Nikyta Palmisani

Experienced Instructor, Community Alchemist, and Sustainable Living Advocate

Professional Overview

Nikyta Palmisani is a versatile professional with a passion for lifelong learning, community engagement, and sustainable living. As an Instructor at Learning for Change, she combines her expertise in expressive arts, yoga, and environmental education to empower individuals and communities to adopt more sustainable practices. Nikyta's diverse background, spanning roles in education, therapy, and waste management, uniquely positions her to drive positive change at the intersection of personal growth and environmental stewardship.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Instructor, Learning for Change (2022 - Present)

• Designs and delivers engaging educational programs that inspire sustainable lifestyle choices

• Collaborates with community partners to develop and implement place-based learning initiatives

• Leverages her background in expressive arts and wellness to foster deep connections between people and the natural world

Community Alchemist, Lopez Island Library (2022 - Present)

• Curates educational workshops and events that promote sustainable living and community resilience

• Connects local residents with resources and tools to support environmentally-conscious decision-making

• Acts as a catalyst for grassroots initiatives that address pressing ecological and social challenges

Founder, Lopez Island ReMakery (2021 - Present)

• Established a community-driven space to encourage the reuse, repair, and repurposing of materials

• Coordinates skill-sharing workshops and hands-on learning opportunities that empower residents to adopt a circular economy mindset

• Collaborates with local businesses and organizations to reduce waste and foster a more sustainable local ecosystem

Career Progression

Training, Outreach and Education Coordinator, LOPEZ SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT (2014 - 2022)

• Developed and implemented comprehensive waste reduction and recycling programs for residential and commercial customers

• Designed and facilitated educational workshops to increase community awareness and participation in sustainable waste management practices

• Collaborated with local stakeholders to identify and address emerging waste-related challenges

Expressive Arts Therapist, Bill Wilson Center and San Diego Youth and Community Services (2004 - 2014)

• Utilized a blend of art, music, and movement-based therapies to support the emotional well-being of youth and families

• Contributed to the development and refinement of holistic, client-centered interventions

• Advocated for the integration of expressive arts modalities within traditional mental health treatment approaches

Yoga & Meditation Instructor, The Golden Door (2001 - 2009)

• Guided individuals and groups through transformative yoga and meditation practices

• Developed specialized programs to address the unique needs of diverse clientele

• Played a key role in promoting the benefits of mindfulness-based practices for physical, mental, and emotional health

Academic Background

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Antioch University (2011)

• Specialized in Expressive Arts Therapy

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, San Diego State University (2002)

• Concentration in Holistic Health and Wellness

Areas of Expertise

• Expressive arts facilitation and therapeutic applications

• Sustainable living education and community engagement

• Waste management and environmental stewardship

• Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness-based practices

• Holistic health and wellness program development

• Community organizing and grassroots initiatives

Professional Impact

• Pioneered the establishment of a community-driven ReMakery space on Lopez Island, empowering residents to adopt a circular economy mindset

• Developed and implemented innovative waste reduction and recycling programs that significantly increased community participation and diverted tons of material from landfills

• Delivered engaging educational workshops and trainings that inspired sustainable lifestyle changes and fostered deeper connections between people and the natural environment

• Advocated for the integration of expressive arts modalities within traditional mental health treatment approaches, contributing to the wellbeing of youth and families

Conclusion

Nikyta Palmisani's diverse background and multifaceted expertise make her a valuable asset in the fields of sustainable living, community development, and holistic wellness. With a proven track record of driving positive change through innovative educational programs, grassroots initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, Nikyta is poised to continue making a meaningful impact as she navigates the next chapter of her professional journey.