It is clear that Melissa Tracy is passionate about her work as a school counselor at eastern Connecticut’s The Light House. The nonprofit serves the needs of intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals through a broad range of programming.

While Tracy is clearly a gifted educator — the kind of educator who guides her students toward their own discoveries — it is her way of teaching that creates real growth, as evidenced by the results she has with her students.

Tracy lights up when she recalls when she first felt called to this work. In college, she took a summer job as a lifeguard. The pool had a special needs swimming program. Teaching the kids was very hands-on, which she found particularly rewarding.

“Watching these kids flourish in the pool was amazing,” she said.

After graduating from CCSU with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in school counseling, Tracy landed at The Light House. Whether she is providing music, painting or other programs, she encourages creativity, while giving students the opportunity to build their self-esteem in addition to developing other life skills.

With the pandemic, The Light House was able to move its services online, enabling Tracy to try some new methods and programming. She struck gold with “guided painting.”

Similar to the paint parties that are popular these days, she chooses an image that the group will each paint individually. She demonstrates each brushstroke while coaching the students, each in their own Zoom box.

“It was fabulous,” she said, adding, “Art allows each student not to focus on what’s next, but to enjoy the process and to stay in the present. Families were surprised at the resulting paintings.”

Students completed an American flag painting that involved mixing and layering, something they had not done before. Students were able to achieve the layering effect with help from their families.

Family members were also able to participate if they wished.

“It reinforced that everyone has their own artistic talents, even though we were all painting the same picture together,” Tracy said.

Tracy’s work makes a difference in the lives of her students and their families. Her work also gives her fulfillment and her own healing.

“I learn from them. I meet them at their level, being open and patient. The students have taught me how to approach each day as a fresh start,” she said.

Emma Palzere-Rae is Associate Director for Artreach, Inc. and founder of Be Well Productions. If you have a story about how creativity has helped you heal, please contact emma.artreachheals@gmail.com.

Who: Melissa Tracy

Town: New London

Creative Outlet: Guided Painting

Helpful Resource: lhcampus.com