our team
Nicole DeWard - Founder & CEO
Inspired by her own journey as a mom of two children with special needs, Nicole created bloom work & play to offer a safe, empowering, and joy-filled space where young adults can grow, thrive, and truly belong.
Nicole’s favorite moments at bloom are simple but powerful—like hearing a typically shy participant lead morning stretches or getting hugs from bloomers throughout the day. These moments affirm the mission she lives out daily: to build confidence, connection, and opportunity for every individual.
A natural leader and public speaker, Nicole feels most in her element when serving others and helping people step into their potential. She’s driven by the vision of expanding bloom to more communities, knowing that what they’ve built is both special and scalable.
Whether she’s out walking with bloomers or dreaming up what’s next, Nicole is fueled by purpose and heart.
At bloom, Nicole feels inspired and full of hope.
Rubi Marinelarena - COO & Co-Owner
Rubi’s journey with bloom is rooted in a deep love for connection, joy, and the power of community. From the moment she walks through the door, she’s inspired by the laughter, hugs, and everyday magic that bloomers bring to life. She believes with her whole heart in their potential and hopes each one knows just how amazing, capable, and valued they truly are.
To Rubi, bloom is more than a program—it’s a place of belonging, where love leads the way and every day is filled with purpose. The bonds she’s formed here have changed her life, deepening her understanding of what it means to love unconditionally and show up fully for others.
Rubi is deeply driven and determined to make bloom the best experience possible for every young adult who walks through the door. She’s passionate about spreading the bloom love far and wide and feels incredibly proud and honored to be on this journey.
At bloom, Rubi feels loved.
April DeWard - Director of Education
April has always felt connected to individuals with special needs, inspired by her family and a deep understanding of the community. As Director of Education at bloom work & play, she finds joy in the daily progress her students make—especially in workboxes and small groups where things begin to click.
Creative and compassionate, April brings her love of art and hands-on learning into the classroom. She’s passionate about teaching patience, resilience, and the importance of asking for help after giving your best effort.
Working at bloom has taught April to slow down, listen deeply, and truly put herself in others’ shoes. Whether she’s creating custom accommodations or watching students support one another, April feels most at home when she's helping others grow.
At bloom, April feels inspired and fulfilled.
Martha McGuinness - Program Director
Martha brings heart, wisdom, and decades of teaching experience to her role as Program Director at bloom. After years in traditional education, she felt a pull toward something more personal and impactful—helping young adults with special needs thrive beyond the classroom. At bloom, she’s found her calling: a place where confidence, independence, and individuality are not only taught, but celebrated daily.
Martha is deeply inspired by growth—whether it’s a student trying something new, gaining a little more confidence, or proudly owning their identity. From community outings to heartfelt presentations during Autism Awareness Month, she cherishes every milestone and moment of connection.
Whether she’s supporting families, teaching life skills, or just being there for a warm hug and a laugh, Martha shows up with compassion and purpose. Her leadership helps make bloom the vibrant, inclusive, and empowering space it is.
At bloom, Martha feels worthy—and she makes others feel the same.
Mark St. Amour - bloom Enablement
Mark was inspired to join the bloom community through his son Zachary and the many amazing individuals he's met along the way. At bloom, Mark brings his energy, warmth, and passion for movement to every session—especially morning stretches, his favorite part of the day.
He loves the positivity of the bloomers and the dedication of the team, and he’s constantly moved by the way the community supports, encourages, and accepts one another. For Mark, bloom is a reminder of what’s possible when we slow down, stay curious, and lead with inclusion.
Whether he’s cheering someone on or leading a movement activity, Mark hopes to show each young adult that their path—straight, zigzagged, or circular—is full of possibility and support.
At bloom, Mark feels motivated and inspired by the strength of community.
Dakota Talbert - Lead Teacher
Dakota brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of hats (over 40!) to bloom every day. A natural-born teacher with a deep respect for all individuals, Dakota has long been inspired by the unique strengths of young adults with special needs—some of whom he’s known since growing up in the same school system.
Whether he’s leading a cooking class, cheering on bloomers at Special Olympics, or watching someone cut an apple independently thanks to a lesson they learned that week, Dakota’s passion shines through in every interaction. He believes every moment is a chance to build confidence, connection, and life skills that matter.
Known for his patience and his love of Asian cuisine, Dakota creates a space where learning is fun, dancing is encouraged, and kindness is second nature. At bloom, he sees progress not just in big leaps, but in everyday acts of support between peers.
At bloom, Dakota feels confident—and it shows in the way he lifts others up.
Kevin Wilson - Assistant Teacher
Kevin brings creativity, curiosity, and compassion to everything he does at bloom. His journey in this field began on a farm at 19, where he shared unforgettable days full of laughter and connection with a friend named Bob who had autism. That experience left a lasting imprint—and led him to bloom.
Here, Kevin has found not just a workplace, but a family. From spontaneous morning greetings to helping a bloomer craft a bouquet with care and intention, he finds magic in the little moments. Whether he’s leading a music activity or sharing a quiet conversation, Kevin helps the bloomers tap into their own creativity and express the beauty of their inner worlds.
With a love for stories, song, and self-expression, Kevin brings a soulful energy to bloom—reminding everyone that life is better when you live it like your favorite comfort show.
At bloom, Kevin feels rainbowlike—full of color, warmth, and joy.
Sophie Setterlind - Assistant Teacher
Sophie is passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels safe to be fully themselves. From the moment she walked through bloom’s doors, she knew she’d found something special—a warm, inclusive community where authenticity thrives.
Whether she’s chatting during Morning Mingle or sharing a walk and heartfelt conversation downtown, Sophie brings empathy, light, and laughter to her role. A lover of both animals and people, pet therapy days are her favorite—where her veterinary background and her heart for others come together.
Sophie is inspired by the resilience of others and carries a quiet mission: to help every bloomer feel valued, seen, and empowered to grow.
At bloom, Sophie feels blissfully connected and inspired.
Christine Sharon - Assistant Teacher
Christine's journey to bloom started with her son’s autism diagnosis and a leap of faith when her family relocated from Michigan to Georgia. What began as a search for connection turned into something much deeper—a sense of purpose and belonging. After two years of volunteering at RISE, Christine officially joined the bloom team, answering what she calls a “call to serve” after the loss of her father. Today, she brings that same love, empathy, and energy to her role every single day.
Christine is a firm believer in the power of visibility and inclusion. Whether it’s helping students navigate daily outings in the community or witnessing powerful self-advocacy moments, she sees each interaction as an opportunity to grow, connect, and celebrate individuality.
From impromptu dance parties to music-filled lessons, Christine brings out the joy in everyday moments. Her nurturing presence makes bloom not just a place to learn, but a place to thrive.
At bloom, Christine feels like it’s gonna be a good day—and that feeling is contagious.
Peg Bullock - Substitute Teacher
Peg's journey into the world of special needs began with a little girl who changed everything. As a former nanny to a child with Down syndrome, Peg’s heart opened wide—and she's been all-in ever since. Now, as a substitute teacher at bloom, she brings quiet strength, compassion, and a whole lot of love.
What Peg cherishes most about bloom is the deep sense of acceptance—everyone is seen and valued for who they are. Whether it’s a walk to the park or a kind, unexpected compliment from a bloomer, she finds joy in the smallest, most genuine moments.
Peg’s greatest hope is that every young adult she meets at bloom knows they are deeply loved. She may not always have the right words (introvert life!), but her heart speaks volumes.
At bloom, Peg feels loved and at home.