Betta Place, Inc., was founded in the wake of 9-11. Pilot Program Golden Door Charter School, Jersey City, New Jersey, children saw the plane hit the World Trade Center South Tower from their playground. Pilot Program PS-53 Staten Island, New York, children lost many loved ones when 219 people from Staten Island died. Students and Faculty are dedicated to making our world a better place. Betta Place, Inc., honors all victims of September 11, 2001.

-Ann Douglas, Founder, Betta Place, Inc.

Foundation

Betta Place, Inc.

Communication Skill

Eliminate bullying.

Students are taught an innovative system of communication which alters focusing on others to recognizing self truth and self respect.

Quiet Time

Find peace in the midst of unsolved problems.

At least ten minutes a day, students remain still to tap inner strength and dispel negative energy.

Service Projects

Pass it on.

Students discover their gifts and use them to help others in the community.

Goal Setting

See a bright future.

Students set goals by picturing success.

Statistics show that in the years since 9-11, math and reading scores are up and discipline problems are down in Betta Place, Inc., pilot program schools.

FREE DOWNLOADS of our curriculum and meditations can be utilized according to your individual needs.

THIS IS OUR GIFT TO YOU!

Meet The Team

Karen Hupp, President

Karen received a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology, Sociology, and Family Studies) from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and has a Master of Arts in Human Services/Counseling/LPC. She has extensive experience as a Maternity Counselor Intern, Respite Care Companion Intern, third grade teacher, counselor and prevention education specialist. At present she is working at her husband’s physical therapy clinic in Austin, TX.

Danielle Fornes, Vice President

Danielle received a B.A. degree in Education and Fine Arts, and an M.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from Wagner College, Staten Island, New York. She taught K-5 in Brooklyn before becoming the Reading Specialist for grades 6-8 at Golden Door Charter School, Jersey City, New Jersey. Danielle created a positive role model monthly seminar for students, who also received statewide acclaim for community service in her “Little Sisters” after school program. Currently she is a stay-at-home mother of two who writes the popular blog MOM WHO KNOWS, which features recipes, parenting tips, fashion, trends, art & craft ideas and much more.

Christine Muhlke, Secretary

Christine received a B.A. degree in French Literature from Mount Holyoke College. She has worked as Magazine Deputy Editor for The New York Times Magazine, written for Vogue, Vanity Fair, Food & Wine and has published cookbooks. Christine is currently Executive Editor at Bon Appetit magazine.

Nancy Nason, Co-Chairman

Nancy received a B.S. Degree in Psychology and a minor in Art at University of Arizona, Tucson. She worked as a Character Animation Artist for Twentieth Century Fox Animation Studio. After working in advertising in Boston, and marketing management in Phoenix, Nancy served as Sr. Art Director for Apollo Education Group, Phoenix AZ.

Susanne Eaton, Co-Chairman

Susanne received a Hotel and Restaurant Management Degree from Northern Arizona, University, Fagstaff, Arizona, and a Multiple Subject CLAD Teaching Credential at National University, Sacramento, California. After working in the hospitality field, she taught as a Middle School Title I Instructor Assistant, grades 6-8. Also, she taught pre-K and kindergarten in public and private schools. Susanne is presently employed at Amherst Street School, Nashua, New Hampshire.

Ann Douglas, Officer

Ann received a B.A. in Art Education from UNC, Chapel, Hill, North Carolina. She did post graduate work in painting at Savannah college of Art and Design, Savannah, GA. She retired from teaching art K-12 for 27 years, wrote and illustrated a children’s book, presented Words and Pictures self-fulfillment workshops and created an art program for disenfranchised children in Savannah, GA. Ann is Co-Founder of Betta Place, Inc., founded in the wake of 9-11.

Chris Cardwell, Officer

Chris received a B.A. degree in History, with a concentration in Economics from the University of Florida, Gainsville. She has a Masters in Business Administration at Simmons School of Management, Boston. Chris spent five years at Fidelity Investments, where her experience as a program manager included project work in the Risk Management area of the Investor Center Organization. She is an associate at Andrew Robinson Risk Management Consultants.

Mason Cardwell, Treasurer

Mason received a B.A. in American Studies from Brown University, where he played varsity football and earned a Masters in Management from Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. He has over 20 years of professional experience in healthcare, sales and management. Mason is currently the Client Services Manager at Zotec Partners, and is the Co-Founder & Executive Manager of the Oakwood Restaurant Company in Central Florida.

Lauren Fischione, Officer

Lauren received a B.A. Degree in English Literature, Richmond College, London, England. She also earned an A.A. in Occupational Therapy, Apollo College, Phoenix, and an M.C. in Community Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She has been an elementary teacher, Occupational Therapy Practitioner, Geriatric Medical/Psychiatric Unit, and a volunteer with the Salvation Army and Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. Lauren is a stay-at-home mother of two.