Title: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Founder and Executive Director
Company: Creative Art Therapies and Wellness, LLC
Location: Longmeadow, Massachusetts, United States
Sarah Shube, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Founder and Executive Director at Creative Art Therapies and Wellness, LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Healthcare Professionals for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy.
Since establishing Creative Art Therapies and Wellness, LLC, in 2013, Ms. Shube has led the organization with a vision to foster creativity, sustainability and ethical care within the mental health sector. Initially starting as a solo practice after departing an outpatient facility in West Springfield, she considered launching a nonprofit but ultimately chose to build a private group practice. Encouraged by a fellow clinician to supervise new therapists entering private practice, Ms. Shube embraced this mentorship role.
In February of the previous year, Heather Salazar and Kim McCoy Coleman joined Ms. Shube’s growing team. Recognizing the high burnout rates among clinicians, she developed a value system prioritizing clinician well-being as a foundation for enhanced patient care. This approach has driven significant growth for the practice, which now includes 10 staff members and plans for further expansion across Massachusetts.
Ms. Shube distinguishes herself through her commitment to creating a supportive environment where clinicians feel safe and valued. Bringing positivity and motivation to her leadership while advocating for systemic change within the industry, she has observed that many clinicians enter the field under challenging conditions to complete licensing requirements, circumstances she believes are unnecessary for meaningful work. Ms. Shube’s advocacy extends to addressing financial challenges faced by therapists due to insurance reimbursement structures and ongoing professional expenses. To counter these obstacles, her practice offers built-in training for clinicians wishing to specialize in modalities such as acceptance and commitment therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. The organization’s core values guide daily operations.
Notably, monthly staff meetings reinforce these principles while leadership training programs prepare clinicians for future advancement. Ms. Shube is proud of her efforts to train staff as leaders so that she may eventually transition into the role of chief heart officer while maintaining the organization’s mission-driven culture. Her approach is informed by consultation with industry experts and a desire to share effective business models that support both clinicians and clients.
Before founding Creative Art Therapies and Wellness, LLC, Ms. Shube spent 2010 to 2014 as a substance use clinician and counselor at AdCare Hospital and American Addiction Centers as well as CleanSlate. During this period, she provided evidence-based therapy to individuals facing substance use challenges.
Earlier in her career, from 2008 to 2011, Ms. Shube worked as a clinician and registered art therapist at Carson Center for Health/Development. There, she gained foundational experience in expressive therapies with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults and older adults.
Apart from her clinical work, Ms. Shube was an adjunct professor at Springfield College from 2013 to 2014. In this capacity, she contributed to academic development in her field while continually progressing in her field. Ms. Shube taught both undergraduate and graduate coursework in art therapy, substance use and special needs populations.
Ms. Shube’s academic background has been instrumental in shaping her career trajectory. Her undergraduate studies culminated in a dual Bachelor of Arts in psychology and English literature from Chatham College, now Chatham University, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2004. She soon after earned a Master of Science in clinical art therapy and mental health counseling from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 2007. In addition to her degrees, Ms. Shube holds credentials as a licensed mental health counselor granted by the State of Massachusetts. She is also recognized as a registered art therapist.
Active in her field, Ms. Shube’s affiliations reflect ongoing engagement with leading organizations. Today, she maintains involvement with the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association as well as the Western Mass Substance Abuse Providers Association. Civic engagement is another dimension of Ms. Shube’s professional life. Most notably, she serves as a board member at a Bahá’í school, where she contributes to community-based educational initiatives.
Born in New York City, Ms. Shube’s personal journey has been shaped by strong family influences, including that of her mother and her husband. Notably, it was her husband’s expertise that contributed foundational support during the early stages of Creative Art Therapies and Wellness. Looking ahead, Ms. Shube hopes her legacy will be one of inclusion, safety and respect, infused with magic and whimsy that will empower others to achieve their own successes despite industry challenges such as shifting insurance practices or reimbursement pressures. She continues striving to create spaces where clinicians can thrive professionally while clients receive exceptional care rooted in creativity and compassion.
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