Maria Maneos – Director https://mariamaneos.com Click for artist Website
Maria Maneos is a dedicated advocate for social change and criminal justice reform, channeling her passion through art. With over a decade of experience in mental and behavioral health, she utilizes her skills as a visual artist to create a meaningful impact. Holding a BFA from Arcadia University and an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, her work has graced galleries, universities, and museums nationwide, with numerous exhibitions in Philadelphia. Notably, her immersive sculpture “Under the Microscope” earned first place in the sculpture category at the State Museum of PA’s 56th annual art exhibit, Art of the State, in 2023. This piece poignantly explores the challenges of loving and caring for individuals with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. In 2018, Maria’s sculpture “5535-2017” secured first place in sculpture and the prestigious Purchase Prize Award, now a part of the State Museum of PA’s permanent collection.
Maria is an alumna of the Center for Emerging Visual Artists’ Fellowship (2020-2022) and a recipient of the Leeway Foundation for Art and Change grant (2014). Her commitment to mentorship and outreach is evident in receiving the Outstanding Mentor in Alternative Settings Award from Kutztown University in 2019. As the founder and director of Brush With the Law, a nonprofit organization committed to community service and reentry arts, Maria’s influence transcends her art. She also serves on the Montgomery County Public Defenders Advisory Board, where she helps shape policies, priorities, and legislation affecting the justice system. Maria’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of art as a catalyst for change and a force for good in our society.
MAGGIE MILLS – President
Maggie Mills, President.
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https://www.maggiemills.art/
Maggie Mills is an Assistant Professor of Art at Cedar Crest College. She was a lecturer at the University of the Arts and adjunct faculty in Temple University’s Division of Theater, Film, and Media Arts. She received a BFA from Temple University and an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She was a member of Grizzly Grizzly Gallery from 2017-2022. Prior to her life in academia, Mills worked for twelve years in the disability and behavioral health communities. Mills worked as a teaching assistant and emergency certified teacher for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit and as a behavior therapist through Clarity Behavioral Services. Mills implemented and supervised a sensory art program at Little Wonders, an inclusive therapy studio for children. Most recently, she advocated for the inclusion of adults with disabilities in the community through art exhibitions and employment training with Oasis, a program under the umbrella of Resources for Human Development. She is a current member of Hook & Loop, an accessible artist collective run by chronically ill, disabled, MAD, and neurodivergent artists. Mills was awarded the Center for Emerging Visual Artists’ Career Development Fellowship, is a Fleisher Wind Challenge winner, and completed the Landlab residency through the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. She is a recipient of the 2019 Velocity and 2020 Added Velocity Fund Grants with Grizzly Grizzly and is a recipient of the 2022 Velocity Grant with Hook & Loop. She is active in the exhibition community locally and regionally.
Ryan Schweiger – Board Member
Ryan Schweiger, CPS, CRS, CPRP, brings over a decade of experience to his role in the behavioral health field, with a personal journey in long-term co-occurring recovery. Dual certified by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) as both a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), Ryan also holds a certification as a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP). With an extensive tenure exceeding 10 years at St. Luke’s Penn Foundation, he currently excels as a Community Outreach Specialist. In this capacity, Ryan not only spearheads community outreach initiatives but also continues to deliver direct engagement and support to peers, aiding them in achieving their recovery goals within the community.
In the past two years, Ryan has pioneered a community-based support program targeted at individuals navigating drug and alcohol (D&A) recovery, illustrating his commitment to innovative recovery support solutions. Beyond his contributions to direct support, Ryan has been recognized as an approved CRS curriculum trainer by the PCB, showcasing his expertise in guiding the next generation of recovery specialists.
Expanding his impact further, Ryan has played a pivotal role in disseminating substance use prevention and recovery education across 14 schools in Montgomery and Bucks Counties. This initiative underscores his dedication to educating students on these critical topics, fostering awareness, and laying the groundwork for informed, resilient communities.
Ameika Malcolm – Board Member
Ameika possesses over a decade of experience in community support, development, and mental health advocacy programs working with HopeWorx Inc. Ameika is currently the Community Programs Manager At Martha’s Choice, where she is working to continue building relationships and trust with the public, partner agencies, and community leaders with lived experience of food insecurity.
She is a strong believer that everyone has something to bring to the table and that smiles, kindness, and respect can make a difference. Outside of work and volunteering, Ameika enjoys karaoke with friends, hiking with family, painting and gardening.
HALLIE FISCHER – Board Member
Hallie Fischer currently works for the School District of Philadelphia as a Case Manager for the Student Transition Center. As a Case Manager, she supports students during their transition back to the District from dependent and delinquent placements. Ms. Fischer holds a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University in Criminal Justice and also earned her Master’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University in the same field. She has served as a caseworker at Montgomery County Correctional Facility and as a staff member at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter school, specializing in ending the cycle of incarceration through the generations by enhancing opportunities for the young people. Ms. Fischer also works as a yoga instructor in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
Cody Stuhltrager – Board Member
Cody Stuhltrager is a formerly incarcerated freelance artist from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He is proficient in multiple artistic disciplines and currently works in various capacities with Mural Arts Philadelphia. During his lengthy incarceration, Cody studied and practiced self care, songwriting, drawing, and painting. In 2020, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.99 GPA. When he isn’t making art or music, Cody enjoys distance running, baking, video games, fine dining, and the company of friends. He was released from prison in December of 2021 and currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
