The following is a list of programs offered at both the Studio site, Toronto's Ronald McDonald House and extended outreach programs. Remember, you can contact Cher at any time if you would prefer to talk to her!
Mandala Workshop
Wednesdays: 7pm - 8:45pm
4 weeks $ 120.00
Materials Included
In this workshop, we will create Mandalas as a therapeutic tool, a vehicle for concentrating the mind so that it can pass beyond it's usual ties.
Creating circular drawings known as Mandalas offers insight, healing and self-expression. A mandala offers a living presence of one's life. You can create Mandalas with paint, markers, paper, leather, clay, wood and stones.
They are a way to reach a deeper understanding of yourself and can become an anchor at times of pain confusion and darkness.
We will begin with a centering meditation and then construction of our Mandalas. It is my hope that you will come away with a wonderful tool that you can use for years to come.
Professional Training Workshop
At your location
This training workshop is for professionals who wish to use art with their clients but who would like to gain a deeper understanding of its' power and how to best utilize it. This workshop can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your staff. Please contact Cher if you are interested and we can discuss further.
An inclusive community for children and youths with special needs.
Cher is available for individual arts therapy sessions or small groups in your home. Her goal is meeting your goals while enhancing the life of your child - from sharing and playing together, building on social skills, to individual support through the arts. Please contact Cher for more information. To find out more about the Extend-A-Family outreach program, click here.
Please e-mail or call Cher to make an appointment: 416-888-8852.
About the House
Ronald McDonald House is an independent, non-profit organization. It is a "home away from home" for out-of-town families whose children are receiving treatment in Toronto hospitals for serious illness. There is no medical care at the house, it is a place for families to stay during this difficult time. When the Expressive Arts Program was launched at the house, it was designed to meet the emotional needs of both the children receiving care, their siblings and parents.
A Time for Parents
The Holding Hands Quilt is an ongoing project. Parents at the house enjoy decorating their own quilt square as they meet up with other parents and enjoy some time together. This is also a "stretched hands" quilt as squares have been mailed to families in far away places like North Bay, Florida and The Caribbean. If you would like to be included in this quilt and would like us to send you a square but are not presently staying at the house, please email Cher with your name and address and make sure you mention it's for the "Holding Hands Quilt". Enjoy!
We have three open sessions a week. They are presently run on Fridays from 5:00 - 6:30, Sundays from 1:30 - 3:30 and Tuesdays from 3:00 - 5:00. These sessions include activities such as: Large mural painting, body tracing, mask making, drama, magic carpet guided imagery, clay work, papier mache, puppet making, beads, music, dance, drawing, poetry and writing. They are always spontaneous, in the moment sessions, where the children get to share and play together in a non judgmental environment where they are allowed to express and be heard.
Every child can come and visit Cher during the open group sessions and receive their very own treasure box to decorate and use for storing their treasures!
This is an open session filled with music and more music! Presently, there is no organized time - and operates on a request basis.
This program has exceeded our expectations. Children and families can enjoy painting their own Terra Cotta pot and then put a plant or seeds in it. They are placed in the front lobby of the house, on a Grow Light stand that was kindly donated by Floralight with pots and plants provided in part by Sheridan Nurseries. The children love watching them grow and watering them. Great Fun! Sometimes we play guitar and sing to the plants……and watch them grow some more.
Cher is always available for hospital visits with your child. This service operates on a request basis and is complimentary for families staying at or registered at TRMH. Her dedication to the one on one therapeutic relationship is of the highest priority. She brings her magic box that's filled with "magical" things. She's also been spotted with her guitar! This relationship can continue at the house with private sessions if the child or family requests. This is especially useful for children who have to remain isolated and who are therefore unable to benefit from many of the programs available at the house.
Originally designed for the parents, this trip to the botanical gardens is a big hit with the children. Presently, this program has no organized time.
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