Nicole Pero is a multidisciplinary artist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in North Andover, MA, who blends her passion for healing and creativity in both her professional and artistic life. A graduate of Montserrat College of Art, where she majored with a concentration in fine arts, and Cambridge College with a master’s in counseling, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of mental health and artistic expression.

With over 14 years in recovery, Nicole draws on her lived experience to connect deeply with others—especially children. In her work as a children’s therapist, she integrates art and animal-assisted therapy, often alongside her beloved dog Norman, to help young clients feel safe, open up, and explore difficult emotions through creativity.

Outside of her therapy practice, Nicole is a portrait artist, offering custom drawings that capture the essence and personality of her subjects. Her work is intimate, emotionally rich, and rooted in a deep understanding of people. Dogs are a recurring theme in both her personal life and art, symbolizing loyalty, comfort, and unconditional love.

Nicole continues to create art that heals, inspires, and tells stories—one sketch, one session, and one heart at a time.

Gail Byrnes

Gail Byrnes is an artist and also an acupuncturist, shamanic practitioner, sound healer practicing in Topsfield. 

Gail works in many different art mediums. She loves working with fabric, driftwood, paper clay, and found objects. Much of her art is focused on the natural world.