RASHEEDA BROWN FRANCIS
Expressive Arts Therapist
Roslindale,MA
Summary
Expressive Arts Therapist and Educator experienced in empowering diverse populations through inclusive, trauma-informed arts programs. Developed adaptive curricula that fostered self-expression, resilience, and a sense of community among individuals with emotional, developmental, and physical disabilities. Focused on utilizing art as a transformative vehicle for healing and social change.
Overview
1
1
Certification
1
1
year of post-secondary education
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Expressive Arts Teacher
Mosaic Minds
Newton, MA
01.2025 - Current
- Facilitated inclusive expressive arts and cooking sessions for adults with disabilities, enhancing creativity, self-esteem, and sense of belonging.
- Design individualized, adaptive curricula integrating painting, sculpture, storytelling, and music.
- Support individuals with diverse abilities including non-verbal autism, bipolar disorder, and low vision.
- Managed materials and curated community art shows, showcasing participants' growth and amplifying their creative voices.
Co-Founder / Workshop Facilitator
Universal Healing Through Art
Boston, MA
01.2023 - Current
- Founded accessible expressive arts collective, delivering free or low-cost workshops to empower underrepresented communities.
- Integrated visual art, movement, storytelling, and music to foster emotional healing and enhance social connection.
- Trained educators and therapists in culturally aware expressive arts practices, promoting holistic healing.
Expressive Arts Teacher / Inclusion Specialist
New Art Center
Newton, MA
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Developed sensory-friendly curriculum that integrated movement, music, and mindfulness to enhance engagement and learning.
- Led inclusive visual and performing arts classes, fostering creativity and self-expression among neurodivergent children and adults.
- Mentored teaching artists in trauma-informed and adaptive art facilitation.
- Curated exhibitions showcasing student artwork, promoting empowerment and visibility within the community.
Agricultural Education Instructor
Wave (MassHire)
Brockton, MA
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Educated teens on sustainable living, farming, and nutrition through hands-on agricultural projects, fostering life skills and environmental stewardship.
- Developed and sustained a community garden to combat food insecurity, providing fresh produce to local families.
- Integrated environmental education with mindfulness activities in workshops.
Youth Development Associate / Off-Site Site Coordinator
Boys & Girls Club Metro South
Brockton, MA
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Developed expressive arts therapy programs for youth aged 9-15, fostering creativity and personal growth.
- Facilitated open mic sessions to encourage self-expression among young participants., art showcases, and wellness groups to enhance youth creativity and self-expression.
- Linked low-income families with essential resources for food, housing, and clothing support.
- Connected low-income families with resources for food, housing, and clothing.
Program Coordinator, Service Alliance
Freight Farm Commonwealth Corps
Boston, MA
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Oversaw hydroponic farm operations and coordinated distribution of fresh produce to local food pantries, enhancing community access to healthy food.
- Integrated farm-based learning into school programming, fostering student understanding of sustainability and teamwork.
- Developed wellness curricula that connected nature, nourishment, and community engagement, promoting holistic health education.
Youth & Family Program Coordinator
YMCA South Shore
Quincy, MA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Developed and implemented art therapy workshops and youth leadership events, empowering participants through creative expression.
- Coordinated family-centered arts and wellness programs fostering creativity and resilience among participants.
- Facilitated access to wraparound services for clients, enhancing support in housing, nutrition, and education.
Performer / Assistant Costume Designer
Norwood Theatre Company
Norwood, MA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Taught movement and stage presence to youth performers, enhancing confidence and encouraging creativity.
- Designed and constructed costumes for youth productions, showcasing diverse narratives to engage audiences.
- Participated in performances showcasing talent celebrating Black culture and heritage.
Program Organizer / Assistant Coordinator
Oscar Micheaux Theater Program
Boston, MA
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Coordinated multi-state tours and managed logistics for grant-funded arts initiatives.
- Developed and facilitated workshops on leadership, social justice, and professional development, empowering participants to take action in their communities.
- Coordinated multi-state tours and managed logistics for grant-funded arts initiatives, ensuring smooth execution and maximizing outreach to diverse audiences.
Youth Events & Engagement Coordinator
Freedom House
Boston, MA
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Facilitated arts-based youth summits and community dialogues to promote racial equity and empower participants.
- Created safe, creative spaces for youth to explore their identity and self-expression through art, fostering personal growth.
- Collaborated with community leaders to organize public showcases that celebrated resilience and amplified youth voices.
Education
Rehabilitation Counceling -
Umass Boston Rehabilitation Counceling
06.2025 - 08.2026
B.A. - Expressive Arts Therapy, Minor in Psychology
Lesley University
Cambridge, MACertificate - Theatre Arts
Quincy College
Quincy, MASkills
- Art therapy practices
- Adaptive Curriculum Design
- Trauma-informed facilitation
- Program design
- Workshop Facilitation
- Youth mentorship
- Disability inclusion
- Expressive Movement Facilitation
- Community Arts Engagement
- Event planning
- Grant writing
Certification
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- Diversity & Leadership Instructor - NeighborWorks America
- Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation for Youth & Adults
- Microsoft Office & Digital Arts Tools
Timeline
Rehabilitation Counceling -
Umass Boston Rehabilitation Counceling
06.2025 - 08.2026
Independent Expressive Arts Teacher
Mosaic Minds
01.2025 - Current
Co-Founder / Workshop Facilitator
Universal Healing Through Art
01.2023 - Current
Expressive Arts Teacher / Inclusion Specialist
New Art Center
01.2023 - 01.2025
Agricultural Education Instructor
Wave (MassHire)
01.2023 - 01.2024
Youth Development Associate / Off-Site Site Coordinator
Boys & Girls Club Metro South
01.2023 - 01.2024
Program Coordinator, Service Alliance
Freight Farm Commonwealth Corps
01.2022 - 01.2023
Youth & Family Program Coordinator
YMCA South Shore
01.2018 - 01.2019
Performer / Assistant Costume Designer
Norwood Theatre Company
01.2018 - 01.2019
Program Organizer / Assistant Coordinator
Oscar Micheaux Theater Program
01.2010 - 01.2015
Youth Events & Engagement Coordinator
Freedom House
01.2010 - 01.2012
B.A. - Expressive Arts Therapy, Minor in Psychology
Lesley University
Certificate - Theatre Arts
Quincy College