Outreach

A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for twenty years, I always dabbled in the art world. I enrolled in various classes and picked up a brush when I could. However, in 2000 I left nursing on a year-long sabbatical in order to pursue art full time. The year soon turned into years and I never did return.

In 2000, I traveled overseas to Kenya on a safari. It was during that trip that I had the chance to visit a two-room schoolhouse funded by an American woman by the name of Dr. Janet Jalloul, a professor in D.C. who has since made Africa her permanent home. Dr. Jalloul started a foundation - The Karen Foundation for African Education - named after Karen Blixon, a woman committed to bringing education to the young children of Kenya.

There are distinct moments and experiences, which change one's life substantially, and, looking back, Kenya and Dr. Jalloul's cause were such. Since that sweltering afternoon, thousands of miles from home, all of the profits from my artwork have been given back to the Karen Foundation. And now, almost nine years later, I am Janet's largest supporter.

In addition to a three-room schoolhouse that services over two hundred children, there is also a medical building, a library, and a small church referred to as "The Church of Hope" – a non-denominational place of gathering. During her trips back and forth from the United States, Janet has brought a wealth of amenities to the Kenyan village including solar cooking, a well, and a brick-making machine enabling greater longevity. Her school is accredited through the eighth grade (extremely rare in rural Kenya), uniforms are provided for the children and their education is completely free of charge.

Additionally, money raised through the sale of my artwork helps send children to boarding school. I also hope to begin supporting women in developing countries by means of micro-loans.

I feel extremely fortunate to be able to create. My previous experiences as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and my current career as an artist, have woven together enabling me to help children all around the world. Please know that when you purchase any of my art – whether it be a painting, angel or box - all the profits will be going directly to help those in need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.