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Writer's pictureFred Finch

Volunteer Spotlight: Inspiring Youth Through Art at Our San Diego Nonpublic School

Updated: Nov 14

As we approach Thanksgiving, Fred Finch & CARES would like to express our deep gratitude to all our volunteers and supporters, especially Trudy Pachon, who has generously shared her time and talents teaching ceramics at our Dual Diagnosis Nonpublic School in San Diego—a specialized educational program designed to support youth with developmental disabilities and complex emotional and behavioral needs.


Trudy, a seasoned ceramic artist with over 20 years of experience as an educator, recently transitioned into volunteer work with Fred Finch. Since the 1990s, she has used ceramics to express ideas and connect with others, and it’s this transformative power of art that inspired her to start working with youth.


Her journey with Fred Finch began through a personal connection. “My friend Lisa, a teacher at the school, invited me to bring ceramics into the classroom, and it’s been an incredible experience,” Trudy shared. Her approach focuses on engaging students and allowing them to explore their creativity in a supportive environment.


Trudy is a strong advocate for the healing power of art, especially for youth who have faced trauma. “Art is a way to process emotions and discover inner strength,” she explains. “Everyone has the potential to be an artist, and creativity can be a powerful tool for emotional expression.”


To ensure art is accessible to all students, Trudy carefully tailors her projects to be engaging yet achievable, often focusing on creating functional pieces like bowls and cups. “Art isn’t just about making things—it’s a pathway for personal growth and emotional release,” she explains.


During her time at the nonpublic school, Trudy introduced students to the art of high-fire ceramics. This process requires patience and precision, teaching students to focus on the journey rather than the end result. “It’s so rewarding to see students realize they can create something beautiful and overcome self-doubt,” Trudy reflects.


We are incredibly grateful to have Trudy as part of our Fred Finch family, and we thank her for inspiring our students through her passion for art. A sample of the ceramic pieces created by one of our students during Trudy's sessions is shown below, showcasing the impact of her guidance.


Do you have a special skill you’d like to share with our youth? We are actively seeking volunteers to bring enrichment activities to our San Diego and Oakland campuses. If you’re interested in making a difference CLICK HERE , or reach out to us at development@fredfinch.org to explore volunteer opportunities.



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