One of the most important things a person can do is give back to their community, especially to the next generation and to those who will appreciate it the most. I have always had a passion for the arts; so when I got the opportunity to really stretch my creativity and use art to give back in a way that many would find impossible, I embraced it fully!

I spend my spare time volunteering and teaching art classes for visually impaired children. How is that possible you may ask? I created a program that uses various sensory aids to guide the class through each lesson. The program is the first of its kind and I create each lesson myself. For example, at our last lesson I tasked the class with painting a flower garden. Each child received a bouquet of real flowers , brushes, a canvas, and a tray of paint. In each bouquet was a tulip, a Gerber daisy, and a rose. The canvases were previously modified ; using puffy paint I drew outlines of the flowers they had in their bouquets, creating a guide of raised borders that could be felt as opposed to seen. Their paint trays had each color laid out in the order of the colors of the rainbow, easy to remember. The children were instructed to smell and feel the flowers and take in every detail, and discuss what they noticed with the class. Then we compared the details of the real flowers with the outlines of their canvases. Lastly, they painted their flower gardens, each one beautiful and unique. The paintings were spectacular, and I've included photos for you , but the real reward is seeing every child filled with pride over what they were able to accomplish. These types of programs move beyond the canvas and the paint. It gives children the confidence and self-esteem they need to navigate the world, to be independent, and to find their own passions. They also help children with disabilities develop their coordination, memory and critical thinking skills.

I feel so honored to be part of that development. Being a positive influence in their lives gives me a sense of purpose and fulfills me in a way nothing else could, its been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Additional great causes I support: YMCA, Orangewood Foundation & Kokolulu Farm and Retreats!