Painting Pots with Yekseny | Art Therapy

Our Painting Pots workshop, led by Yekseny, centered on reflecting on growth while painting pots. Yekseny talked about how spring is a reminder of growth and noticing change over time. Our community members painted terracotta pots as a personal expression of where they are in life. They used the process to reflect on accomplishments and goals for continued growth this year. Each potted plant was selected, connecting intention to a physical action, and group conversations allowed everyone to share the meaning behind their designs and choices. Overall, it created a grounding space for creativity, reflection, and community connection.

Tequihua Self-defense at TFD

Last week, we hosted a Tequihua self‑defense workshop led by our facilitator, Valerie Sanchez, welcoming a space dedicated to empowering women through practical self-defense and martial arts. We brought together ten community members, including four moms who brought their daughters to learn alongside them. The room filled quickly with curiosity, laughter, and a shared commitment to learning how to stay safe and confident.

We opened with stretches and introductions. Adults shared their names and what they do, while the kids lit up as they told us who they hope to become when they grow up. From there, Valerie guided everyone into a proper fighting stance and introduced basic techniques called cookies and turtle stance.

Participants paired up to practice what they learned, cheering each other on as they tried new movements. Valerie then led a round of punches and kicks, giving everyone a chance to build strength and trust in their bodies. We wrapped up the workshop with a circle of team high‑fives!

Pocket Hugs workshop with Yekseny | Art Therapy

The Pocket Hugs Workshop, led by our Art Therapist, Yekseny Guerrero, was a fun and creative workshop that fell under the theme of February, the month of love! The atmosphere was calm, safe, and comfortable for the community. Yekseny encouraged everyone to slow down, be present, and create with intention. Participants were given time to reflect on who they wanted to show appreciation for and share their pocket hug. The workshop highlighted the importance of practicing gratitude in everyday life and showed how love and care can be shared in a simple but meaningful way.

Art Therapy: Affirmation Mirror

To welcome the new year with intention, we hosted a Creative Affirmation Mirrors workshop led by our facilitator, Yekseny Guerrero. We created a space for community members to set positive affirmations and reflect on the energy they want to carry into the year ahead.

Throughout the session, participants shared, connected, and created through thoughtful, reflective conversations. Using colors, designs, beads, and meaningful words, everyone crafted their own affirmation mirror. After, we circled up and invited everyone to share the meaning behind their mirrors. Every mirror held a story, and intention for what was put on their own mirror. 

Cookie Decorating at TFD

For our last workshop of the semester, we closed things out with a winter-themed cookie decorating workshop led by pastry chef Bianca Huerta, who runs her own business making custom cakes and desserts.

Each participant got a box with four plain sugar cookies, icing tubes, and sprinkles. Bianca walked us through the basics of using the icing, sharing the tips and tricks along the way, while everyone followed along and added their own creativity. Near the end of the workshop, there were all different versions of cookies to see - snowflakes, trees, and different designs.

Huge thanks to Bianca for guiding us through such a fun, festive workshop, and to everyone who was a part of it!