Bloom Creative Arts, LLC is owned by Megan J Coltoniak, a music therapist and entrepreneur who has been working with children with autism and related disorders, adults with developmental disabilities, and geriatric clients in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities from New York to Ohio since 2005. She has been working with children aged birth through 12 since 2001 where her passion centers in fostering developmentally appropriate play through the creative arts and teaching care-givers how to do the same!
Megan graduated from The State University of New York at Fredonia in 2005 with a degree in Music Therapy. She then worked for Hochstein School of Music and Dance, a non-profit agency in Rochester, NY before moving to Columbus, OH in 2010. In Columbus, she helped direct a therapy clinic at The Learning Spectrum "TLS", a school for kids with autism and special needs. She developed a creative arts and wellness program at this school to help children with self-regulation skills.
Returning to Western, NY in 2016 she opened Bloom Creative Arts to share her creative programming with the community she grew up in. Her approach of acceptance and compassion, while supporting sensory and emotional needs, assists children and adults with autism and related disorders in their educational, social, and home environment. Her development of the Music Rocks! program has extended her reach to children across the United States as her social emotional musical compositions are shared in her music enrichment curriculum.
Jessica Tollar assists with curriculum and educational program development of our Music Rocks and Rock Band groups. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo and has her Masters' Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Buffalo State. In addition, Jess recently completed a program and earned her School Building Leader (SBL) credential. She has worked as a teacher and director with Care-A-Lot Childcare for the last 20 years and is also certified to teach children's yoga! Her expertise with early childhood developmental needs, and experience in childcare ensures excellence in program development, training, and instruction.
Amanda has been a pediatric physical therapist for 16 years in both the home and school settings. She also has some experience in hospital acute care and short-term rehabilitation. She graduated from D’Youville College with a dual B.S./M.S. in Physical Therapy. She also graduated from Medaille College with a M.A. in Organizational Leadership.
She has a worked with children across a wide range of diagnoses but has extensive experience with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays. In addition to being our Director of Therapy, she has recently become a 20 hour approved yoga teacher through Radiant Child Yoga. Amanda focuses on making physical therapy sessions fun and functional for the kids so they kids can enjoy and participate in motor activities with their peers.
Sarah is a Board Certified Music Therapist and has her Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Buffalo State and completed the Music Therapy Equivalency Program from Saint Mary of the Woods College.
Sarah has experience working with early childhood, autism, and older adults. In addition to her clinical work, Sarah serves as the Creative Arts Therapy Director and enjoys leading and supporting her team as they support the community.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places both local and abroad, baking, and whatever newest hobby sparks her interest!
Katy Shaul is a NY state licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Master's degree at SUNY Fredonia in Speech-Language Pathology in 2006. She has been working in the field for 15 years. With her background in special education and love for children, stepping in as the Program Director at Bloom Early Learning Center has been a natural transition. When asked what she loves most about it, Katy shares "I enjoy supporting our littlest learners and showing them they are loved and safe when they are with us." Katy is also a mom to two girls and enjoys crafting.
Gwen Pinzone (Furmanek) is one of our Speech Langauge Pathologists with Bloom Creative Arts Preschool. Her undergraduate studies were both completed with Saint Bonaventure University and University at Buffalo. Her graduate work was completed through Buffalo State.
Some of her experience with children prior to joining Bloom was a traditional clinic and language literacy lab at Buffalo State. She also worked in educational placement at Starpoint Central schools, and completed a clinical fellowship at CAFL working with EI and PSE. One of Gwen's favorite reasons for working with kids is how creativity flows and how everything can be fun! Laughing and learning with children while continuing to instill a passion to learn is her goal today, and in five years from now.
A few fun things about Gwen is she enjoys hiking and kayaking, reading, and all things communication, speech, and language related.
Alison Tweedie is a graduate of Niagara University where she earned a Bachelors in Early Childhood and Childhood Education with minors in Literacy and Theater and has just finished her masters degree.
Alison believes play, laughter, and singing are the main ingredients for a great day of learning and she has been sprinkling all three into her work with children and teachers across Western New York for the past decade. She has enjoyed her own personal learning and growth in the positions of Preschool teacher, Director Assistant, Program Coordinator, Education Specialist, and most recently as Center Supervisor with Head Start in Niagara County. After spending a year as our program director at Bloom Early Learning Center, Miss Alison has now moved into a Special Education teacher role at our Grand Island location.
She is the proud mother of three young boys, ages 5, 3, and 2 months. She loves books, podcasts, tacos, Adirondack chairs, and Mister Rogers and is absolutely ecstatic to be joining the Bloom team in carrying out their mission with children and families.
Brittany Smith is our Speech Language Pathologist. She graduated from The University at Buffalo with her Master's of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. In addition to the work she is doing at Bloom, she is also currently finishing her clinical fellowship and will become fully licensed in the Fall.
Some of her externships completed include Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center and at People Inc., working with both children and adults with various disabilities and communication skills. During speech sessions, students work on communication as a whole, utilizing signs, picture exchange and verbal language.
Alysia received her Bachelor’s of Science in Exceptional Education from Buffalo State College. She is currently certified in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities birth thru grade 6. In addition to her full time work at Bloom, she is pursuing her Master’s degree from Buffalo State College in Early Childhood Exceptional Education.
Having worked with kids since 2005 in many daycare settings and preschools, her passion and education continue to lead the way. In fact, she was even a teacher in preschool for Care-A-Lot at the Ken-Ton location before becoming a substitute teacher for Niagara Wheatfield district.
Alysia truly believes that every child is successful; they just need to find their way to succeed. She believes that she is here to help facilitate that process with mindfulness and positive vibes. We know that our kids absolutely feel this way each day in her presence.
Kelly is the General Education Teacher for Bloom Creative Arts Preschool program in collaboration with Care-A-Lot Childcare Centre Inc. She has an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, Associates degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. Kelly is an eager learner and also jumps at any opportunity to continuing her education with workshops and training seminars.
Her goals and passions have always lead her back to working with kids and our preschool program definitely benefits from this! She has years working in different facets of Early Childhood education as well as being a parent herself!
Kelly enjoys planning the themes week to week and wowing the young minds with STEM activities. This girl can take any theme and run with it! It's amazing! You might often find Kelly singing Disney, dancing or just down on the floor engaging with the kids.
Rachel is a Physical Therapist Assistant within our Bloom Creative Arts Preschool. She found her love for Physical Therapy while working at a daycare and seeing the growth of children who received services. With over four years experience working with childrean at a developmental center, she decided to expand upon her passion of working with children, and get her applied science degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
When Rachel isn't helping crush gross motor goals with kiddos at school, loves spending her free time watching movies, taking road trips, crafting, and mostly spending time with her own family.
Amanda is a Board Certified Music Therapist who received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Music degree from SUNY Fredonia. During her college career, she was a voice major and still sings on the worship team at her church. When Amanda isn't sharing her love of music therapy, you can find her learning ASL, reading, or spending time outdoors with her family.
Amanda has a passion not only for music therapy, but for seeing individuals of all ages and abilities treated with kindness and respect. When asked why she loves working as a music therapist, she says “One of my favorite things about being a music therapist is seeing the creativity, joy, and individuality of every person I meet. I am truly inspired every day to be the best version of myself and enjoy being able to help others do the same.”
Julianna Bonnette joins us with a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Fine Arts. Her previous experience includes working at Equi*star therapeutic riding center, St. Mary's Somali Banto afterschool programs, a young mother and children's program in Costa Rica, and Falk school. What Julianna loves most about working with children is that they are genuine while teaching us in return and show amazing progress and potential. She firmly believes that every child needs a loving/patient person to help them be understood.
You can find Julianna enjoying arts and crafts, painting and baking. She has learned from growing up in a large family with a lot of siblings about patience and being resourceful and lives with her partner and dog, Rex!
Kaitlyn has a wide range of childcare experience and has worked with children for most of her life! Some of the reasons Kaitlyn loves to work with children is their creativity, sense of humor, and ability to grow and change day by day! She is also a creative herself, as she enjoys writing short stories, cooking, baking and gardening in her free time!
Music has always been a big part of Kaitlyn’s life. She has been classically trained in violin for roughly 15 years and loves every second of it! She is also an avid theater fan due to all the hard work and dedication it takes for performers to put on a show.
Kaitlyn graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy from Nazareth College of Rochester NY in 2022, and she has plans to get her Master’s Degree soon. Kaitlyn’s goals and passions have led her to us at Bloom as a Music Therapist, and she hopes to continue to grow and build the music therapy community in the Rochester area.
Susan joins us with extensive knowledge and practice in the classroom and community. With a Masters degree in Special Education, Hard of Hearing and Deaf Education, Elementary Ed, and Early Childhood - she offers an in depth perspective in our integrated classrooms at Bloom. Having taught for a variety of Western New York public schools and a variety of preschools her love for children, alongside their development shines through. In addition to spending time exploring with the kids, she is passionate about partnering with the parents and working as a team to grow each individual child to their best potential.
When she isn't in the classroom, you'll find her enjoying all of the elements of Buffalo weather outside. No matter the season, Susan will find joy in biking, jetskiing, mountain climbing, skiing, etc. You name it, she likely does it - so long as it's outside. A fun fact is that the moon rising and setting is one of her favorite things to watch.
In addition to leading a Bloom classroom, Susan is a teacher at Buffalo State College for Special Education and surpervises student teachers.
Mikala is an ambitious educator, excited to expand her knowledge of teaching through
working with young minds! Mikala earned her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Fredonia in 2021 and comes to Bloom with extensive experience working with children. Mikala loves watching kids learn, grow and achieve their goals. Being a part of this process is part of what inspired Mikala to become a teacher!
When Mikala isn’t teaching, she loves to spend time with her family, hike, and travel. She also enjoys watching sports and she even coached a summer soccer program for many years!
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With a Bachelor’s in Communicative Disorders and Sciences, a Master’s in Communication Science and Disorders and nearly 30 years of experience in speech pathology across a variety of settings including schools, hospitals and home care, we are so lucky to have Sharon as a Speech-Language Pathologist with Bloom Creative arts preschool!
Sharon loves playing a crucial role in seeing a kid grow, change and progress. She is excited to be working in a special education preschool setting, where she can continue to learn more about strategies and techniques. Sharon really does it all! She is a wife, a mom of two boys, and loves to workout all while truly enjoying her career!
Sandra graduated from the University at Buffalo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Health and Human Services and Community Mental Health. She has nearly 10 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings and discovered a passion for providing additional support to children and their families! Sandra loves working with children because they remind her how beautiful and innocent life can be. Children teach us just as much as we teach them if you pay attention!
Sandra has been a dancer since the age of 3 and is now an associate dance teacher and choreographer at Suzanne’s School of Dance. She also loves to sing, spend time outside in the summer and go to Bills games!
Nicole has several years of experience working with children from ages 1-18 across all domains of communication, including school settings and outpatient clinics. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from SUNY Fredonia and her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University. Nicole has a passion for working with and being an advocate for children by educating the community on different disorders.
Nicole loves working with children because she finds it to be extremely rewarding and fun! She says, “Children always brighten my day and remind me about the simple joys in life.” Outside of work, Nicole likes to hike and explore new places!
Allison is one of our Occupational Therapists at Bloom. Allison received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Occupational Therapy from the University at Buffalo. She has several years of experience working with children, including OT in school-based settings, nannying throughout college, and she is the oldest sibling of five! Allison also plays volleyball and enjoys art, food and traveling! When asked why she loves working with children, she answered “I love seeing how excited they are to learn new things and seeing all of their potential!”
Sally graduated with a Bachelor’s of Music Therapy from the University of Dayton and recently completed a music therapy internship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She lived in Ohio for all of her college career, so she is super excited to be home in Buffalo, and we’re super excited to have her at Bloom!
Sally has been working with children and teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities in some capacity, both within and outside of the context of music therapy, for several years. Her favorite part about working with kids is being able to experience their creativity and imaginations during music therapy sessions. Kids bring new ideas and a sense of playfulness to everything they do!
A few fun things about Sally is she loves taking walks and being outside, she has lots of houseplants that she takes care of, and she’s a member of her church’s worship team. Sally sees herself practicing music therapy for many years to come and has a goal of integrating music with a family of her own someday!
Tara is one of our Speech-Language Pathologists with Bloom Creative Arts Preschool. She received her Master’s of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from the University at Buffalo in May, 2022. Working in multiple different schools, Tara has several years of experience with a range of children from birth to 21 years of age. She is especially passionate about working with children with special needs, having worked in ASD and ID/ED classrooms.
Some of Tara’s favorite things include enjoying nature, walking her dogs and spending quality time with family. Tara is excited to grow as a Speech-Language Pathologist and watch her students learn and make progress towards their goals!
Brittany is one of our Music Therapists at Bloom Creative Arts! She studied Music Therapy at SUNY Fredonia and is excited to soon receive her Master’s
Degree. Brittany has experience working with children in classroom settings and completed a music therapy placement at Pioneer Central School District. When asked why she loves working with kids, she answered “I love their energy and how unpredictable they are! There is never a dull moment, and they keep me on my toes!” Brittany hopes to build a career working full time as a Music Therapist and has a goal to open her own practice someday!
Brittany’s favorite color is pink, she enjoys makeup, singing, and animals. She also loves to go shopping and plays the trumpet!
Tallia graduated from SUNY Geneseo with her Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood and Special Education. She has a great deal of experience working in special education classrooms, teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. She has also worked in daycares and preschools and helped teach dance for 10+ years! Tallia loves to work with kids because they bring her so much joy! She says, “ I love building relationships and seeing them grow! Children are a blessing!”. Some of Tallia’s favorite things include taking nature walks, laying in the sun and spending time with her loved ones! She has two lovely parents, 3 younger brothers and an adorable cat named Lily!
Cassi comes to Bloom ready to assist both staff and families in her role of Sr. Administrative Assistant. She earned her undergrad in Elementary/Secondary Education and received her Master’s in Special Education from Niagara University. Cassi also taught third grade and has experience in Early Intervention Services. What Cassi loves most about working with kids is seeing their growth! Some of Cassi’s favorite things include teaching, going for walks, and being a mom! She has three kids- two daughters and a son, a husband, and a furbaby named Esmeralda!
Tara received her Undergraduate Degree in Music Therapy from Seton Hill University and has gained experience working with children throughout her college career. She has provided music therapy services in preschool settings as well as in the YMCA Childcare Program. When asked what Tara loves about working with kids, she responded “I love being able to see a child make progress towards their goals, however what I love most about working with children is their curiosity and genuine excitement throughout the actual process of reaching those goals!” Tara has hopes to become an influential advocate in the field of Music Therapy - and we believe she will!
Tara enjoys the outdoors and finding various ways to explore nature. She also loves to travel, craft and play sports. She is always finding new interests and hobbies to try!
Paige is one of our music therapists at Bloom Creative Arts. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Loyola University in New Orleans and will soon earn her Master’s. Paige has worked with children with different disabilities within a school setting, working as a practicum student during her undergraduate college career. She also has experience working as the director for a children's bereavement camp. Paige loves to work with kids because they are so flexible and creative when it comes to solving problems. Paige quotes “I love their energy and mostly unbiased view towards trying new things!”
Some of Paige’s favorite things include going to Walt Disney World, watching Musicals, and spending time with her friends. She also loves tea! Paige is excited to work at Bloom, to build her caseload, and has a goal of starting an internship program!
Brooke began teaching in 2018 as a dance and gymnastics teacher, where she discovered her love for working with children! She has a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education, and is pursuing her Master’s to further her knowledge. Brooke is also working on becoming a certified children’s yoga instructor!
When Brooke isn’t teaching, you can most likely find her spending time with her dog, Lenny. She also loves yoga, hiking, and traveling. Brooke has lived in Buffalo her entire life, so she is a huge Bills fan...go bills!
Throughout Hannah’s early adult life, she has worked with children in a variety of ways. Whether it be babysitting and nannying, daycare, coaching, or outdoor education- working with children has been the most rewarding experience she’s ever had! Hannah’s next step is to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education.
Hannah grew up in Eden and loves to spend time outdoors! Some of her favorite activities include hiking and reading. And in her free time, you can find her spending time with her family and pets! Hannah quotes “Laughter is beyond truth- the ultimate happiness” -Govinda
Jennifer has her Master’s in Developmental Disabilities from Niagara University and her Bachelor’s in Psychology from D’Youville University. Jennifer has several years of experience working with children, including working as a classroom aide and preschool teacher at Buffalo Hearing and Speech. When asked what she loves about working with kids, she answered “The fun, silly and loving energy they bring. I love building relationships, and encouraging curiosity, self-advocacy, and a life-long love of learning!”
Jennifer also has a passion for dance! She has done many styles of dance, but her favorites are acrobatics, lyrical and hip-hop. She currently teaches both adult and children's dance classes at Moving Miracles, a dance studio for individuals with disabilities! You might also find Jennifer reading, listening to music, watching anime or playing video games. Jennifer considers herself a ‘forever student’ because there is always something new to learn about. She also has a goal of going back to school to become a dance movement therapist!
Liz earned her Bachelor’s in Exceptional Education and Elementary Education with a minor in Music in 2007 and her Master’s in Education (Literacy Specialist) in 2010 - both from Buffalo State University. She has a wide variety of experience with children, including 6+ years working as a consultant and ELA teacher as well as coaching ninja warrior! Liz is also a ninja warrior competitor herself! Liz says what she loves most about working with children is their innocence and creativity. Everyday can be unpredictable and filled with adventure or, as Liz likes to call it, “controlled chaos.” Liz truly has a passion for helping kids learn, push through challenges, and succeed. Seeing their growth is the most rewarding experience!
Liz is married to her highschool sweetheart, Shawn and they have four kids together! They like to bake, do puzzles, and go on random adventures as a family. Liz plans to keep teaching and to someday own and run her own ninja warrior facility!
Olivia is a passionate educator with a Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Special Education from Daemen College. She furthered her studies at Buffalo State, earning a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood. Olivia has a background in babysitting and experience working at Boces Summer School, and she currently volunteers her time at Moving Miracles.
Olivia's love for children is rooted in their ability to inspire and shape her own journey. Witnessing the joy in a child's smile when they achieve something is what fuels her dedication. Outside of work, she indulges in her love for dance and enjoys sipping on iced coffee!
Rachel’s academic achievements include a Master's Degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from University at Buffalo and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Speech & Language Sciences from Brock University. She brings valuable experience from working in early intervention, preschool, and with children aged 3-21 with disabilities.
Rachel's passion lies in fostering connections with kids through play-based therapy. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys baking, practicing yoga, and taking leisurely walks with her canine companion!
Tara, our Community Engagement and Marketing Coordinator, is not only dedicated to her professional role but is a passionate single mother advocating for her son with autism. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from WWF and her Master’s degree from Atlantic University. Her love for children stems from seeing them shine like diamonds when given the freedom to be themselves. To Tara, kids are seeds that flourish with love and care!
Beyond work, she enjoys camping, leisurely walks, attending concerts, listening to music and dancing! Goal-oriented and driven by a purpose of service, Tara envisions "world domination through love and peace" in the near future!
Angela, a passionate speech-language pathologist, earned her Bachelor's Degree in communication disorders in 2020 and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from SUNY Fredonia in 2022. With a lifelong exposure to children, caregiving comes naturally to her. Angela's expertise extends to working at Beyond Boundaries, focusing on early intervention and preschool children dealing with various speech and language challenges, including autism, cerebral palsy, and childhood apraxia.
Her joy in working with children stems from the meaningful relationships she builds with both the young ones and their families. Witnessing a child's excitement brings immense happiness to Angela's heart. Outside of her professional life, Angela enjoys quality time at home with her boyfriend and three kitty fur babies. She also loves camping, four-wheeling, and Buffalo sports!
Hallie, an accomplished occupational therapist, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University at Buffalo. With a diverse background, she has worked extensively with children in various settings, including daycare, special needs preschool, and summer break programs for school-aged kids. Hallie's passion for working with children is fueled by the joy of helping them achieve goals they once deemed challenging, reveling in the happiness that even the smallest wins bring to them.
Outside of work, Hallie enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, especially her husband, daughter, and their dog, Leo!
Emma, equipped with a B.S. in communication disorders and sciences from SUNY Fredonia and an M.S. Ed. TSSLD in Speech-Language Pathology from Buffalo State University, discovered her passion for working with children at a young age. Starting as a babysitter at 14, she continued to evolve into a dedicated childcare provider and nanny throughout her academic journey. During clinical externships, Emma honed her skills with school-aged children at Start Point and supported those with diverse abilities at People Inc. Emma loves working with kids because of how fun and creative they are! She finds immense joy in witnessing their progress and growth over time.
A fun fact about Emma is she has a passion for thrifting and estate sales! She is always on the lookout for vintage items and collectibles.