Are You Looking for Inspiration…

Sometimes it’s a place or space and often it’s a practice that sparks a desire for more within you. When you make new discoveries (or revisit a special place) in community with others, it becomes even more extraordinary. Something new lives and grows as YOU contribute to the dialogue that takes place in collaboration with colleagues. And new friendships are only the beginning!

Inspiring Places & Practices Study Groups exist to seek out and form a common thread with each new group that comes together within each new place. A thread that will weave the tapestry of our unique journey together. A tapestry that will widen and enlarge your current understanding, but which has no set limits. We currently have study group experiences scheduled in the United States for 2025, in Sweden for 2026, AND the list of future destinations will grow as we explore our own passions for hygge and well-being, playing in nature, our inspiration from US and international colleagues, as well as through suggestions from those of YOU in our international network of early childhood professionals!

The connections made with fellow study group members, collaborators in Italy, and the places and spaces we were fortunate to experience have continued to deepen since my return home. I was able to begin sharing my experience with my school staff as soon as I returned home, and continue to integrate learnings from the study tour in my daily practice. This was such a special experience that was unique due to the personal relationships Cheryl, Alex and Roberta have with the people everywhere we visited and the way the study tour was built around each of the participants’ interests and questions.

~Steffanie Bowles, Michigan

Why Inspiring Places & Practices Study Groups?

No one has ever lived THIS study group experience and no one will, ever again! We follow a constructivist philosophical paradigm that is fully immersed in inquiry-based learning. YOUR curiosity and questions drive the program investigations and the final program agenda, and we remain open to surprise opportunities along the way. We always begin the formation of a new group by learning about our own and each others signature strengths and actively plan ways to encourage every individual to spend as much time as possible during the experience living in and using their strengths towards flourishing. This mindful and personalized approach is unique to our programs.

This is a collaborative Study Group Experience. You will not be “on your own!” EACH experience covers:

• Signature Strength group coaching & planning pre-trip
• 6-month membership in our virtual community + access to discounted ongoing membership
• The Grammar of Matter pre-recorded course offered by our Italian colleague Roberta Pucci
• Printed Cozy & Flourish Strengths Planning and Reflection Journal
• Lodging (price includes a shared room with single upgrades available on a limited basis for an additional fee) (international groups only)
• Breakfast daily (international groups only)
• Transportation to program activities (some are within walking distance) (international groups only)
• Daily experiences including school visit(s), creative workshops, museum/library experiences, documentation centers, etc.
• Planned conversations with local & visiting educators and community leaders
• Daily interaction and engagement with leadership team Cheryl Priest and Alex Henry – university professors with combined 35+ years in early childhood and 10+ international study group experiences
• Regionally focused cultural activity or tour
• Travel Medical Plan (for US citizens during international travel only)
• 2 Group Dinners
• 2-3 Group Lunches
• Documented professional development hours (MiRegistry, SCHECH’s, Certificate, other options upon request)
• Opportunities for you to explore and dine on your own or with your new friends
• Time to reflect, explore, and experience the life of the places we will visit

You will get to know your travel and learning companions ahead of our experience through our virtual community and planned activities. We will actively coordinate pathways for ongoing communication and potential projects after the trip. This can become an essential network throughout your professional journey!

The frame exists already, but your curiosity will add the colors, layers, shades and depth. Your arrival and presence will breathe life into this shared experience. Make sure to complete the Interest Form or register now for a trip if you know you’re ready for the next step!

We are waiting for YOU!

Study Group Programs in 2025

March 7-14, 2025 Florence, Pistoia & Reggio Emilia, Italy ($4100 before 1/15/2025)

August 2-9, 2025 Michigan, USA Spend 9 intimate days building relationships in daily dialogue with our European colleagues Roberta Pucci, Laura Malavasi, and Suzanne Axelsson!! You will live each day with our visitors including several shared meals, ongoing conversations, exchange of ideas and points of view, inspiring school visits and other creative encounters while experiencing the best that Michigan has to offer from Mackinac Island to the Detroit Riverwalk. This study group includes full participation in a bigger multi-day Purposeful Gathering Early Childhood experience in Petoskey, MI. Space in this full study group is limited to 15 participants! ($2100 before 5/1/2025).
*In order to provide more affordable experiences for those in North America, this fee does not include lodging or transportation in Michigan. Lodging and transportation is available for an additional fee (see the registration form)

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Creativity can happen anywhere!

We may learn while…

My experiences working with Cheryl, Alex and Roberta have been uplifting, warm, and refreshing. They have inspired me to reconnect deeper within myself – challenging my thought processes, setting goals, and regaining focus on my core beliefs as a leader, early childhood professional, and a person as a whole; all while expanding my professional network! I have a renewed passion and love for working in early childhood and have realigned my focus to continue to see the world and design an environment through the eyes of a child – to explore, to question, to investigate and observe, and just to believe, never forgetting to take a minute to explore the world with my eyes closed, too! I have connected with so many wonderful individuals and could not recommend a more positive and soul touching experience to help expand one’s ability, knowledge, and connection within themselves! 

~Candi Sprout, Michigan