Candace Rivela is the Assistant Director in the Museum Education and Creative Programs department at Bethel Woods. She received a BS in Fine Arts from SUNY New Paltz and a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Candace is a licensed, board-certified Creative Arts Therapist with over 13 years of clinical experience working with individuals and families. Prior to joining the team at Bethel Woods, Candace worked as a Creative Arts Therapist and Director of Recreation for Housing Works, Inc., a non-profit organization in New York City that offers housing and healthcare services for homeless, HIV+ adults. In addition to overseeing the Teaching Artist Program at Bethel Woods, Candace has used her expertise and unique perspective on the healing power of the arts to spearhead several wellness initiatives at Bethel Woods. She has developed new programs addressing sensory needs of visitors, creative aging, and trauma informed care for students as well as families affected by domestic violence.

The Winter Wellness series extends an invitation to the community to come together for soul-nourishing connections at the dawn of the new year.

Embracing themes of new beginnings, self-care, and overall health and wellness, the classes offer a diverse range of experiences. From  expressive arts activities that ignite a creative flow to gentle mind-body practices like yoga and sound healing that warm both the body and spirit.

Facilitated by a rotation of guest artists and wellness practitioners from the local area, these classes offer a holistic approach to well-being.

Funding for education and creative programs has been provided by Bethel Woods members and donors and through generous gifts from foundations, individuals and agencies including: Steve Alexander & Idylia Hachi, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the John N. Blackman Sr. Foundation, DIANNIC LLC, Annelise Gerry and Family, Robyn Gerry and Family, Jeffrey Gerson, Grimm Construction Inc., Nellie and Robert Gipson of the Tianaderrah Foundation, the William and Elaine Kaplan Family Foundations, the Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation, Heather and Matthew Potter & Family / Nexxt Enterprises LLC, the Rea Charitable Trust, the Rhulen Loughlin Family in memory of Trevor John Loughlin, the Rowley Family Fund for Women & Children, the Irwin Siegel Agency – Howard Siegel – President, Craig and Sue Van Cott – UNALAM, the TD Charitable Foundation. Funding is also provided by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services through the Sullivan County Youth Bureau and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.