About
Mission work in Central America
Michelle and John White are founders of Heart for the Nations, a 501(c)3, a non-profit that raises funds to supply water filters to the poor. Since 2002 they have worked in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Myanmar and Haiti. Currently they are working in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Potable water is critical to the survival of children under the age of five. They are currently distributing ceramic water filters to the poorest Haitians in the mountains of Hinche.
Education
Michelle White graduated from Temple University Summa Cum Laude with a Bs in Education for Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and received the Presidential Scholar Award upon graduating in 1974. Following the birth of her third child, Mary Catharine, who has Down syndrome, she dedicated her life to teaching special needs children. She earned her Masters Degree from Alvernia University in Special Education grades K-12. She has taught as St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Downingtown, Pa, Special Needs at New Life in Schwenksville, PA and also Special Needs at the Reading ICU for Reading High School.
2018 marks a new chapter in her artwork to include bold color in oil paintings and pastels of flowers and landscapes. Being an avid gardener, she paints what she knows . . . flowers. But there is more. She has traveled in Ireland, Russia, Nova Scotia, Italy, and Guatemala during which time she has amassed numerous images of landscapes in various lights and atmospheres. Her style ranges from realism to impressionism.
White has won many awards for her artwork and been featured in several publications. In addition to art exhibits, White has been invited to speak about her artwork in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
Artist
Michelle White is a seasoned artist who began formal training at the age of 10 at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut. She has since done graduate work at the Institute of the Arts in Philadelphia and the world acclaimed Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Mrs. White did Graduate work at the University of the Arts and The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, both located in Philadelphia, PA. While studying at both these schools she studied drawing, watercolor, oil painting and sculpture.
For the past 20 years she has worked in charcoal and is mostly known for her photographic portraits. White has been invited to speak about her art at various venues, from high schools to women’s groups, churches, and teacher training seminars. She has presented her work to as few as 10 people and up to groups of 500 participants. These presentations have encompassed topics such as healing the family and her spiritual journey.
Recognized Speaker
Michelle White is a member of St. Columbkill Parish, Boyertown, in the Diocese of Allentown, PA. She is an approved speaker by the Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania and has been active in her parish as cantor, PREP teacher, lector, and Eucharistic Minister.
Michelle has been speaking publicly for 20 years. She has given talks to small groups of 10 to 20 people to large groups of 250 people. Usually she speaks at high schools, church gatherings, youth groups, religious ed classes, and missionary groups. Her speaking engagements have taken her to New York City, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Her husband, John, also accompanies her for duet singing during the talks. Speaking engagements range many subjects including:
Healing the Family with a Disabled Loved One
First Holy Communion, the Most Important Sacrament
Confirmation and Why it Matters
Inclusion in the Classroom
Pro Life and Special Needs Children
Healing the Marriage
Forgiveness, the Key to Freedom
How to Hear God
Surviving the Teen Years
The Divine Mercy of Jesus
Confirmation/First Communion Speaker
Mrs. White has taught Confirmation classes at St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Downingtown at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish in Quarryville and also St. Columbkill Parish in Boyertown. Confirmation instruction has found a special place in her heart. She has found it to be extremely rewarding and that students are very receptive to her style of teaching. Her goal has always been to inspire students to learn the importance of Scripture reading, to help them form a true faith in Christ, and learn about the Catholic faith. Of course, let’s add to this experience and include the Sacrament of the Eucharist: very special for the 2nd grade.