Jeanne Mack is receiving the Childrens Caring Heart Award. Making a difference in the lives of children and families is the personal and professional mission of Jeanne Mack. She has been in the Vancouver Community for 48 years, where she attended college as a single parent of four children, receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Portland, and Master's Degree in Teaching and Administration from Lewis and Clark College.  She has 34 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in private and public schools, including several years as Executive Director of the Vancouver School District Foundation.  After retiring from the school district, Jeanne has been involved with Children’s Mental Health Initiative; I Have a Dream; Innovative Services Pediatric Therapy Center; the Assistance League of Southwest Washington; and, the Vancouver School District Foundation. As a member of the Assistance League and former Director of the Pediatric Therapy Center at Innovative Services NW, Jeanne was instrumental in connecting the two organizations. This opened opportunities for financial support of the center as well as volunteer assistance to the children in the early education classes and orthotics clinics. Jeanne’s support of Innovative Services NW began prior to her employment and continues to this day along with her other activities that focus on increasing the quality of learning for children in our community. Recognized in 2001 as a YWCA Woman of Achievement, Jeanne is a passionate and lifelong advocate for children. A close friend commented: “I admire Jeanne for her ability to recognize and be receptive to learning as a lifelong process. She believes it’s important to have peers in your life as well as people who can teach and you can learn from; she constantly lives to grow, to teach and loves to share her journey with others. She is always looking to learn and teach and come alongside others to help them develop and grow.” Jeanne is married to Lee Mack, a former jazz and classical musician who taught at Clark College for over 30 years. She enjoys spending time with her three children: Terri in Battle Ground; Steve in Spokane; and Dave in Gig Harbor (Karen, her youngest, is deceased).  Her eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren provide Jeanne with many fun and happy times. You will find Jeanne kayaking on Vancouver Lake whenever she can get there!