TSFA School of Floral Design Instructors
Respected leaders and educators within the floral industry, instructors for the Texas State Florists' Association (TSFA) School of Floral Design bring decades of experience, business acumen, creativity and innovation to floral design students year after year. Their dedication to supporting and developing floral leaders of the future is unparalleled. Having worked alongside leading industry talent and taught floral students of all ages and capabilities, these remarkable designers and educators lead classes that challenge and inspire students from beginners to advanced.
Meet the Instructors
Bruce Easley AAF AIFD CFD TMFA
A former TSFA President with more than 50 years of experience in the floral industry, Bruce Easley is a TSFA Education Committee Co-Chair and the TSFA School of Floral Design Chair. He has served on various TSFA committees, written articles for floral design magazines and helped develop TSFA's curriculum for high school students. His professional experience includes seven years in wholesale and ownership of two retail shops. Easley is an accomplished designer who earned the Texas Master Florist Advanced (TMFA) designation in 1998, was inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) in 2004 and was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD) in 2023.
Ed Fimbel CFD TMFA
As a floral design instructor, Ed Fimbel brings experience and knowledge of the floral industry that spans nearly 50 years. Fimbel is the current TSFA President. His career began in 1969 as a delivery driver and progressed to designer, manager and owner of a retail floral business until his retirement in 2017. Since then, Fimbel has served on the TSFA Education Committee as a member, Co-Chair and instructor. He has years of experience helping students increase their floral industry knowledge and design skills.
Amy Neugebauer AIFD CFD PFCI TMFA
Amy Neugebauer moved to Texas from New York in 2004 and began taking floral design classes at Lone Star College. She earned her TMF in 2010 and began working for Mary McCarthy AIFD CFD TMFA, who was an avid supporter of floral education and TSFA. Neugebauer then received her TMFA, was inducted into AIFD 2016 and became an AIFD evaluator 2019. Supporting the activities, programs and education of TSFA has been a priority for Neugebauer. She received the Jimmy Orr Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016, served on the board of directors as Retail Director 2018-2020 and as Second Vice President in 2024. She has served as a floral evaluator on the Education Committee since 2015 and was appointed to Vice Chair in 2023. Neugebauer retired from full-time floral work during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she has found the passion of floral design and community of the floral industry runs deep. Her goal is supporting and serving TSFA as, together, we strive to reach more people in every capacity, thereby building an even stronger TSFA and one that is an industry leader for years to come.
Susan Piland AIFD CFD TMF
Susan Piland's journey into floral design began as a student at Skyline High School in Dallas, where she was part of the horticulture cluster. Her love for flowers and the art of floral design has kept her enthusiastic about the floral industry throughout her career. Upon graduation, she attended her first TSFA convention, which ignited her pursuit of the Texas Master Florist (TMF) certification. Understanding the importance of credentials in her floral career, Piland dedicated herself to earning this prestigious certification, as well as the Certified Floral Designer (CFD) and American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) designations.
Piland currently serves as immediate past president of TSFA and co-chair for the TSFA Education Committee. She enjoys giving back to the floral community in her role as an instructor for the TSFA School of Floral Design. She values the importance of continuing education, regularly attending design shows and taking classes from world-renowned designers to enhance her skills and knowledge.
On a personal note, while working at a local florist, Piland met her hubby, Patrick, who was a delivery driver. Together, they have two children, two grandchildren and a beloved pup named Blossom.
Cassie Sanders AIFD CFD MS TMF
For over a decade, Cassandra Sanders has been an indispensable presence within Lubbock ISD, and she is an equally valuable member of the TSFA Education Committee. Beginning her tenure as an agricultural science educator in 2013, Sanders initiated a renowned floral design program, equipping students with crucial skills for their future endeavors. Graduates from her program earn industry-recognized certifications and secure promising career opportunities. Sanders plays a pivotal role in Lubbock ISD AgriSTEM's agricultural science team, where she imparts her expertise in floral design to 10th- through 12th-grade students. Beyond her regular teaching duties, she extends her influence by delivering adult education courses for the local community and dedicating time to mentor aspiring educators. Additionally, she serves on multiple leadership committees across the district.
With a Master of Science in Agriculture with Educational Administration from West Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Teacher Certification from the same institution, Sanders possesses a strong academic foundation. She holds accreditation from the American Institute of Floral Design, has earned a Texas Master Florist designation and is currently pursuing her National Board Teacher Certification. Furthermore, Sanders actively contributes to crafting statewide curriculum initiatives for TSFA and supports the development of their innovative resources for floral design educators.
Cheryl Vaughan CFD PFCI TMFA
Cheryl Vaughan has owned Creative Petal Designs since 1997. In addition to her business as a wedding and event designer. she is an instructor and presenter for TSFA and previously served as TSFA President, Vaughan is a strong believer in continuing education and has a passion for sharing her expertise with others. With years of experience in the floral industry, she shares her wealth of knowledge through workshops, seminars and mentoring programs. Whether teaching beginners or seasoned professionals, Vaughan fosters a supportive learning environment in which students flourish.
Debbie Woltmann AIFD CFD TMFA
A former president of the Texas State Florists’ Association and current TSFA Education Committee Co-chair, Woltmann holds the prestigious Texas Master Florist Advanced credential and has shared her knowledge of floral design and business management with aspiring floral industry professionals for more than 20 years. A serial entrepreneur, Woltmann has owned several successful floral shops and has a wealth of floriculture experience and wisdom to share. From practical care and handling tips to creative solutions that will help you meet the evolving needs of consumers, Woltmann’s presentations offer something for every floral professional.
