Talent Show with a Therapeutic Twist

Image of Green Chimneys Board Member and Honoree Michele Greenburg with a large horse in front of a red barn

Honoring Longtime Supporter and Volunteer Michele Greenburg

July 20, 2021

February 20, 2020

The annual Talent Show, organized by a team of recreational and art therapists, provides Green Chimneys School children who struggle with social, emotional and learning challenges, an opportunity to take the stage.

Click on the image above to see photo highlights on FlickR.

From vocal stylings, dance performances, and jam sessions to a though-provoking video on climate change, students shared their hearts and passions. Inspiration was drawn from a range of artists too, including Metallica, Led Zepplin, Aaliyah, Eminem, Shawn Mendes, and Lil Tecca and more.

Acts of Self-Expression and Triumphs of Personal Growth

And what makes the event so heartwarming is the unofficial theme of acceptance and support. Students and staff were at the ready with cheers and high fives. Sparkly pom-poms and spoken affirmations permeated the event. With each performance, students conquered anxieties. They applied coping skills. They chose to share a piece of themselves with trust in a safe, supportive environment.

We couldn’t be more proud of our students. Congratulations!

Gracie & Reba

Donkeys Gracie and Reba have been residents of the farm since 1996 and are particularly valuable partners for the children because they offer immediate feedback on behavior. They are patient, shy and headstrong but because donkeys only acknowledge humans who appear calm, this pair helps children learn the skills necessary to approach them gently and quietly. Gracie and Reba also have an extraordinary bond and have difficulty being apart so students must keep this in mind, even for basic tasks such as walking them. If the donkeys lose sight of each other they will start calling to one another so students work together to make sure the pair can see each other for their entire journey outside.