The mission of The Vanaver Caravan is to inspire, through dance and music, the harmonious co-existence of world cultures and traditions, to promote peace and celebrate our humanity. Artistic directors, Bill and Livia Vanaver, have dedicated over 50 years to learning and sharing dance traditions from every corner of the earth. They have traveled across the globe, creating lasting life-long friendships along the way. Our international collective of professional Teaching Artists are trained with an extensive knowledge in our world dance and music repertoire. All of our faculty learn The Vanaver Caravan's holistic, gentle teaching philosophy: keeping students focused and disciplined in a positive and respectful way. Students are given space to learn and grow in an environment that fosters curiosity, creative thinking skills, and self-esteem through kinesthetic learning.

Stomping Ground is an overnight camp in the gateway to the Adirondacks in Saratoga Springs, New York. We are building radically empathetic communities through humble curiosity, personal responsibility, restorative practices, and unbounded creativity. In the off season, we offer more focused programming around community building, conflict resolution training through circles, and practices focused in empathy and inclusion. Our mission is to partner with young people to inspire the next generation of radically empathetic decision makers. Together we re-imagine a more perfect world.

Margot and Murray -- her fluffy, loveable and kid-friendly Sheepadoodle, love to visit with children aged 3 – 7 years and talk about friendship, bravery, and perseverance. Margot’s energy is infectious and she easily bonds with children. And Murray is a hit with kids. In Margot’s debut children’s book, Murray Goes to the Playground, Murray learns an important lesson: while not everyone may want to be your friend, there’s always someone out there who will be your friend. Our 30- 45 minute school visits include an opportunity to meet and pet Murray, reading our book, Q & A, and a discussion about making friends, meeting dogs, or moving on from rejection. Murray has his Canine Good Citizen accreditation.

Hi, I just wrote my first children's book about adventures that my twins with Down syndrome will take you on. This particular story is fiction. The Adventures of Danika and Dalilah: To the Moon with Casey June. Casey is my oldest daughter who prepares her sisters for a trip. I read this to a group of students where I teach, they loved it! In the story I touch upon my girls have Down syndrome, and hearing loss. They also use ASL as a way to communicate. I will read the story and present my power point. Thank you, Dionne Carpenter

Jordan Taylor Hill & Ensemble: Celebrating Rhythms from the Diaspora Join Jordan Taylor Hill & Ensemble for a vibrant journey through the rich tapestry of African Diasporic music and dance. As a seasoned educator and performer, Jordan Taylor Hill brings to your school an interactive exploration of traditional drumming, dance, and song that illuminates the cultural heritage and historical significance of these art forms. Jordan's workshops and performances are designed to engage students of all ages, providing them with a hands-on learning experience that enhances their understanding of world cultures, rhythm, and movement. Our offerings are tailored to complement educational curricula in arts and humanities, aiming to foster an appreciation for cultural diversity and inspire creativity among students. We are available for bookings across multiple regions, ready to bring our dynamic and educational presentations directly to your school. Whether it's a one-time assembly, a detailed workshop, or a short-term residency, Jordan Taylor Hill & Ensemble are prepared to create a memorable and enriching experience for both students and faculty. For bookings or more information on how we can tailor our programs to meet your educational goals, please reach out to us. Let's make learning unforgettable through the power of live performance and active participation!

My programs connect students and staff to the magic of art and wellness, fostering self-expression, resilience, and community pride in ways that go beyond traditional instruction. With a dynamic and inclusive approach, I create memorable experiences that invite individuals to engage, reflect, and grow. Here’s how I can bring transformative value to your school: ___SERVICES____ CUSTOM MURALS & MURAL PROGRAMS I work with schools to create vibrant, community-centered murals that serve as “activation spaces” for empowerment and wellness. My mural programs involve students and staff throughout the entire creative process—from brainstorming and sketching to the final brushstroke—fostering pride and ownership of the space. Each mural is designed to reflect the school’s culture and to become a joyful, welcoming space. • Mural Programs: Involve students and staff from concept to completion • Any Size and Location: Indoor, Outdoor, Floor, Ceiling, Windows, 3D Structures • Digital/Physical Designs for Marketing and Promotion ART & WELLNESS WORKSHOPS These hands-on workshops explore the intersection of art and wellness, focusing on skills for emotional expression, identity, and creativity. Each workshop includes wellness techniques—such as mood regulation and goal-setting—that empower participants personally and academically. Workshops can be customized to provide a comprehensive and meaningful experience. • Art Techniques: Mural Making, Printmaking, Drawing, Painting, Graphic Design, Clothing Design • Wellness for Students and Staff: Yoga, Meditation, Energy Awareness, Breathing Techniques, Sound Healing • Career Pathways: Art Entrepreneurship, Portfolio Development, Self-employment Guidance • Language Support: Customized materials for non-native English speakers (Spanish available) GUEST SPEAKING Through engaging talks and interactive sessions, I share insights from my life and career that inspire students and staff to explore their potential. With options for keynote addresses, classroom discussions, professional development, and wellness workshops, each engagement is tailored to connect with audiences of any age group. • Keynote Speaker • Panel Discussions • One-on-one, Small and Large Groups • In-classroom Experiences (All ages) • Staff Development in Art and Wellness CONSULTING I offer consulting services to help schools and organizations develop meaningful art and wellness programs, design spaces that inspire, and cultivate positive school culture. • Interior/Exterior Aesthetic Design • Art Education Curriculum & Development • Wellness Curriculum & Development • Classroom Culture & Development • Staff Professional and Personal Development ADDITIONAL SERVICES To complement murals and programming, I provide extra support in content creation and promotional services to enhance the visibility and impact of your school’s art and wellness initiatives. • Custom Social Media Content for Promotional/Educational Use • Photography and Videography for School Promotion and Documentation WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE? My programs are designed to help students thrive by nurturing their creativity, focus, and self-regulation. Through a blend of art and wellness, students gain practical techniques for managing their emotions, expressing themselves, and developing valuable artistic and entrepreneurial skills—all of which support their ability to engage fully in the classroom. From hands-on mural projects that build school pride to wellness-centered workshops that equip students with tools for emotional balance, each experience creates a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the classroom. Our approach for schools offers a meaningful way to enhance classroom culture and community spirit. Teachers and staff gain new methods to support student well-being and foster a more connected, balanced environment. If you’re ready to see your school enlightened through creativity, connection, and lasting joy; let’s give them an unforgettable experience.

The Arch Stanton Quartet offers two presentations that bring together music and literature. Both are inspired by classic American novels. “Shadow & Act: Music Inspired by Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man” presents a program of original jazz compositions and readings based on Ralph Ellison's “Invisible Man,” a classic American novel published in 1952, offering a first-person fictional account of an unnamed narrator’s attempts to navigate complex racial and social relations in the first quarter of the twentieth century. ASQ’s program includes three original jazz compositions inspired by scenes or motifs from “Invisible Man,” along with a rendition of Fats Waller's “Black and Blue” – a tune which figures prominently as a literary device in the novel. The performance also includes readings from Ellison’s book. "Exploring the Sheltering Sky: The Music and Words of Paul Bowles" is a presentation of music, readings, and reflections inspired by Paul Bowles’ celebrated 1949 novel “The Sheltering Sky.” Through original compositions of their own – as well as readings from the novel and adaptations of Bowles’ own musical compositions – the Arch Stanton Quartet weaves together a performance experience as mysterious and captivating as the novel itself. The programs are suitable for school assemblies or more intimate classroom presentations, and the band can also work with students and ensembles in a tailored workshop setting, if desired, exploring topics such as composition, improvisation, ensemble playing, and how music intersects with other art forms. Longtime fixtures of the Capital Region jazz scene, ASQ performs original jazz that is experimental, yet rooted in bop and post-bop traditions. The band’s debut album, Along For The Ride, was released in November 2012 on WEPA Records. In March 2013, ASQ embarked on an exploration of its own in North Africa. The band’s jazz-diplomacy tour of Egypt included performances and workshops sponsored by the educational organization AMIDEAST, the U.S. Embassy Cairo, and the Center for American Studies at the American University in Cairo. That experience inspired a second album of original compositions, Blues For Soli, and its “Lady Egypt” suite, also released on WEPA Records.

Megan Litwin is an award-winning children's book author and former educator with over ten years of classroom experience. She believes that reading is magic, writing is fun, and creativity is contagious! Megan offers a range of programs from curriculum-connected, hands-on classroom workshops centered around poetry or catching ideas to inspirational and interactive assemblies focused on the journey of a book from idea to publication. She also offers professional development workshops on the power of poetry and picture books in the classroom, singing/movement-based storytimes for preschool or kindergarten, and much more. Born and raised in the Capital Region, Megan loves coming back to work with New York schools.

Scuba Steve will read and discuss portions of his book(s) with students, there will be video and photos to bring the books to life. Scuba Steve will engage with the students, speaking and answering questions about what inspired him to become a professional scuba diver and environmental conservationist and how he was able to redirect this passion into writing books as well as his writing process. Additional topics will include current issues facing the marine environment, its inhabitants, and what each of us, even children, can do to help. Proceeds from book sales go to his “Read4Reefs” program to help ensure their sustainability and future.

The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium offers engaging programs for students from pre-K to college, featuring live animals. Our programs align with New York State Learning Standards and can be customized to meet your specific needs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore outdoor ponds and living wildlife displays in our two aquarium buildings. Program Offerings: Guided Tours: Discover various animal exhibits discuss themes such as Fins & Jaws, Aquatic Habitats, Life Cycles in Nature, Adaptations, Hatching Trout, Reptiles & Amphibians, Aquaculture, and General. Seasonal Activities: Participate in seasonal programs such as Egg Stripping, Pond Life, and Freshwater Ecology. If you are unable to join us for a field trip, we also provide outreach and virtual options.

Growing Minds - A Living Classroom Experience with Cornell Cooperative Extension *This program is open to K-12. This program aims to bridge the gap between classroom-based science lessons and real-life experiences on a working farm and acres of conserved natural habitat. Our living classroom has proven instrumental in enhancing environmental and agricultural education for youth, providing a unique and irreplaceable hands-on learning experience. Through this partnership, Cornell Cooperative will facilitate a series of public school field trips to Pitney Meadows, offering students hands-on activities and farm tours. Students can expect to witness and interact with agricultural practices as the seasons change. Cornell Cooperative Extension is available to develop pre-field trip materials to prepare students for their visit, providing context and building excitement. Their team will also create post-field trip enrichment materials for in-classroom reflection, connecting on-farm experiences to academic lessons. Pitney Meadows Field Trip Fees $500 for a 3-hour Field Trip (up to 30 students) and $12.00 for each additional student. For booking information for a Growing Minds Field Trip, please email us at contact@pitneymeadows.org

I offer Author Visits consisting of a 45 minute multimedia presentation of me as a young reader, the writing process and a read aloud. My book "Nervous Rex" and my new book "Mort the Worry Wart" both center around mental health strategies, so I weave that into my presentation as well. I also have smaller writing workshop opportunities. I am very flexible and work with schools on format, etc. I look forward to hopefully working with you!