ABINGTON, Pa. — Briana McCrae Carr is a force of nature. An Army veteran, she balances many roles—entrepreneur, artist, student, and healer. Her main goal? To help others find peace through creativity.
Carr started Nourich NeuroArts Neighborhood, where she creates pop-up events that mix art, wellness, and neuroscience. These experiences aim to boost mental health and promote healing. She also volunteers with CreatiVets, helping fellow veterans share their stories through songwriting in a recording studio.
At Penn State Abington, Carr manages her studies with grace, much like she did during her military service. Her classes include exploring the uses of artificial intelligence and conducting research on how the brain responds to Asian medicine and art therapy. She plans to earn a master’s in art therapy after graduating this spring.
“I want to share what has healed me with others,” Carr said, focusing on her majors in art and health humanities.
Growing up with active-duty military parents, Carr moved between Army bases worldwide. As a combat medic in Iraq, she managed trauma cases and transported wounded soldiers. Those experiences reshaped her understanding of strength and resilience.
“I’m proud of my service,” she shared. “It opened up many paths for me and inspired new dreams.”
One of those dreams will come to life during Military Appreciation Week at Penn State, where she will lead a Nourich NeuroArts workshop at the Woskob Family Gallery. Veterans, students, and community members will connect through creativity, expressing emotions through various art forms.
For Carr, this workshop is not just an event; it’s part of her mission to unite art, science, and human connection while honoring her fellow veterans. “I’ve learned to turn my weaknesses into strengths, and I want to help others do the same,” she said.
Yvonne Love, an associate professor of art, praised Carr for her creativity and purpose. “From our first meeting, I recognized her exceptional leadership. She uses art, music, and poetry for healing, bringing integrity and empathy to everything she does,” Love noted.
Carr’s journey reflects a growing trend where art therapy is becoming increasingly recognized in mental health treatment. According to the American Art Therapy Association, more than 18,000 registered art therapists work across the U.S., providing an innovative approach to healing. As more veterans and individuals seek non-traditional methods for mental health support, Carr’s work stands at the forefront, illustrating the power of creativity in overcoming personal challenges.
