Two Franklin County women attend 2015 Arts in Medicine Summer Intensive Training

(L-R) Jenny Baxley Lee, Tami Seaman, Adreenah Wynn and Dr. Jill Sonke

Adreenah Wynn and Tamara Seaman of Franklin County recently attended and successfully completed the UF Center of Arts in Medicine Summer Intensive Program in Gainesville, Florida July 6th-17th. The class consisted of 47 professionals and students from all over the world.

Under the supervision of Dr. Jill Sonke, Director of UF Center for Arts in Medicine, the training focused on several key components. Attendees of the program were offered two course tracks, clinical and administrative to help enhance their skills in both areas of the program.  Some of the topics that were specifically addressed were Professionalization of the Field and Scope of Practices, Compassion Fatigue and Self-care, Research and Evaluation, Program Planning, Cultural Competence, Grant Writing and Contemplative Arts. In conjunction with these classes, attendees participated in actual in-hospital clinical experiences and community activities using such arts as dance, music, visual arts, oral histories, theatrics and the literary arts.

Franklin County was especially honored to have Adreenah “Dreezy” Wynn attend this training. Adreenah was raised in Apalachicola. She graduated from Franklin County School in 2012. She was Salutatorian, Class President, Miss FCHS, Miss H'COLA, and Yearbook Editor. Adreenah currently attends the University of Florida and is double majoring in Graphic Design and Art+Technology. She is working towards her Arts in Healthcare Certificate and has a minor in Sociology. Adreenah plans to become a Graphic Designer and Art Therapist. Every year since graduating, Adreenah has gone back to Franklin County School to volunteer. Recently, in the spring of 2014 she volunteered with the University of Florida Arts in Medicine team. Adreenah was apart of the theater team working with both middle and high school students, she assisted with teaching them about peer-to-peer violence and helping the students create a vision for Franklin County. She’s passionate about social change and plans to use her skills to address and improve problems within our community and around the world.

Tamara Seaman, known in the community as Tami, has been working in the AIM Program with Franklin's Promise for the past year.  Past projects of Tami has included establishing and facilitating a Photography Group which focuses on female youth from the age of 13 to 18.  She is currently working on the implementation of additional Arts in Medicine Therapeutic Photography Projects that will reach other facets of the Franklin County Community.  Tamara offers over 25 years of Graphic Arts and Photography experience.  She has worked with such companies as the Disney Company, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Polk County Sheriff Office and various photography studios.  She also is the owner of Sand Grain Photography Services and continues to offer Family Portraiture, Newborn/Child Photography, Vacation/Beach Sessions, Weddings and Special Events.  She also donates much of her time and services to assist with various community events throughout the year.  Her passion is working with and serving the community.

When asked what made this training so important to Tami, she responded with this, “Attending the UF AIM Intensive Program was a pivotal shift in my thinking as it pertains to using the arts to not only bring emotional healing, but to assist with physical healing as well.  It was amazing to be with such a group of like-minded talented instructors, clinical professionals, artists and students.  We all share such a passion for the field of Arts in Medicine and how this program can play such an important part in the healing of both individuals and communities.  It is my strong belief that we heal communities by healing one individual at a time. Healthy individuals mean healthy and strong communities. By implementation of such programs into Franklin County, I believe that we can see the positive changes that we all are searching for. I am absolutely thrilled and greatly honored to be part of the AIM program as we continue to offer hope and to change lives in Franklin County.”

When asked what made this training so important to Adreenah, her response was, “My main goal is to be able to make a positive change. Training is essential and goes hand-in-hand with my goals to make sure I'm properly equip with the skills I need to successfully fulfill my career. I believe that attending the UF Arts in Medicine Summer Intensive was necessary for me to be able to gain skills and then be able to work hands-on. I was able to practice everything I was trained to do. The self-care portion of the program was also great because I not only gained new techniques to help others but also techniques to take care of myself. It was exciting to get to work one-on-one with patients and their families at Shands Hospital. Volunteering at the hospital made the whole experience worth it and it is going to be awesome to be able to utilize these techniques in Franklin County.”

The University of Florida and Dr. Sonke along with her team has worked within Franklin County throughout the years to introduce the AIM to the community.  Franklin County is excited to welcome their team back in the spring of 2016 where they will be continuing their work here with the community and within the Public School environment.

Other current AIM programs include Pottery, Zumba and Photography. We are regularly adding new AIM programs, opportunities and events.

If you are an artist or creative individual that would like to make a positive difference in your community by offering your skills and experience, we would like to talk to you.

For more information regarding Arts in Medicine opportunities here in Franklin County, please contact Franklin's Promise Coalition via telephone at (850)653-3930 or by email at mail@franklinspromisecoalition.org.