The Teachers, The Dreamers… THE BODHI TREE
Heather Hogan-Spencer
Heather is a graduate of Marywood University with a B.A. in Graphic Design and an M.A. in Studio Art. Heather has completed graduate studies at the Instituto Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy, through Drake University. She has instructed students in various media both privately and in groups since 1989. She has six years experience working in children’s mental health at Children’s Services Center in Wilkes-Barre PA, three years experience working with toddlers on the autism spectrum in an Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention setting in Scranton PA, and five years job coaching high school students and adults with disabilities in Wayne County PA. Her recent work includes teaching at the Bodhi Tree, children’s magazine illustration and food styling, sculpture, painting, graphic design and photography. Heather is currently serving on the board of the Wayne County Arts Alliance.
James Spencer
Spencer is a potter and sculptor who has taught work with clay and other three- dimensional media to children and adults both in the therapeutic setting and privately since 1997. He is a graduate of Marywood University and Millersville University, currently holding an M.S. in Psychology. Spencer has many years experience as a family therapist, utilizing family, group and art therapies with children, adolescents and adults. He has spent five years as a Care Manager at Community Care in Moosic, PA and is currently the Senior Director of Clinical Management at Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium in Moosic, PA. Spencer’s current work includes pottery, ceramic sculpture, and photography.
Adjunct Bodhi Tree Teachers (or the Bodhi Branches)
We are gathering a number of teachers, "elders,” gurus and otherwise amazing individuals to help offer even more to our community! We will introduce them below as we grow together. Perhaps, you may wish to grow with us!
Fern Watson
Fern is a recent high school graduate and has always had a love for art ever since he was a child. He’s mainly worked with hand building pottery until 2023 when he started throwing on the pottery wheel. Fern is currently selling his pottery, paintings, and hand-crocheted items at local markets and on Etsy, as well as volunteering his time to work with kids and teens at The Cooperage Project’s art and STEAM programs. He feels working with clay in its essence is a rewarding experience, as it teaches you as an artist to slow down and focus on the details of your work. It is a forgiving medium, as it teaches one to let go of the idea of perfection, as mistakes can be recycled or repaired. We love Fern’s work and his kind, calm teaching style and we’re thrilled to have him on board at The Bodhi Tree to share his knowledge of hand building with clay!
Debby Pollak
Debby graduated with a BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a PA Art Certification in K-12. Debby moved to Wayne County five years ago from Philadelphia, where she taught art in a variety of settings, including the Philadelphia public schools, independent and charter schools, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Tyler School Art, and Moore College of Art. Debby has been teaching children and adults for over thirty years. “I love teaching, and recognize that it is an extension of who I am as an artist. I paint, work in clay, make prints, and since moving to the country, have begun growing gardens with my husband. I believe that making art can be a healing process for people. I know that because I’ve seen it happen, and it feels that way for me.”
“Good teaching, then, is much more than a process through which one person instructs another. The relationship between teacher and student is complementary. An effective teacher is a partner in learning. Teaching is a shared adventure.”
Aril Bryant
All our work here at the Bodhi Tree is dedicated to our dear friend Aril, who was a shining light in our lives and the lives of all who loved her. Together, we dreamed about a space that would combine healing, wellness and joy through the arts, creative arts therapies, poetry, music, movment and even delicious, healthy food. This new Bodhi Tree is the beginning of that dream.
So, Aril darlin', you are permanently on staff here at the Tree. We are madly watering the seeds of your beautiful ideas, holding your light and love tightly in our hearts and unleashing it wildly through our classes and community endeavors.
Thanks for all that love, Lovemuffin.
