AnnMarie Halterman, born and raised in Wisconsin, began her military career at the Air Force Academy. Commissioned and given the Civil Engineer career field, AnnMarie was mentored by many Airmen, enlisted, civilians, and officers. She was taught professionalism, dedication to the mission, and tenacity when problem solving at home station and in deployed situations.

As a Senior Advisor at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), AnnMarie heard military and veterans discuss the healing and uniting power of the arts. As evidence based academic research findings report on the healing, wellness, and uniting impact of art (Creative Arts Therapy and therapeutic art) and hearing hundreds of testimonials, AnnMarie was inspired to focus on community nonprofit, inclusive arts initiatives.