For more than two decades, Ms. Chris has been a guiding light in the lives of countless children, using her creativity as a tool to inspire, heal, and empower. Her journey with AYS began in 2001 at Forest Hill Elementary in Noblesville, later leading her to Westfield Middle School, where she found her true calling. “The kids needed me and I needed them – it was a beautiful symbiosis.”
Even when life presented unimaginable challenges – including a cancer diagnosis in 2022 that took her voice box – Ms. Chris’s desire to work with kids never wavered. Transitioning into an HR Assistant role, she remained dedicated to the mission of AYS, determined to continue making a difference. “My heart remains full of love and inspiration for the kids, and I’m grateful for the journey that has led me to where I am today.”
The Power of Crafting in a Child’s Life
For Ms. Chris, crafting is more than just an activity—it’s a gateway to self-expression, confidence, and even emotional healing. “Kids are my inspiration. If I can empower a troubled child by introducing them to a craft that unleashes their hidden talent and lets them create something extraordinary, their troubles fade away.”
She believes in the magic that happens when kids are given the tools to create. “If I can ignite their minds, keep their hands busy and productive, and provide an opportunity for them to proudly exclaim, ‘Hey, look what I accomplished!’—that’s what it’s all about.” Whether it’s painting, working with clay, or learning how to sketch using simple shapes, Ms. Chris sees crafting as a way to engage children in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
She dreams of a world where afterschool programs go beyond just crayons and paper. “Kids want an adult to lead activities they can watch and try to emulate helping them unlock their creative potential.” Some of the most popular crafts among the kids include clay modeling, yarn art, wood crafts, and painting, but the real challenge, Ms. Chris says, is time. “It takes time and patience to work with kids. If you allow them to rush through a project, they miss out on valuable learning. But if you walk them through each step, they leave with unparalleled confidence and pride in their work.”
Ms. Chris’s ultimate goal is to empower kids to explore their talents while teaching them the value of working with their hands. She dreams of introducing new, exciting projects like pour painting, cement steppingstones, and woodworking, including birdhouses and squirrel feeders. One of her most ambitious ideas is hosting a kids' craft fair where young creators can showcase and even sell their work, gaining confidence not only in their abilities but also in their potential to turn creativity into something greater.
Through her dedication, resilience, and passion, Ms. Chris continues to shape young minds, proving that creativity is more than just art—it’s a powerful force that builds confidence, fosters self-expression, and brings joy.
Help Us Bring More Creativity to Kids!
Crafting gives kids the opportunity to explore, learn, and develop new skills—but meaningful projects require materials and resources. With your support, we can provide more hands-on opportunities like woodworking, pour painting, and clay modeling, allowing kids to tap into their creativity in new and exciting ways.
Interested in supporting creativity in our afterschool programs? Contact our Director of Advancement, Dene Nichols, at dnichols@ayakids.org or 317-920-3773 to donate craft supplies or make a contribution today!
