"Folding Paper To Unfold The Mind".

TheragamiTM founder and director, Hagit Shalev, is an experienced Origami specialist who focuses on using the paper folding technique as an educational, therapeutic, and recreational tool to enhance vital academic and cognitive skills and improve self-esteem in children and adults.

Fifteen years ago, when she began teaching Origami, Hagit noticed that children who sometimes had trouble concentrating remained diligently focused, folding small pieces of

paper into intricate, complex designs. In workshops at her studio, at the 92nd Street Y, and at the Museum of Natural History, Hagit observed firsthand the significant cognitive and therapeutic impact of origami on both children and adults. Of particular interest was

the effect origami had on children with learning difficulties. Origami literally helped them change their self-evaluation of doubt and low self-esteem into feelings of pride and achievement.

Inspired by German educator Froebel and his findings, and a trip to Japan with her son, Omer, himself an accomplished and exhibited origami artist, Shalev sought to increase awareness of this unique art form and teaching tool in the United States.

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