Welcome to Stay Fresh Stories!
Stay Fresh Stories, LLC, is a small, home-grown, Long Island company established by an experienced, elementary school teacher. Story times provide opportunities for children to connect, share, and collaborate on a personal level. Through stories, children are able to express, create, and build on each other’s ideas!
About
BEHIND THE STORIES
Meet Susan Garcia! She believes in the profound influence of picture books and the power of YET! She believes that picture books instill values by setting the stage for teachable moments. These powerful story times pave the way for meaningful conversations and provide opportunities for children to connect, share, dream, and collaborate.
After a 15 year long career in investment banking, Ms. G. now brings 15 years of classroom teaching experience. She is certified in childhood and special education. Ms. G. holds a Master in Arts degree + 60 credits in social emotional learning, mindfulness, and restorative yoga, too!
Above all, Ms. G. is a mother. She adores her daughter and son and enjoys sitting on the floor with kids!
Together, let's build a kinder more resilient world.
our Programs
Mindful Me
Studies show that social emotional learning sets a foundation for developing interpersonal relationships, higher self esteem, and increase in academic success. Inspired by the works of our favorite children’s authors, Mindful Me workshops are the gateway to meaningful discussions about self-awareness, compassion towards others, celebrating individual differences, gratitude, and building resilience.
Mindful Me workshops all begin with a beautifully illustrated story time, lend to rich discussion, dive into creative craft projects that symbolize positive change and intentions, and end with a few mindful breathing poses.
Check out what's coming for Mindful Me!
Meet the Artist! Be the Artist!
This fun and engaging workshop collection allows young participants to learn all about famous artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso through beautifully illustrated biography stories. Then kids get to work on projects inspired by the artists!
Children can’t wait to use acrylic paint, water color, pastels, and more to create their own lilies, sunflowers, starry nights, ballerinas and more.
If at least (3) of these workshops are booked, participants get either a free smock or paint brush set!
October 2025 Features
CALM VIBES RESET - MINDFUL ME TWEENS
MINDFUL ME - I'M GONNA LIKE ME (GRADES K-2)
MINDFUL ME - I'M GONNA LIKE ME (GRADES K-2)
Tweens, this event is just for YOU! Come hang out in a safe and welcoming space where you can make new friends, learn simple mindful strategies to help you feel calm and centered, and enjoy the relaxing experience of a soothing sound bath. Add in some creative expression, plenty of good vibes, and light refreshments, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind event designed to leave you feeling relaxed, inspired, and connected!
Join Stay Fresh Stories, Reiki Shores, and Rooted Energy on Friday, 10/24/25 @ 7:30 pm at Reiki Shores in Island Park for this special TWEEN KICK OFF EVENT!
Kids Ages 9-12, (90) Min. Class - $50/Particpant
MINDFUL ME - I'M GONNA LIKE ME (GRADES K-2)
MINDFUL ME - I'M GONNA LIKE ME (GRADES K-2)
MINDFUL ME - I'M GONNA LIKE ME (GRADES K-2)
Stay Fresh Stories is bringing a special Halloween Edition Mindful Me to Sunset Play Cafe on Monday, 10/27/25 @ 4:30 pm! Celebrate Halloween in a whole new way! Children are invited to come dressed as their favorite character—but the real magic is learning to feel confident and comfortable just being YOU. Through fun mindfulness activities, a special story time, and plenty of festive fun, kids will discover that the best costume of all is self-esteem!
Kids Grades K-2, (75) Minute Class Includes a little Free Play!
$32.60/Participant
NEW! Mindful Me Tweens!
Mindful Me Tweens
Mindful Me Tweens! These funky, wellness workshops have been designed especially for tweens in grades 4-7! Let's face it with emotional, physical, and social changes, it's hard to be a tween! These workshops help kids connect to others who may feel similarly.
Through poetry, yoga-inspired mindful movement, game-play, and creative expression, kids will find "their village" in a safe and nurturing space.
A brand new THREE PART series, Mindfulness Meets Empowerment is coming to Island Park in November!
- Class Dates: Wednesdays @6:15pm
- 11/19 - Balance Your Bounce (Discover the power of self-awareness and noticing thoughts, feelings, and actions. Build skills for managing emotions, staying calm, and bouncing back from challenges.)
- 12/3, - Shine From Within (Real self care starts inside! Learn how to love and celebrate what makes you beautiful, strong, and unique. Caring for your mind, body, and spirit is more than just bubble baths!)
- 12/10 - Purpose! Power! Positivity! (Step into confidence and empowerment by setting intentions, believing in yourself, and developing your call to action.)
- Location: Reiki Shores 4025 Austin Blvd, Island Park
- $75 for the Class Pack
- (60) Minute Class
Tween Single Class Option!
It's okay to be a bit shy. Maybe you'd like to try a single class... we'd love to welcome you in!
Add one to your cart and shortly you'll get a link to select your class!