Hearts Unknown Education (HÚE) is a dynamic nonprofit organization that helps guide and support young people who are struggling emotionally with a unique offering of what we call “creative wellness” -art, free expression, meditation, somatic breath work, music, dance (future), theatre (future) - all valuable experiences offered in a safe and caring environment. We see HÚE as a vehicle to allow youth to express themselves (gain agency and voice), to connect with one another, and to learn to appreciate their special talents and perspectives.
HÚE We Are
Anxiety, depression, global problems – these are heavy things for young people to hold.
Paintbrushes, on the other hand?
Paintbrushes can make the heavy things feel lighter...
Especially when they come with a community who gets it. At Hearts Unknown Education (HÚE), we are dedicated to creating a world where every young person has the resources and a safe place to work through their anxiety and thrive.
The magic of HÚE boils down to three things:
(what we call creative wellness)
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
In other art classes, the teacher tells you what to do and you do it. At HÚE, we encourage the kids to express themselves in the way they need to in that moment. HÚE is a place where you can fly your own flag.
UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD
Sometimes, what kids end up painting or expressing is really dark. But it’s really important that they're expressing it. We’re really encouraging with anything the kids want to paint, because we know they're getting it out on paper.
COMMUNITY
HÚE is a place where kids find their people. The other kids they meet are fellow artists, but they're also struggling with some of the same things. They recognize and support each other in a positive space.
And yes, all of HÚE's classes are free.
Parents and schools have enough on their plates. Finances shouldn't be a barrier to the type of connection and healing kids find at HÚE.
We believe in the transformative power of creative expression as a healthy outlet for processing big emotions. That's why we offer free art classes that go beyond the canvas, providing a nurturing community and fostering creative wellness.
“HÚE makes such a huge difference in the way [my son] feels about himself and in the way he feels about his art.”
“When my son started talking about how he was feeling sad and didn't know why, it was terrifying. He was only 12, and he told us he had thoughts about hurting himself.
As soon as we started taking him to classes at HÚE, things changed.
Having a community around him where he knows no one is judging him because he’s not good enough or because what he’s drawing is too dark, it makes such a huge difference in the way he feels about himself and in the way he feels about his art.
Now, he just seems to have a lot more confidence. He’s excited about hanging out with other kids and going to school."
- HÚE parent
And none of this would be possible without support from community members like you, who want to make a difference in the lives of young Bendites.
In every canvas, there is hope.
"Kids need to know that they're seen and heard and understood. And that’s what HÚE is really known for.
I don’t think kids get enough opportunity for creative expression that’s not judged or tested. At HÚE, they get a canvas, limitless paper, and bottomless paint. When you have that much freedom, you go for it, and the most amazing things happen. The best part is: they don’t have to explain it. They do it and it stands alone. Where else do kids get to do that? When you go to a soccer team or debate club, you have to perform. Any other place, you have to perform. But not at HÚE.”
- Deb Stone, LCSW,Deschutes County Behavioral Health
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
Parents call Nicola Carpinelli “the kid whisperer,”
but he would tell you he doesn't have any superpowers — he just loves kids.
Nicola brings expertise as a successful musician, actor, producer and painter to each class at HÚE, but he also brings something more important: his lived experience with healing through the practice of art, and a deep concern for the youth in our community.
When Nicola was a kid, he never quite felt like he fit in. One day, he formulated a plan to take his own life. Art, he says, came to his rescue.
"When I'm painting, I'm good. I know firsthand the power of creative expression.“
Nicola has a unique ability to see kids for who they are and make them feel valued. He doesn't want any kid to slip through the cracks.
Meet the Team
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Nicola Carpinelli
CO-FOUNDER. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nicola Carpinelli is so much of the heart behind HÚE – our artist, principal instructor and inspiration. He brings expertise as a musician, actor, producer and painter, but more importantly, he brings lived experience in healing through practice of art, and a deep concern young people in our community.
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Dr. Howard Asher
CO-FOUNDER, CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Asher is one of the leading trauma specialists in the nation. Dr. Asher brings his own brand of insight and understanding with a keen perspective on life and the challenge of living.
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Bruce Abernethy
BOARD PRESIDENT
Currently working as the Grant writer for the Bend-La Pine School District, Bruce served on the Bend City Council for 12 years and the COCC Board for 12 years along with numerous other nonprofit organizations that address youth development, homelessness, and mental health.
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Kris Prochaska
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Kris has a Masters in Clinical Psychology, and is a therapist, artist, entrepreneur, and mom who brings her business and marketing background along with her clinical and creative eye to HÚE . She believes art is [the best!] medicine as well as a powerful tool for discovering one's purpose and passion in life, no matter one's age!
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Bonnie Love
BOARD TREASURER
Bonnie is currently a CPA and CFE working with nonprofits. Bonnie is a mom to Evelyn, wife to Brian, an avid traveler, and lover of all things mountains.
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Lisa Riley
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lisa Riley is a writer, ecologist, and parent of a creative child. Her son has attended HÚE classes since the beginning. She is passionate about ensuring the tools that helped her family are available to other children who need them.
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Stephanie Sahleen
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Affiliate Director at National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Oregon.
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Deb Stone
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Deb Stone is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 33 years of experience in trauma-informed care, including play therapy, art therapy and strengths-based practice. In her free time, Deb loves to travel, bike commute, and volunteer for non-profit organizations that specialize in healing through art and music.
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Jeri VanBlaricom Hanson
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
With a background in education (teaching, technology, program development, and design), and as a mom to two creative girls, Jeri contributes a very needed hands-on perspective to HÚE.
VOLUNTEERS
Our volunteers run the gamut from artists to educators to mental health workers.
Every single person you find at HÚE is…
KIND, COMPASSIONATE, and ACCEPTING
