Meet our Board of Directors

Jessica M. Colón is an educator, community leader, and founder of For the People and Kids, Inc., a nonprofit rooted in nature-based and bilingual learning. After earning a degree in Art History, Jessica began her career as an educator in both historical and children’s museums. She soon discovered her passion for blending these worlds while working at the New York Botanical Garden and teaching at the Edible Academy, where art, history, culture, and nature came together in hands-on, meaningful ways.

Inspired by her childhood on her grandmother’s farm in the mountains of Puerto Rico and her life in New York City, Jessica is passionate about bridging cultural worlds through experiential education.

Her programs empower children and adults alike, blending creativity, hands-on exploration, and language inclusivity to deepen connections to nature and community. With a holistic approach to learning, Jessica creates enriching environments where curiosity grows and meaningful discovery takes place.

Katie Sheehan, formerly a School Psychologist, draws from her profound understanding of education and child development.  In addition to her roles within her family and in academia, Katie is also an accomplished fiber artist and an ardent advocate for the arts and environmental conservation. Alongside her husband, Patrick, she has co-founded Hippie Feet Tie Dyes, their own company dedicated to spreading creativity through crafting and fiber arts classes.

Katie introduces young minds to an early appreciation for the environment through hands-on experiences such as tending to her garden and imparting sustainable practices. Her life seamlessly blends the roles of motherhood, her educational expertise, artistic creativity, and her unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. She is a dedicated educator, a nurturing guide, a creative spirit, and an impassioned champion for a sustainable way of life.

Joe Roman’s career is marked by a strong dedication to finance education and leadership development, providing one-on-one mentoring and consulting.

A cum laude graduate of Harvard University, Joe spent over a decade as a history teacher in NYC, where his innovative teaching methods made a lasting impact on his students. His commitment to education extends into community leadership, showcasing his passion for fostering growth and development.

Joe’s expertise in finance and leadership greatly enriches our finance literature workshops, offering valuable insights and strategic perspectives. His enthusiasm and steadfast support have been instrumental in enhancing our finance programs and providing individualized leadership consulting. We are fortunate to have Joe Roman on our team, as his expertise and passion propel our mission forward with energy and clarity.

 Joe is available for individual consulting work. 

Dr. Michael Garber brings 40 years of experience with the Diamond Method for Music, alongside three decades of leading music outreach programs. His deep scholarly knowledge of Tin Pan Alley music, combined with his teaching experience across a wide age range—from four to ninety-four—adds significant depth to the project.

In addition to his PhD, Michael has training as a dancer and holds a diploma from the Institute for Music and Health (founded by Dr. Diamond), as well as a certificate in the CME program from the Australian National University.

Dr. Mike offers a unique blend of musical expertise and educational experience, along with a steadfast commitment to enriching the creative lives of our learners.

Dr. Sue Carpenter is a seasoned educator with over 45 years of experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the project. As an accomplished artist and performer, she has dedicated 30 years to community art-making and studying the Diamond Method for Art and Music. For the past 15 years, Sue has taught future educators how to effectively engage children in the arts.

She holds a certificate in Community Music Engagement (CME) from the Australian National University and earned her PhD with a case study on an inclusive CME initiative in Canberra, inspired by Dr. Diamond’s work and philosophy.

Dr. Sue offers a unique blend of artistic expertise and educational experience, along with a deep commitment to enriching the creative lives of our learners.

Livia Fleming is a holistic educator, herbalist, and sustainability advocate dedicated to reconnecting people with nature. Raised on her family’s farm in the forests of Slovakia, she developed a deep appreciation for the farm-to-table lifestyle. She went on to study biotechnology, food, and cosmetic sciences.

As a lead educator with the Wild Roots Project at DIG Farm, Livia teaches foraging, herbalism, and mycology. She also serves on the BH district’s sustainability committee, where she engages students in environmental stewardship and community service.

Through her brand, Live Green by Liv, she creates handcrafted herbal and wellness products that reflect her passion for sustainable living. Livia’s work inspires others to embrace holistic wellness, support their communities, and build deeper connections to the natural world.

Danielle Colavito is the founder of Soul Shining Wellness, where she empowers women to embrace health, wholeness, and radiant living. A wife and mother of two, Danielle’s journey into wellness was inspired by her children’s health challenges and her desire to support other families.

With over 15 years of experience as an event planner, Danielle shifted her focus to holistic health and prevention. She is a certified Revelation Wellness® Fitness Instructor, Christian-based Wellness Coach, Urban Farmer, and Professional Affiliate with the Juice Plus+ Company.

Through fitness, nutrition, and faith-based coaching, Danielle supports mothers in creating healthy, thriving homes. Whether leading small groups, teaching families how to grow their own food, or inspiring others through her wellness ministry, Danielle is dedicated to helping others live fully and let their souls shine.

Nicole Sidman is the heart and soul behind Anahata Yoga, LLC, where she brings joy, depth, and spiritual connection to every practice. Immersed in the world of yoga since 2011, Nicole is a 500-hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) and a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), known for her nurturing and transformative teaching style.

With a deep passion for the healing power of yoga, Nicole has led teacher trainings, curated wellness programs, and offered a wide range of workshops that go far beyond the mat. Her approach weaves together movement, breath, and a connection to the sacred Earth—guiding students on a journey of self-discovery and inner alignment.

Nicole’s classes invite you to explore yoga not only as a physical practice but as a path to reconnect with your Divine essence. Her studio is a welcoming space for all levels to experience joy, mindfulness, and meaningful transformation.

Visit Nicole’s studio and experience the heart-centered energy of Anahata Yoga for yourself.
 

Anna Mayta is a Chilean‑born educator, choreographer, and dance artist with more than 20 years of international teaching and performance experience. She holds a B.A. in Dance in Education from Empire State College and a yoga‑teaching certificate from Svyasa Yoga University in India.

As founder and director of Mayta Fusion Dance,  Anna uses movement as a bridge for cultural exchange, blending African, Classical Indian, Flamenco, Latin, Chilean, and Modern forms into her signature fusion style. She has created three hallmark programs—Spanish Language Through Movement, Fusion Dance, and Transcending Linguistic Prejudice Through Movement—that foster connection, creativity, and equity.

Her creative leadership and commitment to cultural equity have earned her grants and awards from CREATE, the Dutchess County Arts Council, and the Arts in Education Roundtable NYC. Through every class, workshop, and performance, Anna Mayta invites audiences and students alike to explore the power of movement as a universal language.

Priscilla Padilla is the founder of Living on Vibrant Energy (L.O.V.E.), a heart-centered initiative dedicated to promoting inclusive, holistic well-being for all walks of life. She is a bilingual (Spanish, ASL), trauma-informed yoga guide, certified children’s yoga teacher, Reiki attuned practitioner, and sound healing facilitator. 
With over a decade of experience in trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness practices, Priscilla offers programs and workshops tailored to individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults, weaving together elements such as sound healing, breathwork, mindful play, and sensory connection.

Priscilla’s teachings emphasize self-regulation tools, present-moment awareness, and inner empowerment, always rooted in the foundation of self-love. Her multifaceted approach ensures that each experience is personalized, nurturing a safe space for healing, growth, and authentic connection.

In addition to her in-person work, she also shares tools for mind, body, and soul through her Etsy shop, LOVEbyPriscilla, offering resources to support holistic wellness at home.

Yesenia Arrunategui is a bilingual culinary educator and the founder of My Whisk and Mat,  a community-based initiative that connects people to nourishing, sustainable food through hands-on, culturally rich experiences.

A graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute, Yesenia is trained as a health-supportive chef with a focus on plant-based cooking, local sourcing, and food justice. She has spent the past six years working with nonprofits and educational institutions across New York City, including the New York Botanical Garden’s Edible Academy, where she highlighted the power of local produce in building healthier food systems.

Named one of Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center’s “40 Under 40: Rising Stars in NYC Food Policy,” Yesenia continues to collaborate with policymakers, farmers, and community advocates to foster accessible, equitable food education.

Whether in schools, gardens, or kitchens, she creates joyful culinary experiences that celebrate culture, wellness, and lifelong connection to food.

 Ava Berman is a passionate cartoonist and teaching artist who has been drawing and writing comics since childhood. She studied art and now channels her creativity into graphic design, creating original t-shirts and merchandise featuring her artwork. Ava is also a proud member of the Mount Kisco Arts Council, where she contributes by designing playful cartoon illustrations that capture the spirit of community events and programs. With a love for storytelling and visual expression, Ava inspires young artists to explore their imaginations through comics and illustration. 

Mireyli Morales is a dedicated Mount Kisco native currently residing in Westchester, New York. She is a senior at SUNY New Paltz, pursuing a major in Art Education. Driven by a strong passion for both art and education, Mireyli aspires to become an art teacher, aiming to work with either young children or high school students.

As an active member of the Art Education Student Association's executive board, Mireyli is enthusiastic about advancing her journey in art education and building connections with her peers. She specializes in drawing and painting but also enjoys exploring 3D art. Mireyli is committed to being a supportive mentor for her future students and inspiring them to tap into their creative potential.

She firmly believes that art is a vital part of education and is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and nurturing classroom environment. Despite initially not envisioning a career in teaching, Mireyli has discovered that this path is where she truly belongs. She looks forward to the opportunities ahead and is excited about making a meaningful impact in the field of art education.

Andrea Lavalle is a young and creative mind with a deep connection to nature, sustainability, and the transformative power of education. She believes that children are the guardians of the future and that when they are given the freedom to explore, experiment, and create, they develop a genuine relationship with the world around them.

Andrea's passion for the environment, recycling, and sustainability has led her to create a living learning space, where every tree, seed, and recycled object tells a story of respect and responsibility for the planet. Through hands-on experiences, children in her programs touch the earth, grow their food, and discover the power of creative reuse—learning that sustainability is not just a habit but a mindset.

She believes in education as an adventure, learning as a sensory experience, and nature as the ultimate teacher. Andrea’s goal is for every child to leave her classes with not only knowledge but also a deep-rooted connection to the land and the desire to be a force for change. " After all, every little hand that plants a seed today is growing the forests of tomorrow.

 Hillary Lavalle brings a rich background in psychology and a deep passion for the arts to our educational team. Originally from Peru, she has seven years of experience working with babies, children, and adolescents, fostering their growth through creativity and expression.

With a love for fine arts, painting, and nature, Hillary designs engaging, hands-on projects that inspire students to explore their creativity while embracing diversity and inclusion. She is skilled in differentiating lessons to meet the unique needs of each learner, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive.

Hillary integrates the STREAM approach (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) into her teaching, encouraging students to think critically, problem-solve, and make interdisciplinary connections through artistic exploration. By blending science and art, storytelling and engineering, and hands-on creativity, she creates immersive learning experiences that spark curiosity and innovation.

Her dedication to student development, combined with her expertise in both psychology and art, allows her to cultivate a learning environment where young artists can express themselves, build confidence, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts and the world around them.

Mason Abzun is a Mount Kisco native with a deep passion for providing resources to everyone in her community. As a dedicated volunteer for community organizations such as the Mount Kisco Arts Council, she has actively worked to bring art and opportunity into spaces accessible to all. Her commitment to community enrichment is evident in her efforts to make art a shared and inclusive experience.

In her role as an educator with For the People and Kids, Inc., Mason strives to bridge the gaps in Westchester County by offering equal access to nature, education, and art to people of all ages. Her work focuses on creating inclusive programs that inspire and empower the community, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience the transformative power of these resources.

Mason is currently a senior at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where she is pursuing a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. Her educational journey has equipped her with a diverse skill set, including expertise in illustration, fashion design, clothes construction, and graphic design. Mason's creative talents and academic pursuits reflect her dedication to both her personal growth and her mission to enhance her community.

With her unique blend of artistic skills and community-focused initiatives, Mason Abzun continues to make a positive impact, fostering an environment where creativity and opportunity flourish for all.

Nadya Mainskaya, founder of Nadya Auris, is a certified sound healer, guided meditation practitioner, and intuitive soul guide. Her journey into meditation began with psychology courses and learning autogenic training in 2006 while pursuing a degree in pedagogics (TESOL). Originally from Russia, Nadya later relocated to the United States, where she earned a BBA degree in marketing management and spent a decade working in diverse corporate environments.

Despite her successful corporate career, the transformative experiences of autogenic training set Nadya on a path of continual self-development. Over the years, she pursued various courses, attended retreats, engaged life coaches, and delved into soul work, sound healing, voice work, and embodiment techniques. These practices not only enriched her life but also inspired her to share their profound benefits with others.

Today, Nadya joyfully channels her extensive personal journey into Nadya Auris, where she facilitates practices that have profoundly transformed her own life. Her mission is to empower others through meditation, sound healing, and intuitive guidance, fostering deep personal growth and inner harmony.

Elizabeth Mills is the founder of Plastics Made Pretty and a dedicated crafts educator. With a lifelong passion for environmental sustainability, Elizabeth is committed to transforming how we view and use recycled materials. From a young age, she believed that recycling plastics could profoundly impact the world. Today, she channels this early enthusiasm into creating innovative home goods and decor items made from recycled and upcycled materials.  Elizabeth’s mission extends far beyond crafting; she is an advocate for the circular economy, demonstrating the immense value of repurposing and upcycling. Through her engaging workshops and educational programs, she empowers individuals to recognize the potential in everyday materials and promotes sustainable practices. Her work not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also deepens our understanding of environmental stewardship, encouraging a more conscious and eco-friendly approach to consumption and creativity.

 Visit her Instagram to view her amazing and sustainable creations. You can find Elizabeth at various local farmers markets and artisan workshops throughout Westchester. To explore her amazing and sustainable creations, be sure to visit her website: https://mycommunitymade.com/store/plastics-made-pretty/ tates.