Our Story
JoAnn Smith, Founder of C.A.T.S, a non-profit organization, was created to enrich and empower the artistic capabilities of children and adults, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
JoAnn has 25 years of professional experience working with the special needs community, and as a mother of two children (1 biological and 1 adopted) with severe intellectual disabilities she has extensive personal experience. JoAnn is committed to improving awareness and services that support the emotional and mental health issues experienced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In her role serving and caring for children, she is profoundly aware that the special needs community is vastly underserved.
When JoAnn sought out enrichment opportunities in Charlotte, NC, she discovered that access to artistic programs were limited. She vowed to create a space that serves and nurtures artistic creativity. JoAnn learned how to the teach and apply the basic principles of arts & crafts by watching YouTube videos. [therapeutic services to I/DD individuals may require certification or have a registered art therapist] She sourced projects that are fun, interesting and challenging and adapted techniques to match skill set level. She incorporates various techniques in her monthly and holiday classes that elevate individual competencies and personal goals.
The opportunity to watch her students thrive brings her joy. While the students gain self-awareness, attain personal growth and social integration. These classes also help students with their motor, physical and cognitive skills. JoAnn established CATS in early 2020. While COVID-19 slowed her initial roll-out, she was able to serve a limited population. And, with the help of a few great employees, like LaTonya S., C.A.T.S has successfully served the community and improved the life skills of the students that desperately needed help in achieving personal goals.
JoAnn is a Charlotte, NC native. She is mother of five children and has 10 grandchildren. Her life’s work has been devoted to the care of children. She has fostered many children and is also an adoptive parent. She is active in the advocacy of Mental Health, Medically Fragile and Disability Rights.
JoAnn Smith, Founder
Crafts and Arts Therapeutic Services (C.A.T.S. Inc)
Mission Statement.
The C.A.T.S program is specifically designed to provide enrichment to the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through creative artistic expression. C.A.T.S also promotes an inclusive art community that engages people of all ages and abilities.
Our Key Team Members
LaTonya S.
LaTonya is an experienced and valued team member of C.A.T.S. Her vast experience in the care of individuals with developmental disabilities started in 1999. Her passion to help people began at the young age of 16 years old and it has been her life’s work.
LaTonya is a full-time employee at Nevins, Inc. An organization that provides personalize care to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In her role as group home manager, she ensures that participants achieve their fullest potential through employment and community involvement.
LaTonya has experience in various institutional settings, i.e. convalescent and group homes in ?, IL, Las Vegas, NV and now Charlotte, NC.
LaTonya’s involvement in the C.A.T.S program began at inception and she has been instrumental in its overall growth and direction.
LaTonya says “I love the connections that I have with the students and I love watching them tap into their creativity.”
LaTonya is a resident of Charlotte, NC since 2010.
Kamari A.
Kamari is a mature 15-year-old who loves helping people with intellectual disabilities and working at CATS. She is grateful for the opportunity to help others create beautiful things.
Her interests and hobbies include being a member of the Marching Band and Arts & Craft. Kamari is aspiring to be a pediatric doctor or surgeon, and we are sure she will
Kamari is Charlotte, NC native and will enter the 10th grade Fall of 2021.
Mikey S.
Mikey is an energetic 14-year-old, Queens, NY native. Born pre-mature, 24 weeks, he required extreme medical care and life-sustaining technology.
Mikey’s medical complications caused significant problems, including chronic lung disease and developmental disabilities. Mikey lived the first four years of his life in a hospital. He was fortunate to be fostered and later adopted by the owner of CATS, JoAnn Smith.
Mikey is an amazing young man that is not letting his disabilities control his destiny. He loves wrestling and enjoys playing with power rangers. But, most of all he loves learning how to make creative things and he looks forward to advancing his skills and meeting new people.
Our Vision.
Our vision is to provide a viable educational program that uses artistic activities to facilitate in the development of creative identities and to gain a sense of self and accomplishment. This program will foster creativity, confidence, morale and friendships while creating beautiful works of art. The program will provide competent, knowledgeable, and friendly staff that have extensive experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.