I was named Sheila Johnston after one of my aunts.  The one my father liked most, so there’s a plus.  I was born a female in 1962 to a dysfunctional family. I survived and boy did I learn a lot.

My interests have always been art and the mental health of children.  I had 3 sisters and 3 brothers.  I’ve been married 3 times and divorced 3 times.  I gave birth to 3 great children who refuse to give me a wedding to go to or any grandchildren to cherish.  Three seems to be an important number in my life.  Like baseball, 3 strikes and you’re out.  Not me.  I make my own rules.  Some people think I’m funny and they also think I’m stubborn.

I was diagnosed with a mental disorder called obsessive compulsive disorder.  I was hurt and angry because it took 17 years of hell to be properly diagnosed.  So I wrote a book.  Self published because I didn’t want people telling me what to do and I don’t like to be the center of attention.  It took 4 years to write and it’s called Courage Within the Chaos.  I have a diploma in child psychology  and journal writing.  I took 5 years of art classes in high school and got to paint murals on the school walls.

When my youngest daughter was diagnosed with selective mutism I got to work with some great mental health professionals.  One picture my daughter drew was shown to me and explained how she was feeling.  It was then that I was really interested in putting art and mental therapy together.  That is why I am taking the art therapy course.  I’m retired and on disability so I want to put my time to good use.