Meet our Team of Amazing Designers
Caroline Crabb AIFD MDPF
Co - Chair and Lead Designer
Caroline Crabb’s career in floristry spans more than three decades, shaped by a passion for excellence, competition, and creative growth. Beginning in 1994, she gained experience in leading retail florists before establishing her own business in Bodmin, Cornwall, in 1999. In 2026, she celebrates 27 years of a business built on professional floristry, craftsmanship, and creative ambition.
Caroline taught floristry at Duchy College, where she championed competition as a vital tool for learning and professional development. Under her guidance, student-led projects achieved numerous awards at County Shows across Cornwall, while public demonstrations by students and tutors helped elevate and promote professional floristry skills.
Competition has been a defining force throughout Caroline’s career, taking her from local stages in Cornwall to representing the UK at the Europa Cup in Poland and competing on the international stage in the USA. She views competition as both discipline and expression—a space to test ideas, refine technique, and push creative boundaries. Membership in the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) has further expanded her professional opportunities, forged enduring friendships, and opened the door to extraordinary travel and global creative exchange.
Caroline holds the highest level floristry qualifications in both the UK and the USA.
Website: www.fleurtationscornwall.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fleurtationscornwall/
Jo Jarvis AIFD
Co Chair
Jo has travelled widely, studying, teaching, and working with some of the world’s leading floral designers. These experiences have given her a broad perspective on what is achievable with flowers and plants, along with a distinctive ability to create striking, plant-led designs. A true manager of creative concepts, Jo is an ideas-driven leader and natural project manager, ideally suited to the floriculture industry.
After selling her award-winning London shop—where her team earned numerous accolades including Chelsea Gold, Best in Show, and London Florist of the Year for ten consecutive years—Jo relocated to Pennsylvania to be closer to her family. She has since been involved in multiple design programmes for the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), served as Lead Designer at the Philadelphia Flower Show, and chaired the AIFD exhibit in 2019.
Being invited to serve as Co-Chair of the 2026 exhibit, celebrating the 30th anniversary of AIFD’s participation in the Philadelphia Flower Show, is a great honour. Collaborating with Caroline Crabb AIFD MDFP to bring their shared vision for this year’s theme to life is a dream come true.
Ace Berry AIFD
Designer and Team Lead - Large Arrangements
Ace Berry is the owner and creative force behind Ace in Full Bloom and the owner and lead designer of Fulshear Floral Design in Houston, Texas. Internationally recognized for his innovative approach to floral artistry, Ace is also a featured designer on HBO’s acclaimed floral competition series Full Bloom, where his bold creativity and technical mastery captured national attention.
In 2025, Ace’s work earned global acclaim when he received the Innovation Award at Chelsea in Bloom in London, one of the world’s most prestigious floral art events. This honor recognized his forward-thinking design concepts, artistic storytelling, and ability to push the boundaries of contemporary floral design on an international stage.
Through Ace in Full Bloom, Ace provides floral design education and professional training nationwide, leading immersive workshops, speaking at conferences, and presenting at major industry events. Deeply passionate about the growth and future of the floral industry, he teaches everything from foundational design principles and emerging trends to business development strategies and creative branding. His mission is to empower fellow floral professionals to elevate their artistry, build sustainable businesses, and confidently innovate within the industry.
Website: https://aceinfullbloom.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aceinfullbloom/
Valerie Mclaughlin AIFD
Designer and Team Lead - Fernery
Valerie McLaughlin is an accomplished wedding and event florist with over 40 years of experience and has been an accredited member of AIFD since 2019. She has played an influential role at the Philadelphia Flower Show for many years, having chaired the AIFD flower show exhibit and serving as a featured designer in AIFD flower show projects nationwide.
Valerie has earned numerous blue ribbons and special awards for her individual artistic exhibits at the Philadelphia Flower Show. She has also served for more than 15 years as an advisor for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s artistic classes.
A respected floral design instructor and lecturer, Valerie holds a Certificate of Merit from Longwood Gardens, where she has taught classes. She regularly presents workshops for garden clubs and flower show groups and is an accredited judge for the Garden Club of America. Valerie’s deep knowledge of flowers, combined with her enthusiasm and creativity, makes her an inspiring educator and designer whose passion resonates with audiences of all levels.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowergirlworkshop/
Liam Sloan CFD
Designer and Team Lead - Orbs
With 18 years of experience in the floral industry, I began my journey at Bucks County Technical High School, where I built a strong foundation in floral design and developed a lasting passion for the craft. Since then, I have remained committed to continuous growth through hands-on experience and learning as a mentee under respected industry professionals.
Being a mentee has played a key role in shaping my professional path, and I have stayed actively involved with the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), embracing its standards of excellence and creativity. I am honored to be inducted into AIFD this year at the Symposium, a milestone that reflects my dedication to ongoing learning and professional development.
I have also had the privilege of working alongside esteemed designer Ron Mulray, assisting with large-scale floral installations at the Philadelphia Flower Show. These experiences have strengthened my collaborative skills and deepened my appreciation for innovative, high-impact floral design.Through each stage of my career, I continue to be inspired by the ever-evolving floral industry and remain dedicated to creating meaningful, artful designs while growing alongside fellow professionals.
Theresa Colucci AIFD
Designer and Team Lead - Windows
Theresa Colucci AAF, AIFD, PFCI lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband, three children, and two grandchildren, who all support her wonderfully “crazy” floral life.
A lifelong lover of flowers, Theresa has owned and operated Meadowscent, her retail florist in Gardiner, NY, for 38 years. She was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 2006 and has been a featured designer at the Philadelphia Flower Show multiple times, serving as Chair of the AIFD exhibit in 2012. Her career highlights also include designing for the White House and the Rose Parade.
Passionate about floral education, Theresa has taught at the New York Botanical Garden and SUNY Cobleskill, where she founded a study-abroad program for horticulture students in the Netherlands. She continues to expand her expertise through advanced studies with European Master floral designers.
Website: https://meadowscent.com/
Polly Berginc AIFD
Designer and Team Lead - Letters and Signage
Polly is an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), a Certified Floral Evaluator/Judge, and is currently lead Floral Instructor for the floral certification program at Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA. Her extensive floral career includes former shop owner, national design & workshop presenter, awards recipient, and special event designer. She has worked on AIFD design teams at the Philadelphia Flower Show for several years, chairing their exhibit in 2013. She has represented AIFD designing for events at the White House during the Christmas holiday season. She is an active member in garden club, and enjoys growing flowers in her home gardens for her design work.
Polly currently serves as Scholarship Liaison for the NE Chapter of AIFD, and is the NE Chapter Representative on the board of Trustees for the AIFD Foundation. As a freelance designer and floral educator, her passion is to continue inspiring and mentoring others to promote the field of floral design artistry.
Suzanne Sampson AIFD NHMFD
Designer and Team Lead - Windows
Suzanne Sampson has been a respected leader in the floral industry since beginning her career in 1983. She was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 2004 and soon after earned the designation of New Hampshire Master Floral Designer (NHMFD).
Throughout her career, Suzanne has competed at the highest levels of the industry, including Teleflora and FTD design competitions. Her work has been showcased on some of the most prestigious stages in the country, including designing at the White House and participating in two Tournament of Roses Parades.
Suzanne has played an integral role in major floral events, with over 15 years of involvement in the Philadelphia Flower Show, as well as extensive experience with multiple Boston Flower Shows. Her commitment to service and leadership is reflected in her long-standing involvement on the Northeast Executive Board of Directors, where she has held numerous positions, including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Board Member.
Terry Godfrey AIFD EMC
Designer and Team Lead - Roots
Terry is a Washington, DC–based freelance floral designer and educator who has worked with many of the region’s premier event companies, including designing for events at the White House and the Vice President’s Residence.
She is Lead Instructor of Floriculture at Anne Arundel Community College, where she helped transform the program into an AIFD Education Partner and has played an active role in mentoring future floral professionals.
An AIFD member since 2011, Terry has exhibited at the Philadelphia Flower Show, participated in a Rose Parade float, and created designs for Art in Bloom exhibitions. She is a certified floral evaluator and holds advanced credentials in Ikebana and European floral design.
Deeply committed to education, mentorship, and service, Terry continues to support and strengthen the floral industry through leadership roles and educational initiatives at the local, regional, and national levels.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrygodfrey.aifd.emc/
Heather Towne AIFD
PHS Liason
Floral designer with over 30 years of experience, was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 2022. She is the owner of Flowers by Jennie Lynne in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania since 2005 and has been teaching floral design since 2016. Heather teaches through her shop studio and at Bucks County Community College in the AIFD Affiliated Floral Design Education Program. She has been part of multiple design teams for the Philadelphia Flower Show since 2008, Co-Chaired the AIFD Exhibit for 2023 team and a committee member for 2025, now Liaison for the North East Region for the Philadelphia Flower show. Heather also currently serves on the AIFD Northeast Region Board as Treasurer (2025–2026). She is also a Teleflora Ambassador helping to bring floral education to designers nationwide through workshops, presentations, and online learning.
Website: https://www.flowersbyjennielynne.com/
The Table Team
Meet the Team
Responsible for creating the luxurious tablescape, the focal point of the exhibit.
This talented team brings together seasoned floral designers, student floral designers, and a passionate floral enthusiast — combining experience, creativity, and fresh perspectives. The tablescape is the heart of our concept: a living work of art that unites people through its rich botanical narrative.
Top Left:
Caroline Crabb AIFD, MDPF - Cornwall, UK
Top Right:
Joe Taylor – Student Floral Designer - Scottsville, KY
Roger Dennis AIFD – Floral Designer - Bowling Green, KY
Bottom Left:
Dennis Kelley – Floral Designer - Furlong, PA
Bottom Centre:
Ashley Taylor – Floral Enthusiast - Scottsville, KY
Bottom Right:
Sarah-Jane Evans-Nicklin – Floral Designer - Wales, UK
Brought together through chance meetings, new friendships and old friendships, this team is united by a shared passion for floral design.
If you would like to connect with any of the team members please check out there details by clicking the link below.
The Arrangement Team
Meet the Team
Responsible for creating the amazing, far-reaching arrangements that guide your eye through the exhibit.
This talented team brings together highly experienced floral designers with a shared passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Constantly pushing creative boundaries, they specialise in designing and delivering striking, large-scale floral experiences that transform spaces and leave a lasting impression.
Top Left:
Ace Berry AIFD - Floral Designer - Houston, TX
Top Right:
Shannon Toal AIFD - Floral Designer - Philadelphia, PA
Bottom Left:
Becky Memmo AIFD - Floral Designer - Plymouth Meeting, PA
Bottom Right:
Rick Cuneo AIFD - Floral Designer - Pennsauken, NY
Brought together because of their strong eye for detail, large-scale design skills, years of experience, and love of all things floral.
If you would like to connect with any of the team members please check out there details by clicking the link below.
The Fernery Team
Meet the Team
Responsible for creating the reflective fernery, an area to remember our roots and those who are no longer with us. This talented team brings together highly experienced floral designers whose love of plants and floral design unites them in creating a meaningful and contemplative space.
Top Left:
Valerie McLaughlin AIFD – Floral Designer - Wallingford, PA
Top Right:
Ami Harbig AIFD – Floral Designer - Catskill, NY
Bottom Left:
Penny Woosley – Event Florist - NJ
Bottom Right:
Janet Black AIFD – Floral Designer - ME
Rhoda Burke AIFD – Floral Designer - Bangor, ME
burkeshollow@gmail.com
Brought together by a shared love of plants, event work, and the art of floral design, this team blends creativity, technical skill, and a deep respect for the natural world.
If you would like to connect with any of the team members please check out there details by clicking the link below.
The Windows Team
Meet the Team
Responsible for creating the botanical window panels, rooted firmly to the floor and standing twelve feet tall, these panels serve as portals into our world, symbolising the strong foundation of our organisation. Adorned with layered organic materials and florals, they act as curated lenses, inviting visitors to experience our work and community from new perspectives.
Top:
Theresa Colucci AIFD - Floral Designer - Gardiner, New York
Susanne Sampson AIFD - Floral Designer - Pelham, NH
Marianne Suess AIFD CAFA - Floral Educator - Ontario, Canada
Laurie Lemik AIFD PFCI AAF - Floral Designer, Ellington, CT
Middle:
Cres Motzi AIFD - Floral Designer – Teacher – Presenter - Downingtown, PA
Jane Godshalk AIFD - Designer – Teacher – Presenter - Haverford, PA
Lindsay Mckay - Floral Designer - Pittsburgh, PA
Janet Vibbert CFD - Floral Designer - Allentown, PA
Bottom:
Holly Gordeuk - Floral Designer - Baptisttown, NJ
Sue Krabill AIFD - Floral Designer - Dover, DE
David Y AIFD - Floral Designer - Binghamton, NY
Marie Gregory AIFD - Floral Designer - Santee, CA
If you would like to connect with any of the team members please check out there details by clicking the link below.
The Orbs
Meet Liam,
The Creator of the hanging element of our exhibit.
Crowning the design, handcrafted botanical spheres are suspended at varying heights to form a mesmerising canopy. Created from lush moss, delicate ferns, and permanent botanicals, the orbs symbolise our community — each individual rising higher when supported by those around them. Together, they embody the “Live Tall” spirit of connection, inspiration, and growth.
Liam Sloan CFD (soon to be AIFD) - Floral Designer - Langhorne, PA
If you would like to connect with any of the team members please check out there details by clicking the link below.
The Letters and Signage Team
Meet the Team
Responsible for creating beautifully textured lettering, working closely with the wider team to ensure each sign feels distinctive, considered, and elevated, while maintaining consistency with the brand’s visual standards.
Top Right: Polly Berginc AIFD - Floral Designer/Educator - Butler, PA
Left: Mame Broody AIFD - Floral Designer - Ephrata, PA
Bottom Right: Daniel Firth AIFD - Floral Designer - Lewistown, PA
This talented team brings together seasoned floral designers, who’s dedication to AIFD is unwavering.
If you would like to connect with any of the team members please check out there details by clicking the link below.
The Roots Team
Meet the Team
Behind the creation of the majestic roots that ground every other element to the earth. Flowing beneath the surface, they form the heart of the story—symbolising strength, balance, and the deep, unseen connections that gently bind us to one another and to the natural world we all share.
Top Left:
Terry Godfrey AIFD EMC - Floral Designer - Washington, DC
Top Centre:
Ellen Seagrave AIFD - Floral Designer - Bethesda, MD
Bottom Right:
Susan Bain AIFD - Floral Designer - Inman, SC
Bottom Lefr:
Judy Janzen AIFD - Floral Designer - Fresno, CA
Botton Centre:
Lisa Ayala - Floral Designer -
Bottom Right:
Sharyn Kervyn - Floral Enthusiast -
Brought together through friendship, working relationships and love of the natural world.
If you would like to connect with any of the team members please check out there details by clicking the link below.
Assistants
Our amazing assistants deserve recognition as well.
Their dedication, skill, and support play a vital role in bringing this exhibit to life.
Top Left:
Heather Towne AIFD - Floral Designer, Fairless Hills, PA
Top Right:
Dot Chenevert AIFD - Floral Designer - Hyde Park, NY
Bottom Left:
Kim Doner - Floral Enthusiast - Auburn, AL
Bottom Right:
Alan Berginc - Retired Engineer - Butler, PA
If you would like to connect with any of the team members please check out there details by clicking the link below.
Ron Mulray AIFD
The floral world was profoundly shaken by the sudden passing of Ron Mulray on 20 September 2025. Ron was an icon, a visionary trendsetter, and a creative thinker whose influence reached far beyond the work he created. His dedication to AIFD and the AIFD Foundation was deeply rooted, unwavering, and formed the backbone of a lifetime devoted to elevating the floral profession.
As an industry leader, educator, mentor, and compassionate friend — both locally and across the global floral community — Ron touched countless lives. He believed in nurturing talent, sharing knowledge freely, and ensuring that the next generation of designers stood on strong, well-established roots. Those principles shaped not only his teaching, but the community he helped cultivate.
The expertise Ron brought to the Philadelphia Flower Show can never be replicated. Yet it remains firmly rooted in a living legacy that continues to grow through those he inspired, taught, and encouraged. His creative vision set standards, challenged conventions, and redefined what floral design could be.
Ron’s life and legend remain deeply rooted in the hearts of those who knew him, and in the vast knowledge, generosity, and passion for all things floral that he so selflessly shared. His influence will continue to rise, branch, and bloom for generations to come.