The PeaceLove Story

“I painted. It made me feel better. I thought it would help others.”

PeaceLove began when cousins Matt Kaplan and Jeff Sparr wanted to change the way they saw people approaching mental health. They wanted to create a space that encouraged creativity, self expression, and storytelling.

Seeking Peace of Mind

Jeff Sparr began painting at the suggestion of a friend after completing ERP. Despite having no formal training, Jeff found painting relieved the symptoms of his OCD and granted him a sense of control. Jeff wanted to share his story, and the benefits of creativity, with as many people as possible. He wanted everyone to know how good creativity could be for your mental health.

PeaceLove Grows

The cousins purchased art supplies and led an arts workshop at a children’s intensive treatment unit. Jeff shared his experiences with mental illness and challenged the kids to paint ‘what gave them peace of mind.’ They not only had fun, but were finally able to communicate through their art what they couldn’t in words. After seeing how much it benefited the group, Matt and Jeff knew they needed to create something bigger. This idea launched the PeaceLove Foundation.

The CREATORS Program

In 2015, PeaceLove launched their CREATORS Program, training frontline professionals to use PeaceLove’s expressive arts curriculum with their populations. Since then, PeaceLove has placed CREATORS in over 27 states, as well as Canada, and impacted more than 80,000 lives.

Featured Partners

Our partners grow and transform opportunities to support mental health and expressive arts.

Meet Our Team

We’re a group of passionate individuals dedicated to making the world a more mentally healthy place. Our purpose is to empower people to share stories and create peace of mind through expressive arts experiences.

The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions is what I'm most passionate about.

Jeff Sparr

Artist and Co-Founder

It's beautiful to witness the transformation that takes place when we are given permission to share our stories without fear of judgment.

Matt Kaplan

CEO and Co-Founder

Helen Leffers

COO

I am very excited to be part of PeaceLove and continue to educate, advocate, and promote expressive arts in healthy way.

Maegan DuBois

CREATORS Program Director

I love being a part of something that is offering hope to so many and changing lives for the better.

Joy Lugo

CREATORS Lead Trainer

I love being part of creative community that is passionate about making a positive impact in the world of mental health/wellness and working towards eliminating the stigma that surrounds it.

Mia DeMarco

CREATORS Coordinator

Abbie Knapton

CREATORS Trainer & Community Liaison

Kim DiOrio-Rooney

CREATORS Trainer

Deidre Osei

CREATORS Trainer, West Coast

Through PeaceLove, I am able to use my creativity and passion for art to help others feel happier and healthier.

Eric Rice

Creative Director

I love being able to use creativity to help support this important mission of improving mental health for people everywhere.

Alli Leson

Art Director

I'm excited to share stories and change the way we talk about mental health!

Victoria Nadine Rose

Digital Content Writer

I'm grateful to be a part of an organization that's using creativity to help so many experience empowerment, healing and hope.

Christina Strachoff

Marketing & Design Coordinator

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