Where sisterhood, creativity, and healing come together.
Our Mission
To Introduce and provide African American women and girls with access to the healing benefits of art therapy within a supportive Sister Circle environment.
Supportive Optimistic Sisterhood Art Therapy & Wellness Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to make mental health support more accessible, welcoming, culturally grounded and clinically informed for Black women.
We partner with community organizations, churches, hospitals, wellness centers, and local spaces so Black women or girls can receive professional emotional support, in places they are open to receiving help. By introducing art therapy through small therapeutic art groups (Sister Circles), within these familiar or already trusted environments, healing becomes easier, safer, and more accessible.
“It’s about removing barriers for Black women when they are ready to seek emotional help, where and how they feel most comfortable receiving it.”
Meet Starr
Founder & Facilitator
Michelle “Starr” Starling
M.Ed., MA, LPC, ATR
I Understand Because I’ve Lived It.
I created S.O.S. with intention, care, and deep respect for Black women’s experiences. I understand how much it can take to keep showing up while carrying so much inside. I also understand that many Black women may not be avoiding support—some of them are avoiding spaces where they don’t feel understood.
Long before I had language for art therapy, I understood how creativity could help me process stress, emotions, and life’s challenges. Like many Black women in Cleveland, I’ve learned how to be strong while quietly holding a lot.
Over the years, I’ve also witnessed how often limited access to care with African American female providers or negative medical experiences have affected so many Black women in this city—one that was ranked the worse place for liveability in the country for Black women. These experiences shaped both my heart and my work.
My path to becoming a Registered Art Therapist wasn’t a straight line, but every step taught me something important. With years of experience as an educator, along with my work as a professional counselor and formal training in art therapy, I’ve learned how to create spaces where people can slow down, express themselves, and feel supported. My graduate research focused on understanding the barriers Black women face when seeking mental health support, and S.O.S. grew directly from that work
I’ve seen healing happen in these groups, and I welcome the opportunity to support you in the same way.
“As the facilitator, I help Black women release stress, reconnect with themselves, learn more about art therapy and begin healing in a supportive space that truly understands them.”
— Starr
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
Masters degree in Education and Counseling & Art Therapy
The first Mickie McGraw Fellow Towards Diversity in Art Therapy
American Art Therapy Association (AATA): Featured Member & Presenter of Exploring Art Therapy Groups Among African American/ Black Women from Research to Program Implementation
Over 15 years teaching experience (CMSD)
St. Hildegard of Bingen: Excellence in Therapeutic Creativity Award (Ursuline College)
Wilberforce University HBCU Graduate!!