Nellene Arnett is the Chief Executive Officer of First Focus, a cutting edge non-profit behavioral health organization dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality creative behavioral health services to individuals and communities in need. With nearly two years of experience in the behavioral health sector and an expert in the creative arts, Nellene Arnett has been instrumental in forming and shaping the organization’s vision, growth, and impact.

Under her leadership, First Focus, is OHIOMHAS certified, has passed the Joint Commission and gained National Accreditation within a short time span of ten months. First Focus has expanded its reach for individuals facing the challenges of access to resources and opportunities of advancement by providing care and comprehensive support through behavioral health awareness, the arts, education and vocation. Nellene is committed to advancing innovative, client-centered and CBT models that prioritize wellness and resilience, while promoting the creative arts, passion, purpose, and innovation.

Before creating First Focus, Nellene, served in leadership roles at Tiffin University, where she gained experience and developed expertise in Operation for the Arts Assistant, Tiffin University Gospel Choir Director, and as Tiffin University Kids Choir Director. Nellene holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts Administration Music Business with a minor in Music Theory and Fine Arts from the University of Tiffin. She also continued her studies with her alma mater and earned her Master’s Degree in Higher Education. Therefore, she is deeply committed to ongoing professional development in the areas of education, behavioral health advocacy, human services, operational and organizational management.

A passionate advocate for therapeutic services through the creative arts, Nellene Arnett works closely with community partners, entrepreneurs, local businesses, schools and sponsors to drive systemic change and ensure that all individuals have access to the care they need to grow, develop, and have a more balanced life. Arnett is driven by a profound belief in the power of recovery, the importance of mental wellness, and the potential of every individual to achieve a better quality of life through their passions and the arts.