We are
A team of professionals with a variety of backgrounds in social work, education, psychology, arts and more. Having studied and practiced all over the United States and the world, we have come together to develop programs of education for the South West Florida community. Together we represent many years of experience working with children, families, educators and organizations in field of education and development. We all volunteer our time and effort to contribute to the program.
We are grass root non-profit. We LOVE our volunteers!
They are a group of kind people with hearts ready to help, ready to make the difference in the world, people that have a need to care and simply ACT!!!
As you may know in contrast to programs based on more traditional charity principles, our projects are based on community building / self-help principles. That means that there is little distinction between “volunteers” and “participants.” Volunteers aren’t so much “helping someone out” as they are taking part in the exciting opportunity to help build global connections through community development.
Jacqueline Johnson
Has been a volunteer for several years for House of Gaia. She is an author, motivational speaker, theatre major; an artist of many modalities. She enjoys creating unique hand crafted items such as accessories, costumes, fun ornaments and charms.
She is also a songwriter, poet, musician and singer. Her zest for life is contagious, always shinning through, as she shares her heart with a smile wherever she goes.
Lislane Bruce (2008 -2017) & Lulu Carter
Mother and daughter originally from Brazil founders of Beegaia/ House of Gaia work philanthropically for over 8 years, 24/ 7 to keep the organization active, organized, and happy. “This is a LABOR OF LOVE , very contagious! we have being working very hard to promote, teach and spread something unique what we like to call seeds of love! We are creating a place where money is important but is not what rules the place, we have dedicated many years of our lives, our days and weekend time to serve this community and the other International House of Gaia projects. There is nothing that will stop us, this kind of programs is essential to our modern society today, our programs teach communication skills, peace and conflict resolution, we teach about values and the importance of being kind to each other, more than an art center, we want to create a place and bring programs that makes a difference in this world.” Lulu Carter.
Lis and Lulu had their own preschool in Brazil, Lis is family psychologist with 30 years of experience. Both have being working together for 24 years. “We like to inspire others how to think outside the box and we would like to think we set an example for present and future generations of the importance of family union.” Lis Bruce.
Roberto Bruce (2008-2023)
Lulu’s step father. Motivated to help the family, Roberto helped Beegaia / House of Gaia with account and computer matters. He is retired from a Brazilian National Bank. Worked as an executive at IBM in Brazil, he brings his gifts for all Gaia’s computer and administrative issues. Thanks to Roberto our books looks good, organized and and our computer data base is healthy!Roberto passed away in 2023, he will always going to be remembered.
Suely Goings -
She was one of the first volunteers for our program once we started with Outside The Box- Programs! Suely is very enthusiastic and she loves to share her high energy in our events, she helps with what is needed. She coordinated the Rice and Beans event at the Salvation army in 2011, an event created to fund raise for rice and beans to Haiti. She had participated and volunteer for many of our events like 350 at the park, 10-10-10 at Mercato. She coordinated with Isabel Backus a support group called Heart Connection, to bring more joy and compassion to our local community. She is our 911, our emergency number, we can call her anytime and she is always willing to help out. Our nonprofit is very lucky to have her in our team of volunteer!
Cherly Lynn Patton -
“Do what you do with all your might. things done in half are never done right”. That describes her devotion to all she does for Gaia. She started as one of our students taking drumming class, today she teaches drums to children, she also participated in the Holiday around the world 2011 and 2102,Asian Fest in House of Gaia’s in 2013 art booth and art classes for special needs. She shares a special and friendly energy!
Anna Andreoulakis
Florida resident for over 30 years and a member of House of Gaia since 2010.
Anna is a caring and compassionate soul who develop a program to honor the life of her son Dylan, on which she donates backpacks and books to homeless people in our community.
Today she inspires many people to be part of our 'global unconditional loving non profit community called House of Gaia'.
OUR LIST IS ENDLESS! Embrace your purpose!