Collective Resources: On Art, Disability, and Mental Health

Azure D. Osborne-Lee (he/they) is a multi-award-winning Black queer & trans theatre maker from south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Azure is a Part-Time Lecturer in the School of Drama at The New School. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his tuxedo cat Cream Cheez. Azure holds an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice (2011) from Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, as well as an MA in Women’s & Gender Studies (2008) and a BA in English & Spanish (2005) from The University of Texas at Austin. Azure is passionate about creating real access and equity in the arts, and their work centers Black queer, trans, and disabled folks.

Ana Gabriela Urizar, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at the world’s largest immigration law firm, based in New York, where she specializes in corporate immigration law. She advises multinational corporations across the technology, advertising, and financial sectors on complex employment-based immigration matters. Ana Gabriela also partners with the Guatemalan Consulate in New York and several NYC nonprofits to provide critical legal support to low-income immigrants, with a strong focus on humanitarian relief such as asylum, VAWA, and U visas.

In addition to her legal work, Ana Gabriela is a passionate advocate for mental health and neurodiversity. She served on the Autism Speaks committee to help organize a major awareness and fundraising luncheon and is currently writing a children’s book that celebrates the unique abilities of neurodivergent children. She actively speaks out on the importance of mental health, especially in the context of abusive relationships, divorce, and immigrant family dynamics.

Ana Gabriela is also in the process of launching a nonprofit that will provide legal and mental health resources to women navigating domestic abuse, empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity and support.

Joshua Adams is a passionate mental health advocate and the author of "Two Worlds, One Life," a powerful exploration of the intersections between religion, sexuality, and mental health. Having faced suicidal thoughts since the age of 16, Joshua’s personal experiences with mental health have inspired him to share his story and advocate for others who face similar struggles. His book delves into the complexities of growing up in a church culture while navigating relationships with sex workers, challenging societal perceptions, and redefining the narrative around sexuality.

In addition to his writing, Joshua is the founder and CEO of WHATCHAIR LLC, a company dedicated to transforming perceptions of disability through advocacy, inclusion, and social engagement. Living with a disability from birth, he embraces the identity of being differently-abled rather than handicapped, striving to empower individuals and foster a more inclusive world for all.

Through his work, Joshua aims to illuminate the importance of mental health awareness and inclusivity, contributing to the ongoing conversation surrounding mental health and disability advocacy while encouraging open dialogue and understanding within communities.

Tasha Dougé (she/her) is a Bronx-bred & based, Haitian-infused conceptual visual and performance artist, activist, educator, and cultural vigilante. Her practice leans on experimentation with different mediums that excavate and examine the nuances of the human experience. dougé centers her Blackness and womanhood as a starting point to challenge notions and ideologies around identity, history, iconography, and the political. Her work is shifting to also explore connections with memory, time, and nature. dougé’s practice is devoted to women's empowerment, illuminating the contributions of Black people, and using her "voice as the first tool within my art arsenal.”

Heidi N. Waithe began her journey at S:US Wellness Works Clinic in Brooklyn as a Peer Specialist in January 2020. Following her initial role, she transitioned to become a proud Member of the Brooklyn Clubhouse.

As a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, Heidi brings both professional expertise and lived experience—including navigating diabetes, depression, PTSD, and sciatic nerve pain—to her work. Her insight and empathy empower others facing adversity, guiding them through recovery and the discovery of their own resilience.

Heidi leads group sessions that foster community healing and support, and she plays an active role in planning events that celebrate her clients’ progress. She also participates in the annual Suicide Prevention Walk, standing in solidarity with those impacted by mental health challenges.

Dedicated to uplifting others, Heidi offers personalized counseling, mentors new peer specialists, and formerly spoke at SUS New Hire Orientation sessions.

Fun Facts about Heidi is that you’ll always find Heidi dancing around the Clinic and Clubhouse. She’s always up for a late night at the Clubhouse where —get your vocals ready or prepare for some serious UNO and where she loves the ice machine. But most importantly, she treats everyone with kindness and respect.

Samuel Standard was introduced to the world of arts as a child by his mother, Sarah L. Standard, who was a dancer and ballerina. He attended Public School 45 and Westlane Middle School. Samuel graduated from Broad Ripple High School for the Performing Arts. He played football for three years and earned All-City Second Team football honors.

Samuel continued playing football at Central Lakes Community College in Brainerd, Minnesota, as a running back and cornerback. He was named to the Second Team All-Conference as a running back in both seasons. He then transferred to the University of Wisconsin–Stout, where he played strong safety during his junior year and outside linebacker as a senior. Samuel was selected to the Second Team All-Conference again in his senior season.

The Green Bay Packers showed strong interest in Samuel, but he realized that football wasn’t his true calling. After graduation, Samuel took a job at Ameri-Tech as a home security system salesman. After two years, he founded his own company, Standard Construction LLC, which focused on residential and commercial building and remodeling.

Following the housing market downturn, Samuel decided to pursue what had always been close to his heart—the arts. He dove full speed into acting, performing in film, television, and theater productions throughout New York City and the surrounding areas.

Samuel worked as a utility stand-in for Wayne Brady on the hit television series The Good Fight and appeared as a background actor in many other productions. His hard work paid off when he landed a principal role as a lawyer in Notorious Anteater, thanks to showrunner Brooke Kennedy. This role ignited his passion for acting and launched his journey toward the big screen in Hollywood.

In 2016, Samuel founded Rumble in the Jungle Filmworks LLC, where he focuses on producing film, television, and theater projects. His company is committed to hiring people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and runs educational programs centered on cultural and physical wellness to encourage productive living in the Brooklyn community.

Samuel has been a proud member of SAG-AFTRA for the past ten years. Among his personal achievements, he is most proud of completing the TCS New York City Marathon three times and the Brooklyn Half Marathon eight times. He is currently developing a fitness and wellness program for the Brooklyn community to help people overcome their fears and lead healthier lives.

Most importantly, Samuel values being a good and present father to his children and a dependable asset to his family. He volunteers at CHIPS, a shelter for homeless and pregnant women in Park Slope, and has also served as a caregiver for individuals in the Brooklyn community living with HIV and retired military veterans.

Samuel is excited to share his positive experiences in the arts, health, and physical wellness to uplift and support his Brooklyn community, and he is grateful for the opportunity to serve.

DaQuan Herring is a multi-talented artist and modern-day renaissance man with a background in fine arts, education, music, performing, hosting, TV studio production, and film. Born and raised in Brooklyn, DaQuan was honored in 2014 with the Citywide Rising Star Award by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation for his outstanding contributions and potential. As a dedicated mentor, he is passionate about creativity, community impact, and helping others succeed. DaQuan dreams of building an entertainment empire inspired by visionaries like Oprah.

A devoted admirer of Patti LaBelle, DaQuan lives by her words: “You don't have to be an angel, just be someone who can give.”

Multidisciplinary Artist & Co-Manager, Project Black & Operation Mindscape.

Dereon Simms is a 17-year-old music artist and youth advocate whose work centers around mental health, self-expression, and community empowerment. As Co-Manager of Project B.L.A.C.K, he uplifts youth by promoting post-secondary resources and wellness. Through genre-fluid music and impactful storytelling, Dereon uses his voice to inspire confidence, healing, and purposeful connection.