Karen Shell is the brainchild behind Kids in Focus, and she was the Executive Director and passionate driving force for KIF’s first 10.5 years. Helping kids in need has been a lifelong pursuit for Karen, as she herself is a survivor of childhood abuse. Karen founded KIF in 2012, after having already spent more than two decades working with at-risk youth.

Alongside her years of service, Karen has worked as a freelance commercial photographer for advertising clients, photographing people and places for an array of global, national and regional brands. Karen’s personal photography has been exhibited internationally and her commercial work has won industry awards.

Karen’s three-decade photography career has continually reminded her of the power of seeing outside oneself. Her passion for life is a testament to seeing beyond one’s circumstances. Karen loves adventure and exploring this incredible planet, from mountain tops to ocean depths.