Board of Directors

Justin “Jay” Scheidecker, the President and Co-Founder of Art Is Medicine and Education Center, Inc., is a retired first responder with over thirty years of service in the private security and law enforcement industry. Throughout his years of service, he has gained extensive first-hand knowledge of the stresses and pressures of public service. Justin is passionate about helping others manage these challenges and did not hesitate when asked to lead this emerging organization.

Justin is also a drum circle facilitator and experienced sound healer, utilizing sound and vibration to assist individuals with journeying into the subconscious mind to create profound change. Dedicated to community service with an emphasis on the military, first responders, and both mental and medical disabilities, Justin has overseen many service-oriented community outreach programs throughout the course of his career.

Shanan comes to the A.I.M. board with over 25 years of experience working in the areas of Law Enforcement, Corrections, Probation and Parole, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse. In 2024, she moved to Wisconsin from Arizona and works for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections as a Probation and Parole Agent.

Shanan obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services specializing in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology from Wayland Baptist University in 2006. In 2011 she graduated from Argosy University with a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. In 2007 she was instrumental in the creation of a re-entry program for Arizona Department of Corrections to help offenders’ transition from prison to the community, which the department adopted and still uses to this day. In 2010 Shanan worked with the Arizona Governor's Office for Children, Youth, and Families helping to oversee the Governor's Meth Task Force to help combat the methamphetamine crisis throughout the state of Arizona. In 2012 she became a case manager working with the mentally ill population on both a supportive team and an Assertive Community Treatment team (ACT). Then in 2015 Shanan joined Maricopa County Adult Probation, working as a probation officer supervising the Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI), SMI- Sex Offender caseload and Individuals who are on Intensive Probation. While working for Maricopa County, she served as a member of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), and was a presenter as several of their annual Conferences on the topics of Supervising indviduals with a Mental Illness.  In, 2017 Shanan served on The Arizona Probation and Parole Association Board (APPCA) a subsidiary of the American Corrections Association as a board member for the probation department, then from 2020-2022 serving as the secretary and in 2023 voted in as president. While serving with APPCA we focused on helping those who worked in or around not only Corrections, Probation and Parole but also Law Enforcement and First Responders. We held annual conferences offering break out sessions on self care, stress management, wellness and information on community resources and programs.

I am an Iraq war veteran. I was stationed in Baghdad from late '07 to early '09.  I was officially diagnosed with PTSD in 2022. I've found peace and healing through expressive art. It is my goal to share with other veterans and first responders to hopefully bring peace and healing to the community.

Mike Thompson is a drummer, percussionist, performer and arranger hailing from the tiny town with major talent, Westerly, Rhode Island.
 

Mike officially started banging on the drums in private lessons at the age of ten and went on to star in his high school’s award- winning jazz, concert and marching bands. He continued feeding his passion for
music by studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston under drumming greats such as Jamey Haddad, Rod Morgenstein and Kenwood Dennard where he earned a Bachelor of Art in Music Performance and Business.

He has spent the last two decades applying his knowledge of Accounting/Bookkeeping and Business Management to various companies within the music and food industries while having played in bands such as The Big Nasty and Tokyo Raid along with several studio recordings as a session drummer.

Today, he devotes his time to touring and gaining exposure for the hard rock duo Sit Kitty Sit, which he co-founded with partner Kat Downs.

I'm a maker! I love art! I love staring into the abyss that is my brain. I love the paint that stains my hands and doesn't wash off for days. I have always loved making things, and the creative process as a whole.

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Though I am not formally trained as an artist, I have been making art for as long as I can remember. I have degrees in Marketing and Graphic Design. I have a Press Technician degree. I have many other certifications and pieces of paper that say I can do things.

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I was on active duty in the Army from 1998-2002. That was not the best part of my life, especially following 9/11. Making art helps me with some of the darkness in my mind. Upon my initial release from the military, I met the love of my life, who not only makes me want to become a better person, but who supports my crazy dreams. In 2005, things took a turn when I was called back to the Army and put on "stop loss." Those were dark times, indeed. I survived (barely), with inpatient therapy and medications. I still struggle every day with depression and suicidal ideation. There is help out there. Just take it one day at a time. Just one moment.

Erika Block is a professional creative director, award-winning graphic designer, writer, instructor, and artist. She holds degrees in marketing communications, advertising, and digital media, and brings to the table more than two decades of experience in the art, music, publishing, film, and fashion industries. Her work has been featured nationally, including People Magazine, The View, Good Morning America, and TODAY.

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Block is currently an award-nominated author, CEO of Gray House Publishing, and Editor-in-Chief of THE GRAY magazine. She also leads art and writing classes and workshops throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

Dustin Long is a dedicated board member of A.I.M – Art is Medicine, committed to advancing the organization's mission of helping people heal. With over 15 years of experience in project management and leadership, Dustin has a proven track record of overcoming challenges and leading teams to success. His expertise in team coordination and project management is vital to A.I.M's ongoing efforts.

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Dustin's passion for making a positive impact in his community and advocating for mental health fuels his dedication to A.I.M's mission. As a board member, he focuses on outreach and media, collaborating closely with the team to maximize the organization's ability to assist those in need. His leadership and drive play a key role in the organization's growth and success.

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In his free time, Dustin enjoys gaming and traveling. He is proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause and looks forward to continuing his work with A.I.M, striving to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.