Profiles in Creativity: Angel Heffernan, YWIS Director

Since 2019, Angel has been working to educate and inspire Berkshire County youth through Flying Cloud Institute programs. She began as a Girls Science Club Coordinator and was then promoted to Young Women in Science Director. Last year, she served as a lead S•M•Art Educator in the CLuB (Community Learning in the Berkshires) program. Prior to coming to Flying Cloud, Angel was a faculty artist at IS183 Art School and brings her creativity and artistic skills to the Institute.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I have been working as an educator for over 24 years, teaching a myriad of subjects in diverse settings from preschool classrooms to retirement communities and everything in between, even entirely outdoors during this past pandemic year!

What makes Flying Cloud’s mission powerful for you?

Working with Flying Cloud Institute has been amazing for me. There is a deep stream of values inherent in our mission that inspire me in the work I do everyday. I am passionate about empowering youth, nurturing curiosity, and creating engaging hands on innovative learning experiences. There are so many ways Flying Cloud dynamically affects the communities and youth that we serve and I am continually honored to be a part of that!

What interests you most about working for Flying Cloud?

I love that I get to be creative and inspired with all that we do.

Do you want to share any personal information about your family or hobbies?

I am an artist, scientist, teacher, maker, and a mama with a lot of interests. I have an awesome 12 year old, a guinea pig, and a slightly famous Madagascan Hissing cockroach. If I am not in the studio/lab I am out in the woods foraging and harvesting. ❤