SAMuel LASUsA
Sam LaSusa is professionally trained in architecture which has led them to focus on community development and municipal planning. Their passion is working on affordable housing, public transportation, pedestrian safety, protecting the natural beauty of the area and supporting local agriculture. They find joy in getting their hands in the dirt, building edible landscapes, restoring natural areas, hiking on a trail, sunbathing and swimming on a local beach, or in general enjoying the outdoors with their dog Bean.
Sam LaSusa is professionally trained in architecture which has led him to focus on community development and municipal planning. His passion is facilitating affordable housing, improving multimodal transportation routes, increasing pedestrian safety, protecting the natural beauty of the area and supporting the local agricultural industry. He finds joy in getting his hands in the dirt, building edible landscaping projects or restoring natural areas. He also helps to supports two of the local farmers markets in the area and enjoys the interactions he has with local agricultural producers. Having grown up in Traverse City, he can often be found hiking on a trail, sunbathing on a local beach or in general enjoying the outdoors with his dog Bean. If you see him swimming in Lake Michigan, he is in his happy place, connected to water.
“I am passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.” - Chelsea Bay
CLAY MASS
For Clay Maas, making pottery and teaching ceramics is his jam! The Ceramics spark was lit during my his year of college and that passion burns brighter today. Being the co-owner of Clay Space TC allows him to share the love of art and pottery with others. . Joy for clay is Hiking, paddling, beach days, brewery visits and rounds of golf throughout Northern Michigan, and he is in love with this community of traverse city
“I’m Clay Maas, making pottery and teaching ceramics is my jam! The Ceramics spark was lit during my final year of college and that passion is burning even brighter today. Being the co-owner of Clay Space TC allows me to share my love of art and pottery with others. I grew up in a small Ohio town and moved to Traverse City in 2015. My wife, Emily, our daughter Wren and our buoyant doodle Lincoln, the mascot of ClaySpaceTC, are in love with the community we live in. We enjoy hiking, paddling, beach days, brewery visits and rounds of golf throughout Northern Michigan.”
Here is Clay's life story from October 2024 in TC, MI
“I am passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.” - Chelsea Bay
HEATHER SPOONER
Heather Spooner is a multi-passionate lettering artist and pen pal enthusiast who shares her journey, projects, and inspirations through her Instagram. Her feed is a mix of vibrant hand-lettered pieces, personal reflections, and updates on her creative endeavors, such as her “Letter League” community (and documentary!) In her writing, Heather often explores topics like embracing change, overcoming unhealthy comparisons, and following passion projects. Prior to art, Heather was teaching fifth grade outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Her time as a teacher and artist were separated by a year living in New Zealand. The year was spent doing odd jobs with and for strangers with no money exchanged. A one way trip in search of joy after being burned out from public teaching, Heather found happiness in the simplest ways and continually seeks ways to share her joy with others. To see more of Heather’s work, you can check out her socials at Ampersand Lettering Lab
Heather Spooner is a multi-passionate lettering artist and pen pal enthusiast who shares her journey, projects, and inspirations through her Instagram. Her feed is a mix of vibrant hand-lettered pieces, personal reflections, and updates on her creative endeavors, such as her “Letter League” community (and documentary!) In her writing, Heather often explores topics like embracing change, overcoming unhealthy comparisons, and following passion projects. Prior to art, Heather was teaching fifth grade outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Her time as a teacher and artist were separated by a year living in New Zealand. The year was spent doing odd jobs with and for strangers with no money exchanged. A one way trip in search of joy after being burned out from public teaching, Heather found happiness in the simplest ways and continually seeks ways to share her joy with others. To see more of Heather’s work, you can check out her socials at Ampersand Lettering Lab
https://www.ampersandletteringlab.com/
OCTOBER 2024, TRAVERSE CITY, MI
“I am passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.” - Chelsea Bay
Chad Lindsey
Chad Lindsey is the Executive Director of City Opera House. Before coming to Traverse City, he helmed The Mark O’Donnell Theater - a black box experimental theater and mixed-use arts and residential building in Brooklyn, NY in association with the Entertainment Community Fund. Chad is an actor, director, and artist. He holds a degree in music from Valparaiso University. He founded Hook & Eye Theater - an award winning devised theater company. On his way to assuming his ultimate form in Michigan, he danced with modern dance companies in Chicago and LA, apprenticed with a furniture designer for six years, won a snow sculpting contest, played a chicken farmer and many cops on TV, choreographed a ballet or two, was in a boy band, and now jumps in the Grand Traverse Bay as much as possible, and bike commutes to work at the Opera House.
Chad Lindsey is the Executive Director of City Opera House. Before coming to Traverse City, he helmed The Mark O’Donnell Theater - a black box experimental theater and mixed-use arts and residential building in Brooklyn, NY in association with the Entertainment Community Fund. Chad is an actor, director, and artist. He holds a degree in music from Valparaiso University. He founded Hook & Eye Theater - an award winning devised theater company. On his way to assuming his ultimate form in Michigan, he danced with modern dance companies in Chicago and LA, apprenticed with a furniture designer for six years, won a snow sculpting contest, played a chicken farmer and many cops on TV, choreographed a ballet or two, was in a boy band, and now jumps in the Grand Traverse Bay as much as possible, and bike commutes to work at the Opera House.
October 2024, Traverse City, MI
“I am passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.” - Chelsea Bay
SkyeLea Martin Fitch
SkyeLea is a dynamic force in the local music scene and brings a unique blend of heartfelt melodies and powerful stage presence to every performance. With a rich and soulful approach to musical storytelling, she captures audiences with her blend of guitar and vocal prowess. As a solo artist and a member if Trillium Groove. And you can most likely find her wondering around or working at The Alluvion.
And if you haven’t seen her dance - Skye brings the light and energy! She spent most of her childhood in a dance studio learning or teaching.
SkyeLea is a dynamic force in the local music scene and brings a unique blend of heartfelt melodies and powerful stage presence to every performance. With a rich and soulful approach to musical storytelling, she captures audiences with her blend of guitar and vocal prowess. As a solo artist and a member if Trillium Groove. And you can most likely find her wondering around or working at The Alluvion.
And if you haven’t seen her dance - Skye brings the light and energy! She spent most of her childhood in a dance studio learning or teaching.
“I am passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.” - Chelsea Bay
DANIEL SARYA
Daniel Sarya is passionate about helping others find their smile. He is the owner of Sarya Orthodontics, a business that has been around for over 50 years. Growing up in Traverse City, Dan was raised to have pride in his Finnish heritage. All of his ancestors emigrated from Finland, and one of his trips back to visit his relatives with his family he realized that he wanted to bring the traditional Finnish sauna culture to Northern Michigan. So MI Sauna, a mobile wood fired sauna on Lake Michigan was created in 2020 to bring culture, community, care and SMILES to us all!
Daniel Sarya is passionate about helping others find their smile. He is the owner of Sarya Orthodontics, a business that has been around for over 50 years. Growing up in Traverse City, Dan was raised to have pride in his Finnish heritage. All of his ancestors emigrated from Finland, and one of his trips back to visit his relatives with his family he realized that he wanted to bring the traditional Finnish sauna culture to Northern Michigan. So MI Sauna, a mobile wood fired sauna on Lake Michigan was created in 2020 to bring culture, community, care and SMILES to us all!
“I am passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.” - Chelsea Bay
ERICA BOURDON
Erica Bourdon is a Licensed massage therapist, and intuitive body worker at Bodywise. She believes that the body has an intrinsic ability to self-heal, and brings her clients into a space of deeply listening to these messages through her healing touch. Erica lights up by moving her body in nature and unplugging from the outside world, through rock climbing, backpacking, paddling, swimming or just sitting on the forest floor. Erica finds joy through authentic human connections with friends, creating art, having deep philosophical conversation and belly laughing!
Erica Bourdon is a Licensed massage therapist, and intuitive body worker at Bodywise. She believes that the body has an intrinsic ability to self-heal, and brings her clients into a space of deeply listening to these messages through her healing touch. Erica lights up by moving her body in nature and unplugging from the outside world, through rock climbing, backpacking, paddling, swimming or just sitting on the forest floor. Erica finds joy through authentic human connections with friends, creating art, having deep philosophical conversation and belly laughing! She is a mother of two amazing children who bring her perspective and presence on a daily basis.
“I am passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.” - Chelsea Bay
ADAM WEINRICH
Adam Weinrich is a family man and farmer that loves a good wilderness adventure. He returned to Michigan with his family five years ago from hong kong to trade in his business suit for Carhartts. They have built Anavery Fine Foods into a trusted local producer and supplier of pastured-raised, ethically-treated animals.
Adam Weinrich is a family man and farmer that loves a good wilderness adventure. He returned to Michigan with his family five years ago from hong kong to trade in his business suit for Carhartts. They have built Anavery Fine Foods into a trusted local producer and supplier of pastured-raised, ethically-treated animal proteins. The farm is a vehicle to connect his family to other people, to the land and animals, and to their personal history. Adam also loves an adventure in the backcountry, whether it be car camping with his kids or ski mountaineering in a distant mountain range.
“I am passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.” - Chelsea Bay
AMBER HASAN
Amber Hasan has been writing for as long as she can remember. She sees writing as sacred, a vehicle for feeling spiritually whole and fulfilling her life purpose. In addition to being a writer, she is a wife, mother, actor, hip-hop artist, herbalist, and community organizer. Amber’s work focuses on bringing light to dark places and situations while also helping others to find and use their voices as a tool of empowerment.
Amber Hasan has been writing for as long as she can remember. She sees writing as sacred, a vehicle for feeling spiritually whole and fulfilling her life purpose. In addition to being a writer, she is a wife, mother, actor, hip-hop artist, herbalist, and community organizer. Amber’s work focuses on bringing light to dark places and situations while also helping others to find and use their voices as a tool of empowerment.
Amber has done a lot of things and worn many hats during her 42 years of existence, but none of those things define her or could accurately explain who she is and what she is about. "I am a being, created by that which also created the Sun, Moon, and the Oceans. I am as meaningful as I am insignificant. Everyday I am learning, growing, and working to be pleasing to Allah- God- the Creator. I fail often, but I am blessed daily."
Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.
KYLER BRADLEY
Kyler Bradley is a passionate movement specialist and the proud owner of MI Moves Fitness. Kyler is dedicated to helping individuals enhance their lives through the power of quality movement, fostering strength and vitality. Beyond the studio, Kyler is an avid adventurer, finding joy in mountain biking, paddleboarding, and any outdoor activity that keeps the body in motion. Mornings hold a special place for Kyler, dedicated to mindful reflection, planning the day ahead, and cultivating a positive mindset—all while savoring a delicious cup of coffee. With a commitment to holistic well-being, Kyler is on a mission to inspire and uplift others on their journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Kyler Bradley is a passionate movement specialist and the proud owner of MI Moves Fitness. Kyler is dedicated to helping individuals enhance their lives through the power of quality movement, fostering strength and vitality. Beyond the studio, Kyler is an avid adventurer, finding joy in mountain biking, paddleboarding, and any outdoor activity that keeps the body in motion. Mornings hold a special place for Kyler, dedicated to mindful reflection, planning the day ahead, and cultivating a positive mindset—all while savoring a delicious cup of coffee. With a commitment to holistic well-being, Kyler is on a mission to inspire and uplift others on their journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
January 2024 in Traverse City, MI
Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.
RAMON Gaitan
Ramon Gaitan grew up in Nicaragua, and has lived in this country since the age of 10. Dance has always been a driving force in his life, and even after retiring from being a professional ballet dancer, he still found a way to keep dancing, whether it’s from dancing in the Nutcracker to teaching social dance through ballroom or teaching private lessons, or just getting down on the dance floor on New Years Eve! Dance will always be a guiding, fulfilling part of life for Ramon, another language, connecting him with others and himself!Here is Ramon’s story from the January 2024 event in Traverse City, MI
Ramon Gaitan grew up in Nicaragua, and has lived in this country since the age of 10. Dance has always been a driving force in his life, and even after retiring from being a professional ballet dancer, he still found a way to keep dancing, whether it’s from dancing in the Nutcracker to teaching social dance through ballroom or teaching private lessons, or just getting down on the dance floor on New Years Eve! Dance will always be a guiding, fulfilling part of life for Ramon, another language, connecting him with others and himself!
Here is Ramon’s story from the January 2024 event in Traverse City, MI
Learn to dance for an upcoming event, for your wedding, for a date night or just for fun! Rumba, Hustle, Swing, ChaCha, Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, and more! https://www.instagram.com/dancewithramon/
Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.
LIZZIE LANE
“I have a passion for all things holistic health, energetic healing, and grounding spiritual growth, which I offer through my roles as Registered Nurse, Certified Hypnotherapist, and Reiki Practitioner. But my biggest inspiration is getting funky free as a student to the life-long art of myself. The neon thread that weaves through my day-to-day is dancing whenever the moment calls. Whether on a run or at the grocery store, unbridled dancing is the space that feels like home. I also feels most alive with a hot glue gun in hand, a baking bowl on the counter, or a fresh hiking trail underfoot. “
"I have a passion for all things holistic health, energetic healing, and grounded spiritual growth, which I offer through my roles as Registered Nurse, Certified Hypnotherapist, and Reiki Practitioner. Always asking questions, expanding my understandings of the human experience, de-conditioning, leaning into cycles, and remembering that, because it’s never the end, somehow death always has the best sense of humor.
My biggest inspiration is getting funky free as a student to the life-long art of myself. The neon thread that weaves through my day-to-day is dancing whenever the moment calls. Whether on a run or at the grocery store, unbridled dancing is the space that feels like home. I also feels most alive with a hot glue gun in hand, a baking bowl on the counter, or a fresh hiking trail underfoot. “
Here is Lizzie's story from the March 2023 event in Traverse City, MI
Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.
LOGHAN CALL
Loghan Call is the co-founder & shepherd of Audacia Handcrafted Elixirs, and has always been a spectacular farm to table chef. He comes alive with morning dips in Lake Michigan, building community through events & gatherings, facilitating mens circles, blasting the finest tunes and moving through daily life with ever-increasing curiosity.
Loghan is the co-founder & shepherd of Audacia Handcrafted Elixirs, and has always been a spectacular farm to table chef. He comes alive with morning dips in Lake Michigan, building community through events & gatherings, facilitating mens circles, blasting the finest tunes and moving through daily life with ever-increasing curiosity.
Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too. EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.
HOLLY bird
Holly T. Bird is the Co-Executive Director of Title Track, a nonprofit with focus on engaging creative practice to build resilient social-ecological systems that support clean water, racial equity, and youth empowerment. She is a Crime Victims Advocate Attorney for Michigan Indian Legal Services, on the TCAPS school board, and a member of the Mindimooyehn Healing Society. Holly is an activist for the water and water protectors, and an advocate for Indigenous rights.
Holly T. Bird is the Co-Executive Director of Title Track, a nonprofit with focus on engaging creative practice to build resilient social-ecological systems that support clean water, racial equity, and youth empowerment. She is a Crime Victims Advocate Attorney for Michigan Indian Legal Services, on the TCAPS school board, and a member of the Mindimooyehn Healing Society. Holly is an activist for the water and water protectors, and an advocate for Indigenous rights. Check out more of her bio here: https://titletrackmichigan.org/staff/
Here is Holly's story from the October 2023 event in Traverse City, MI
Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too.
EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.
Julie Hay
Julie Hay takes pride in showing up for life. As a managing partner at HKM & Associates, she advances community development projects across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Julie draws energy and inspiration from big thinkers and creative pursuits. She gains clarity and wisdom from reflection and meditation. Her risk-tolerant personality and respect for the finite nature of life have driven her to pivot, rethink, and regroup as needed throughout her 44-year tenure on Earth. Julie’s two young children and husband of (nearly) fifteen years are the sources of the proudest, happiest, and most demanding experiences she has known. As a student of life, she is smart enough to be humbled by how much she doesn’t know but confident enough to know that her voice, opinions, and contributions matter.
Julie Hay takes pride in showing up for life. As a managing partner at HKM & Associates, she advances community development projects across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Julie draws energy and inspiration from big thinkers and creative pursuits. She gains clarity and wisdom from reflection and meditation. Her risk-tolerant personality and respect for the finite nature of life have driven her to pivot, rethink, and regroup as needed throughout her 44-year tenure on Earth. Julie’s two young children and husband of (nearly) fifteen years are the sources of the proudest, happiest, and most demanding experiences she has known. As a student of life, she is smart enough to be humbled by how much she doesn’t know but confident enough to know that her voice, opinions, and contributions matter.
"I have worked as a freelance writer for years, but my meandering career path also includes formative experiences as a public educator, policy advocate, and flower farmer. I find joy in devoting my time to projects, ideas, and collaborations that make the world a better place. In particular, my strengths lie in researching, writing, and synthesizing information for various audiences.
I am known to offer unsolicited recommendations for both books and podcasts. Leslie Knope is my fictional crush, and I firmly agree that the wrong people have imposter syndrome and change is, in fact, the only constant.
This life gig is finite, and I try to live my days with intention, reflection, and loving-kindness. I would die a thousand deaths in a grey-scaped cubicle; I love the flexibility and creativity afforded me with my HKM & Associates work."
Hi Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too.
EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.
Pauly hurlbert
Pauly Hurlburt brings “a ridiculous and sunny disposition” to the table, whether he is flying commercial airplanes, running a quick 25 miles through the woods, in animated conversations with dogs, or finding the best taco joint in any town.
Pauly Hurlburt brings “a ridiculous and sunny disposition” to the table, whether he is flying commercial airplanes, running a quick 25 miles through the woods, in animated conversations with dogs, or finding the best taco joint in any town.
Hi Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too.
EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.
Kristy murphy
“I’m an adventure seeking, nature loving, mama of two. I am shaped by my experiences in the outdoors, taking inspiration from our natural world and moments shared with my loved ones. Most of my writing is a way for me to reflect, slow down, and earmark these memories before time passes by. Mainly, I aim to notice and be astonished every day by the small details of love running through the current of my life, and share this joy with others.”
Kristy Murphy in her own words:
“I’m an adventure seeking, nature loving, mama of two. I am shaped by my experiences in the outdoors, taking inspiration from our natural world and moments shared with my loved ones. Most of my writing is a way for me to reflect, slow down, and earmark these memories before time passes by. Mainly, I aim to notice and be astonished every day by the small details of love running through the current of my life, and share this joy with others.” Here is Kristy's story from the March 2023 event in Traverse City, MI
Hi Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too.
EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out, wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.
Tim pulliam
Tim Pulliam loves life to the fullest every damn day. He is a leader, an entrepreneur, community creator and adventurer. He is the CEO of Keen Technical Solutions, and is constantly creating new ventures, cultivating ideas and always on a bike, skis or boots in the woods. A force for good and ball of energy!
Tim Pulliam loves life to the fullest every damn day. He is a leader, an entrepreneur, community creator and adventurer. He is the CEO of Keen Technical Solutions, and is constantly creating new ventures, cultivating ideas and always on a bike, skis or boots in the woods. A force for good and ball of energy! Here is Tim's story from the March 2023 event.
Hi Im Chelsea Bay, and im passionate about seeing the magic thats right in front of me and inspiring others to see and feel it too.
EXPAND is a storytelling event featuring individuals who choose to live for their everyday. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here,. Mindful, aware, present, grateful. Never arriving, always expanding.