Our mission at Willow Arts & Wellness Center is to serve you holistically, offering services for the Mind, Body & Spirit. We do this by offering separate yet synergistic services including Counseling/Psychotherapy Sessions, Music Lessons including private Guitar, Piano, Voice, Woodwinds, and String instrument instruction, in addition to individual and group Neurologic Music Therapy Sessions. So, whether you are seeking to make changes in your life and relationships, or pursue a musical passion, we look forward to helping you grow confidently in the direction of your dreams.
WELCOME
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About Us
Sarah E. Walker, PCC, NCC (Professional Clinical Counselor & National Certified Counselor), is the Founder and President of Willow Arts & Wellness Center. It was her long-time dream to offer holistic services to the public by addressing people's needs pertaining to emotional, mental, physical, and creative health through the venue of an Arts & Wellness Center. Her general philosophy, "Passion is everything!" pairs well with the idea that one should, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined," a quote borrowed from H. Thoreau and a sentiment Sarah strives to attain each day in her own life. Sarah obtained her undergraduate degree from the Baldwin-Wallace Music Conservatory and her graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, and has an extensive background both in Therapeutic Services as well as in the Performing Arts. As such, she is pleased to offer Counseling Sessions in addition to Music Lessons at Willow Arts & Wellness.
Sarah E. Walker, PCC, NCC
Helping you grow confidently in the direction of your dreams.
The Team
Sarah E. Walker, LPCC, NCC
Owner; Music Instructor, Psychotherapist
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, grief, relationship struggles, self-doubt, or major life changes leave you feeling stuck. Whether you're navigating a difficult season or seeking greater fulfillment and balance, therapy can provide a space to heal, grow, and reconnect with yourself.
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I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), as well as the Founder and President of Willow Arts & Wellness Center. My approach is warm, collaborative, and person-centered. I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported.
I work with adolescents and adults facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress, relationship challenges, codependency, life transitions, self-esteem issues, body image concerns, OCD, bipolar disorder, addiction recovery, disordered eating, self-harm behaviors, and LGBTQIA+ related concerns. Together, we identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck and develop practical strategies to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
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Prior to becoming a counselor, I earned my undergraduate degree from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and spent many years performing professionally in theater, opera, and commercial entertainment settings. My background in both the arts and mental health gives me a unique appreciation for creativity, resilience, personal growth, and the courage it takes to embrace change.
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My goal is to help you move from simply surviving to truly thriving—to create a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and aligned with your values.
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When I'm not working with clients, I enjoy running, cycling, kayaking, swimming, yoga, and spending time with my husband, Paul, who continues to inspire me to embrace life's adventures.
Paul R. Harvey
Guitar Instructor
Paul (he/him/his) has been teaching guitar at Willow Arts since it opened in 2009, and has enjoyed instructing in the Cleveland area since 1987. He began his music career in 1971, studying the Hammond Organ with Jane Hoffman for six years. He transitioned to rock, jazz, and classical guitar before joining his first band in 1977. Throughout high school and college, Paul played lead guitar and keyboards in several bands, and co-founded an all-original, latin-influenced acoustic trio. Today, he performs live with Sarah, and writes and performs with the local band, The Mutts. When not making music, he loves to run, work-out, kayak, and work on his many inventions. Paul is currently accepting beginner and intermediate guitar students ages 10 and older.
Greg Smith
Violin, Viola, Cello & Piano Instructor
Greg Smith is a professional violinist, violist, educator, and performing artist based in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music in Teaching Artistry from Bowling Green State University.
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With more than 12 years of experience teaching orchestra students in grades 5–12 throughout Ohio and Michigan public schools, Greg brings a wealth of educational expertise and a passion for helping students grow both musically and personally. His diverse performance background includes appearances with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, the Video Game Symphony, and City Six Strings.
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In addition to his classical training, Greg is the founder and bandleader of the Forest City Django Club, a Northeast Ohio jazz ensemble specializing in hot jazz, gypsy jazz, and swing music. His broad musical experience allows him to introduce students to a variety of styles while building strong technical foundations.
As an instructor, Greg believes that every student learns differently and strives to create lessons that are engaging, creative, and tailored to each individual's goals and interests. Students can expect a well-rounded musical education that includes classical technique and repertoire, while also exploring contemporary, popular, and improvisational styles. His supportive and encouraging teaching approach helps students develop confidence, musicianship, and a lifelong love of music.
Katie Kitchen
Voice & Piano Instructor
Katie Kitchen is a versatile vocalist and educator whose work spans classical, baroque, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Katie completed studies for her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at Cleveland State University, participating in the university’s choral, jazz, and opera ensembles.
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As a performer, Katie is a four-time recipient of the Shari Bierman Fellowship Scholarship, and through this fellowship, she presented a solo recital at Severance Hall. She has also completed young artist programs in New York and performed in Purcell’s The Fairy Queen as part of the Baroque Opera Workshop at Queens College. In addition to her classical work, Katie performs jazz and contemporary repertoire throughout the Cleveland area.
Katie’s teaching combines modern vocal science with the foundational principles of bel canto technique. She sees lessons as a space for both musical and personal discovery—helping students find their unique voice while supporting healthy, sustainable vocal function. Her approach is diagnostic, student-centered, and adaptable across genres, designed to empower singers to express themselves with freedom and authenticity.
Jessica Brown
Voice & Piano Instructor
Jess is a vocal teacher, pianist, and music educator who enjoys helping students explore music in a way that feels natural, supportive, and fun. She earned her degree in PK–12 Music Education from Baldwin Wallace University, where she focused on vocal pedagogy in collaboration with the speech clinic. She later pursued post-baccalaureate coursework in speech-language pathology through San Diego State University to deepen her understanding of the connection between music and cognitive linguistics.
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Jess has taught in a variety of settings, including her own private studio, children’s theater, Kirtland Local Schools, and now in the Elyria City Schools where she teaches middle school choir, general music, and drama. She especially enjoys working with kids and young teens, helping them build confidence and expression through creative music making at such an important stage of development.
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Outside the classroom, Jess sings with a semi-professional a cappella group, Zero to Sixty, and enjoys exploring Ohio’s lakes and trails.
Meghan Colbert
Woodwind & Piano Instructor
Meghan (she/her/hers) is a musician in the Cleveland area. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Clarinet Performance from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Daniel Mckelway of the Cleveland Orchestra. She received her Master's degree in Clarinet Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts where she studied with John Bruce Yeh of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
She has performed with the Blossom Festival Band and has participated in chamber groups in both the Cleveland and Chicago area as well as several music festivals.
Meghan has had students participate in local honors groups such as Ohio's All-State Band, Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra. She offers instruction in clarinet, saxophone, flute, and piano.
Brian Patton
Woodwind & Low Brass Instructor
Brian Patton is currently the Instrumental Music Teacher at Saint Joseph Academy, where he teaches Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Beginning Instrument and Music in Culture. He is a graduate from the University of Akron where he obtained a Bachelor of Music in Music Education while studying bassoon with Cynthia Cioffari, playing tuba in athletic bands and singing in the Chamber Choir. Brian specializes in bassoon and low brass instruction, including trombone, euphonium and tuba. In lessons, he seeks to balance individual creative expression with the demands of the typical school music program, with the hope that students can see themselves as both interpreters and creators of music.
Beyond music education, Brian is an avid athlete, including rock climbing, golf and basketball, and loves to tackle a DIY home project.
Angela Cecys, LISW
Licensed Social Worker
Angela is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Supervisory Designation (LISW-S) who brings extensive experience working with individuals facing a wide range of life challenges.
Throughout her career, she has served in multiple areas of community behavioral health, including crisis intervention, homelessness and housing support, and emergency behavioral health response alongside 911 dispatchers and law enforcement. She currently serves as a supervisor at a short-term residential treatment facility in the Cleveland area, supporting individuals navigating mental health and substance use concerns while also mentoring and leading clinical staff.
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Angela is passionate about helping people move beyond simply managing symptoms and instead understand the deeper roots of their struggles. She believes that meaningful change begins with feeling heard, understood, and supported. Her approach is compassionate, direct, and nonjudgmental, creating a safe space where clients can explore difficult emotions, identify patterns, and develop practical strategies for growth and healing.
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Whether you are struggling with family conflict, relationship challenges, work-related stress, life transitions, anxiety, depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed, Angela is committed to meeting you where you are. She understands that every person's journey is unique, and she recognizes that challenges that may seem small to others can feel overwhelming and painful to the person experiencing them.
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Angela believes that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Her goal is to empower clients to build insight, resilience, and confidence as they navigate life's difficulties and create meaningful, lasting change.
Services
At Willow Arts & Wellness Center, we are pleased to offer:
COUNSELING/ PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSIONS
(State Licensed LPCC, Nationally Certified NCC, and
Licensed Social Worker LISW)
including Guitar, Piano, Voice, Woodwind, Brass, and Strings
Contact Us
Willow Arts & Wellness Center
806 Sharon Drive Suite B Westlake, Ohio 44145
Tel: (440) 539-2906
Email: WillowArtsWellness@gmail.com