Education Team

Toomie Farris AIFD, AAF
FTD Master Designer Toomie Farris AIFD, AAF has been involved in the floral industry for thirty years both as a designer and as a manager. Toomie received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, majoring in Horticulture. He paid for his college education by working in a small greenhouse on his parent's farm in Missouri. After graduating, Toomie taught floral design at his alma mater. He has been a design instructor on the FTD Education Team since 1990.

Toomie is currently President and COO of McNamara Florist. He directs business for a total of seven retail stores, a 58,000 square foot design center and a special events department with over 120 employees. Toomie's work has been seen in numerous floral industry trade publications.

He travels all over the world to keep current with design trends including attending shows in Europe to designing and buying products in China. Most recently, Toomie served as an official judge at the 2004 Interflora World Cup competition in Melbourne, Australia on behalf of FTD.

Toomie resides in Indianapolis, Indiana where his outside interests include photography, gardening and travel. He is involved with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, and participates in numerous charitable organizations.

J. Keith White AIFD
As a visionary of flowers, J. Keith White, combines modern and traditional floristry into an art form that welcomes the great diversity of our lives and environment. Partner and design director of AANDK Productions, a special events company for retail, corporate and trade clients; Keith is known for extraordinary designs. His most recent designs can be viewed in the book "Winning Wedding Bouquet Combinations," which he produced with Florists' Review and the California Cut Flower Commission. No stranger to the news media, Keith's programs and projects have been covered by broadcast, Internet and print journalism for over two decades. Keith's leadership role in the Rose Parade is recognized by many in the floral industry, as well as the media. His extravagant floral designs for the official cars of the Rose Parade have been nationally broadcasted for the past three years.

Keith's talents as a designer and communicator have been recognized throughout the industry. Each year he is asked to participate in many programs, workshops and symposiums. Since his induction into AIFD in 1996, Keith has presented three main stage programs. In 2004 he served as a FTD-sponsored jury staff member for the Interflora World Cup held in Melbourne, Australia. While Keith is known for his flair, showmanship and professionalism, his programs also present meaningful educational content.

Through Keith's roles as a member of AIFD, the California Cut Flower Commission Education & Outreach Team, FTD Education Design Team, and Silk Botanica Visual Director, Keith has defined and redefined floristry, not as an independent art form, but a service of luxury merchandise in a global marketplace.

Tina M. Stoecker AIFD, PFCI
In 1982, FTD Design Instructor and Education Team Member Tina Stoecker AIFD opened Designs of the Times Florist, a creative reflection of her approach to the floral industry. Her passion for flowers and drive to run a successful business has established Tina as an inspiring force in the floral industry.

Tina's floral artistry and shop have been showcased in Florist, Florists' Review, Flowers & Florida Architecture and on the cover of Floral Management.

Tina is a past president of the Southern Region of AIFD and has presented programs for AIFD at both regional and national levels. In addition, Tina has worked at the Rose Parade for Charisma Floats, presented programs for FTD's Conventions and has judged the FTD Americas Cup and Southeastern Flower Show.

Actively involved with industry education for over ten years, Tina has traveled across the United States, Austria, England, South America and Mexico. Most recently, Tina served as an official judge at the 2004 Interflora World Cup in Melbourne, Australia.

An FTD Master Designer and Master Florist Manager, Tina combines creative design techniques with a common sense business approach to produce exquisite floral creations.

Deborah De La Flor AIFD, PFCI
More than 20 years ago, FTD Design Instructor and Education Team Member, Deborah De La Flor AIFD, PFCI found not only a career in the floral industry, but a passion. Her resume includes such titles as the Greater Miami Designer of the Year, Florida State Designer of the Year, and the winner of the FTD Great Masters Design Competition in 2000. Deborah took possession of the first runner-up title at the FTD America's Cup Finals in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000. In 2004, Deborah competed in the 10th annual Interflora World Cup Competition in Melbourne, Australia; she was sponsored by Florists' Transworld Delivery, Inc. (FTD).

In 1996, De La Flor was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Her design outreach in the industry includes a role as an FTD Design Instructor, offering innovative seminars at annual FTD International Conventions and local industry shows, a member of the Syndicate Sales Consultant Design Team, and a Consultant to Vista Flor. Her educational outreach extends beyond consumer and industry design instruction at seminars, into vehicles including her published floral design book, "Florsages, The Art of Floral Body Art", numerous creative features in industry publications and a video entitled "Wedding Bouquets."

Her knowledge of the industry as well as her ability to anticipate and influence the latest floral trends has led to consulting work for some of the floral industry's biggest names such as Syndicate Sales, Dole Fresh Flowers, Vista Flor, Grower Direct Fresh Cut Flowers, Inc. and many others.

De La Flor additionally owns a retail floral, gift and full service garden center with her husband Gus in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

John Klingel AIFD, AAF, PFCI
After earning an associate degree in commercial art at Ivy Tech in Evansville, Indiana, FTD Design Instructor John Klingel started his career in the floral industry at his hometown florist. Thirty-three years later, his resume includes owning a retail flower shop, teaching students from all around the world and presenting design and business programs in almost all of the fifty states. In addition to his role on the FTD Education Team, John is director of the South Florida Center for Floral Studies in West Palm Beach, Florida. www.centerforfloralstudies.com

John was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 1980 and currently serves as President of AIFD Southern Regional Chapter. He is also a member of The American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and Professional Floral Communicators International (PFC-I). His flower shop in Delray Beach, Florida was profiled in Florists' Review in July of 1996 for a successful Valentine's Day with no consumer complaints.

John has worked in many aspects of the floral industry including wholesale, first as an in house designer, display artist and later in purchasing. He has worked with photographers and completed designs for the FTD Floral Selections Guide. Mr. Klingel has also participated in regularly televised interviews about flowers in West Palm Beach.

In addition to winning the prestigious Sylvia Cup at the Society of American Florists Convention in 2000, John is also the recipient of Florida State Designer of the Year and Palm Beach County Designer of the Year.

John continues to work in the retail floral industry by doing freelance work in area shops. His background has brought him opportunities to create floral designs for many notables such as Vera Wang, Chris Evert and Janet Jackson.

Jeffrey D. Corbin AIFD, AAF, PFCI
Involved in the floral industry for over 25 years, FTD Design Instructor and Education Team Member, Jeff Corbin AIFD brings a practical perspective of design and business to his audiences. As an active owner, Jeff understands the current challenges facing the floral industry.

As a commentator, he is best known for his commonsense approach to running a profitable and innovative business. His charismatic presentations entertain as well as teach his audiences. He believes education and communication are the two most important aspects that can strengthen today's floral industry. His signature style of design emphasizes simplicity and productivity.

Jeff is active on all levels of the industry. He is a past president and charter member of the Virginia Professional Florist Association. Currently, he serves on the board of directors for Professional Floral Communicators - International. Jeff has lead numerous hands-on workshops, as well as participated on design panels and commentated for organizations such as Southern Retail Florists' Association and the Southern Chapter of AIFD. Jeff has been a lecturer/designer for local and state garden clubs, as well as a guest contributor to the Christmas decorations for the Virginia Governor's Mansion under multiple administrations.

Jeff currently owns Radford City Florist in Radford, VA. A few of his personal interests include antiques, animal rescue and restoring his residence - an 1880's Victorian farmhouse.

Ian Prosser AIFD, AAF, NDSF
FTD Design Instructor and Education Team Member Ian Prosser AIFD was born in Scotland and has been in the floral industry for over 30 years. After owning three stores in and around Glasgow, Scotland, he sold them and moved his family to Tampa, Florida in 1985. Ian, a graduate of Woodburn Horticultural College in Scotland, has won many design awards. He was the youngest person to receive the honor of Floral Designer of the Year for Scotland in 1977, and placed sixth in the British finals. In 1984, he earned the National Diploma of the Society of Floristry (NDSF), the highest European honor in floral design. Ian was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 1992, and The American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) in 1994.

Ian has provided floral decorations for many dignitaries, including many members of the British Royal Family including Queen Elizabeth II. In January 1993, he was invited by the Society of American Florists to participate in designing the decorations for President Bill Clinton's Inauguration, and again in January 2001 for the inauguration of President George W. Bush. In 2005, Ian was selected by SAF as the floral design chairperson for the inauguration of George W. Bush for his second term. As design chairperson, Ian helped with the selection and management of the 160 florists picked from across the country to create the floral decorations for President Bush. Working in close association with the Presidential inaugural committee, he helped to style the rooms for 14 official events including the 9 inaugural balls.

Ann Jordan AAF, AIFD, mmfd
Ann Jordan AAF, AIFD, mmfd has over 20 years of retail floral experience and has studied floral design with some of the greatest designers in the world. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable, Ann has instructed design classes and hands-on workshops throughout the United States and Canada and is very active in the floral industry. As an active member who sits on the board of directors of the Maine State Florists' and Growers' Association, Ann acts as chairman for many of the association's events.

The floral industry has been impacted by Ann's work in many ways. She was the featured designer in the March 2007 issue of Florists' Review and participates in many AIFD programs including AIFD Across America, the AIFD booth at the Philadelphia Flower Show and serving as the Procurement Chair for the AIFD National Symposium in 2003, 2004 and 2006. She was recognized by FTD in 2000 with the John A. Valentine award and honored as the designer and member of the year in 1994 by the Maine State Florists' and Growers' Association.

Not only is Ann recognized in the floral industry for her creative skills, but she is also known in her community as a business leader and prominent floral designer. She was nominated the New England Business Woman of the Year in 1998 and Maine Small Business of the Year in 2004. Ann uses her skills to teach floral design students at a local college and provides business direction as the Director of her local chamber of commerce.

A few other of Ann's career accomplishments include placing third in the AIFD Holland Cup Competition and decorating the White House for President George W. Bush's inauguration in 2005.

Kristine Kratt AIFD
Kristine Kratt AIFD began her floral career in her teens as a manager of a retail flower shop in the San Francisco Bay Area while attending the College of San Mateo's floriculture program. During this time, she was an active member of CSM's student AIFD chapter and an FTD Master Designer. She has won many awards over the years in design competitions, including winning the Texas Cup in 2002.

At Chicago's 2001 National Symposium, Kris was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers. Since that time, she has quickly become a diverse contributor within the floral industry by attending design shows, teaching, wholesale showroom instillations, design publications, and working in overseas product development. In 2006, Kristine was invited to present a main stage program for AIFD's National Symposium in Washington D.C.

Currently residing in Texas and working as a freelance designer, Kristine is constantly furthering her personal design knowledge by traveling throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia to participate in design projects and classes. She is honored to be entering her third term as an evaluator on AIFD's membership committee.

A strong advocate of education, Kristine regularly returns to her alma mater as a guest lecturer, using her enthusiasm and experiences to inspire students interested in furthering their career in the floral industry.

Kristine's passion for creativity, education, and the need for new experiences has brought her forward as a bright, new rising star in the floral industry.

Ivan Moreno
Floral design is an art that is not only learned but you have it in your veins. Ivan Moreno was only 14 years old when he began to work as a florist. Thanks to his astounding talents he was put in charge of design when he was 16. From then on Ivan has not stopped exploring, investigating and studying floral art and all of its facets.

Ivan's dedication, has defined floral art as a lifestyle. Ivan is a modern artist; his designs complement architecture while still implementing the good taste of the traditional floral design. Ivan is versatile and skilled at managing floral art as a commercial element.

You can clearly see his passion for floral design through his presentations. Ivan makes sure that every audience member walks away with practical knowledge that will help him or her develop skills needed to succeed in this industry.

Ivan blends his artistic interpretation with dazzling floral knowledge, and adds a bit of practical commercial floral art to reveal his unique style. Ivan contributes his artistic expressing to the continuous learning process which all plays a part in his development as a human being.

Ivan has had many accomplishments in his career. He was awarded first place at the Colombia Cup in 2002. He also was the FTD Sponsored representative for Latin America at the Interflora World Cup in 2004. Ivan appeared with 30 other florists in the book 'World Flower Artist 2' that was published by Sodo publishing (Japan) in 2000

Ivan has made special appearances in North, Center and South America; he has also contributed to articles in magazines and newspapers in the United States, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, and Bolivia among others.

Ivan is the Studies Director of Aquarella Training and Technology Center, for the study of Floral Arts in Holambra, Brazil.