Who We Are

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
— Pablo Picasso

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals from all walks of life who face physical, emotional, or neurological challenges. We believe that everyone deserves access to healing and hope, and that creative expression through art and music can be a powerful catalyst for transformation. Whether someone is coping with trauma, mental health conditions, chronic illness, or other struggles, our mission is to provide meaningful outlets that allow them to channel their pain into resilience. Through these creative experiences, we foster a sense of connection, both within oneself and with a broader community, that nurtures healing and empowers growth. By embracing the universal language of creativity, we strive to uplift, inspire, and walk alongside each person on their unique path toward wellness and renewed strength

Origami paper hearts in yellow, red, and pink arranged on a dark surface.

Board of Directors

  • Tara Sawhney - A woman with long, curly dark hair smiling at the camera, wearing a dark striped shirt and a gold necklace with a pendant.

    Tara Sawhney

    FOUNDER

    Tara co-founded this organization from a deep belief that art has the power to heal, inspire, and transform lives. By blending her knowledge of neuroscience and mental health with the creative process, Tara wanted to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to navigate their personal journeys.

  • Aryaa Venkatesh

    FOUNDER

    Aryaa co-founded the Heart and Mind Foundation out of a belief that creativity and compassion can come together to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. She hopes to build spaces rooted in empathy and connection, where individuals facing emotional, cognitive, or physical challenges feel truly understood, supported, and valued.

  • Gianna DiCola

    COMMUNITY OUTREACH CHAIR

    Gianna has always loved doing crafts to get away from her studies or even to take a break from life. She joined the Heart and Mind Foundation to bring that creativity and sense of tranquility and accomplishment to those facing mental or physical challenges. Her hope is that through compassion and understanding, we lift people up above the challenges they may face.

  • Aliza Vriji - A woman with long dark hair smiling, wearing a black blazer, standing in front of tall glass office buildings.

    Aliza Virji

    FINANCE CHAIR

    Through her experiences, Aliza developed a deep love for classical music, which showed me how profoundly the arts can inspire and heal. She draws on her background in finance to support creative pathways to wellbeing and is dedicated to helping others facing challenges find their own sources of healing, self-expression, and resilience.

  • Madeline Wilkin - A young woman wearing a white lab coat with the logo of Massachusetts General Hospital and the Genetics & Aging Research Unit, smiling against a neutral background.

    Maddie Wilkin

    DIRECTOR OF CHAPTER OPERATIONS

    Maddie is passionate about the powerful intersection of science and creativity to foster healing and connection. Outside of her role at the Foundation, she has conducted Alzheimer’s disease research at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Cambridge, driven by a deep commitment to advancing cures for this disease.

  • A young woman with brown hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black top.

    Gabrielle MacEwen

    DIRECTOR OF CHAPTER OPERATIONS

    Music has always played an important role in Gabrielle’s life. In joining the Heart and Mind Foundation, she hopes to use her background in education and clinical care to bring that same tranquility and healing she receives from music and art to others, and create spaces which maximize wellbeing and recovery in patients.

Contact us

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