About Your Facilitator

Heather Togbetse has always been an artist and helper at her core and thrives in an environment where art-making can be used to facilitate healing. She earned her B.F.A. and M.Ed. from Frostburg State University in 2004 and 2014 respectively. Heather was an art educator for 12 years, gaining valuable experience teaching elementary, middle, and high school students. Eventually, she returned to college to follow her dream of becoming an art therapist. Heather earned her M.A. in Art Therapy with a Specialization in Counseling from Seton Hill University in 2019. 

After working with individuals with severe mental illnesses post graduation, it became evident that unresolved trauma was at the root of so many mental health issues and life challenges. Based on this urgent need for trauma services, Heather earned certification as an Instinctual Trauma Response Certified Trauma Specialist (ITR-CTS).

  
Equipped with an education from an accredited university, professional work experiences, and specialized training, Heather decided to return to serving her community in Western Maryland. She recognized the need for such services in Allegany County and wanted to create a unique opportunity for people to heal. This is what you will find at Open HeART Space.