Nicola Wellner

Moving to California from Germany in 2005 was a great adventure. In Germany, I was an Occupational Therapist in pediatrics and for adults with disabilities. Here in California I found a position as a Rehab Aide in a Skilled Nursing Facility where I enjoyed overseeing the Therapy craft group program and could use my knowledge and creativity to adapt every craft for different patient abilities. Teaching adults, teenager and young children in using the sewing machine, I collected wonderful experience. A special interested of mine is using the sewing machine with teenagers with learning disabilities. These children impacted my choice to be a handwork teacher.

After I joined the certified Waldorf Initiative for Practical Arts Teacher Training (WIPATT) a three-year training in 2015, I fell even more in love with the Waldorf Curriculum for Handwork. I deeply believe that using your hands to make a useful piece with beautiful natural material inspires your mind and activities areas in your brain you need to become a wholesome person. It is a way to reconnect with all your senses. Everyone is an artist in their own way!

I am looking forward to joining our children in their challenged to learn and experience to use their hands and mind in a heartwarming classroom at Journey school, to learn skills that will benefit them in many aspects of their life, it surely did for me.

If I am not crafting, creating or DIY at our house I enjoy hiking, running Ragnar races and exploring California with my son, husband and friends.

Education and Work in Germany:
Certified/licensed Occupational Therapist since 2003
Licensed Trainer for Children and Youth Sport/ Rehabilitation and Prevention Sport since 1998
Certified/ Licensed Dental Technician 1996