About
Joan M. Jacobs
A graduate of UCLA in Sociology, with a 35 year career-base in health care, Joan M Jacobs is author, entrepreneur and creator of KC and the Keep Well Kids Club® Program. In 1992, the inspiration for the concept originated in a Northern California rural hospital. As marketing director, Joan studied parents bringing their children to the emergency room for care. While many of the unhealthy habits of parents were already in place, the concept of teaching children good health and safety habits at an early age became her passion. Not only would it impact the lives of the families, but it would also assist the healthcare providers. With over 25 years in development, the program is designed to empower children encouraging personal responsibility for physical, mental and emotional well being. We make learning enjoyable and entertaining using colorfully illustrated materials that feature a diverse cast of lovable characters to communicate information in a fun, non threatening way.
About our team:
Joan M. Jacobs – Author/Entrepreneur and Creator
A graduate of UCLA in Sociology, Joan has a 35-year career in creative writing, design, public relations, marketing and productions. During the last two years, Joan taught the KC and the Keep Well Kids Club® program in the Konocti Unified School District.
Dave Walston – Dave is a freelance illustrator who has illustrated children’s books and games for Disney, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Leapfrog and many others.
Al Mallamo – General Manager – Al brings his 35 years of experience and expertise in the building materials industry as owner and president of a large bay area building materials company as well as an international corporate leader in operations, assembly and distribution worldwide. A Vietnam Vet, Al is a fifteen-year volunteer with the American Red Cross engaged in Disaster Preparedness and Recovery.
Cheryl Crawford – Graphic Artist – With extraordinary talent in a variety of venues – demonstrated in her numerous awards as artist, designer, business owner, manufacturer, web designer, scale model architect, sculptor, teacher and writer, Cheryl brings a creative spirit and healthy vision of color and design to our program.
Carolyn Rutton – Carolyn was educated in England and the U.S. with degrees in Biology and Manufacturing Engineering. Carolyn brings insight and vision in a variety of areas, with great focus on environmental issues. She now specializes in grant writing and grant management.
Toni Pusich – With years of organizational development with both the private and public sector, Toni brings her excellent communication and presentation skills to the program. Toni volunteers at the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding for Children and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. She also contributes as a security consultant for a large grade school.
Project History
"Here We Grow"
Creative Kids Concepts:
- Concept Inspiration – 1992
- Book copyrighted – 2009
- Creative Kids Concepts – 2011
- Tested in Hayward Schools – 2016
- Konocti Unified School District -Konocti Unified School District 2nd & 3rd Grade Curriculum – 2019
- 501(c)3 developed 2020
- Virtual program developed 2020
