INFUSE a HOPE BASED PEDAGOGY through CURIOSITY, REFLECTION, CONNECTION and RELATIONSHIP this summer!

Offered by Cozy & Flourish in partnership with North Central Michigan College

Featuring
Suzanne Axelsson
Roberta Pucci

Sunday, August 3-Tuesday, August 5
North Central Michigan College, Petoskey, MI
$275 (Registration closes July 3)

***You can also join us for a whole week through the Inspiring Places and Practices Michigan Study Tour! Find out more HERE!

Includes an exclusive invitation to join us for the start of the event on Sunday late-afternoon for a cocktail reception in NCMC’s beautiful Harris Gardens with tours of the newly opened Reggio-inspired Early Learning Center before you enjoy dinner on your own in beautiful downtown Petoskey, MI

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Brought to You with Gratitude by Our Generous Sponsors…

Becky Garske – Harvesting Sponsor!
Your name or organization could be HERE!! View the sponsorship options!

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Join us for 2 days of playful and creative inquiry, shared reflections, celebrations, connections and hope!

Roberta Pucci is first a true friend with deep ties to Cozy & Flourish (and of course to Cheryl & Alex) and the work surrounding our shared belief that learning and growth should happen relationship, with the care and purpose that has the potential to be felt in the soul. Roberta is an atelierista and art therapist from Italy. She loves dialoguing both with materials and people, and thinks this is what her work mainly consists of. Ever since she can remember, she has been interested in the creative process. When she was a child, she liked to cut out figures from magazines, put them in a bag, randomly take some out and then use them for inventing stories. This essential imprint is still there: She is constantly looking for new connections between things, materials and people.

Her approach is nurtured by three main areas of studying and professional background: the Reggio approach, Art Therapy and the design thinking of Bruno Munari. Interweaving these multifaceted knowledges, she designs courses, workshops, books and creative tools to help each person or group express their unique potential that naturally leads to a more active and authentic relationship with the environment and with others. 

From the early 2000s, Roberta has held workshops and courses about the creative use of artistic, natural and recycled materials, especially for educators and teachers, collaborating with social cooperatives. She then spent seven years working as atelierista in an Italian Reggio inspired preschool, in addition to one year at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center of Reggio Emilia, interacting with study groups from all over the world. She is currently working as an art educational consultant, atelierista and art therapist, encouraging journeys of personal and professional growth. We welcome Roberta back to her 2nd Purposeful Gathering in Northern Michigan!

Suzanne Axelsson lives in Sweden and works as a pedagogical consultant focusing on listening, autonomous play, and creating democratic play and learning spaces in early childhood education. In the words of Teacher Tom, she is one of the most courageous, original, and provocative thinkers working in early childhood education today. There is a magnificent, unquenchable curiosity behind her work. Her ability to show us new perspectives on how our youngest citizens learn by turning conventional thinking on its head is challenging, even at times upsetting, but ultimately an experience that will transform how you see young children and how they learn. Her newest work involves publication of a Swedish book on risky play and the development and facilitation of an international “Playarista” certification program. Cheryl uses Suzanne’s book “The Original Learning Approach” in her university course and consulting, and it has transformed the thinking of those students and educators who open themselves up with curiosity!

This gathering will include:

Morning keynote addresses from our European colleagues
A fresh mix of hands-on indoor and outdoor atelier and workshop experiences
A balance of discussion times with those who do similar work, and with others who will bring you new ideas
Built in opportunities to explore, stretch and refresh in several North Central Michigan College campus spaces including a visit to the sculptures in Harris Gardens, hiking the 195 acres of wilderness in the Natural Area, and more
Whole-group experiences balanced with small group conversations tailored specifically to the work you do
Very practical ideas to implement as the school year begins (or to share with the programs that you support)
Inspiring social times, activities, and awe inspiring opportunities
Delicious and nourishing food
Our Lodging and Dining Recommendations

“Hope” is the thing with feathers

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –

I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.

Emily Dickinson

Our inspiring 2-day Gathering includes a welcome cocktail reception and program tour, daily keynotes, hands on atelier “movements”, times for reflection, creativity, nature area hiking, sculpture garden mindfulness, and more. We will celebrate our success together at the end of each day. Included in your experience are all materials needed during the day, personal engagement with the speakers and other participants, and a certificate for 15 early childhood training hours – plus some fun surprise goodies!

Purposeful Gatherings – Early Childhood
Together We Hope
Registration Open Until July 3
$275

A 2.5-day growth experience to cultivate meaningful connections, expand your network, and foster collaborations with fellow early childhood professionals and experts that will build and grow well beyond your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gathering.

I’m inspired and motivated to make the change. Starting a journey to change my mindset and priorities!

Anonymous

Purposeful Gatherings EC hosts in-person and virtual gatherings each year, located in intimate and creative venues around Michigan. Participation in a Purposeful Gatherings in-person event includes:

Welcome kit (only when registered by 6/15)
Admission to the gathering and all that happens inside
A joy filled day with your hosts Dr. Cheryl Priest and Alex Henry, along with their special guests
Training certificate for 15 hours
All day beverages & snacks (we love to graze!) and light lunch each day
A cozy and flourishing atmosphere
Collaboration and opportunities for lifelong friendships with like minded professionals
Special surprises and personal touches throughout the event
Ongoing networking and learning at The Cottage Club Early Childhood @Cozy & Flourish

Growing out of these gatherings is a community that engages in ongoing ways as YOU seek the kinds of inspiration that can change the landscape of early childhood and the daily work of the early childhood professional. The activities of the community and future events will grow out of YOUR ideas.

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Sunday-Tuesday, August 3-5, 2025

Together We Hope

Hosted by Dr. Cheryl Priest & Alex Henry
Featuring Roberta Pucci and Suzanne Axelsson

Brought to You with Gratitude by our Generous Sponsors:

Becky Garske – Harvesting Sponsor
Your name or organization could be HERE! View the sponsorship options today!