Made A Masterpiece

Yay! It's summer time, and we are off on this week. When we return next week, we will have lots of great news and announcements to share because as always, our small but mighty organization is up to BIG things!
While summer can be tons of fun, we also understand that it can be tough for those who are living with and because more of your skin may be visible when you are wearing shorts, tanks, and swimsuits. This means other people may look and stare.

So, what can you do as part of our
? Remind yourself that YOU were , and there is no one in the world just like you. This is your chance to be brave and show the world that you !

If you need a little encouragement, then head to our website and download our affirmations coloring pages for some inspiration!
https://www.madeamasterpiece.org/resources

Dr Alanna Bree started our organization because she did not want children who are living with or to feel alone. As a , she had witnessed firsthand the social, emotional, and spiritual impacts of on the wellbeing of her patients and their families.

Her passion for helping these children and their families led her to create a safe, encouraging, and empowering space for our that brings hope and healing. We are the only nonprofit in the US that is exclusively dedicated to supporting these impacts in children with all types of skin conditions and birthmarks.

But we can't do it alone, so please consider coming alongside of us in our important work by donating to help the children and families we serve: https://givebutter.com/masterpiecemaker

Amber is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience bridging pediatric cardiac care with innovative business development and leadership. Her career reflects a deep-seated passion for improving patient outcomes and driving strategic growth through collaborative partnerships and visionary leadership.

Starting her career in pediatric cardiac care, Ms. Kelly demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing the lives of young patients with complex heart conditions. Her hands-on clinical experience has provided her with a unique perspective on patient care and helping families navigate complex medical care plans.

Transitioning to the business side of healthcare, Amber has successfully integrated her clinical insights with strategic acumen to excel in various leadership roles. Since joining Allergan Aesthetics in 2014, she has leveraged her expertise to drive business development and forge impactful connections within the industry.

Amber holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Executive MBA from Emory University. This combination of clinical expertise and advanced business education equips her with the strategic vision and leadership capabilities needed to make impactful decisions. Her commitment to empowering confidence, driving collaborative growth, and connecting diverse stakeholders makes her a formidable leader in healthcare and business development.

Crystal Walter, MPA, MSW, LCSW, is a geriatric licensed clinical social worker and integrative psychotherapist who is a wife and mother to three children. Her practice, Ritual and Remedy Integrative Counseling & Holistic Healing, serves the Houston, Meyerland, and Bellaire communities.

She also holds a mayoral appointment to the Harris Area Agency on Aging Area Planning Advisory Council for 2025-2027 and is a member of the Texas Health and Human Services Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council.

Crystal proudly lives with and her children have a history of . She is happy to be serving on our board to use her empowered knowledge and lived experience with to help inspire others in our .

Her husband, Mathieu Jean Baptiste, LLC is also part of our Made A Masterpiece family and has served as one of our artists. His painting "You Are Loved and Enough" is currently part of our exhibition at TMC Helix Park that is on display through the end of July: https://www.tmc.edu/blog/painting-past-the-skin-the-story-behind-look-at-me-what-do-you-see/

Debie has a servant's heart, and she has been a long-time and for our important work. She has also been a faithful over the years, and because of her generosity, we have been able to help more children love the skin they are in and face the world with confidence.

Attending solidified Debie’s dedication to our Made a Masterpiece mission. She was able to observe firsthand the benefits of our work through watching the pure joy of our campers as they played and connected with new friends. She is more committed than ever to creating these magical experiences for the children and families we serve.

Next month, Debie is headed to Portugal to walk part of the Camino de Santiago. Her journey will take her 120 miles from June 10-19th. In honor of her pilgrimage, her and have donated $3,250 (and counting!) to our which is such an incredible gift!

Leslie’s passion for advocacy began after her youngest son, Maverick, was diagnosed with Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED), a rare genetic condition affecting his teeth, skin, hair, nails, and ability to regulate body temperature. His diagnosis led her to become deeply involved in supporting and families navigating congenital and visible through education, awareness, and community outreach.

In addition to her professional background, Leslie has served alongside nonprofit organizations and groups focused on empowering families, increasing , and improving access to medically necessary care for children with congenital conditions. Through her work with Made A Masterpiece, she is passionate about helping children and families feel seen, supported, and confident in who they are.

We are thrilled to have Gary T Murphy, AKA "GTM", as one of our newest board members! Gary is an entrepreneur, a businessman, and an abstract artist with a fascinating life story. Throughout his career, he has always believed strongly in giving back and paying it forward.

Gary was first introduced to our organization when he became involved as one of our artists, creating artwork for our traveling exhibition. Our cause and mission immediately touched his heart, and he is truly grateful that his journey has now led to serving on our Board.

For Gary, art is more than self-expression. It’s how he attempts to help others and how he spreads light. He is generously sharing his light with our by donating 20% of the proceeds from the opening reception of his upcoming exhibition, Up Close: The Art of GTM.

To learn more about this exciting exhibition, check out his page at GTM's Art World where you can also RSVP for the reception on June 18, 2026 from 6–9 PM at Caffvino in Houston: https://gtmsartworld.com/upclose

Today, on Memorial Day, we are so grateful for those who have sacrificed for something bigger than themselves through their service to our country.

Today, we also want to pause and thank our - all those who have sacrificed their time, talents, and treasures for our . We especially want to recognize our board of directors for their service, and we are excited to introduce each one of them to you this week as we close out Masterpiece May.

Some of our board members have been serving for years and others have just joined us, but all have unique gifts, skills, and experiences that they are willing to share so children living with and can love the skin they are in and .

This Masterpiece May, we are showcasing the amazing artwork that was thoughtfully and generously created for our by our incredibly talented artists.

Each piece is an original and tells a story that is special and unique. Much the same way, those who are living with and were created with extraordinary colors, patterns, and textures on their skin making them one-of-a-kind works of art that were made to standout.

Today, we are showcasing:

Bloom Wildly by Follow Your Art Studio by Reka

Impact Bloom by Annlettered

This Masterpiece May, we are showcasing the amazing artwork that was thoughtfully and generously created for our by our incredibly talented artists.

Each piece is an original and tells a story that is special and unique. Much the same way, those who are living with and were created with extraordinary colors, patterns, and textures on their skin making them one-of-a-kind works of art that were made to standout.

Today, we are showcasing:

Bloom Wildly by Follow Your Art Studio by Reka

Rise and Bloom by Suzy Raymor Art