she/her/ella

Iréne I-SHEA Shaikly is an eclectic ARTist, musician, healing activist, aka ‘The Original Jewminican’, a self identified global citizen born to a single undocumented immigrant mother and raised in the sauce and trenches of The Bronx and Washington Heights NYC in the 80’s.

I-SHEA’s work for the past 20+ years has been to uplift the voices of those who have been silenced due to marginalization, political asylum, trauma and violence.  Her mission has been to create a space and platform for authenticity and community building:  from heart centered dialogues and community building to teaching and creating music for social change and healing.

she/her/ella

Angelica is a Puerto Rican Yoga facilitator and CSA Survivor from Holyoke, MA. With extensive experience and training she offers trauma-informed, strengths-based, Yoga, using philosophy, movement, and invitational language to encourage people to find their sense of agency and empowerment within.

Angelica's goal is to treat people like people, offering accessible, positive and affirming spaces for healing and connection. Angelica has always admired STP from afar, feeling awed and inspired by the beauty, creativity, and support created by Survivors for Survivors. She is honored to now be a part of STP's Leadership Team.

Gri Saex moved to New York from the Dominican Republic decades ago. She considers Western Mass her second home, because it is where she has received many gifts from her roles as teacher, counselor, healthcare Interpreter, mother, friend, activist, and most importantly as student of life. Gri loves where she is at now living and learning in the city of Springfield.

Gri considers herself a budding artist, and thanks the pandemic of 2020. Even though she studied Spanish Literature and Art in college she concentrated in raising a family and serving her community. Today she writes poetry, does clay, paints, and is a founding member and facilitator of Somos Semillas, a collective project directed by immigrants in the area.

Gri was a recipient of the 2022 Marty Nathan Art and Activism grant given by the Resilient Community Arts. She also attended the Clemente Program (2022/23).

she/her

Martha Rogers is a cisgender senior survivor of incest with northern European mixed ancestry. She has embraced Survivor Theatre Project's mission since 2011, taking roles in various projects as organizer, facilitator or musical accompanist. She began organizing and managing the Healing Through Creative Arts Workshop Series over 9 years ago, welcoming and, when called to, mentoring facilitators who each year offer a wide range of artistic workshop topics for the series.

Her experience both as an activist survivor and as a public school music teacher and adjunct faculty in music education training programs deeply informs Martha’s passion to uplift creative healing voices. As the Healing Through Creative Arts Workshop series moves toward BIPOC leadership and participation Martha is focusing her energy on support and resources for that process, gratefully aspiring to the role of accomplice and ally. She is deeply honored to be a member of STP’s Leadership Team.

Iris Evans (she/they) facilitates community connections while holding a nurturing space for healing. Iris possesses degrees in psychology, sociology, and English, offering her work a multidimensional perspective. Currently pursuing a Master's in Social Work with a specialization in mental health within underrepresented and global communities, Iris is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by these populations.

Passionate about the confluence of advocacy, health, and creative modalities, Iris designs and facilitates programming that integrates movement, art, storytelling, and peacebuilding. These workshops foster holistic well-being and empower individuals to harness their innate strengths. Iris also serves as a DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) consultant, co-creating inclusive spaces and championing social justice.

Additionally, Iris is a trained yoga therapist, birth/death worker, and certified health coach. Leveraging a diverse skill set, Iris supports individuals in their physical, emotional, and spiritual journeys, emphasizing the importance of overall wellness.

Iris's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond professional endeavors. Iris actively engages in volunteering initiatives, embraces new cultures through travel, cultivates knowledge through extensive reading, and finds joy in hosting intimate gatherings where meaningful connections are forged. Driven by an unwavering dedication to helping others, Iris Evans advocates for healing and resilience for individuals and communities alike.

Angelica Rodriguez she/her/ella

Angelica Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican Queer Woman born and raised in Springfield, MA. In the broader community Angelica has 15+ years of experience as a trauma informed and strength based clinical social worker. She is an advocate for human rights and social justice. Her work is inspired by the spirit of Ubuntu, “I Am Because We Are.” Angelica loves to write poetry about life, love, and the human journey.

Angelica is an ally who brings her whole heart and a listening ear to each encounter with other human beings.

Michal Shapiro she/her

Michal is a white cisgender Jewish female based in Boston area who was blessed with the invitation to join STP in 2016 as Company Manger from 2016-2018, and continues to work in allyship with STP’s Leadership Collective. In the broader community, Michal is an elementary public school bilingual social worker. She has a background of over 10+ years in community organizing, social justice-arts-organizing and advocacy.