About US
Co-Founder: AnnMarie Halterman
Born and raised in Wisconsin, AnnMarie began her military career at the Air Force Academy. Commissioned and given the Civil Engineer career field, AnnMarie was mentored by many Airmen, enlisted, civilians, and officers. She was taught professionalism, dedication to the mission, and tenacity when problem solving at home station and in deployed situations.
As a Senior Advisor at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), AnnMarie heard military and veterans discuss the healing and uniting power of the arts. As evidence based academic research findings report on the healing, wellness, and uniting impact of art (Creative Arts Therapy and therapeutic art) and hearing hundreds of testimonials, AnnMarie was inspired to focus on community nonprofit, inclusive arts initiatives.
Co-Founder: Tiffany Wheeler
Although Tiffany never served in the US military, she grew up surrounded by family members that chose to serve in the Navy. As a standout in high school athletics, Tiffany received an athletic scholarship to attend Longwood University. Longwood softball Coach Kathy Riley's leadership style and 5am training runs could have been mistaken for basic training...that lasted 4 years!
Upon graduation from Longwood, Tiffany dedicated her talents to middle school teenagers hoping to inspire and provide support to students achieving their dreams. Honored as the Teacher of the Year, the students, parents, school district, administration, and peers recognized and celebrated the success of her guidance and teaching approach.
Inspiration for Uniting US
AnnMarie and Tiffany found an appreciation for art's healing power. Together, they designed a framework to inspire people and make arts accessible, empower creativity and engagement, and unite people for meaningful discussions.
Key Contributors
Rob Leese
Kimberly Johnson
Kimberly Johnson
After a successful Air Force career, Rob and his family continue to enjoy traveling the world and cheering on Ben "Pins" in his arts adventures. Initially introduced to Uniting US by an Air Force colleague, Rob and his family began participating in Uniting US exhibitions and programs in late 2020. Rob's talents help Uniting US activities in all areas to include public affairs, art transport and installation, and communications.
Kimberly Johnson
Kimberly Johnson
Kimberly Johnson
An Army Veteran and multifaceted artist, Kimberly is talented in all areas and empowers others to join in healing and community building activities. In the photo, Kimberly's son Scotty was telling everyone at the British Embassy hello via cell phone.
Annette Polan
Kimberly Johnson
April Goodwin-Gill
Internationally recognized Polan's , Annette is in high demand as a professional artist. After 30 years of teaching, Annette was honored as a Professor Emeritus from the Corcoran College of University. A little while later we found out Annette is also a WWII family members. Annette provides such valuable advice, from an art's operation standpoint
April Goodwin-Gill
April Goodwin-Gill
April Goodwin-Gill
As the Uniting US Lead Ambassador, April continually teaches jewelry making and other crafts throughout the community and is a talented public speaker. Her inspirational talks are always a highlight at Uniting US events!
Cyrus Quadland
April Goodwin-Gill
Sushobha Jenner
Cyrus joined Uniting US as an artist and creates brilliant artwork that provide tranquility and peace in any environment. Shortly after joining Uniting US, Cy agreed to be an advisor to provide organizational growth and insight perspectives.
Sushobha Jenner
April Goodwin-Gill
Sushobha Jenner
Sushobha, a highly celebrated mural and large artwork professional, joins Uniting US from Connecticut. As our mural art program lead, she generously provides expert advice on all Uniting US community murals. Sushobha's deign, and direction on our Celebrating our Nation: Together mural is currently hanging in Reagan National Airport (DCA).
Benjamin “Pins” Leese
Benjamin “Pins” Leese
Benjamin “Pins” Leese
Pins leads the convention outreach program for Uniting US. As a military dependent he knows well the comfort and strength art provides military veterans as well as dependents during deployment. Recently featured as an artist and guest speaker at the Military Women's Memorial Summer of Healing Art exhibit, at Arlington National Cemetery, Pins shared the importance of art in his life. A Junior Studio Arts major in the Fine Arts Program at Bowling Green State University with over 70K followers, Pins is a successful social media artist you can find @pin_head on TikTok.
Help Our Cause
The Uniting US 100% volunteer workforce need your support to cover costs to support artists with supplies, materials, shipping, exhibit preparation, and installation. Join US and contribute to this worthy cause!
Our Partners
