yourself, which will typically require you to step outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes, this comes with ease, and there are times when I feel unsure, but I know life has equipped me to handle what I am about to encounter when taking that leap of faith. So far, life has not proven me wrong. Being a calculated risk-taker helps me remain flexible, vigilant, and confident that I will not become a barrier in the pursuit of my life goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heartfeltwellnessconnection.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartfelt.wellness/
