Art therapy has long been a passion of Pence's (via WhiteHouse.gov). Today, she runs Healing with the HeART, an initiative aimed at elevating art therapy so people understand it's not just arts and crafts. "Everywhere I go I see new uses for art therapy. From cancer, anxiety, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, eating disorders, autism, end of life issues, abuse, and much more. In fact, anyone can benefit from art therapy," Pence shares about her initiative. She is also on the board for an organization called Tracy's Kids that brings art therapy to children with cancer.
Long before she chose to bring the issue of how art therapy can help with mental health to a national stage given her platform as second lady, Pence was an elementary school teacher for 25 years in Indiana. She still teaches art two days a week at a Christian school in Virginia, according to the New York Post. In an Instagram post, Vice President Pence recently praised his wife's dedication to teaching, writing, "During these challenging times where many teachers are teaching from home, like my favorite teacher, @karen.pence, thank you to America's educators for continuing to shape the minds of students across the Country and for giving them a place to learn, grow, and thrive!"
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