Lynne Bernfield, MA, LMFT, is a celebrated psychotherapist, author, playwright, and longtime champion of creative life who brings decades of experience to the organization’s mission of strengthening theatre, music, dance, and visual arts across the Cultural Coast. Her career spans more than 40 years as a licensed psychotherapist, first in California beginning in 1982 and in Florida since 1995. She founded The Writers and Artists Institute in Studio City, California, where she worked with actors, musicians, dancers, and writers navigating the emotional demands of creative careers. From 2010 to 2024, she created and hosted the “Anatomy of an Artist” podcast, interviewing hundreds of people who make a living and a life with art.

Her creative work runs just as deep. She is the author of “When You Can You Will” (Berkley/Putnam) and the mystery “Mahjongg and Murder,” a playwright of two original one-woman shows, and a singer-songwriter. A familiar face in the community, Lynne has appeared on MySuncoast TV and served on the board of Sarasota Jewish Theatre and the advisory board of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

“I have spent my life among artists, and I know how much a thriving arts community depends on the people who support it,” said Lynne Bernfield. “Joining Sarasota Rising is a joy. I look forward to helping our organizations reach new audiences and to helping young people discover the arts.”