VERMILION, OH, October 27, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Lauren Cieslak has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Cieslak has established herself as a leader in the fields of mental health, addiction and recovery services. Since 2022, she has served as a project organizer and program officer for the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County, Ohio. In this capacity, she manages programming and population-based services with contracted providers, assists in program development and capacity building, and implements continuous quality improvement initiatives. She is instrumental in planning for trauma-informed care, participating in clinical treatment and recovery committees, and representing the board in collaboratives and coalitions. Her expertise extends to offering continuing education for licensed mental health professionals and engaging in youth community initiatives.

A hallmark of Ms. Cieslak's professional journey is her commitment to integrating art therapy into mental health advocacy. In 2018, while working as a direct mental health clinician and art therapist at The Nord Center, she launched the Art of Healing project. This initiative curated an art exhibit featuring works created by her clients, displayed in public spaces such as libraries, schools and banks. The project aimed to normalize discussions around mental health by recognizing clients as artists, fostering pride and community engagement. Her dedication to community mental health awareness was further exemplified in 2022 when she completed a suicide prevention mural with the Cleveland Mural Company, providing a space for remembrance and reflection for those affected by suicide. Additionally, her ongoing Tiny Art Galleries project makes art freely accessible to the community, encouraging collective engagement with local artists.

Earlier in her career, from 2020 to 2024, Ms. Cieslak was an adjunct professor for art therapy and counseling practicum, clinical and internship courses at Ursuline College. She collaborated with professors, supervisors and organizations, developed a curriculum accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and supervised graduate-level students approaching graduation and licensure.

Ms. Cieslak's tenure at The Nord Center from 2016 to 2020 as an art therapist, licensed professional clinical counselor, group facilitator, and supervisor allowed her to facilitate art therapy groups designed to increase socialization and self-esteem among clients. She conducted individual psychotherapy using evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. From 2015 to 2016, Ms. Cieslak was an eating disorder technician at The Emily Program in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She assisted clients with daily living activities, supported therapeutic meals and facilitated community outings.

Between 2014 and 2016, Ms. Cieslak was a contracted art educator and muralist for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities in East Cleveland. She conducted weekly art sessions with adult clients with developmental disabilities, developed their artistic skills in drawing, painting and ceramics, and organized art shows with measurable outcomes. From 2010 to 2011, she was a youth program associate at Westside Community House in Cleveland, where she planned educational activities for youth ages 9 to 18, led artistic workshops and wrote grants to support program development. Her career began as a residential counselor at Germaine Lawrence in Arlington, Massachusetts, from 2009 to 2010, where she provided counseling for adolescent girls and led creative activities including art, music and dance.

Ms. Cieslak's academic background has been integral to her professional achievements. She is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Education Leadership and Innovation at Purdue University. She earned a Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College in 2016. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies, with a major in case management for individuals and families, from Kent State University, which she completed in 2010.

Ms. Cieslak has maintained active membership with several professional organizations, including the Buckeye Art Therapy Association, the American Counseling Association, the Ohio Counseling Association, and the American Art Therapy Association since 2013. She is recognized for her expertise in continuing education for licensed mental health professionals and community-based trauma-informed care focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and youth initiatives, an achievement that underscores her dedication to advancing best practices within her field. Moreover, she has delivered numerous professional presentations on topics such as trauma-informed care, mental health first aid, LGBTQIA+ training, the benefits of art therapy, evidence-based practices, mental health recovery, adverse childhood experiences and clinical provider well-being.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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