10 years of making a difference!
Our Philosophy
For the past 10 years, the Creativity Shell has been a beacon of hope, healing, and innovation in the community. Founded with a passion for using creative arts to teach life skills and promote mental health, our organization has grown from a small local effort into a nationally recognized nonprofit. Through programs in sewing, cooking, crafting, performing, and making, we have empowered thousands of children in schools, shelters, juvenile justice programs, and our own studios to find their voice, express their creativity, and build confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Our impact reaches far beyond the classroom. From bringing art to underserved neighborhoods to creating mobile studios that deliver creativity to areas in need, the Creativity Shell has continually gone above and beyond to ensure every child has access to enriching, hands-on learning. We have provided crucial programming for human trafficking survivors, neurodiverse students, and youth in crisis, always with a focus on compassion, inclusion, and resilience. Our work has sparked joy, transformed lives, and built a community of young makers, thinkers, and doers who are proud of what they can create.
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are filled with gratitude and pride. The past decade has been filled with challenges, growth, and countless unforgettable moments. From our first sewing class to our public art installations, Creativity Rocks fashion shows, and our newest venture, the Bernina Kids initiative, we have remained committed to our mission and to the children we serve. This milestone is not just a celebration of our past but a powerful reminder of what is still to come. The Creativity Shell is more than a program, it is a movement, and we are just getting started.
OUR TEAM
Shelancia Daniel M.Ed Executive Director
Shelancia Daniel M.Ed Executive Director
Shelancia Daniel M.Ed Executive Director
Shelancia Daniel holds a Technical Diploma in Costume Design from the International Academy of Design in Toronto. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Finance from Thomas Edison University and has a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology (Creativity, Cognition, Innovation and Development) from Texas A&M. She has worked in the non-profit
Shelancia Daniel holds a Technical Diploma in Costume Design from the International Academy of Design in Toronto. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Finance from Thomas Edison University and has a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology (Creativity, Cognition, Innovation and Development) from Texas A&M. She has worked in the non-profit sector since she was 12 years old and has worked as a costume/custom bra designer for the last 16 years. After being influenced by her own children; Shelancia realizes there is nothing more important in this world than our kids. Shelancia plans to use her vast creativity experience in sewing and textiles arts to help build the Creativity Shell.
Mara Valentina Facilities Director
Shelancia Daniel M.Ed Executive Director
Shelancia Daniel M.Ed Executive Director
Mara Valentina is a unique and driven individual. Her creative passion has inspired this dreamer to step out of the box and pursue her career in creativity. As a self-taught crocheter and knitter Mara Valentina possesses the patience and dedication it takes to enlighten the minds of our youth. Mara Valentina looks forward to teaching the
Mara Valentina is a unique and driven individual. Her creative passion has inspired this dreamer to step out of the box and pursue her career in creativity. As a self-taught crocheter and knitter Mara Valentina possesses the patience and dedication it takes to enlighten the minds of our youth. Mara Valentina looks forward to teaching the young artist of today, and launching a clothing line of knitted and crocheted items in her spare time.
Jahnae Runnells Sprouts/Mobile Programs
Shelancia Daniel M.Ed Executive Director
Alexandra Rogers - Cooking/Culinary Arts
Jahnae Runnells is a dynamic sewing and art teacher, a passionate program manager, and an inspirational leader for the children she teaches. As the head of the Creativity Shell's Sprouts department, Jahnae designs and leads creative curriculum tailored for our youngest learners, ages 3 to 6. Her thoughtful, hands-on approach nurtures imag
Jahnae Runnells is a dynamic sewing and art teacher, a passionate program manager, and an inspirational leader for the children she teaches. As the head of the Creativity Shell's Sprouts department, Jahnae designs and leads creative curriculum tailored for our youngest learners, ages 3 to 6. Her thoughtful, hands-on approach nurtures imagination, builds foundational skills, and fosters a love for learning from an early age.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Jahnae also drives the 40-foot Creativity Shell mobile studio, taking arts education directly into schools and communities. Her dedication to expanding access to creativity is unmatched, and she plays a vital role in ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have the opportunity to learn, express themselves, and grow.
Alexandra Rogers - Cooking/Culinary Arts
Shelancia Daniel M.Ed Executive Director
Alexandra Rogers - Cooking/Culinary Arts
Alexandra Rogers is an instructor for the cooking classes. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. She has several years of experience as a baker with emphasis on cake decorating. Alexandra has tapped into many arts forms: cooking, sewing, crocheting, painting, & sculpting. As a former daycare teacher, she wanted to meld her passion for cooking and teaching.
Lea Arfele Art
Emily Pryun Art
Emily Pryun Art
Leah Arfele attended University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a degree in Clinical Practice and specialization in Behavioral Health. Leah has served several vulnerable populations in her career but her plans shifted when she unexpectedly gained custody of 4 children and became a Mom
Leah Arfele attended University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a degree in Clinical Practice and specialization in Behavioral Health. Leah has served several vulnerable populations in her career but her plans shifted when she unexpectedly gained custody of 4 children and became a Mom. This was the catalyst for Leah to explore her creative passions which led to her becoming a professional mermaid, making and selling her own costumes, and teaching sustainable and re-purposed crafting classes. The Creativity Shell’s mission resonates with Leah’s own values in that we view arts and trade skills as tools for personal growth and emphasize the importance of developing practical life skills through hands-on training that increases a person’s confidence and opportunities.
Emily Pryun Art
Emily Pryun Art
Emily Pryun Art
Emily Pruyn is a versatile art teacher with expertise in painting, pottery, and photography. She studied at the Glasses School of Art and Lone Star College, blending traditional and modern techniques to inspire creativity. Known for her warm and encouraging nature, Emily fosters artistic confidence in her students. She believes in the pow
Emily Pruyn is a versatile art teacher with expertise in painting, pottery, and photography. She studied at the Glasses School of Art and Lone Star College, blending traditional and modern techniques to inspire creativity. Known for her warm and encouraging nature, Emily fosters artistic confidence in her students. She believes in the power of art for personal expression and continues to inspire the next generation of artists with her passion and joy.