OMA is now impacting lives across the globe because its brilliant methodology ensures that positive results are consistent, attainable, and meaningful wherever it is conducted. The program can be replicated by anyone with an OMA Facilitator Certification, in virtually any setting:
Long-Term Care Communities
Senior Living Apartments
Hospice Settings
Local Libraries
Art Organizations
Adult-Day Centers
Community Centers
Home-Health Care Organizations
Memory Cafes and Friendship Cafes
Universities engaged with Service-Learning
& anywhere that the intersection of Arts and Health is valued
OMA Facilitator Training and Art for the Journey
Since 2017, Art for the Journey has served as one of four OMA Facilitator training hubs world-wide, partnering closely with Scripps OMA based in Miami University-OH and LeadingAge Virginia. We owe this privilege to the grant-funding from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Our team of Master Trainers has loved every moment delivering hybrid and in-person OMA Facilitator Training for nine years. We have supported 330 individuals in completing the academically robust certification course, with curriculum contributions by Art for the Journey’s lead trainer, Dianne Simons (Ph.D., OT, FAOTA). We have witnessed many lives touched in the process.
In 2026, with the endorsement from OMA’s founder, Dr. Elizabeth Lokon, Art for the Journey is pausing traditional OMA Facilitator Training to focus on adapting OMA to reach people without a dementia diagnosis. The foundation of OMA provides the best-practice framework to explore the potential impact for adults and children with physical disabilities.
Learn more about our new initiative, Elevating Lives through Art (ELA) and stay tuned for new resources from our team!
Thank you to our wonderful partners at Scripps OMA and Dr. Elizabeth Lokon for encouraging Art for the Journey to expand this beloved program to continuing opening minds and promote well-being for millions.
OMA Facilitator Training at Birmingham Green – Mannasas, VA
OMA Facilitator Training at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center – Richmond, VA
We Believe Every Life Can Be Elevated Through Art
Investing in Well-Being As We Age
What is well-being?
Positive psychologist, Martin Seligman, defined well-being in his famous PERMA model. According to his research, all humans need five critical components to live whole and healthy lives:
- Positive Emotion
- Engagement
- Relationship
- Meaningfulness
- Accomplishment
This model is at the core of OMA’s brilliant methodology that harnesses strengths and centers the individual, not the illness. We witness the effectiveness of this philosophy in the lives of all program participants, regardless of their cognitive or physical abilities.
Already Certified? Find Support!
Scripps OMA offers the individual Facilitator Membership, available exclusively to certified OMA Facilitators and is designed to support you beyond certification.
Members gain access to our private Mighty Networks community, where you can connect with fellow facilitators, share ideas, and get inspired.
Setting up for success
I am so thankful to have crossed paths with OMA and Art for the Journey! I had such a blast at OMA Facilitator Training, I am inspired by all of your hard work, generosity, and kindness. Thank you for setting me up to succeed.
Thoughtfully crafted
I was deeply moved by the community’s connections and creations. OMA is a thoughtfully crafted art program that benefits everyone involved.
