Kids in Focus is a community of passionate volunteers and generous supporters, who are dedicated to opening the eyes of at-risk youth to their own potential. We are committed to inspiring youth to see beyond their circumstances and create happy productive lives.
Our Board
Karen Shell
Founder & Executive Director
About Karen
The brainchild and driving force behind Kids in Focus, Karen has been an extremely active volunteer for kids and families in need since the mid-1990s. Built upon on the foundation of two-decades of serving at-risk youth, Karen founded KIF in 2012 to equip vulnerable youth to build the self-worth and resilience they need to overcome their challenges.
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 work 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.
Mike Oleskow
Board Chairman
About Mike
Longtime advocate and champion of Downtown Phoenix and the Arts, Mike brings his passion and enthusiasm to KIF. The creative force behind the unique art boutique hotel, Found:re Phoenix, Mike served as the hotel’s on-site Curator. Prior to Found:re, Mike curated and managed numerous art galleries, was the owner of After Hours Gallery and is a former Board Chairman and Director of ArtLink. He is currently a Commissioner on the City of Phoenix, Arts & Culture Commission and Chair of the Public Art Committee.
Mike co-founded Max & Lucy, a stationery, manufacturing, and greeting card company for which he headed operations and sales. Before Phoenix, he worked at AT&T for 20+ years in various marketing, advertising and sales positions. He has served as a judge for numerous juried art shows and is often asked to speak to student groups, businesses and community organizations on the importance of Art in place-making, community and economic development.
Tom Waite
Business Director & Board Treasurer
About Tom
Tom is responsible for many aspects related to Kids in Focus’ business operations, and as Treasurer he oversees finances with a focus on the growth and stability of the organization.
After working in the real estate business, Tom found his calling in the cable industry. Tom and his partners were pioneers in the private cable industry by having the foresight to serve the multi-housing industry with cable services before the big franchise companies began. He and a partner founded Satellite Management Services in 1985, becoming a leading provider of services to the private broadband industry. The business is still in operation serving commercial and governmental customers.
Retired from the day to day operations, he now owns and manages a portfolio of single-family rental properties in the Arcadia area. Tom is the proud father of 3 grown children who have all have established their homes very close to home.
Rachel Frazier Johnson, Esq.
Board Member
About Rachel
Rachel Frazier Johnson is Founder & Managing Attorney of Rachel Frazier Johnson Law. She is multi-faceted and dedicates her personal time and career to improving women’s and children’s lives by giving them a voice in the legal process. Rachel has found her purpose in her work as an attorney by assisting her clients as they navigate life’s challenges.
Rachel’s dedication to positively impacting children’s lives makes her an exceptional addition to the Kids in Focus Board. Rachel’s unwavering compassion and commitment to serving her community are unparalleled. Rachel supports organizations and serves on various boards and commissions that offer opportunities for empowerment and aid to women and children.
Rachel possesses a passion for the arts and devotes her free time to enjoy artistic and cultural events. She is a theatre and film Producer. Rachel enjoys entertaining and traveling with her family.
Cindy Bryant
Board Member
About Cindy
Cindy Bryant’s life took a dramatic turn in 2012 when she suddenly lost her son, Daniel. As a boy, Daniel saw the world from a unique perspective. As a high school freshman, he enrolled in a photography class and was captivated. School cameras, however, were not allowed off-campus, and at the time, his family could not afford to purchase one. When Daniel’s aunt loaned him a 35mm camera, his creativity flourished. As time passed, Daniel became more confident and began sharing his amazing photographs. He went on to create beautiful art, most notably the Phoenix Haboob of July 5, 2011, which was featured as a 3-page spread in the September issue of National Geographic.
Photography gave Daniel a voice, and Cindy wants other young people to find theirs through the power of photography. She is passionate about working with KIF, not only as a way to honor her son but also as a way to transform kids’ lives by putting cameras in their hands.
Cindy is a co-founder and managing partner of Momentum Financial Partners in Tempe, AZ.
Dave Mason
Board Member
About Dave
Manages the production of KIF exhibits. A major supporter of various projects for kids and families in need. President and CEO of McKenna Professional Imaging, a leading photo lab known for its product innovation and exceptional customer service for over 40 years.
Bernard Banahan
Board Member
About Bernard
Consultant to KIF in matters of business law and accounting. As founder of Banahan Law, Bernie has served Arizona’s small business community for over 30 years.
Our Directors
Christie Davis
Development Director
About Christie
Leads KIF in building relationships with individual and corporate donors, developing fundraising marketing plans, writing and managing grant proposals, and coordinating special events. She has extensive background in fundraising and development, and a degree in advertising. She has held positions with local and national nonprofit organizations for over 25 years.
Anndee Rickey
Program & Evaluation Director
About Anndee
Creates dynamic and impactful KIF programs by building and measuring the social and emotional well-being of the kids we serve. She has doctoral training in Psychology and Creativity throughout development and 20 years of experience evaluating the impact of cultural and arts engagement on individuals and communities. She is also the Vice President for the Friends of the Tempe Center for the Arts Board and an educator at Phoenix College.
Serena Castillo
Communications Director
About Serena
Responsible for managing and directing KIF internal and external communications. Has over two decades of experience in visual communication, such as graphic and digital design, web design, photography, copywriting, art direction, and project management.
Our Mentors
Terry
Brennan
Andres
Gonzalez
Mark
Hoffman
Forrest
Smith
A New Lens on Life
When kids experience trauma, they disconnect from the world and from themselves. Kids in Focus is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and equipping at-risk kids to shift from surviving to thriving. Through the restorative power of photography and with the guidance of dedicated mentors, these kids are inspired to open their eyes to their potential and self-worth.
Mailing: 3104 E. Camelback Rd.
Box 831
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Office: 4455 E. Camelback Rd.
Building A, Suite 215
Phoenix, AZ 85018
info@kidsinfocus.org
602.753.6339
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