About

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.

“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.” 

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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.

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.

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.