A creative reset for educators, healers, helpers, and anyone holding it all together for everyone else.
You’ve been carrying the weight for everyone else.
It’s time for something that supports you.
It’s not about fixing or performing or talking through your past.
It’s about giving your system a chance to reset, creating space to breathe, settle and feel like yourself again.
Creating Calm After Chaos is a free creative workshop designed for those in Western North Carolina who show up for others every day, those who carry more than they let on, hold it together for everyone else and who’ve been running on empty for too long.
It’s for those who never got a break after the storm, whether that storm was literal, emotional, or still unfolding.
You don’t need to explain yourself here. You don’t need to be artistic or have anything figured out.
You just need to show up. We’ll take it from there.
*See below for upcoming dates.
What this workshop is
A creative reset
A chance to breathe again
A place to drop the weight you’ve been carrying and reconnect with your body, your breath, and yourself
This is not about artistic skill. It’s about getting out of your head, back into your body, and onto solid ground so you can feel like yourself again.
It’s led by Trauma Recovery Coach Amy Huggins and local artist and educator Kate Stockman, who guide you through hands-on creative experiences designed to meet you right where you are and share practical tools and insights to help you understand what’s happening inside, and how to move through it with more clarity and ease.
Who It's For
This is for you if:
What you'll get
I was hesitant to sign up for another workshop, and also was in agreement that there is still a lot of space for healing from not just the hurricane, also the stressors and hardships that come from navigating daily life. I was also curious about what “process art” was and I appreciated that the description said, “no experience required!” So I signed up. And I am so thankful and grateful that I did. Amy and Kate offered helpful teaching and explanations that felt like puzzle pieces coming together for me about how our bodies work and are designed to protect us and help us process. I have heard a lot about mindfulness and the importance of deep and slow breathing, but never understood physiologically what was going on in my body that made these practices helpful. And we were able to practice together some of the exercises to experience and engage with the teaching personally.
And then the art! Being given the opportunity and space to slow down and create beautiful, meaningful, personal pieces of art, and while sharing learn more insights about myself, was so sweet. I didn’t know what to expect, but this time was exactly how it was described- calming, a space for healing and an opportunity to find some peace.
I wish we could all sit together and soak in Amy and Kate’s kindness, gentleness and calming teaching. I am very thankful I had this opportunity. – Ke. S.
When and Where?
Choose your week:
July 8th and 10th
July 15th and 17th
July 29th and 31st
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Location: VFW, Hendersonville, NC
Materials and lunch provided. No prep required.
*Hendersonville County educators will receive CEUs. Inquire with Kate.
what happens during the workshop?
Each workshop includes four distinct sessions, offered either across two days or over four weeks depending on the schedule. The structure follows a steady rhythm that allows your system to settle, release, and reset
1. Grounding and Clearing
Begin with nervous system support, embodied presence, and guided reflection to clear space internally
2. Reconnecting with Inner Strength
Notice what’s still solid and build on what’s still yours using simple creative expression
3. Supporting the Unspoken in Moving Through You
Give shape to emotions that don’t have words and allow your system to move through what it’s been holding
4. Integration and Forward Momentum
Honor what’s been, clarify what’s next, and create a visual reflection of your journey
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for a deeper round, this workshop will meet you exactly where you are
Why This Works
Most of us weren’t taught how to understand what’s happening in our own systems – why we shut down, go into overdrive, feel numb, or suddenly snap.
This workshop blends simple nervous system practices, emotional awareness tools, and creative expression to help you reconnect with yourself – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
You’ll learn how to:
The approach is rooted in trauma-informed principles, including nervous system literacy (based in Polyvagal Theory) and inner parts awareness (drawn from Internal Family Systems, or IFS), woven together with creative practices that meet you exactly where you are.
It’s part learning, part embodiment, and part art.
And it’s designed to help you feel more like yourself again.
Common Questions
Do I need to be artistic?
No. Stick figures welcome. You’ll be guided through everything
Do I have to talk about personal stuff?
Not at all. You can participate fully without sharing a word. Expression happens through the art
What should I bring?
For the workshop itself…nothing. All materials are provided.
You are encouraged to bring enough to drink through the duration of our time together in closed containers or a snack for your comfort.
*For the two day intensives, lunch will be provided both days by Pardee Health. If you have special dietary requirements, please feel free to bring your own lunch.
What’s the catch?
There isn’t one. This is completely free and funded by donors and partners who believe in supporting helpers and community healing
Is this a support group?
No. This is not group therapy or group coaching, and we won’t be diving into personal trauma stories. This is a creative space for reflection, release, and learning—open to anyone who feels drawn to better understand what they’re carrying and how to care for themselves moving forward.
Is this appropriate if I’m in crisis?
This workshop can be a helpful part of healing, but it’s not designed for acute crisis care. If you’re currently in crisis, we encourage you to schedule a free Empowerment Session (Zoom call) with Amy to determine the best next step support options. See button below to schedule.
What if I could use some one on one support?
While this workshop will naturally support healing, sometimes we all need more individualized support. Schedule a free Empowerment session with Amy to learn how she can support you.
Why Now?
If you don’t pause to process, your body keeps score
The exhaustion doesn’t go away on its own. It starts to seep into everything – your focus, your mood, your relationships, your work, shaping how you move through your day.
The irritability deepens
The space between you and the people you love grows wider
But it doesn’t have to stay that way
There’s room for breath
There’s space to come back to yourself
There’s a next chapter waiting
You’ve done enough for others. Let this be for you
Creating Calm After Chaos was wonderful for me. As I have experienced big shifts in my life as a direct result of Hurricane Helene, I have felt alone in my journey. This laid back environment gave me time with others sharing their own stories of coping, Amy teaching emotional regulation awareness and tools, and Kate holding space for collage time. Each workshop was worthwhile and extremely informative and helpful. They let us know they aimed to give us tools to deal with the aftermath of Helene, and that’s what they did! Thank you for this timely, authentic workshop! – Ka.S.
Ready to Reconnect?
Meet Kate and Amy
Hi there!
I’m Amy, founder and coach here at Ascension Wellness.
This workshop isn’t just about healing from one storm—it’s about learning to navigate all of life’s storms. You are not broken; your reactions are natural responses to abnormal circumstances. With the right tools, you can move from surviving to thriving.
As a Trauma Recovery Coach, I create spaces where you feel safe, supported, and seen. Through trauma education, I help you engage with emotions in a way that feels freeing rather than overwhelming.
Here, you’ll gain insight into how to reclaim your sense of self. Healing isn’t just about looking back—it’s about moving forward with confidence.
This is your space, your journey. I’m here to guide you back to yourself.
Welcome!
My name is Kate.
I am an artist and a teacher. And I am excited to combine art and healing to support you in releasing your inner stresses from Helene.
Collage is an easy and fun way for everyone to be an artist! And art encourages us to play and express our own unique self-expression. This is a safe space for you to do just that.
We provide everything you need so you can play instead of plan. Come join us!
Final Note...
This workshop is for every storm you’ve weathered – internal or external, recent or long ago
Whether you’re worn down from caregiving, burned out at work, or just tired of holding everything together, Creating Calm After Chaos offers a space to reset
You’re not broken. You’re just full. Let us help you exhale
This workshop would not be possible without the generosity and support of our donors and fiscal partners. Your contributions have created a space for healing, resilience, and renewal for those who need it most. Because of you, participants can attend at no cost, finding relief and connection in a time of uncertainty.
To every individual and organization that has made this initiative possible – thank you. Your support is more than financial; it’s a message to those struggling that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
Ascension Wellness is an online, global company dedicated to supporting healing and transformation worldwide. Creating Calm After Chaos is exclusively for those in Western North Carolina. If you’re not local but are interested in trauma recovery support, please book a free Empowerment Session to learn more about how we can support you on your journey.
Ascension Wellness values diversity, authenticity and individuality and are a diverse community, serving, supporting, and celebrating all who are ready to embark on their dream life regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, economic standing, or any other fact of life.
Personal Development, Self-Led Leadership, Business Development, Trauma Training.
