Mariah Lee Wilberg

About Mariah Lee Wilberg

You know that magic feeling when everything just goes right? Life loves you and you love it back. Doors open and opportunities come knocking, and you’re in your happy place. I spent years there while my career, personal, and academic life blossomed. What I didn’t realize was that I was in a role that engaged both head and heart—logic and creativity. I thrived in a space where I could bring my full self to work. It was fast-paced, a natural fit for my (then undiagnosed) neurodivergence. Then I made a mistake many of us make: I thought I had to keep climbing the ladder. After being recognized for my leadership, I assumed I needed an official “leadership” title. Ironically, the qualities that made me effective were the ones I left behind with each step up. Ten years in, I had the title and salary—but I was miserable. The sparkle and creativity I was known for were gone. I was going through the motions—or worse, disengaged. Goals, once magnetized to me, became elusive. I felt stuck. I tried to logic away every inner nudge to pivot. If this sounds familiar, do something now. Some might call it PTSD, dissociative type. A provider called it autistic burnout. To me, it felt like my brain broke in half. Like the parts that used to work together weren’t even speaking anymore. I couldn’t write. Couldn’t work. I had a trauma response just seeing a work email. I was underemployed for over a year while my life unraveled. The shame of losing the skills you built your identity around is immense. I’d been intelligent, driven, successful—and suddenly I felt like none of those things. I was frozen, dissociated, focused on survival. Recovery has been a long road—much like healing from a brain injury. I’ve made major lifestyle changes to support my nervous system. But the most profound healing came from making art. Because it was the disconnection from my creative self that ultimately led to burnout. Reconnecting with that part brought me back to life. If you’re in public health or a related field your logical mind is likely your superpower. But you also have a creative side. It may speak in longing, in dreams you dismiss, or the quiet urge to rest. We’re taught to silence that part. But you deserve a life of fullness, authenticity, and magic. And the people you serve deserve you at your best. Therapeutic art is one way to reconnect with yourself and rediscover joy, purpose, and meaning. Helping people like you gives me purpose and meaning. Book a free, no-pressure session today. Let’s help you come home to yourself. https://calendly.com/artofpublichealth

Experience

1. Health Education Coordinator

   The Aliveness Project

   Sep 2025 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

   Educate people impacted by HIV about stigma, social support, and mental, physical, and emotional health.~Research and design professional development programming and promotional materials for infectious disease researchers, university staff and students, healthcare providers, public health professionals, and other stakeholders.~Develop therapeutic arts and health education programming and communications content addressing stigma, social isolation, and wellbeing for people living with HIV.

Education

• Metro State University

  Bachelor of Arts, Individualized Studies

  2016 — 2019

• Metro State University

  Master of Public Administration

  2019 — 2021

• Naropa University

  (In progress) Master of Fine Arts - MFA, Creative Writing