About Temenuzhka Ivova Shtereva
(Menekse Onbasi)

At the heart of Artmonia is a passion for creativity, connection, and meaningful transformation. As the founder of this initiative, I have dedicated my career to the intersection of arts, education, and psychological well-being, bringing together diverse experiences from different cultural and professional backgrounds.

A Journey Through Arts, Education, and Community

With a foundation in psychological counseling, expressive arts therapy, and psychodrama, my work has spanned national and international platforms, integrating creative methodologies into education, therapy, and community projects. Over the years, I have designed and facilitated art therapy workshops, teacher training programs, and Erasmus+ projects focused on inclusion, emotional well-being, and social impact. My academic journey, from studying in Turkey, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA, has shaped my approach, allowing me to blend research-based knowledge with experiential learning.

My experience working with students, teachers, immigrants, and vulnerable communities has deeply influenced my vision for Artmonia. I have witnessed how the arts can be a powerful force in navigating personal and collective challenges, offering a space for expression, healing, and empowerment. Through my work in local and international projects, I have seen how creativity fosters resilience, builds bridges between cultures, and creates environments where individuals can thrive.

Artmonia is the realization of this vision—a place where arts and harmony come together to inspire, transform, and connect. It is more than a foundation; it is a reflection of my belief that through creative expression, we can shape a more inclusive and compassionate world. I invite you to join this journey and explore the many ways we can create change together.

To see my professional background click here.

About Alexandar Johannes Zahino Torvisco (Delft)

His journey through the culinary world and youth work:

Starting my adventure on a young age when i first got to experience working in a restaurant, my future was created. After graduating in two levels of culinary school i worked in many different places and gained lots of experience. And this became a foundation of my future that i didn't know was ahead of me.

After years of working in restaurants i came in touch with youth work a culture center where i spend all my free days working with kids, elderly and special need. I grew a passion for this work and felt my self as a person developing. Here i learned sharing my creativity and experiences. All my focus was on social inclusion, well-being and happiness for everyone i got to work with. I gave cooking lessons did summercamps, afternoon activities and even got to be an actual worker in this center.

After many years of volunteering in youth work and meeting incredible people i decided to go outside my comfort zone and to do an ESC (european solidarity corps) project abroad. I've learned a lot about youth work and learning through doing. After my many adventures abroad i am back in the netherlands where i can apply everything I've learned over these years and try to contribute to a better future.

With my power of creativity and my experience in youth work i want to contribute and join artmonia's objective by using art and creativity as a bridge between cultures. My goal is eventually be a trainer for volunteers and worker's to give them the tools, skills and inspiration to contribute their uniqueness, ideas and creativity to this world.

About Gülcan Akkaya (Rotterdam)

A Journey Through Mindfulness, Psychology, and Creative Expression

Rooted in psychological counseling and mindfulness-based practices, my journey has been shaped by a deep passion for supporting individuals in understanding themselves, building resilience, and finding meaningful ways to connect with their inner world. After graduating in Psychological Counseling and Guidance and completing my MBSR certification, I continue to expand my path toward becoming a therapist grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness.

Living in the Netherlands has opened a new chapter for me—one that blends multicultural experience, creativity, and community engagement. As I navigate my professional growth, I am dedicated to creating warm, inclusive spaces where people can explore awareness, emotional well-being, and personal transformation. My interest in creativity-based and art-centered workshops—especially those focusing on migration, identity, and storytelling—guides my vision for community work.
Whether through guided mindfulness practices, psychoeducational workshops, or creative group sessions, my aim is to empower individuals to deepen their self-understanding and strengthen their emotional resources. I believe that healing and growth become possible when we combine evidence-based approaches with compassion, presence, and human connection.

By integrating psychological insight with artistic expression, I aspire to contribute to Artmonia’s mission of using the arts as a meaningful bridge between cultures. My goal is to support projects that foster well-being, resilience, and a sense of belonging—creating spaces where people can express themselves freely, share their stories, and experience the transformative power of creativity.

About Ayşe Akçakır (Den Haag)

A Journey Through Dance, Culture, and Community

With a foundation in Turkish folk dance and performing arts, I have dedicated my journey to preserving and sharing cultural heritage through movement. I graduated from the State Conservatory of Sakarya University, Department of Folk Dance, and since then, I have been teaching and performing in Turkey and abroad.

Living in the Netherlands has allowed me to expand my work internationally, offering classes and workshops that not only teach dance techniques but also foster cultural exchange, creativity, and community building. Through my experience, I have seen how traditional dances can be a powerful tool for connection, expression, and empowerment, bringing people together across cultures and generations.

In addition to teaching, I am passionate about creating artistic projects and events that celebrate cultural diversity. My vision is to blend the richness of folk traditions with contemporary approaches, offering spaces where individuals can explore their identity, strengthen social bonds, and experience the joy of movement.

By combining my background in performing arts with community-focused initiatives, I aim to contribute to Artmonia’s mission of using the arts as a bridge between cultures, and as a source of well-being and resilience.