Natalie Mercedes is a first-generation Latinx woman who recently completed her master's degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Springfield College. Currently, she works as an Art Therapist and Mental Health Counselor in a community mental health setting, where she advocates for individuals living with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and cognitive disabilities.

In her creative practice, Natalie employs mixed media techniques, including fiber art, watercolors, colored pencils, and acrylic paint, to facilitate her inner healing. Her artwork serves as an essential outlet after long days in the healthcare profession, allowing her to process the stories of the individuals she supports while distinguishing her roles as both a therapist and a person. A recurring motif in her pieces is a blue sphere, symbolizing her grounding amid life’s uncertainties.

Originally from the Bronx, she developed a strong passion for art as a coping mechanism amid the vibrancy and challenges of city life. Since moving upstate, she has become actively involved with the Capital Region Art Center and community.

Her high school art teacher, Kimberly Jones, played a pivotal role in igniting her creative potential, encouraging her to submit work to Questar III New Visions exhibits. This mentorship inspired Natalie to pursue an associate's degree in fine arts at Hudson Valley Community College, where she discovered the therapeutic qualities of various art mediums. This experience fostered her confidence and deepened her passion for creativity, leading her to participate in several campus art shows before transferring to Russell Sage College for her bachelor’s degree. She later completed her master’s degree at Springfield College.

Today, Natalie is committed to sharing the healing and positive skills she has gained through art, integrating her dual identities as an artist and a therapist.