Volume 9| Spring 2023
Spring 2023 Newsletter
The Boston Children’s Foundation (BCF), founded by Dr. Robert Macy and Dr. Dicki Johnson Macy, is committed to ending the trauma that perpetuates a culture of fear, maladaptation and violence by turning youth’s natural energy towards healing activities, social empathy and positive relationships.

For more information on BCF's programming and interventions, please click on the individual links: Rainbowdance, Community-Classroom-Culture Based Intervention (CBI), and The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan.
Dear community,

As the days get colder, then warmer, then colder again, we are reminded of the changing season. We join spring as it breathes new life into the earth, embracing all the parts of transformation, while recognizing our beautiful beginnings. Like new sprouts reaching towards the sky, we find gratitude in the gentle hands that hold us, and the strong roots our community has nurtured.

Wishing you a springtime filled with light and joy!

Your BCF family: Dicki, Rachel, Ashlyn, Bella & Robert
Congratulations to the happy couples!
Jade & David Bischoff
September 17, 2022

Married in Dicki & Robert's beautiful backyard
Robert with Jade and David
Dicki with her children: Jade, Dylan (Wedding officiant) & Nina (Maid of honor)
Rachel & Jason Aylsworth
October 22, 2022
The Guardians of Isadora take a visit to the photo booth
Since September 2022, we have had the pleasure of holding Rainbowdance groups at Cambridgeport Children's Center (Tot Lot), a Reggio-inspired early childhood education center. Entering their welcoming space always fills us with joy. It has been heartwarming to witness their children grow and connect through song, dance, and play. We are grateful to the Tot Lot teachers and staff for all their support and openness to experience childhood wonder alongside the children. Together we look forward to more Rainbowdance fun ahead!

"My favorite thing about Rainbowdance is that everyone is happy when we do it."

"I feel good about myself when we do Rainbowdance."

"My stuffie wants to try it out."

"I like when we sing together... Rainbowdance makes me feel happy."

"I like the 'ball, ball, ball, ball' because when you throw it it's fun, especially when it lands on your best friend's head."

- Voices from Tot Lot Preschoolers

"All the preschoolers truly love Rainbowdance and get so excited when they find out it's Rainbowdance day... They sing the songs all the time in the classroom and we've incorporated many of the concepts such as 'gentle hands' and practicing the sign language you teach into our everyday play and discussions."

- Katy, Tot Lot Preschool Teacher
This past September, the Guardians of Isadora performed at the 2022 Mystic River Celebration. Moving together under a pleasant blue sky, we felt the sun draping us in its warm light and the gentle breeze dancing along with us. We took joy in sharing such a beautiful day with our community and local artists. We extend a heartfelt thank you to those who came to support!
From Snohomish County, WA to Boston, MA, we held three Basic Rainbowdance trainings throughout December 2022 and January 2023, welcoming 28 new, wonderful members into our Rainbowdance community. It is such a joy to sing, dance, connect, and share this work with teachers, counselors, and students. Be on the lookout for our next Basic Rainbowdance training in Boston this June!

Inclusion of Identity and Ritual Work in Middle School Health Curriculum And Day Long Workshop

by Dr. Dicki Johnson Macy

Dicki has developed and launched an art-based four session Empowerment Series for Middle School girls which has been incorporated into their health curriculum. The theme-based identity development series encourages self-reflection, with tools for accessing personal Safety, Wisdom, Emotional Expression, and Resilience. This program will be offered as a daylong workshop for teens as well as parents or caregivers.

Next Workshop: April 8th from 10am-4pm

Please contact Ashlyn, Bella, or Dicki to register.

Our sweet Rachel is leaving the nest and spreading her wings! We are so excited to be cheering her on as she opens up her very own private practice: Creative Joy Counseling PLLC! While she is stepping down from her position as Assistant Director of BCF, we are so grateful to have her continuing her work with us as a Isadora Duncan Children's Pedagogy Teacher for our Cambridge Community classes. Thank you, Rachel, for all your have done to support our community's growth and success. Your gentle warmth fills all you meet with light and joy. We send all our love to you as you soar the open skies into this new chapter.
Ashlyn and Bella are overjoyed to be putting on their big girl shoes and stepping into their respective roles as assistant directors. Grateful for the guidance and trust of Dicki, Rachel, and Robert throughout this training process, Ashlyn and Bella feel ready for the challenge and excited about the coming future of BCF. BCF has been a place of comfort and growth for both Ashlyn and Bella throughout the past few years. These baby birds are ready to spread their wings and fly!
- Important Note -

You may continue to contact Rachel Aylsworth about our Dance Complex classes. For all other inquiries, please contact Dicki Johnson Macy, Ashlyn O’Dowd & Bella Mazza.

Dr. Dicki Johnson Macy, Director

Ashlyn O’Dowd & Bella Mazza, Assistant Directors 

Rachel Aylsworth, Isadora Duncan Children’s Pedagogy Teacher
At Boston Children's Foundation, all members of our team are dance/movement therapist interested in both group and individual work! Individual Therapeutic Sessions are available upon request, and may be conducted virtually or in-person on a case-by-case basis. These sessions can be tailored to your family’s needs and typically include aspects of the Rainbowdance group work BCF is known for! Please contact Dicki, Ashlyn, or Bella to learn more.
Upcoming Events
2023 Duncan Dance Celebration Recital

Mark your calendars!

Join us outside this June for our 35th Annual Student Performance

Date: Sunday June 4th
Rain Date: Sunday June 11th

Upcoming Trainings & Workshops

Girls Empowerment Workshop
Inclusion of Identity and Ritual Work in Middle School Health Curriculum And Day Long Workshop
Offered by Dr. Dicki Johnson Macy
Student Discount Available! Contact us about LMHC CEUs.

Next Workshop: April 8, 2023
SPOTS ARE LIMITED - Please contact Ashlyn, Bella, or Dicki to register.


Preschool Rainbowdance® Workshop
Workshop for Teachers, Clinicians, Social Workers, Childhood Educators & Caretakers
Student Discount Available! Contact us about LMHC CEUs.

Next Workshop: April 29, 2023
SPOTS ARE LIMITED - Please contact Ashlyn, Bella, or Dicki to register.


Wise Women Rites of Passage Workshop
Offered by Dr. Dicki Johnson Macy
Student Discount Available! Contact us about LMHC CEUs.

Next Workshop: TBA May 2023
SPOTS ARE LIMITED - Please contact Ashlyn, Bella, or Dicki to register.



Basic Rainbowdance® Credentialing Training
Training for Teachers, Clinicians, Social Workers, Childhood Educators & Caretakers
Student Discount Available! Contact us about LMHC CEUs.

Next Training: TBA June 2023
SPOTS ARE LIMITED - Please contact Ashlyn, Bella, or Dicki to register.


Endorsed Practitioner Group Forum
We'd love to keep in touch with you, and hear about your Rainbowdance® adventures through the Rainbowdance Endorsed Practitioner Group Forum. This forum will be a wonderful way to stay connected, ask questions, and share news whether you are local or outside of the Boston area.

If you are an Endorsed Practitioner and would like access to the Forum please contact Ashlyn & Bella
Ways to Support Our Mission
Make a Difference While You Shop
The Amazon Smile link will take you to smile.amazon.com, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the item's price to BCF, at no cost to you!
Giving assistant has partnered with BCF to save you money while you shop! You will receive cash back for purchased items; you can choose to keep the money or donate it. Follow the link to learn more and start saving!
Donations
Thank you for supporting our mission of protecting children, women and families as we work to create and sustain violence-free communities. We live in a time when now, more than ever, at-risk populations are in vital need of preventative and compassionate care. Every life-changing dollar you donate helps us keep children and their caretakers safe and thriving, even in the face of trauma and violence.

Make a secure donation through PayPal Giving Fund or by sending a check payable to Boston Children’s Foundation and mail to:
Boston Children’s Foundation
850 Summer Street, Suite 206
South Boston, MA 02127

Boston Children’s Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations.
Contact Information
Dr. Robert Macy, Executive Director

Dr. Dicki Johnson Macy, Director

Ashlyn O'Dowd & Bella Mazza, Assistant Directors

Rachel Aylsworth, Isadora Duncan Children's Pedagogy Teacher
Boston Children's Foundation
850 Summer St, #206
South Boston, MA 02127

Phone 617-453-8984