Transform Your Life Through Art

Athesia Benjamin is a Rochester-based artist, educator, and faculty member at Monroe Community College.  As a faculty member in the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Monroe Community College, she brings a thoughtful and engaging approach to creative learning. She has served as a facilitator with Artwork For the Soul, co-leading the Boys 2 Men workshop series alongside Rachel Ortiz, helping youth explore identity, communication, emotional awareness, and personal growth through art. Her passion for creativity, education, and youth empowerment makes her a valued member of the AFTS team

  Rachel Ortiz is the founder and lead facilitator of Artwork For the Soul. A retired military veteran with 27 years of service and over 30 years in recovery, she combines experience in resiliency training, suicide prevention, substance use prevention, and counseling with her own healing journey through art. Rachel holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Religion, is a CASAC-T, and is pursuing graduate studies in Art Therapy. Through trauma-informed creative wellness programs, she helps individuals build resilience, healing, and personal growth through the arts. 

Darlene Witmer is a self-taught artist, entrepreneur, and facilitator with Artwork For the Soul (AFTS). As the former owner of a contracting business, she developed strong skills in leadership, project management, and creative problem-solving. Alongside her professional experience, she has pursued her passion for art, creating original works that reflect creativity, personal expression, and growth. As an AFTS facilitator, she helps create welcoming and supportive spaces where participants can explore creativity, self-reflection, and personal development through art. Her combination of hands-on experience, artistic talent, and genuine connection with others allows her to engage participants in meaningful and empowering creative experiences.