OMA Facilitator Training | Charlottesville

About OMA Facilitator Training
Since 2007, Opening Minds through Art (OMA) as a therapeutic intervention has demonstrated consistent effectiveness, proven to combat social isolation and promote cognitive health in older adults. This innovative program is now spreading to impact lives both nationally and internationally.

Founder Dr. Elizabeth Lokon, of Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University-OH, designed this best-practice program to be easily replicated by anyone seeking to bring it to their own senior care community. To register, click the link above!

Grant Funds for  Scholarships:
In 2021, in collaboration with LeadingAge Virginia, Art for the Journey was designated to facilitate a state wide grant-funded expansion of the OMA program to over 100 nursing homes over the course of three years. Between 2021 and 2024, CMS certified facilities across Virginia can apply to receive two full scholarships for the OMA certification training (valued at $1,500) and $2,000 for start-up art supplies. 

The application is easy! Fill out this 10-minute survey here to confirm your facility's eligibility. If your facility qualifies, you will receive an acceptance notice within two weeks, after which you can register for your chosen training session. Find additional dates for 2022 here.

OMA Facilitator Training Details | Charlottesville 2022 

Online Training | October 4 - 28, 2022
In-Person Practicum | November 10-11 in Charlottesville, VA

Practicum Location | Our Lady of Peace - 751 Hillsdale Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901 
Practicum Time | Nov 10 - 1 - 6pm, Nov 11 - 8a - 5pm

Cost:  $750/person (grant recipients receive full scholarship)
CEUs: Available from NCCAP, NCCDP

Included in the course:

• Asynchronous online content (5-6 hrs)
• Three weekly lunch hour instructional sessions (3 hrs)
• Three weekly small group meetings determined by group (1-2 hrs)
• Engaging 1.5 day practicum (13 hours)
• Online listing as a certified OMA sit
• Binder with 20 art projects, lists of resources for supplies, and more
• Volunteer training manual
• DVD with digital volunteer training resources
• Thumb drive with additional resources and links
• Optional: CEU's in NCCDP (dementia professionals) and NCCAP (activities professionals)

Both the online course and the in-person practicum must be completed to receive OMA Facilitator certification. The dynamic hybrid training covers the same contents as the full in-person training by the Scripps Gerontology Center.

Questions? Contact:
Stephanie Shanks, OMA Director
[email protected]
804-920-4638

Learn more about Art for the Journey's partnership with Scripps and OMA initiative in Virginia here!