Meet our Artists and Healers
Gather On Hopmeadow takes pride in its team of skilled artists and healers who are enthusiastic about sharing their expertise with you and our community. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals can explore their creativity and practice self care. We invite you to meet our team and explore our diverse offerings!
Kirsten Hocker,
Owner and Art Teacher
Kirsten is the artist and owner behind Gather on Hopmeadow and Modern Twist Macramé. She holds a BFA in Design from RIT and studied architecture at RPI. After many years creating macramé, she opened Modern Twist Makers in Tariffville, CT in early 2023. Later that year, she expanded into a larger space now known as Gather on Hopmeadow. There, she teaches macramé and a variety of children’s art classes while showcasing work by local artists. Outside the studio, she enjoys time with her husband, two kids, and their dog—camping, hiking, and practicing yoga.

Emily Pacheco,
Art Teacher
Emily is a wife, mother, and fluid artist specializing in acrylic paint pouring. She creates one-of-a-kind pieces—from paintings and coasters to wine glasses and more—and transforms the dried paint that falls from her canvases into vibrant, eco-minded jewelry. By recycling these “paint skins,” she reduces waste while crafting truly unique accessories. She also helps host birthday parties, bringing creative, hands-on art experiences to celebrations. Custom commissions are available upon request. Emily is the owner of Emi-Sue Creations. To see a full of her offerings, visit https://emisuecreations.com/

Rio Comaduran,
Healing Arts Instructor
Rio is a multi-award winning intuitive healer, who is committed to helping others. As a certified Usui Reiki Master and clinical hypnotherapist, it is Rio’s goal to continue to promote wellness and transformation, through a variety of healing modalities. Rio infuses every session with a deep sense of love and care, which is essential to the transformation and healing clients are seeking. Rio is also a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques, to assist those struggling with anxiety and depression. Rio is the owner of Inner Harmony, LLC. To see more about what she does, visit https://innerharmonyllc.net/
Robin Towle-Fecso,
Cartoonist
Robin is a professional Illustrator and graphic designer for the past 25 years. She also teaches Graphic Design at CT State Asnuntuck in Enfield. Since 2018, Robin has tapped into her inner child with sharpening her art skills and creating cartoon characters for clients and books. She was then asked to teach cartoon classes at Gather On Hopmeadow. This all has led Robin down the path of drawing up her first comic about her imaginative childhood adventures named GeekGalGO! Custom commissions of retro-inspired art and fabric painting pieces are also Robin’s specialty. You can learn more by going to GeekGalGO social media and website www.geekgalgo.com/

