Meet Our Team

founder / studio director / restorative arts facilitator / creative griefologist

With a degree in Journalism/Public Relations, Daune has spent most of her career in corporate roles.  A published article in Country Living magazine she wrote before graduation about a landscape architect building his home between two rocks on a side of a cliff helped her land her first job out of college as laborer/foreman of a landscaping crew. She went on to hold various leadership positions in administration, finance, and human resources over the past 40+ years, mostly in the field of commercial landscaping or related industries. 

She began making art again about 20 years ago as a hobby and gravitated to the art supplies and influences of her childhood.  Becoming so enamored with its transformational, self-healing powers, she became certified as a Restorative Teaching Artist. In 2007, she started an Art for Therapy Program at Broad Street Love (formerly called Broad Street Ministry) for people struggling below the poverty line. 

After the loss of her teenage daughter in 2012 to a rare blood cancer, she became certified as a Grief Support Specialist.  She founded a legacy project called Blooming Peace, partnering with community organizations offering creative expression experiences as grief support for transformation and well-being.  In the fall of 2024, she was unexpectedly presented with the opportunity to open Blooming Peace Studio @ Whitemarsh Learning & Wellness Center.  Taking a leap of faith, she transitioned out of the regular corporate world to embrace this endeavor.

"The studio and creative expression experiences are the seedlings to a greater globally expansive vision and mission, to inspire a World of Peace & Well-Being Movement—a community with a social impact focus of life-giving support for people navigating through loss, change, and passages of all kinds—making peace in the world one heart at a time." — Daune Marie

creativity and movement facilitator

Lauren is a psychotherapist and embodied art and movement educator. Her playful and soulful workshops are designed to give you artmaking experiences that deepen your connection with yourself to flow with creative energy. She will lead you to go beyond talk where you can discover your favorite way to hear and express your authentic voice, letting you experience the awe and endless ability to heal, renew, and recreate your life no matter what stage you are in.

“Expressive art is therapeutic. It softens the voice of our inner critic so we can listen to our brave and wise intuition for more ease and self-compassion. An extensive background and training in play therapy, expressive dance, creative arts and psychotherapy have shown me how spontaneous movement and artmaking can deeply impact our mental and emotional well-being for good. These activities expand our inner resources for joy and problem solving and provide integration for new insights gained. Creative energy and transformation are encoded in our make-up, and artmaking is a powerful activator!”

Learn more about Lauren here.

alcohol inks facilitator

Lori is a long time social worker who unexpectedly discovered alcohol inks a few years ago, serendipitously unleashing her inner artist. She used all her free time during the pandemic to experimentally learn multiple techniques and improve her skills while working with this magical, mercurial, and very fluid medium. She opted to start taking some art classes in other mediums at her local art league and was met some amazing life-long artists who encouraged her to develop a beginner workshop and become an instructor. Desperate for a change and with a desire to reinvent herself, she rose to the challenge.

She has taught over 100 one-off and 5-week session workshops at numerous locations including The Norristown Art League, Evansburg Vineyard, and Mt. Airy Learning Tree. She volunteers with Expressive Paths in Norristown teaching disadvantaged teens. With a penchant for abstract florals, she has sold some of her reproductions as small note cards in a variety of stores in Montgomery County, including Valley Forge Flowers in Wayne, PA.

“I have never been happier and simply want to earn a living making art and introducing others to this medium as well as talk about the importance of mental health and using creativity as a way to relax, soothe, and distract from the challenges of life. I can be found on Facebook @Lori Lorraine, @zanymom on Instagram.

zentangle facilitator

Sue T. has been creating art for as long as she can remember. She was an art major in high school but ended up being a nurse for over forty years. She has her Master in Nursing Education.

Throughout her nursing career, she continued to be creative and used her art as a form of self-care. She is an accomplished paper artist and has taught rubber stamping and paper crafts over the last twenty years.

Prior to the pandemic, Sue T. took a beginner Zentangle class. Zentangle called to her because it is an art form that anyone can do. Sue T. felt that she couldn’t draw well, but found beauty, satisfaction, and relaxation in Zentangle. It became an outlet for her during the extremely stressful times of being a nurse during Covid. She is a Certified Zentangle Teacher and loves to share the creativity and mindfulness of Zentangle with others.

Sue T. is married with two cats—Pixie and Petey—and an extremely supportive husband who doesn’t mind her drawing all the time.

Learn more about Sue here.

honoring transitions / nature-informed facilitator

Anna Murphey, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who has served the greater Philadelphia community through the arts, education, and healthcare since 2006. Her experience as a hospice social worker during the pandemic inspired her journey to become a therapist specializing in grief, loss, and life transitions. Anna’s therapeutic style is relational, holistic, and informed by 12+ years of Buddhist study and meditation practice. A certified Nature-Informed Therapist and ecotherapy practitioner, Anna enjoys working with clients outdoors on Philadelphia-area parks and trails, as well as in her office and via telehealth. Anna is the Founder and Director of Skylight Wellness Center, LLC.

papercutting facilitator

I am a papercut artist, past President of the Guild of American Papercutters and a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT).

I am an artist- 

A wife

A mother

A friend

A woman

And a fellow human being.

My love language is my art. I strive to share that with others through my work, teaching, engagement and communication. As a self-taught artist I understand firsthand what it is like to explore a new medium. I use my experiences and all my senses to inspire my students to find their own personal expressions.​

I create personalized papercuts by commission and teach as well. I love introducing students to the world for art through introductory and advanced classes. Both art forms are quite accessible to those with no art background.  

In addition to being an artist, I have worked in Jewish education for 38 years. View Mindy’s work at www.mindyshapiro.com.

soul collage / labyrinth facilitator

Pam Jameson is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in a creative approach to Life and Leadership. As a trained artist, she teaches her clients to activate and engage their own core strengths and intuition through artistic process and mindfulness meditation practices. She has led expressive art workshops and retreats globally since 2008, teaches mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and provides 1-on-1 coaching for those interested in personal growth through the transformative and healing power of art.

After retiring from a 30-year career in Pharmaceutical Drug Development, Pam longed to live a creative life and founded “Zenspired”, a mindful art studio in Ambler PA. She earned her certification to teach mindfulness-based stress reduction from the University of Pennsylvania and began teaching mindful art workshops for the Penn Mindfulness program. She is a certified Labyrinth Facilitator, SoulCollage Teacher, Zentangle Teacher (CZT), and certified Art4Healing instructor who trained in the Zagon Expressive Arts Method directly under Laurie Zagon.   

For more information about Pam’s mindful art workshops visit pamelajameson.com.

blessing the wound / harvesting hope facilitator

Naila Francis is a certified grief coach and death midwife, an interfaith minister and a writer/poet. As the founder of This Hallowed Wilderness, she serves as a compassionate guide for the grieving, helping them navigate their losses with holistic, heart-centered care and support.

Through her practice, she offers one-on-one coaching, workshops, community grief tending and rituals. Her work is often informed by her love of poetry, nature, and spiritual and mindfulness-based practices.

Naila is also a co-founder of Salt Trails, a Philadelphia collective holding space for grief through community rituals, and a recipient of a Leeway Foundation Art + Change Grant.

An ardent joy enthusiast, Naila believes in grieving well as a fundamental human skill that ultimately deepens our capacity for pleasure, connection and compassion.

You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook @thishallowedwilderness and learn more about her work at www.thishallowedwilderness.com

monthly story circles / retro music with artmaking and brunch facilitator

Emily Scheivert is a Certified Life Coach with a lifelong passion for storytelling and the transformative power of deep listening.

With a distinguished career as a radio journalist, she was the host of The Women’s File, a long running program on B-101 FM, Philadelphia. Honored for excellence by both the Associated Press and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, the show provided a platform for women making an impact in the world. Each week, Emily had the privilege of engaging in meaningful conversations with authors, artists, thought leaders, spiritual teachers, and activists—women whose voices and visions shaped the cultural and social landscape.

Now, building on her dedication to fostering connection and personal growth, Emily has expanded her work beyond the airwaves. Having completed Brené Brown’s intensive Dare to Lead training, she brings the principles of courage, vulnerability, and wholehearted leadership into her work. She currently leads a Story Circle at Blooming Peace Studio, creating a safe and supportive space where women share their stories, inspire one another and set intentions for lives of greater meaning.

art of embodiment facilitator

Hi, I’m Ashley (she/her)!

I’m passionate about creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported as they reconnect with their inner wisdom and wholeness. I believe that when we give ourselves the space to express creatively, we tap into something deeper—something that can guide us back to ourselves in ways words can’t always do.

Through movement, expressive arts, and community, I gently invite you to explore and discover your own unique inner guidance. For me, creative expression is a way to quiet the noise of the mind, bring out play and spontaneity, and cultivate a sense of deeper connection—both with ourselves and with others.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing, especially in moments of difficulty or pain. It can help restore our sense of agency, bring back joy, and remind us of the beauty in simply being present in our bodies and lives. I’m so grateful to be part of that process with others.

For over a decade, I’ve worked as a licensed clinical social worker in the Philadelphia, PA area, supporting individuals impacted by complex trauma and relational violence. I also hold certification as a Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment (TCTSY), and I’m honored to integrate this work with the individuals and communities I support.

art journaling facilitator

Becky has been creating art for as far back as she can remember. She took art in high school and also Commercial Art, worked as a sign maker\designer for 7 years, and then almost 20 years at a nonprofit children’s camp.

She began a daily practice of art journaling and bullet journaling to organize her busy work days/home life. Art was always an escape. She is now a full-time working artist, wife, and mom of a very creative college student.

She loves all kinds of art, including drawing, painting, lettering, calligraphy, jewelry making, wood carving, and sewing, just about anything she can make with her hands. Constant daily practice of art is now habitual and self-care for her. She loves to share her years of experience creating, and what she has learned through a lot of trial and error.

Some of Becky’s art pursuits can be found on her Etsy shop, Instagram, and Facebook - Beckyatcamp

“I want you to know that anyone can create art. You should NEVER compare your art to someone else. I can help you begin or encourage you on your own creative path so you can make your own mistakes/discoveries to learn from and grow. I am so happy to have found Blooming Peace and to have the opportunity to hopefully inspire you”

- Becky

reimaging hard holidays / healing arts facilitator

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember, starting with making sculptures out of dirt in the side yard of my parents' house. As a child, I was fascinated by Three Musicians by Picasso. After seeing that image, my life was never the same—an artist was born.

I began my formal art journey at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, choosing photography as my primary medium. I was inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson's idea of the "decisive moment"—that perfect instant the artist captures for the viewer to experience.

My work has been exhibited in the collections of the Philadelphia Sketch Club, the Philadelphia Plastic Club, and the Arthritis Foundation of Cherry Hill. I have also taught sculpture with the Willingboro Art Alliance, painting at Allens Lane Art Center, and drawing at the Ambler Art Center.

Art—and the learning of any medium—is a beautiful and transformative experience. It brings out a sense of childlike playfulness in all of us. It touches something deep within, offering glimpses of our inner selves that we rarely see in everyday life. I am dedicated to creating spaces where others can explore their creativity freely, heal through art, and connect with their truest selves.

shekere / gourd arts facilitator

Tami has worked in publishing, taught high school English and college writing, but what truly brings her joy is escaping her anxious monkey-mind and stressed-out body. She finds that this escape happens most authentically through experiences with nature, music, and creative expression.

Although she does not consider herself the most accomplished artist or musician, she has a passion for rhythm. For several years, she drove over an hour from her home to NYC every Sunday to take lessons with the amazing African percussionist, Madeleine Yayodele Nelson.

Her time and experiences with Madeleine were both inspirational and transformative, and have inspired Tami to share the instrument of shekere with a community who might also benefit from both its creation and its myriad sounds.

pressed flower arts facilitator

Hello Friendy!

My name is Christine, a tender-hearted human who values creative living and self-expression through making things. Drawn to natural beauty, simple everyday moments, whimsy, and all things papery, my work emphasizes the art of connection. I make and share art as a way to provide comfort, celebrate, and show love. Making greeting cards is my favorite joyful act.

I am a collector of shells, sea glass and heart shaped stones. Taking beauty walks, discovering treasure, and pressing flowers makes me happy. Using found objects in art making emphasizes our connection to the gifts of the natural world.

I teach full-time in the Behavioral Health Human Services (BHHS) program at Community College of Philadelphia and have worked in a variety of capacities as a licensed clinical social worker.

As an educator-practitioner, I value the art of self-discovery and learning through the integration of expressive arts; especially poetry, visual art, and expressive writing.

I am currently a student at Northwest Creative and Expressive Arts Institute (NWCEAI) pursuing professional training as an expressive arts facilitator. I love joining with others in support of their creativity and wellness.

intro to ink and brush painting facilitator

Lawrence Souder is a retired academic who now spends much his time in the Zen arts: the shakuhachi (bamboo flute), ikebana (flower arranging), and shodo (ink and brush).

He has trained under Chinese calligraphic painter Alok Hsu Kwang-Han and Japanese brush master Kazuaki Tanahashi. His spiritual home is the Zen Center of Philadelphia at 49th Street and Cedar Avenue.

intern extraordinaire

Hannah is currently attending art college, majoring in Illustration with a minor in creative writing. She found her love of art early on in her life and has continued her creative pursuits throughout her life so far. 

She finds the most enjoyment through storytelling within her art and explores it through many different mediums such as watercolor, alcohol marker, colored pencil, acrylic paint, and digitally on an iPad.

 Hannah discovered Blooming Peace Studio through her search to find a summer internship.

 “I’m so happy I found Blooming Peace, it’s a wonderful place, with a fantastic community of people that grows everyday. I hope to see you there!” -Hannah

pet lovers / poetry / Japanese painting styles / body image positivity facilitator

Marla is a retired Philadelphia School Teacher. She taught for 35 years mostly teaching 5th grade which she loved. In Marla’s retirement, she takes many different kinds of art classes. She finds painting very soothing and paints in watercolor, acrylic and Asian Brush.

Marla says, “Taking many different classes here at Blooming Peace Studio has been cathartic for me. I am finding that the Creative Expression processes that go on during my art projects help me to grow and change.”

Marla has also studied Chinese Brush painting- She appreciates the elegance in its simplicity and beauty. She has also studied Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging in the school of Ikenobo, a beautiful and simple form.

basket weaving facilitator

I learned to weave baskets after taking a class over 35 years ago. My first love has always been traditional Appalachian style baskets, based on the rich heritage of the baskets made throughout the Appalachian Mountains, baskets both beautiful and functional. However, I often go a bit wild by designing and weaving art baskets. In this case, my favorite basket is one that is organic, incorporates natural elements and follows the lines of nature.

Basketry led me to loom weaving, and I now make clothing from the fabric I weave. The style of weaving I practice appeals to my organic side and is called Saori weaving, a Japanese style of free form weaving.

My latest pursuit is broom making. Once again, I weave the traditional brooms of the Appalachian Mountains such as turkey wing and hawk tail whisks in addition to cobwebber brooms.

I love teaching the art of basket weaving and broom making and am so grateful to those who take my classes with the desire to learn about and perhaps carry on these unique traditions.

Although I was originally from Illinois where we had a farm and Iowa, where I went to college, I have lived in Philadelphia since 1981. My husband and I have lived in Mt. Airy since 2002 and find it the perfect place to live.

https://www.instagram.com/prairiemoonbasketsandbrooms/

mosaics facilitator

Laura Lyn Stern is an artist and art educator who resides and maintains a studio in Philadelphia, Pa. Her formal education includes receiving a BFA in Textile Design from Moore College of Art, an MA in Ceramics from Purdue University and an MFA in Ceramic Sculpture from Louisiana State University. Ongoing intensive studies in kiln formed glass at Bullseye Resource Center, Pittsburgh Glass Center and Urban Glass in addition to her natural curiosity fuels a vibrant studio practice.

Laura Lyn holds several Artist in Residence/ Teaching Artist positions on an ongoing basis...working in schools and art centers with students, creating site specific permanent large scale mosaic murals. She has led adult workshops focusing on mosaic tile making and sculptural practices at Fleisher Art Memorial, Center on the Hill, Peters Valley and Touchstone Center for the Arts.

Stern’s mixed media mosaic artwork takes several forms including creating commissioned residential and commercial installations, freeform panels and sculptures. Laura Lyn works with Philadelphia based Mural Arts, her recent mosaic murals include “Art is For Everyone” at Tacony LAB and “Life Underground” installed at Bartram’s Village.

Always searching for new ways to express timeless concepts, experimentation with new and unusual materials and processes are her passion and ongoing artistic journey.

facilitator

SoulWater Healing Arts

Artist, healer, energist, and educator who walks with a medicine basket filled with many tools. Jennifer is dedicated through love, compassion, and passion in support of people awakening to their highest potential, feeling unconditional love through embodied awareness, creativity, and following the energy of the natural creative healing process.

Jennifer’s work comes from a deep place inside her heart that is informed by the decades of doing this work, the creative life force, imagination, and intuition. She lives in a dynamic, sensitive relationship with the natural world and Mother Earth. Her work is divinely influenced and inspired by the mystery and the magic that she sees and feels all around her. She is fascinated by the remarkable patterns, shapes, colors, textures, energies, the elements, invisibles, and our amazing bodies. As a visionary artist, embodied healer, Intentional Creativity educator, Maitri Breathwork teacher & facilitator, Somatic Stress Release practitioner, her work is in service to supporting people in their process of awakening, growing, healing, and loving themselves unconditionally.

She teaches how to follow energies of transformation and holds that when you live life with intention, you curate your own consciousness. To create is to activate one’s energies, grow self-awareness, and develop a deeper relationship with one’s spirituality, becoming more mindful.

Jennifer works with clients to heal the issues in their tissues and is a guide who walks the path of her own healing and spiritual emergence. Jennifer’s passions are fueled by the study of subtle energy, the practices of many forms of body movement, hoop dance, painting, dance, music, meditation, breathwork, energy work, the creative arts, and the love of animals and cooking. That is when she is not in her garden cultivating and growing relationships with her plants.

Insta. jennifer_sugarwoman

Facebook. Jennifer Sugarwoman

facilitator

Gail is fueled by an irrepressible urge to create. From childhood adventures building leafy homes in autumn to fashioning doll clothes from scarves, her boundless imagination and curiosity have defined every chapter of her life.

With a formal background as an Art Major, Gail has embraced many roles—homemaker, paramedical esthetician, entrepreneur—yet her daily passion for creating art has remained unwavering. She thrives on exploring new ideas, materials, and techniques across multiple mediums, finding joy in every artistic discovery.

Her creative path has led to a wealth of rewarding opportunities:  

- Commissioned paintings and decorative objects for private and commercial clients  

- Shared studio spaces and collaborative projects with fellow artists in Manayunk  

- Classes and workshops at respected art centers  

- Facilitated intergenerational creative workshops for seniors at Brightview, where she and the participants found deep fulfillment

In response to encouragement from her family and friends, she recently launched group decoupage classes and now offers one-on-one mentoring for aspiring painters. Her teaching style is hands-on and supportive:  

- Demonstrating techniques in acrylics, watercolors, alcohol inks, and decoupage  

- Guiding students through each step while honoring their unique creative voices  

- Cultivating an environment where experimentation is celebrated and there are truly no “mistakes”

One of Gail's greatest joys is painting alongside her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, witnessing their artistic curiosity blossom. She believes every piece of art is an honest expression of self, and sharing that process with others is the highest gift.  

“My lifelong passion—to create, collaborate, and learn - continues to fuel my journey in the hopes of inspiring all who have the desire to embark on this artistic adventure with me!” ~Gail

facilitator

For over 30 years, Cheryl has been actively involved in the floral industry. Since 1994, all of her creative energy and talents have focused on “Flowers On Location,” her recreational floral/horticultural therapy business.  Cheryl brings fun, educational programs “On Location,” to ALL ages and abilities (4 -104).  She says, “Flower arranging is a wonderful activity that nurtures creativity, self-expression, and self-esteem ... Flowers are fresh, but they don't talk back!”  

Cheryl has established a reputation for entertaining demonstrations that educate her audiences. In addition, she offers hands-on workshops where the participants make and take. She brings hundreds of programs throughout the year to nursing homes, retirement communities, adult day centers, corporations, garden clubs, special needs clients, and more. Along with her talented staff, she designs beautiful weddings and special events.

 Cheryl regularly presents the following programs:

*   Corporate Lunch/After work, stress reduction and team building workshops to improve morale and productivity on the job … a great diversion from stress. 

*   “Comfort & Joy” - New Courtland/Presbyterian Foundation - workshops for their Nursing Homes, LIFE Centers, and Senior Centers - special events. (‘98 - present)

*   “SMILE” program Woods Services - workshops for their special needs clients (‘99 - 2018) 

*   Springfield Township Parks & Recreation (Mont. Co.) after-school and summer camp “Creative Arts” programs for K-4th grade, teaching flowers & crafts (‘93 - 2015)

Cheryl’s effervescence, communication skills, and knowledge are a dynamic combo for live and television audiences.  She has been actively involved in the following venues:

*   Stage demonstrations/lectures at the Philadelphia Flower Show each year since 1990

*   Instructor at the Morris Arboretum (Univ. of PA)  (‘00 – ’22)

*   Instructor at the New York Botanical Gardens in the HT department (‘03 - ‘08)

*   Show florist for the Philadelphia International Women’s Show & Pennsylvania  Holiday Show at the Philadelphia Convention Center (‘94 - ‘99)

*   Featured on “Seeking Solutions with Suzanne” (CNN Headline News), NBC10News, Fox 29 News, CN8 News & “Your Morning” show, WHYY & Home Matters

*   Numerous public events: Spring Show (NC), Cincinnati Flower Show (OH), Chautauqua Institute (NY), Celebrate Age (PA), Rockwood Museum (DE), Suburban Home & Garden Show (PA), Home Show (PA), Better Living Flower & Outdoor Show (TX), Ozark Folk Center Herb Fest(AK), Jacksonville & Orlando Garden Shows(FL) & more.

Cheryl started her career in the floral industry as the co-owner of “The Flower Cart,” a successful retail store in Erdenheim, PA (1980 -93).  At Eastern Center for Arts & Tech, Willow Grove, PA (1990 - ‘03), she taught their evening classes and was a member of the Horticultural Advisory Board.  At Delaware County CC, she developed a very successful floral department, teaching 5 classes each semester (‘93 - ‘99).  She’s a graduate of Beaver College (Arcadia University)