Instructors
Our diverse offerings, such as the After School Art Club, Art Parties for Kids, and Free Poetry Nights, have provided invaluable opportunities for individuals of all ages to explore and nurture their artistic talents. This nurturing environment has significantly contributed to the cultural vibrancy of our community.
In particular, our center's dedication to inclusive programming ensures that everyone, irrespective of their background or abilities, can access the transformative power of the arts. This commitment perfectly aligns with the Union County Drop-In Centers' mission to empower children and youth through enriching after-school programming.
Our expertise ensures that our programs are not only artistically enriching but also educationally sound, catering to the diverse learning styles and needs of our participants.
In collaboration with local schools within the respective communities, we are committed to reaching children with special needs, ensuring they have the opportunity to partake in our programs. This partnership with schools allows us to tailor our approach, making art accessible and enjoyable for every child, regardless of their abilities.
For the Drop In Centers, our organization is committed to providing a minimum of 40 fine arts workshops across various disciplines such as Sculpting, Pottery, Painting, Drawing, Fabric Manipulation, and more. These sessions offer emotional, cognitive, and behavioral benefits, serving as therapeutic outlets for expression and skill development. Our program specifically caters to at-risk youth, including special needs groups, fostering emotional connections and skill development through art.
INNOgenius is at the forefront of transforming educational and professional landscapes through innovative solutions and programs tailored to empower the next generation of leaders. With a heart for creativity and technological progress, we're dedicated to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. Integral to our mission is Unstoppable STEAM, an initiative designed to spark curiosity and fuel the passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in young minds. Our passion for excellence and community enrichment motivates us to launch initiatives that not only equip individuals to navigate future challenges but also encourage them to envision and achieve new heights. We are on a journey to ignite the spark of innovation in every learner, one program at a time.
In collaboration with the Union County Drop-in Center, we are excited to introduce a college resource program set to unfold at drop-in center sites. We have structured a comprehensive curriculum that includes workshops on college selection, application processes, interview preparation, and financial aid processes. Additionally, we emphasize mentorship, counseling, skills development, professional workshops, and industry research.
Our deliverables include progress reports, success stories, feedback and evaluations, and assistance in creating career plans for students. Certifications for participation in workshops or specific skills training will be provided where possible. We have developed a monitoring and evaluation framework that includes pre- and post assessments, surveys, and outcome tracking to measure our program's effectiveness and adapt as needed.
Workshop Facilitator (Gender-based sessions)
Lisbeth Guzman, M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Touro College, is a dedicated advocate for youth and community wellness. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Lisbeth specializes in mental health counseling, workshop facilitation, and curriculum development, with a robust history in managing educational and supportive programs tailored for diverse communities.
As Project Manager at Advocates for Children of New York, Lisbeth leads initiatives to enhance educational support for students in temporary housing by convening practice communities to address common challenges and develop impactful resources. Her co-founding role at Project DNA Inc. sees her overseeing operations and nurturing partnerships that deliver empowering educational content to young people.
Lisbeth's previous roles include serving as a Bilingual Mental Health Clinician at the Youth Development Clinic of Newark, where she provided individual counseling to youth and families, and as Program Implementation Lead for the Healing Schools Project, developing and facilitating healing circles and training programs focused on trauma sensitivity.
Lisbeth’s blend of clinical expertise and passion for educational outreach equips her to profoundly impact young lives, fostering environments that promote mental health and personal growth.
Workshop Facilitator (Gender-based sessions)
Dante Howell, an accomplished community leader and advocate, holds a degree from the State University of New York College at Potsdam. He has dedicated his career to enhancing personal and social development through leadership in educational and community settings. As the Executive Director and Co-founder of Project DNA Inc., Dante leads initiatives integrating mind-body social emotional learning (SEL) into schools and community programs. He conducts sessions for parents and provides direct mentorship to at-risk youth, enhancing community engagement across the NJ/NYC area.
Dante creatively employs music, songwriting, and production in his workshops, helping adolescents reflect on their life choices and understand the impacts of their decisions. This innovative approach allows participants to compare their paths to those that are either destructive or enhancing, promoting deeper personal insight and development.
Dante is a mentor and coach who facilitates personal and community development workshops. His efforts have consistently focused on building and maintaining partnerships that strengthen community ties and foster collective growth.
Fluent in English and with basic Spanish skills, Dante effectively communicates across diverse communities, driving initiatives that promote holistic development and empowerment among both youth and adults. He is actively involved in organizing community events and workshops aimed at fostering resilience and teaching conflict resolution, further solidifying his role as a pivotal community figure.