Nancy Herard-Marshall*

As an educator and visiting instructor, Nancy taught cultural competency and social justice in the creative arts therapies at Pratt Institute, where she also served as co-curriculum consultant to dismantle and decolonize the current educational program. Before her metastatic breast cancer (MBC) diagnosis, she maintained a private practice as the proprietor of Gaya Healing Arts, where she provided services to her community as a psychotherapist, dance/movement therapist, authentic movement practitioner, and Ra Sekhi Kemetic Reiki practitioner. Nancy utilized artistic, contemporary, and ancestral healing techniques as emotional support to Black, Indigenous, and all people of color from a culturally affirming therapeutic approach.

As a patient advocate, Nancy was an LBBC 2021 Hear My Voice alumna. She was also an individual member of MBCAlliance and of Komen’s MBC Steering Committee, and a Grasp Advocate. Passionate about sharing knowledge, Nancy presented on palliative care and integrative therapies in Susan G. Komen webinars. To further amplify the voices of those living with MBC, Nancy lead the MBCmoves! initiative, offering monthly dance and movement sessions through Project Life MBC, a virtual wellness non-profit that is free to its members.

In 2013 Nancy was diagnosed with DCIS and completed aggressive treatment. However, in 2020, during the COVID 19 pandemic, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Nancy passed away on May 26, 2024 and will be remembered for her important advocacy work and her ability to create community and connection.