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 Founder
Karen Shell
Founder
About Karen
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.
Board of Directors
Colleen Katz
Board Chairman
About Collen
Colleen Katz has been living in Scottsdale since she was 5 and has been volunteering since she was a teen. She has a love for all philanthropy and helping others and has served on many Valley not-for-profit Boards and been involved in charitable events for over 25 years.
A mother of 4, she raised her kids to be involved in the community too which led to many youth-based organizations. She learned photography when taking her 4 to local studios for holiday pictures became a nightmare. Starting with doing her own family photos, then friends, then for organizations she was involved with lead to starting her own business Pictures in Pixels.
Chatting at a reunion, she found out about Kids in Focus and after going to photograph an Exhibit Opening for Karen, Colleen fell in love with the organization. She has been a mentor for 6 years, Co-Chaired the 2nd Noche para los Ninos fundraiser, and is honored to now serve on the Board.
Lenna Bien
Board Member
About Lenna
When Lenna Bien was fourteen years old, her home and family business burnt down. With such a big loss, Lenna became an at-risk youth within her community. Organizations such as KIF helped propel her life to where it is today. In 2021, Rotary selected her to conduct a youth exchange and Lenna received a full ride scholarship through Daniels Fund. Without the help of these two organizations, Lenna could have had a much different outcome to her adult life.
Lenna works in Commercial Real Estate and Finance, and giving back to her community remains a priority in her life. She has been involved with KIF since 2018 and is also a member of Rotary.
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.
Ryan Carr
Board Member
About Ryan
Ryan’s experience crafting exceptionally communicative and thoughtful designs comprises two decades. As the Design Director at Highnoon Digital Marketing Agency in Tempe, he plays a leading role in all things creative. His current focus is on the development of talent within the agency.
As a long-time resident of the Valley and father of 2, he has a vested interest in the growth of the community and strives to help everyone succeed.
Chris Henderson
Board Member
About Chris
Chris Henderson has been a photography enthusiast for more than half his life. When at home, Chris is inspired by the vast desert landscapes of Arizona but his favorite subject matter are the exotic locations he experiences while traveling the world with his wife Julie. For Chris, photography is a hobby that creates a moment of Zen where creativity flows, and time stands still.
Chris has spent the past 25 years working for several Fortune 500 companies in the High-Tech Industry holding leadership roles in Sales, Business Development and Account Management. Over the years he found that mentoring new associates was one of the most rewarding aspects. Chris joined Kids In Focus in 2018 while looking for an opportunity to give back to the community and has found it to be a perfect union of inspired creativity and mentorship.
Dana Schmidt
Board Member
About Dana
Dana Schmidt is CEO of HRamp Up, a global HR consulting firm and Chief of Staff at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (Nationwide), a Fortune 100 Company. At Nationwide, he is responsible for delivering business and human capital strategies for the pet insurance division. In addition, Dana also leads Nationwide Pet’s Associate Advisory Group, advancing their philanthropic objectives, workplace giving and volunteerism.
Dana resides in Scottsdale with his partner Brandon and Teacup Yorkies, Aspen and Sierra. When not working, Dana and Brandon enjoy trying out new restaurants, experiencing new cultures through travelling, hiking mountains and downhill skiing.
Marcelle Friendt
Board Member
About Marcelle
Marcelle’s passion for helping and inspiring people was the springboard to establishing her career in non-profit services and fundraising. She has spent more than 20 years serving the community through her work in the Valley. She currently serves as the Director of Prospect Development at Phoenix’s Children’s Foundation. Prior to Phoenix Children’s, she held leadership roles at Valley of the Sun United Way and John C. Lincoln Hospital Foundation.
Marcelle was inspired to join Kids In Focus from her passion for mentoring. “Giving back by investing in the youth of our community is the greatest gift you can give.” Marcelle previously served as a mentor for New Pathways for Youth, and a board member for KEEN.
In her personal life, she enjoys outdoor adventures and spending time with her wife, Julie, and their two dogs, Watson, and Mr. Toni.
Team
Nan McCoy
Executive Director
About Nan
Originally from New York, Nan came to Arizona to attend ASU and after graduation with a Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Youth Agency Administration, she made AZ her home. With a passion for building a strong community through inclusive and impactful programs, her experience has included a breadth of municipalities and nonprofit organizations. A transformational leader at heart, she is continually intentional with building connections that create a sense of ownership for everyone involved. Nan has served on Boards of Directors and national committees with a focus on quality improvements for community impact.
A lifelong competitive swimmer, Nan embraces the phrase, ‘just keep swimming’! She also spends time with her husband outdoors hiking, biking and throwing frisbee for her two Australian Shepherds.
Lisa McNamara
Development Director
About Lisa
Lisa manages and conducts the daily activities related to Development. Responsibilities include executing fundraising business plans, managing the donor database, executing donor campaigns and correspondence, supporting relationships with donors, sponsors and grantors, and helping coordinate and execute special events.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Syracuse University and founded and directed her own non-profit organization for 12 years. She enjoys traveling, theater, and spending time with her two sons.
Keri Jones
Program Director
About Keri
Keri is responsible for researching, planning, and implementing KIF’s dynamic and impactful youth programs. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from ASU and a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management from GCU. Keri’s professional and personal lives have centered around serving kids and families, as an educator, an entrepreneur, and a volunteer.
She brings 20 years of community service experience, including over a decade of service-project planning, with various local, national, and international organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Gratitude, Feed My Starving Children, Luke Air Force Base, Peoria Unified School District, Christ’s Church of the Valley, and more. Keri is a mother of three and enjoys hiking, yoga, traveling, and experiencing great music at outdoor concerts
Ann Alger Piraino
Exhibits Manager
About Ann
Managing exhibitions of the kids’ photographs around the valley, Ann is passionate about creating opportunities for community engagement with local art.
As the Exhibits Manager, Ann seeks out locations and develops collaborative relationships to share the kids’ stories of creativity and inspiration.
She deeply enjoys raising awareness for Kids in Focus’ programs and the kids’ accomplishments.
With a BA from the University of Michigan in art history and anthropology, Ann came to Arizona to learn more about indigenous communities and artforms and earned her master’s degree in social cultural anthropology and museum studies at ASU. Ann brings professional experience in art education, museum practice, and public art administration from her time with the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. Ann finds joy exploring local art venues, farmers markets, and wide-open natural spaces.
Etana Holowinko
Communications Manager
About Etana
Etana is our resident beautifier & IT Guru.
As our Graphic/Web designer and IT extraordinaire Etana ensures all Kids in Focus graphics are artfully crafted and all tech preforms at its prime. Etana specializes in website design, print layout, advertising, e-learning development, and social media helping Kids in Focus reach it’s audience from kids to mentors, volunteers, sponsors and donors.
She deeply enjoys raising awareness for Kids in Focus’ programs and the kids’ accomplishments, as well, as mentoring.
With a Masters from the University of Technology in Technology, and a BA in Visual Communications from Collins College. Etana lives in sunny Tempe AZ with her boyfriend Curtis and their fur babies Cairo and Zeus.
Ashley Woodburn
Program Coordinator
About Ashley
Ashley Woodburn, a program coordinator with Kids in Focus, brings her background in Environment and Resource management to inspire young minds. Before joining Kids in Focus, she showcased her diverse skills in Communications and Public Affairs.
For over a decade, Ashley’s heart has been in helping others, focusing on kids empowerment through various volunteer organizations.
Outside of her professional commitments, Ashley is a part-time professional photographer and avid hobbyist, using her camera to explore diverse cultures and places. Whenever she gets the chance, she happily brings her fun-loving corgi along on photoshoot adventures, making unforgettable memories together.
Originally from Illinois, Ashley lived in the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado for 22 years before settling in Phoenix, AZ. Her true calling lies in empowering people, especially kids, to explore their potential and embrace their uniqueness. She firmly believes that by learning about ourselves, trusting our instincts, and expressing our individual perspectives, we can collectively create positive change and uplift the world.
Volunteer Mentors
Terry
Brennan
Janina
Caron
Cathleen
Cole
Jerry
Daigler
Michelle
Figurski
Andres
Gonzalez
Elaine
Kittleson
Kristina
Reese
Forrest
Smith
Bobbi
Stark
Bradley
Tuel
Ashley
Woodburn
Raz
Yalov
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 104
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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