Creating the Space for Healing and Recovery

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.

Coretta Scott King

Umoja Health, Wellness, and Justice Collective is place for community.  It takes many voices, hands, and hearts to move the work forward.  The core team holds the space and allows community to move in and around, creating moments of connection and healing.  

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Michael Hayes
NCCPSS, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator, and a Reconnect for Resilience Skills Educator

Founder, Executive Director

Mr. Hayes is a visionary agent of change.  Mr. Hayes has found powerful ways to infuse the art of storytelling and the science of resilience into opportunities for healing and recovery.  He is the author of the HOPE (Healing Our Past/Personal Experiences) curriculum, a Certified Peer Support Specialist, a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) facilitator, and a Reconnect for Resilience Skills Educator. Mr. Hayes is the founder of the Urban Arts Institute and continues to provide opportunities for healing and growth grounded in the arts. Mr. Hayes believes in the power of community and the collective healing process.

Aaron Griffin

Rights of Passage Program Director

More about Aaron coming soon!

Cassandra Ingram
BA, MS, QMHP, NCPSS

Rebuilding Through Healing

Ms. Ingram retired from Asheville City Schools with 34 years of experience. She holds a BA in Criminal Justice, and MS in School Counseling.  Ms. Ingram is a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and  North Carolina Peer Support Specialist (NCPSS).  She is also a Therapeutic Foster Parent. Ms. Ingram volunteers her time with Asheville/Buncombe Human Relation board, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County,  Children First, and several Parent/ Teacher Organizations.

Elizabeth Ivey
MSW, NCPSS

Sister Soul Sessions

Ms. Ivey is a mixed medium artist and owner of Sister Soul Sessions, LLC facilitates and supports mental health and wellness for adolescents and women, specifically of African American descent, in an effort to elicit healing self-awareness, self-motivation, and self-empowerment to develop secure individual autonomy, family togetherness, community involvement through a mindful individual lens, and creating connections with others.