December 2021 - Hopewell Therapeutic Farm

Dana Langenbrunner, a former Hopewell resident, returned to Hopewell as a Visiting Artist to lead a 3-day workshop for staff and residents. Her workshop centered around the theme of empowerment – participants engaged in meaningful discussions about empowerment and learned how to create books. Dana joined morning art crews and spent time getting to know new residents and catching up with staff members during her visit.

Dana is a Cincinnati artist, mental health advocate, and peer recovery coach. Her passion for art came at a young age to cope with her own mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and trauma. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Art Therapy through Mount Saint Joseph University.

Dana uses art day-to-day to help others struggling with mental illness and addiction through various organizations in Cincinnati. She volunteers weekly with Women of Alabaster, a home for women working to free themselves from sex trafficking, and Art for All People, a ministry aimed at providing art classes and materials to those trying to reach recovery from addiction and mental illness. Additionally, Dana is the founding Director of Programming at Madi’s House, a non-residential relapse prevention and mental health community center in Cincinnati.

Aimee Deak, LPN, became a nurse at age 40 while raising her children and working full time. Before coming to Hopewell, she worked with different populations at the Cleveland Clinic, in nursing homes, and in an inpatient facility for people with mental illness and addiction. She then took a break from nursing for several years to work in her husband’s business.

Aimee and her husband live on 22 mostly wooded acres. “I do a lot of gardening to bring birds, bees, and butterflies to the property,” she said. “I love to walk through the woods and I’m taking horse riding lessons to get outside more often.” Aimee is actively involved in the lives of her seven grandchildren (ages toddler to 15). In her “spare” time, she is starting a business making totes, handbags, clutches and weekenders out of sustainable materials. She plans to sell them online in time for the holiday season.

Three years ago, Aimee took a life-changing ride. “I found Hopewell quite by accident while on a motorcycle ride with my husband,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘I’ve never heard of a therapeutic community before – it’s amazing that this is out here!’ When a position opened up for a PRN (as needed) nurse, I applied and was hired.” You never know where a ride in the country might lead.

Aimee is passionate about mental health care. “Many people still feel the stigma about going to a psychiatrist, taking medication, or getting mental health counseling. The pandemic has highlighted the effects of isolation on mental health and now more people are seeking help. We need to make mental health care a priority for more people and provide better health insurance,” she stated.

Aimee continued, “Many residents have experienced stigma and isolation due to their illness. When they come to Hopewell, they join a healing community. It’s so satisfying to be part of their journey to mental wellness.”

Month: December 2021

Artist in Residence

Our Team, Our Passions…Aimee Deak, LPN

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