Continental Who’s Who Business Report Release

DR. ELANA ASHLEY - FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr. Elana Ashley is recognized by Continental Who’s Who for Excellence in the field of Character Education. Dr. Ashley is the Founder and Executive Director of Great Imaginings, Inc., a not-for-profit educational corporation. 

In her current position as Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Ashley wears many hats. She serves as a program developer and curriculum planner, educator and puppeteer, as well as writer and performer.  Dr. Ashley designs educational information, audio-visual materials and programs promoting skills and sensitivities children and adults need to express who they are - their thoughts and feelings, their goals, and methods of achieving them. In addition, Dr. Ashley employs a multi-faceted approach to imparting important life messages. The audience acts as interactive participants in presentations that may combine storytelling, dramatic role playing, puppetry, song, poetry, games, creative movement, and arts and crafts. For more information about programming visit www.greatimaginings.org.

In the presentation of performances and workshops, Dr. Ashley is accompanied by an educational staff of 'vent' figures who provide a delightful medium through which ideas, information, thoughts and feelings find expression. One of Dr. Ashley's most distinguished educational team members - Spokespuppet Splunkunio Splunkey® - has set up his own web site. See www.splunkey.org. Dr. Ashley and Splunkey®, an alien space traveler from Planet Onyx, bring messages of cooperation, friendship and peace to children and adults throughout the world.

Furthermore, Dr. Ashley is a published author and photographer among her list of accomplishments. Dr. Ashley has written and illustrated the first book in a children's series entitled Splunkunio Splunkey Detective and Peacemaker, Case One: The Missing Friendship Bracelet based on the adventures of three human-sized, puppet characters with whom she works - Splunkunio Splunkey®, Ellie Elephant and Eli Elephant.  Accompanied by an audio CD and Teaching Guide for Educators and Parents, the first book appears in both English and English/Spanish editions. The second book in the series - Case Two: Big Bully Holly Howler -  will be out in 2012.  Dr. Ashley intends to continue the series as a bilingual children's book, eventually hoping to translate the book into other languages. To learn more about Dr. Ashley's work and about the publishing company, visit the following web site - www.dreamimagepress.com.

In addition to all of the endeavors Dr. Ashley is currently involved with, she is also a talented artist who specializes in painting, ceramics, mixed media sculpture, fiber art, jewelry and floral design.

Dr. Ashley’s artwork will be featured on December 6th, 2011 from 5:30PM - 7:30PM at Patty Turner Center located at 375 Elm St. Deerfield, IL. The Holiday Art Show of Artist Elana Ashley will use all net proceeds from sales of her artwork for providing books to children, families, schools, mental health centers, and social service agencies. This is a free event. Appetizers and desserts will be served. We encourage art lovers in Deerfield and the Chicago metropolitan area to join artist Elana Ashley in a night of celebration!