About
Creative Healing Space
A space for the head and heart.
Creative Healing Space is a nonprofit community arts organization founded by Suree Sompamitwong in 2019. We use creativity to promote healing, connection, and well-being by providing free and low-cost art, writing, and creative wellness programs for people of all ages. Our mission is to create a safe, welcoming space where everyone can express themselves, build community, and experience the healing power of creativity.
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER
As a woman and minority-founded nonprofit, Creative Healing Space is a diverse community. We itself on being open and welcoming to all. Our commitment to fostering an environment of healing and life-enhancing practices is uncompromising, which is why our efforts are organic, continuing to evolve with the demands of our community. While still a small organization, we look to grow and keep aligned with our mission and vision to shape the direction of lives.
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Meet the Team
Founder & Executive Director
Sureeporn Sompamitwong
Suree Sompamitwong was born in Thailand and moved to Worthington, Minnesota, at the age of seven after her family won the U.S. visa lottery. Growing up, she dreamed of working in the fashion industry, inspired by her deep love for creativity and design.
After high school, Suree studied Marketing for one year at Southeast Technical College before moving to Los Angeles to pursue her dream. Her determination led her to a thriving career in fashion, where she eventually became an Account Executive and later Creative Director for the women’s clothing brand Monoreno.
In the summer of 2017, Suree experienced a psychotic episode at work, which resulted in her hospitalization and later diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This life-changing event marked the beginning of her journey of healing and self-discovery. Returning home to Minnesota, she enrolled at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, where she discovered the healing power of art through sculpting and painting.
These experiences inspired Suree to establish Creative Healing Space, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting community wellness through art and creative expression.
Suree later earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Southwest Minnesota State University.
In 2026, she recently launched Art of Being, a business that integrates creativity, mindfulness, and wellness for organizations. She is also completing her debut book, Broken Heart into Art, a deeply personal memoir that blends storytelling, poetry, and photographs of her artwork, capturing her journey of transformation, resilience, and the power of art to heal.
Check her personal blog of her artwork, poems and writings: www.sincerelysuree.com
Program Director
Leah Bukovcan-Gossom
Art Professor, Minnesota West Community and Technical College - Worthington Campus
Hello everyone, my name is Leah Gossom. I have an MFA and PHD work From Ohio State University. I have had a chance with scholarship funds to study art and architecture in Prague. My background is Middle Eastern Jewish and this and other personal stories impact the type of art I do and am drawn to. Though I appreciate all art forms.
My paintings and mixed media works have been featured in group and solo exhibitions in the US and abroad. My teaching career started as an instructor for the Ohio State University and Art program director at The Works museum in Newark Ohio. I went on to teach art in Prague, Czech Republic and currently is the art Instructor at Minnesota West. I am very passionate about teaching art and am very grateful to have this opportunity to share my passion. I have also been involved in working with at risk youth through art therapy programming. I think art can help heal wounds and promote positive mental health. "Art can permeate the deepest parts of us, where no words exist."
Board of Directors
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Maggie Steinkamp
Maggie Steinkamp is originally a native of Wall Lake IA but moved to the Worthington area after graduating from South Dakota State University in 2021. She graduated with a Major in Agricultural Leadership and Minors in Music and Ag Business. Maggie works in the HR department at Bedford Industries and enjoys meeting people from around the area.
Maggie was heavily involved in music, speech and drama throughout high school and college, and continues to be a big supporter of the performing arts. She enjoys singing in the Worthington Chamber Choir at Christmas time and leading music at weekend Mass. Recently Maggie has been working to establish a Kpop dance cover group in the area to get youth excited about movement and all things Kpop. In her free time, Maggie loves cooking up new recipes, reading, sewing, working out, and taking long walks in nature.
As a big supporter of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness, Maggie aligns greatly with the mission of Creative Healing Space. Art, creativity, and beauty are all important areas of expression that can help bring peace, healing, and enjoyment. In the past year of her involvement on the board, she has enjoyed working with other board members at different events around the community.
Cat Nakhornsak.
“Hi folks, my name is Cat Nakhornsak. I care a lot about community, creative expression and making people feel seen and supported. My love language is cooking and sharing meals, I believe good food is a great way to connect folks. I grew up in Worthington, with the class of 2009. I received my bachelors degree in Social Work through St. Cloud State University and I’ve spent the last 10 years in the Twin Cities working in afterschool youth programming and community organizing.
I recently returned home to launch an intergenerational Lao cultural dance program, funded by a grant from the Coalition of Asian American Leaders. It's been a meaningful way to reconnect with home and celebrate the Lao Community. You can read more about that experience here with Minnesota Women’s Press: Creating My Culture in Worthington – Minnesota Women's Press (https://www.womenspress.com/creating-my-culture-in.../)
I’m finding fun ways to plug in as I reacquaint myself with the community, along with working at MN West as a Student Support Specialist. Storytelling, arts and culture, and dog walks are some of the ways I stay connected and grounded, and I’m excited to be part of the creative and healing work happening here.”
Marlen Julisa Balster
Hello my name is Marlen Julisa Balster, I am an artist, dog mom, plant mom, and outdoor adventurer. In middle school I fell in love with art after learning from Mr.Blanchard's art class, he showed us many art mediums and I was hooked on painting.
My artwork resembles my growth and healing journey. Middle school was also the time when my mental health spiraled and would be the beginning of many battles. I have made it my life's mission to advocate for mental wellness and early intervention, as I never had that for myself and am late to the healing game.
My undergrad is in Psychology and Sociology and I am now working on my Master's in Social Work. I worked as a Youth Advocate for 4 years and I had the opportunity to lead support groups for youth, one being an eco therapy group and the other an art based healing group. I had the privilege to work with many youth and help them navigate their own mental health and empower them to use their voices. My dream is to continue creating spaces for people to voice their battles and have the necessary tools to overcome it all.
Layketa Swinea
Lakeyta Swinea, a graduate of Worthington High School, attended Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA, and graduated in 2007 with an undergraduate degree in psychology. Lakeyta moved back to Minnesota and worked at the Nobles County Integration Collaborative for many years, which inspired her to pursue a graduate degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a Master’s in School Counseling. She has been a school counselor at Worthington High School since 2012.
She is passionate about helping others, not just as a school counselor but as a resident of Worthington. She believes that wellness and self-care are so vital to anyone’s success. She understands that mental health issues are real among all ages, and more services are necessary for the Worthington community.
Creative Healing Space provides an open and welcoming space for people to care for their mental wellness through the power of art. Serving on the board is an honor for Lakeyta, and she looks forward to seeing the positive impact Creative Healing Space will have in Southwest Minnesota.
Cristina Adame
My name is Cristina Adame, and I am originally from Mexico, I’m an Engineer but currently working on my passion, Community Relations. I’m a dog mom of 3.
I enjoy meeting new people and listen to new histories and journeys! For me everyone is a different book! I love being involved in the community, I’m part of around 6 committees, one of them Creative Healing Space. Art can play a significant role in mental health by providing a creative outlet for expression, exploration, and healing.
Recent events in my life made realize and appreciate how important is the mental health. Mental health is incredibly important and should be treated with the same level of attention and care as physical health. It's vital for overall well-being and affects every aspect of our lives.
Ariana Villalobos
“Hello, my name is Ariana Villalobos. I live in Worthington and work for First State Insurance Agency. I am a mom to a beautiful girl and a fur mama to four amazing pets (2 dogs and 2 cats).
I wouldn’t consider myself an artist, but I truly appreciate the beauty and emotion, and connection that art can bring. Mental health is something that is very important to me because I have experienced my own struggles and moments where I felt overwhelmed. Through that journey, I have learned the importance of finding ways to reconnect with myself and stay grounded. For me that connection can come through music, dance, books, and other forms of creativity that help me feel understood and balanced.
Creative Healing Space is something that immediately caught my attention because I believe creativity can be a powerful way to connect with ourselves and others. I look forward to surrounding myself with new opportunities, learning from others, and seeing the incredible things people can create through their own unique talents. I hope to contribute in any way I can and help bring positivity through the power of art.”
