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Our Story

World Upside Down Arts Studio

World Upside Down Arts Studio was born from a simple observation: children thrive when they are given opportunities to create, connect, and express themselves through the arts.

For years, through our nonprofit arts organization, World Upside Down, we welcomed children of all abilities into our theater productions, camps, after-school programs, music classes, and creative arts experiences. As our programs grew, we noticed an increasing number of children with autism and other developmental differences participating in our activities.

These children brought incredible creativity, unique perspectives, and tremendous potential. However, we also recognized a challenge. While our programs provided meaningful inclusion and growth opportunities, many children needed additional support to fully access and benefit from the experiences we offered. Families often shared their struggles finding therapy services that understood their child while also recognizing their strengths and interests.

At the same time, we witnessed something remarkable. Through music, movement, visual art, theater, and creative play, children who struggled with communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, or confidence often began to flourish. We saw children take their first steps toward friendship, discover new ways to express themselves, build confidence on stage, and develop skills that extended far beyond the arts classroom.

Founder, Owner

Joanna Puello

Joanna Puello has over 25 years of experience as an educator, nonprofit founder, senior instructional designer, and entrepreneur. A musician and performer, she started playing violin at 4 and performed in the Grand Rapids Youth orchestra from ages 11-16. She started playing piano and performing theater productions at 7. In high school, she landed lead roles in Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, and Annie. In the university, she performed lead roles in Antigone, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, and Peter Pan. While living in the Dominican Republic, she directed The Sound of Music and an original Easter production. Joanna has done voiceover work for radio, TV, and churches. She holds a BA in Creative Writing and an MS in Instructional Design.
Joanna founded World Upside Down nonprofit in 2013 and World Upside Down Arts Studio in 2023 out of a firm belief that creativity is a gift from God and reflects her Creator’s beauty, majesty, and infinite love for her. She believes that arts education is the best tool she can use to change the world and give a legacy of hope for the next generation.

Those experiences inspired a question that would ultimately change the direction of our organization:

What if we could combine the proven effectiveness of therapy with the engaging, motivating power of the arts?

That vision led to the creation of World Upside Down Arts Studio.

Today, we provide ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy in a creative, child-centered environment designed to help children grow in meaningful and lasting ways. Our multidisciplinary team uses evidence-based practices while incorporating the interests, strengths, and creativity that make each child unique.

We believe children are more than a diagnosis. We believe therapy should build confidence, foster connection, and create opportunities for success in everyday life. Most importantly, we believe every child deserves to be seen for their potential rather than their limitations.

What began as an arts program has grown into a place where therapy and creativity come together—helping children develop the skills they need to thrive at home, at school, and in the world around them.