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ABOUT Dreamspace Center
Founder Statement
Dreamspace Center was founded by Renee Brown, artist, educator, and author of Lines and Circle (available on Amazon). The ideas explored in her book inspired many of the creative lessons and reflective practices used in the Dreamspace Center workshop curriculum.
Drawing on her extensive 30 year background in fine arts, research in art, and elementary education, Renee developed Dreamspace Center to offer children something increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world: a quiet space to slow down, reflect, create with their hands, and express their inner selves. Through her methodology, Brown connects art as a powerful channel to deeper levels of literacy, reflection, and creative thinking.
Dreamspace Center empowers children and youth through creative expression, dream exploration, art-based healing, and mentoring. Through thoughtful guidance and open-ended artistic exploration, participants develop confidence, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to their own creativity.
At Dreamspace, we believe every child is a masterpiece. Our workshops provide a calm and nurturing environment where children are invited to pause, find peace, reflect, and express themselves freely through art.
Our Mission
Dreamspace Center empowers creativity, healing, and personal growth through art, community, and innovative experiences.
Our Vision
To inspire a future where creativity and community unlock human potential.
Core Principles
Pause • Peace • Reflection • Creative Expression
These guide the rhythm of every session, creating room for safety, curiosity, and personal agency.
Founder & Board of directors
Renee Brown
Renee Brown Dreamspace Center inc. Founder/Project manager
Renee envisions Dreamspace as a space where art becomes a catalyst for higher-level thinking and expanded awareness.
Rooted in her enduring love for youth in at-risk communities, Brown discerned the need for intentional arts programming—an insight that carved the path for the emergence of Dreamspace Center. an initiative she describes as first revealed to her in a dream.
A New York State–certified teacher of elementary education and art education, she has devoted more than 30 years to arts education and community outreach. She has collaborated with the Burchfield Penney art center in the East side Useum outreach project and Joy gallery integrative arts project. Renee has developed afterschool fine arts programs and fineart summercamp initiatives. She is the Founder of Dreamspace Center in Buffalo, New York—Through Dreamspace, she cultivates a sanctuary for pause, reflection, and creativeawakening, advancing art as a foundational pathway to higher-level literacy and critical consciousness within her teaching methodology. It is Brown’s intention to open participants to reguard the value of their own dream life—encouraging them to recognize it as a source of insight, guidance, creative revelatio and healing. Brown earned her Master of Arts in Humanities from the University at Buffalo as a Schomburg Fellow and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology. In 2023, she earned her MFA from Transart Institute for Creative Research in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, focusing her research on precognitive dream journaling.
Demario A. Strickland, Ed.D.
Superintendant of Schools Mt Vernon school district June 2025 to present.
Dr. Demario Strickland is a transformational educational leader with 18 years of experience advancing student achievement in New York State’s urban school districts. He is deeply committed to equity, expanding access, and amplifying student voice to ensure success for all learners.
He currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District (NY). Previously, he held senior leadership roles in the Rochester City School District, where he helped lead a system serving more than 22,000 students and managing a $1 billion budget. His leadership has focused on instructional reform, fiscal stewardship, school turnaround, governance, and strategic partnerships that improve outcomes for students.
Dr. Strickland has served in three of New York State’s “Big 5” districts and has experience as a superintendent, deputy superintendent, chief of schools, principal, assistant principal, and teacher.
He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from D’Youville University and multiple New York State professional certifications, including School District Leader and School Building Leader.
Dr. Evans-Brown
Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown – President, Buffalo Board of Education
Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, and is a proud graduate of Buffalo Public Schools (BPS), where her own children also attended and graduated. Deeply rooted in the community, she has dedicated her career to serving Buffalo’s children and families.
She currently serves as Director of several programs at the Buffalo Urban League, including Family Perseverance and Support–Preventive Services, Intensive Home-Based Homebuilders, High Fidelity Wraparound Program, Buffalo United Resiliency Center, and the Parent Training Program.
Throughout her career, Dr. Evans-Brown has held numerous leadership and education roles, including Adjunct/Evaluator at SUNY Empire State College, Substitute Teacher for Buffalo Public Schools, Assistant Director of the University at Buffalo’s STEP Program, and Director of UB’s Liberty Partnerships Program and Bright Options Family Services. She also served 23 years as an After-Hours Child Protection Worker.
Dr. Evans-Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Medaille College, a Master’s in Student Personnel Administration from Buffalo State College, and a PhD in Management, Leadership & Strategic Change from Walden University.
An author, grant writer, and community advocate, she co-founded The Healing Station Agency, supporting women of color and addressing domestic violence.
Elected to the Buffalo Board of Education in 2019, she became Board President on January 2, 2025. She remains passionate about youth advocacy and believes firmly that “failure is not an option.”
Sandy White
President | Mustard Seed World Consulting Group
Sandy White is a communications connector, award-winning urban planner, documentary producer, and community builder whose work bridges history, culture, and opportunity. Rooted in Buffalo’s rich legacy, she uses media, planning, and strategic communications to amplify voices that matter and strengthen the fabric of community life.
She is the Founder and President of Mustard Seed World Consulting Group, a New York State-certified M/WBE and DBE firm specializing in community development, strategic planning, and neighborhood transformation. A veteran American Planning Association award winner, Sandy leads a multidisciplinary team committed to meaningful stakeholder engagement. Through imaginative and inclusive visioning processes, her firm helps communities translate aspirations into actionable, transformative plans—believing that strong families build strong neighborhoods, and strong neighborhoods build thriving cities.
Beyond storytelling as an accomplished journalist and filmmaker, Sandy is passionate about the restoration and development of the family unit and the empowerment of future generations.
Sandy holds a Bachelor’s degree from Canisius College and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University at Buffalo. She serves on board of directors of Dreamspace, Inc., and is active in the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists.
Through leadership, media, and planning, Sandy continues to champion inclusive storytelling, community empowerment, and sustainable change.
Candace Ernie
Legal Advisory Board Member
J.D. Candidate (4th Year), (Albany Law School)
Candace A. Erni is a fourth-year Juris Doctor candidate at Albany Law School, where she is a member of the Albany Law Journal of Science and Technology (Vol. 35). She is a recipient of the
SUNY Legal Fellowship, the Harvey ’30 Fund for Civil Liberties Law Fellowship, and the Foiadelli Public Service Fellowship.
Candace currently serves as a Government Relations Intern at Mercury Public Affairs, LLC, where she conducts policy research, supports legislative advocacy efforts, and assists with bill tracking and strategic communications. She previously interned with the Honorable Christine Clark at the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department, contributing to legal research and drafting judicial opinions.
A cum laude graduate of the University at Albany (SUNY) with a Bachelor of Arts in History, Candace was recognized on the Dean’s List and is a member of Phi Alpha Theta and Omicron Delta Kappa. She has also been actively involved in the National Black Law Students Association, Health Law Society, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
Candace’s interests include public policy, civil liberties, government relations, and community- focused legal advocacy
Phillip Brown
Financial Lead, Board of Directors – Dreamspace Center
Phillip Brown serves as the AVP Branch Manager at M&T Bank’s Main Delavan branch in Buffalo, New York. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing. Phillip brings extensive experience in finance and insurance, having previously held positions with GEICO and Bank of America before joining M&T Bank.
In his role at M&T, Phillip is dedicated to uplifting his community by providing a warm, welcoming, and accessible banking experience. He works closely with individuals, nonprofits, and local businesses to ensure they have access to the financial tools, guidance, and partnerships needed to support long-term stability and growth. Phillip specializes in banking for nonprofit organizations and is passionate about helping businesses of all sizes implement financial strategies that strengthen their operations.
Phillip has been recognized with the M&T Business Excellence Award for his commitment to supporting the growth and longevity of Buffalo’s local organizations and businesses. He is also actively involved in community engagement, frequently volunteering and presenting financial literacy workshops for local organizations and colleges.
As Financial Lead on the Board of Directors for Dreamspace Center, Phillip provides financial guidance and strategic insight to help advance the organization’s mission and ensure long-term sustainability.