I am a children's book author with long experience visiting schools around the country, from California to South Carolina, Texas to Illinois. I am especially happy to visit ANYWHERE in New York State, from Long Island to the North Country and everywhere in between. I've published a range of books from PreK to Young Adult, and I'm still actively publishing today. I love visiting schools and I'm grateful to meet and try to inspire young readers and writers.

I teach fun, hands-on painting workshops with a specialty in watercolor, gouache, and murals!

Abracabully – The I.C.A.R.E. Program Abracabully is an interactive school assembly that blends magic, storytelling, and powerful lessons to inspire students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The program is built around the I.C.A.R.E. values: Individual, Community, Attitude, Respect, and Empathy. Through amazing illusions and real-life stories, students are entertained while learning how their actions affect others, why kindness matters, and how to make better decisions to build a safer, more supportive school environment. Now in its 11th year, Abracabully has empowered thousands of students to stand up against bullying, show respect, and embrace empathy—making schools stronger, kinder communities.

I am a sewist who makes bags and clothing. I love teaching others the basics of sewing and even getting into more advanced bag making. I am able to do live demonstration or run a workshop.

Amapola Arts Bilingual, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Art Education: Where Culture Meets Creativity! Amapola Arts is a bilingual, family-run art studio co-founded by Hector (Nino) Morales and Dr. Gliset C. Morales. Based in Kenmore-Tonawanda, NY, the studio specializes in on- and off-site art classes and culturally and linguistically responsive workshops that engage learners of all ages through canvas painting, pottery, photography, and mixed media. Rooted in Puerto Rican, Afro-Caribbean, and Taíno cultural traditions, Amapola Arts creates space for youth to explore identity, express themselves creatively, and build community. Programs are grounded in the Windows and Mirrors framework, helping students see themselves reflected in their work while gaining insight into cultures beyond their own. Offerings for P–12 Schools, Afterschool Programs & Community Organizations: On or Off-Site Art Classes & Workshops – Canvas Painting – Hand-building Pottery – Photography & Visual Storytelling – Mixed Media Projects Potter’s wheel experiences available for on-site sessions at the studio. Programs can be booked as single-day sessions, multi-week series, and summer or after-school enrichment. Inclusive, Culturally Responsive Curriculum Sample themes include: – Nature, symbolism, and visual storytelling – Celebrating multilingual heritage and family culture – Art as a tool for advocacy and connection – Identity, belonging, and creative expression. All Materials & Bilingual Instruction Provided. Amapola Arts brings all supplies and handles setup—just provide the space. Customizable to Your Needs Programs are adaptable by age group, schedule, theme, and budget. In addition to partnering with schools and organizations, Amapola Arts also offers bilingual classes and community events at its Tonawanda studio. Learn more at www.amapolaarts.com or reach out to glisetmorales@amapolaarts.com to begin planning a workshop!

Kate Klise wrote her first book when she was ten years old, so she speaks with a certain authority when she encourages children to begin their writing careers now. With more than thirty books to her credit (picture books, early readers, middle grade novels, and one YA title), Kate relates well to students of all ages. When working with early readers (grades K-2, 30 minutes), Kate offers gentle advice about writing stories and invites students to create an original story on the spot. When presenting to older students (grades 3–6, 50 minutes), Kate focuses on the writing process: where she gets her ideas, how she writes her rough drafts, why the art of rewriting is so critical, and—yes!—how she comes up with all those punny names in the Regarding and 43 Old Cemetery Road series. In addition, Kate explains the classic elements of storytelling, including the importance of sending characters on journeys. In addition to large-group presentations, Kate also offers fiction and non-fiction writing workshops for smaller groups (30 students or less, 50 minutes). As a 15-year veteran for People magazine, Kate enjoys sharing her tips and tricks for writing on deadline. Over the years she’s taught countless students how to write colorful, compelling, and often hilarious People magazine-style stories about themselves and others.

Hello.... even though I hold several world records for climbing and skiing in the Himalaya, and even took a hot air balloon over Everest (we crashed, but made an award winning film!) and was on the U.S. Biathlon Team, and lived with an indigenous tribe on each continent, I still took time to make books, fun books! My books have won Parent's Choice, Pick of the List, NCSS Notable Books for Social Studies, and so much more. Any regions you study: rainforest, desert, mountains, and so on, we visit in my multi-media presentation. We cover standards for MANY subjects, and all national standards for geography and social studies. I leave you with a video, teaching guides, and activities to work with. Imagine large images from adventures around the world, and cultures on each continent, while I give personal information via story telling as an all school assembly... or divide the school into groups for a more personal Q and A to follow. I tailor my words to my audience and work with all k-12 students.

James Bruchac was raised in the Adirondack foothills town of Greenfield Center, New York. A citizen of the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe, and eldest son of acclaimed author and storyteller Dr. Joseph Bruchac III, James grew up immersed in the natural world, storytelling, and native culture. James has both authored and co-authored books for all ages. Children’s books include How Chipmunk Got His Stripes (Dial), Turtle’s Race with Beaver, Rabbit’s Snow Dance (Dial) When the Chenoo Howls (Walker), Be Good, a True Cautionary Tale (Bowman Books), and Native American Games and Stories (Fulcrum) and The Stories He Tells, The Story of Joseph Bruchac. General public titles include Scats and Tracks of the Northeast, Scats, and Tracks of the Southeast, Scats, and Tracks of the Mid-Atlantic (Falcon), and The Girl Who Helped Thunder, an anthology of Native American tales (Sterling). James is a member and former president of the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. Upcoming releases include Kids in the Woods (Bowman Books), Trails and Tales of The Grizzly, and Trails and Tales of The Wolf (fulcrum) Building on his family’s tradition, for over thirty years, James has shared stories at hundreds of schools and libraries across the country. Whether telling an interactive animal story or a monster tale, he keeps listeners of all ages on the edge of their seats as well as part of the action. James has performed at many festivals, museums including the Smithsonian Discovery Theater (Washington DC), the Corn Island Storytelling Festival (KY), Noble Tales Festival and the Connor Prairie Museum (IN), Indian Summer and Riverbend Festivals (WI), The Boston Children’s Museum and the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum (MA), the Hudson River Clearwater Festival, the Noteworthy Indian Museum, and The Old Songs Festival. James and other members of his family were featured on the PBS special Adirondack Storytellers (WMHT/PBS). James studied exercise science and English at Ithaca College and has a degree in American Studies from Skidmore College. Active in both high school and college athletics, Mr. Bruchac was a member of the 1988 Ithaca College National Championship football team and went on to be an Empire League Semi-pro All-star defensive end in 1991. He has studied martial arts since the age of ten, currently holding the rank of Shihan (5th-degree black belt) in Kyokushin Karate as well as being a third degree black belt in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. Father Joseph and brother Jesse also hold black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. All three working together to run Alliance Saratoga Jiu-Jitsu, and The Saratoga Academy of Elite Martial Arts.

Experiential 6 1/2 hour program that guides 100 students and 25 adults through interactive activities that allow them to practice the tools that have proven to support connection, inclusivity and break down barriers.

Discover the natural beauty of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Up Yonda Farm offers 73 acres with a spectacular view overlooking Lake George. Natural history exhibits featuring a diorama with native wildlife are housed in the museum. Watch for wildlife outdoors as you hike along one of our woodland trails. There are perennial gardens, including a butterfly garden from June through August. Programs for schools and groups are available by reservation. Our science and nature programs can be a great supplement to the classroom education received by your students. The programs we offer compliment New York State core curricula, are NGSS aligned, and give the students an opportunity to learn in a very hands-on environment. Most of our programs are offered rain or shine and can be presented indoors and outdoors. Program topics include Adirondack Birds, Animal Adaptations, Changing Trees, Forest Food Webs, Maple Sugaring, Monarch Butterflies, Night Sky, Orienteering, Owl Pellet Dissection, Pollinators, Pond Life, Snowshoeing, Watersheds and Woodworking. Full program descriptions, pricing info, and program request forms are available on our website at https://upyondafarm.com/programs/

Rockin’ Yoga is a highly interactive music, yoga and mindfulness assembly ideal for pre-K to 3rd grade. Kira and her band will rock your school! The assembly includes call & response and rhythm games, SEL-based, age-appropriate mindfulness exercises, and tons of movement. This wellness assembly can be a great kickoff to starting a yoga/mindfulness program in your school, or a fabulous celebratory event!

My Daughters and Me MDAM My Sons and Me MSAM is an innovative program designed to inspire self-expression and mental wellness in youth through various forms of art, mindfulness practices, and social-emotional learning. The MDAM MSAM INC offers a diverse range of Programs and creative activities including Ready-Set-Go, The Princess in Me, Master My Mind, Mingle and Munch, visual art, clothing design, dance/stepping, STEM, pad drumming, health and wellness, creative writing workshops, drama and empowerment workshops, all while fostering a positive and safe environment for self-expression and character building. Elevate Your Students with Master My Mind (Grades 6-12) Our progressive curriculum features flexible 1-hour lessons that integrate breathwork, mindfulness, movement, and expressive creative art activities with high-quality literature to establish a supportive learning environment, empowering mentorship that helps students cultivate resilience, self-regulation, and communication skills, ultimately leading to increased self-esteem, character development, workforce readiness skills, and confidence in students, resulting in happier, more engaged learners. Art Expressions Project (grades PK-12): Our Art Expressions project program allows us to work with students across various grade levels, schools, and districts, fostering self-confidence, social cohesion, and effective communication. This program also enhances classroom, school, and community projects by incorporating creative arts, musical performances, and clothes design with simple stitching and art-filled spaces that showcase students' creativity. We offer a unique opportunity to create beautiful, elegant, and colorful spaces that students can be proud of. The Princess in Me (Grades 3-5) Unleash the Power of Princess Potential! Our program for girls focuses on building self-esteem, character development, anti bullying and vital life skills through expert guidance and engaging activities. We help young girls transform into confident, capable, and respectable individuals. Mingle and Munch Lunch Buddy Program (Grades 4-8) Introducing 'Mingle and Munch', your ultimate Lunch Buddy Program for girls that enhances the ordinary lunch break into an extraordinary experience. We understand that the lunch hour is more than just a break from classes. It's a chance for students to develop crucial life skills. Our program facilitates meaningful discussions, games, and self-expression among students, helping them grow and connect with their peers. Make the most of your midday reset with 'Mingle and Munch'!