We Are All The Same Inside + Sage Doll-making Workshop

NYC Teaching Fellow Ms Niaqua Woodley’s class didn't just read the Harry Potter series; they immersed themselves in it.

By pairing the text with the film adaptations, Ms Woodley helped her students visualize the world of Hogwarts, sparking a deeper level of engagement with the narrative.

And yes, I couldn't help but get into the mix when my colleague, Dr. Nilda Soto-Ruiz, generously donated fabric and official Harry Potter badges. We repurposed these materials today into something truly special Harry Potter characters as We Are All the Same Inside ® Sage dolls!

Had the privilege of visiting 30 kindergarten and first-grade students at IS – PS 499 Queens (The Queens College School for Math, Science and Technology) at the Huan Yu Education Center in Flushing, NY.

Through the support of Flushing Town Hall shared the journey of the We Are All The Same Inside + Sage Doll-making Workshop. Looking back over the last 25 years, I can’t believe a quarter century has already gone by!?

Thank you to the staff and students for welcoming me into your after school program!

So excited to be hosting the Yu Education Center workshop, "Beyond the Surface: Exploring Emotions through the Sage Doll-Making Workshop," NEXT month through the Flushing Town Hall!

It's truly hard to believe, but this work is part of We Are All The Same Inside + Sage Doll-making Workshop, an initiative celebrating its 25th anniversary. This workshop uses the art of Sage doll-making as a unique, hands-on medium to explore the complex world of human emotions. It’s a powerful and creative way to connect with our inner selves and understand the feelings that lie beneath the surface.

Join me as we continue this important journey of self-discovery and emotional literacy!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.weareallthesameinside.org

Loved collaborating with a Touro University Graduate School of Education alumnus, Ganesh Persaud this morning! Together we led a morning read aloud and We Are All The Same Inside + Sage Doll-making Workshop for his students at PS 69 Queens. The engagement was incredible! Thanks for having me.

The HCFF Classic Film Series is thrilled to host a monumental 50th Anniversary FUNDRAISER SCREENING of the iconic film "Mahogany," starring the legendary Ms Diana Ross!

Join us for this special event:

• Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

• Time: 6:30 PM

• Location: Apollo Stages at The Victoria (233 W. 125th Street) in New York City!

Following the film, stay for a can't-miss post-screening conversation featuring author and industry brother Ty Hunter and the Emmy & Grammy-nominated Rhonda Ross (daughter of Ms. Diana Ross and director Berry Gordy, Jr.).

TIMM-E CO. INC. GIVEAWAYS ALERT!

SO excited to announce that TIMME CO. INC. is donating items for our post-screening talk giveaways, including signed + books, the exclusive Mahogany WAATSI Sage doll, and more!

Gift Bags are READY. ARE. YOU. READY?!

"Mahogany," with its rich themes of self-discovery and self-love, continues to inspire the culture, from Zendaya to Beyoncé and beyond! All proceeds from this event will benefit the non-profit

TICKETS ($30): https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00006339E1A64512?fbclid=IwdGRjcAND5h1jbGNrA0PmFWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeNconqC70q43n_VddTaQUKvj0uC6n5GYIVOuFt2j6kfYRvq43WDfQ7jx1paI_aem_

For nearly a decade, you were a daily dose of kindness at the Dunkin'on 97th and Madison in Manhattan. So much of my life happened during that time—from luxury to heartache. But through it all, you were a constant. You nicknamed me "Professor" and had my coffee ready, helping me run on Dunkin' on even the toughest days.

I'll miss you, Eva. Your quiet kindness and unwavering smile meant so much to me.

To honor the incredible person you are, I created a doll inspired by you. The Eva: We Are All The Same Inside Sage doll is a tribute to the compassion and support you showed me every single morning. I also have a signed copy of my new book, W.T.H. is a Sage Doll?!, that I'd love for you to have.

Happy Global Day!

TODAY marks a double celebration:

Peace Day and what would be Mattie Stepanek’s 35th birthday!

We’re honored by the city, county, and state proclamations acknowledging this significant day.

Come celebrate with us, whether in person or by joining our virtual toast!

As a proud member of the Mattie Stepanek Peace Foundation’s Board of Directors and Executive Team, I invite you to learn more about the foundation and DONATE:

https://mattiespeacefoundation.org

BEHOLD: my custom Diana Ross tree topper, show stopper bringing all the diva Motown magic, 18+ HOT 100 #1 hits and sparkle!

Thanks for the inspiration Miss Ross, Evan Ross, and designer and fellow Ugo Mozie! +

More pictures from Wednesday, July 9, 2025, where the Empire Residency Teaching Candidates from my EDSN 604 Teaching Social Studies and the Arts for Grades 1-6 visited the Museum Mile in Manhattan with stops at the Frick, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and Museum of the City of New York.

During their in-depth learning tour, the Empire Residency candidates from my EDSN 604 Teaching Social Studies and the Arts for Grades 1-6 visited the Museum Mile in Manhattan’s upper east side with stops at the Met, Frick and the Museum of the City of New York!

The cohort focused on making connections between the museum's massive collections and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Social Studies and the Arts standards.

Their journey and dedication were epitomized by who else the late Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin's song "Get It Right," with its powerful lines:

“Got to be willing to try / Even if we get up early / And work over time / Do it 'til we get it right!"

This anthem served as an inspirational backdrop to their commitment to integrating the arts into education effectively.