
FOCUS ENERGY DIRECTION
Immerse Yourself in a Wellness Weekend at the Mable House Arts Center
Recharge your mind, body, and spirit at the "FED: Focus, Energy, Direction" wellness weekend, happening March 22-23, 2025, at the Mable House Arts Center in Mableton, Georgia. This two-day event is designed for adults aged 18 and older, offering a unique opportunity to explore holistic self-care through arts and nature-based programming in a peaceful, community-focused environment.
Participants will embark on a rejuvenating weekend of inspiration, relaxation, and self-discovery through two immersive days of programming:
Breakout sessions will offer deeper dives into self-care practices such as Tai Chi, Animal Therapy, and Creative Workshops.
Event Details
- Dates: March 22nd and/or 23rd, 2025
- Times: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily
- Location: Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, GA
- Cost: $25 per day
- Target Audience: Adults aged 18 and older
Meet our Presenters

'Cathy' Ruitian Cai, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
· Licensed by Georgia Composite Medical Board
· Licensed by Texas Medical Board
· Diplomat in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Cathy is a passionate and experienced acupuncturist with a heart for helping people achieve optimal health and well-being. Originally from China, Cathy grew up with a strong appreciation for Traditional Chinese Medicine. After moving to the United States in 2015, she obtained her master degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Pamela Malkoff Hayes – Licensed Therapist & Board-Certified Art Therapist
- Licensed in Georgia, California, Florida, and Rhode Island, with specialties in addictions, relationships, families, depression, anxiety, grief, LGBTQ+, gender identity, open relationships, and sexuality.
- Over 30 years of experience in schools, hospitals, prisons, foster care, residential care, and private practice.
- Clinical Director at Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Buckhead/Atlanta.
- Former instructor of art therapy at Philips Graduate University, RISD, and the Chicago School for Professional Psychology.
- Noted speaker and author with a BFA from Parsons School of Design and a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy & Art Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University.
Helping individuals and families thrive through compassionate care and art therapy.

Happy Tails
Happy Tails volunteer teams provide physical, social, emotional, and cognitive therapy to people of all ages. Their teams visit hospitals, assisted living, schools and behavioral facilities in the metro Atlanta area offering companionship, conversation, stimulation, sensory gratification and comfort to the patients, caretakers and family members.
Regular team visits can be arranged on weekdays, weeknights or weekends, seven days a week. Happy Tails also provides reoccurring quarterly or one-time special visits upon request and based on availability at no cost thanks to their dedicated volunteers.

Mia Daaja - Budgeting for Peace
- Passionate about teaching money management & budgeting skills to people who relate to her journey.
- Grew up in a household where financial discipline & credit protection were the norm—but knows that’s not the case for everyone.
- A full-time entrepreneur since 2006, she’s experienced financial ups & downs but always relied on strong money management skills.
- On a mission to help you BUDGET PAST THE WEEKEND! 💡
- Believes that if you can’t manage $100, you won’t manage $1,000 any better.
- Lives by the mantra: "Let me help you, you help them, and they help them!"

Lot 23 Chandler Co. - Heidi
Born in Guyana, Heidi cherished her childhood memories of blackouts and the warmth of family moments, where scent played a key role in special occasions. Inspired by her mother’s parfum gifts from the USA and the connection fragrance brought to their lives, Heidi realized the power of scent in evoking memories, emotions, and communication. Her family's candle-making tradition during power outages further deepened her connection to the power of scent in bringing light and warmth to their lives.
In memory of her late mother, Lot 23 Chandler Co. offers a unique eau de parfum experience that encapsulates childhood love, resilience, and community. Their mission is to forge meaningful olfactory experiences that celebrate nostalgia, growth, and connection.

Eleven45 Candle Company – Handcrafted, Eco-Friendly Candles
- Woman-owned and dedicated to sustainability with handcrafted, high-quality candles.
- Committed to reducing waste by offering wax refills for concrete candles.
- More than just candles—we host candle-making classes & parties for individuals and groups.
- Proudly supports the local community by sourcing materials from local suppliers.
- Believes in the power of collaboration and giving back.
Lighting up spaces while protecting the planet—one candle at a time.

Zoe Soltanmammedova – Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent
- Works with the Cobb County Extension FACS team to educate the community on food, health, nutrition, and financial wellness.
- Earned a Master’s in Nutrition from North Carolina State University in 2016 and has been with UGA Extension for 7 years.
- Passionate about the outdoors, exploring Georgia’s natural beauty, and enjoys cooking, dancing, and spending time with her puppy, Lola.
- Loves educating people on healthy eating and living in a fun, non-traditional way.
Helping individuals and families lead healthier, more fulfilling lives!

Mariella Owens - Ceramics
My life is rich and full when seated at a potter’s wheel. Creating individual, one of a kind, works of useable art is a joy and a calling. Turning that lump of clay into bowls and coffee mugs, vases, wine cooler, tea pots, and so on, is an acquired skill that I share with students of all ages and abilities. I’ve devoted more than half my lifetime to making pottery and teaching it to others. Life skills of patience, diligence, concentration, and relaxation all work together to transform more than clay. The potter is also transformed and possesses those same qualities easily discernable in the object created with her own hands.

Jessica M. Parker
- Joined CCPLS & Accessibility Services in February 2023.
- Former high school special education teacher, teaching 10th-grade social studies and 9th-grade algebra.
- Veteran of theatre with over 20 years of performance experience.
- Graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2016 and is currently an MLIS student at UNC Greensboro.
- Passionate about making accessibility services a standard in all libraries and beyond.
- Believes access to information is the key to opportunity and representation for all.
Proud to be part of the Cobb County team and committed to opening doors for everyone.
Amanda Sanders - South Cobb Regional Library
Amanda Sanders, MA, MLS (She/Her) is an Adult Services Librarian II with Cobb County Public Library. She works at South Cobb Regional Library in Mableton, GA where she serves the public through a mix of computer services, craft programs, and other library services.

Princitis Elliott - Scentivity Soap
- Inspired by a childhood of homemade skincare, long before it was trendy.
- Struggled to find effective, great-smelling products for sensitive skin—so decided to make her own.
- Fell in love with soapmaking after taking a class seven years ago.
- Creates soaps that cleanse gently while delivering delightful scents.
- Launched Scentivity Soap Company in 2021 and has been on a bubbly journey ever since.
Crafting skincare with care, one bar at a time.

Maria L. Hammond - Tai Chi Qigong
Maria is a lifetime student of Tai Chi & Qigong internal arts - learning never ends and this is her journey. She had been a practitioner for several years when she decided to become an instructor through the Tai Chi for Health Institute under Dr. Lam and the ATCQA. Maria is a firm believer that one must practice the art of Tai Chi & Qigong regularly to see the best results.

Nadia Fountain - Go Juicy Atl
- Nadia is the founder of Go Juicy, an award winning beverage brand in the wellness space.
- Understands the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst a busy schedule.
- Her company, Go Juicy, offers convenient cold-pressed juices, loose-leaf teas, & adaptogenic blends designed to provide maximum nutrition with minimal effort.
- Nadia's personal journey with health and wellness inspired her to create Go Juicy in 2019, sharing her knowledge and passion for healthy living with the Greater Atlanta community.
- You can find Go Juicy at local Farmers Markets, bringing healthy and delicious options to your community.
Sip, nourish, and transform—one juice at a time!

Linda Cherry - Painting
- A lifelong creative spirit, finding inspiration in cooking, sewing, and crafting.
- Studied art in high school but took an unexpected turn after a Traumatic Brain Injury from a car accident.
- Rediscovered a passion for painting through a Coffee & Canvas: Sip & Paint class at Mable House Arts Center.
- Painting became a key part of healing, helping with focus and recovery.
- Honored to complete the circle and share this creative journey with others.
Art heals, inspires, and connects—let’s create together!

Keith Mazonkey - Exercise Physiologist
- Holds a BS in Exercise Sport Science from Ursinus University and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
- Joined Cobb County in 2014 as the Employee Wellness Coordinator, overseeing the county’s health and wellness program.
- Originally from Shickshinny, PA, Keith moved to Georgia in 2014 with his wife, Amanda.
- Enjoys staying active and spending quality time with his family in his free time.
Committed to promoting health and wellness in the community!

Holly Tate - Arts Educator, Holistic Coach, and Wellness Practitioner
- Offers a range of services including voice lessons, parent coaching, teacher training, intuitive readings, life coaching, and more.
- Creator of the Heart & Soul Calibration™️ method, fostering self-love, emotional freedom, and spiritual grounding through creativity and authentic self-expression.
- Holds a Bachelor of Music and various mind-body-spirit certifications (sound healing, Zen mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and more).
- Specializes in mental health, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism, using her knowledge to support both her own wellness and her daughter’s.
Combining modern psychology, ancient philosophies, and creativity to heal and empower with love and laughter.

Saida Drumo - Founder of Saitiva Healing Health and Wellness
- Originally from New York and raised in Atlanta, a proud mom of 5 and grandmother of two.
- Developed a passion for rocks and crystals as a child, learning their significance.
- Struggled with acne and sensitive skin, which inspired the creation of Saitiva Healing Health and Wellness in 2020.
- Combines natural healing ingredients like soap and milk baths with crystals to protect the spirit and promote overall well-being.
Dedicated to blending natural care for the body with spiritual healing.

Dr. Anita August
Dr. Anita August is a distinguished academic, writer, and independent scholar whose research illuminates the rhetorical practices of 19th-century women, with a particular focus on influential figures such as Ida B. Wells and Frances Willard. After earning her PhD in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Texas, she established herself as a leader in writing education at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where she served as both the Director of Writing Programs and the Assistant Director of the Creative Writing Program.
With over two decades of experience as a tenured professor, Dr. August has shaped the academic journeys of countless students through her expertise in short story and novel writing, creative writing pedagogy, rhetoric and writing studies, and visual culture rhetoric. Her scholarly work exploring the rhetorical strategies of 19th-century women has contributed valuable insights to our understanding of historical feminist discourse and activism. Her impact extends beyond the classroom through her award-winning publications, including books and journal articles, and her success in screenplay competitions demonstrates her versatility as a writer across different mediums.

Debbie Parrish - Certified Therapeutics Recreation Specialist
*Recreation Coordinator III; Cobb PARKS Therapeutic Recreation Services
You may think that all you’re doing is going out to lunch or dinner; however, I’m looking at the healthy eating choices, money management, manners, and how you socialize at the table. There are so many skills that can be taught in everyday activities. My goal as a Recreation Therapist is to promote physical activity, socialization, and mental wellness through opportunities that include all individuals, no matter their ability, by enhancing the well-being and quality of life of community members through structured leisure and recreational activities. Designing and implementing recreational programs that cater to every single individual; leading various types of group activities; collaborating with local organizations; and assessing the needs through evaluations are just some of the roles I take on!

Superior Vegan Food Truck
At SUPERIOR VEGAN, we're on a mission to redefine well-being through our commitment to crafting exceptional ORGANIC, VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY FREE and SOY FREE products!
We Believe that everyone deserves access to nourishing, delisious options that not only satisfy taste buds but also contribute to a healthier, superior, more vibrant life!
**Food truck available for lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 pm each day of the event!

Burn Boot Camp South Cobb: More Than a Gym, It's a Community
Burn Boot Camp South Cobb is more than just a place to work out, it’s a movement dedicated to transforming lives. Led by MonTayla and Deangelo Yancey, our community-based, family-focused gym empowers members through high-energy, results-driven 45-minute camps that challenge both mind and body. Combining strength and cardio, our workouts push you to do more than you thought possible, helping you build confidence, endurance, and strength.
But fitness is just the beginning. We are deeply invested in the Cobb community, providing a supportive environment where members uplift each other in their self-care and wellness journeys. With complimentary Childwatch, expert trainers, and a commitment to whole-body health, we ensure that every member has the tools to succeed—inside and outside the gym.
Website: https://locations.burnbootcamp.com/locations/south-cobb-ga/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=listings
Burn South Cobb Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/burnbootcampsouthcobbga/
Burn South Cobb Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/p/DEaUBEcxX06/?img_index=1

Joy Spine Wellness - Dr. Nicole James-Wilson
Dr. Nicole James-Wilson, a Houston native, holds a Bachelor’s in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Xavier University and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University, graduating with honors. Her mission is to help individuals of all ages achieve optimal health through chiropractic care, ensuring their bodies function at their highest potential. Dr. James-Wilson specializes in working with pregnant women and children and is certified in the Webster Technique and by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, continually expanding her knowledge to provide the best care.

Ebony Medina
Ebony is a Chief Mindfulness Officer (CMO) with extensive experience in corporate wellness, having led health initiatives for top organizations like Google, McKesson, and Lululemon. As an ERYT 500-hour Yoga Teacher and writer, she specializes in yoga, mindfulness, sound healing, and meditation, with over a decade of experience in holistic wellness. Ebony holds a Bachelor of Science in Consciousness and Human Potential and is currently pursuing a master’s in Ayurveda and Integrative Health. In 2022, she founded The Ebony Yogi Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making yoga and meditation accessible to all. Her work empowers individuals and organizations to achieve balance, resilience, and wellness through mindfulness practices.
Self-Care Saturday:
Dive into a variety of hands-on workshops and activities designed to equip you with practical tools for enhancing your well-being. Whether you're learning stress-reduction techniques, mindfulness practices, or creative expressions, this day is about investing in yourself. REGISTER HERE

Sensory Sunday:
Engage all your senses with experiences designed to soothe, relax, and revitalize. From nature walks to sound therapy and more, Sensory Sunday offers a rich variety of calming activities to help you unwind and restore balance in your life. REGISTER HERE
