Volunteer Spotlight: Colleen McGowan

If you’ve ever wondered what compassion, creativity, and joyful service look like wrapped up into one remarkable human, meet Colleen McGowan — one of Imua Family Services’ dedicated and big-hearted volunteer facilitators with Na Keiki O Emalia. For the past two and a half years, Colleen has brought both emotional depth and artistic magic to our community, guiding children through grief and healing with empathy, patience, and imagination.

Colleen serves as a Grief Facilitator, leading “Kaleidoscope” grief groups for elementary school students right here in Maui’s local schools. With calm presence and thoughtful guidance, she helps children explore their emotions, honor their experiences, and find connection with one another — all in a supportive, compassionate environment that allows them to be exactly who they are, where they are.

When asked which of Imua’s core values resonates with her most, Colleen immediately aligned with our unwavering commitment to sharing joy with children. She believes that laughter, connection, and joy are essential for all of us — and even more so for children navigating difficult emotions. Her work truly embodies this value, weaving together play, art, and emotional expression in ways that help our keiki rediscover their light.

Originally from the East End of Long Island, New York, Colleen relocated to Maui six years ago to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and two beloved grandchildren — a relationship she now cherishes daily. Her educational background is just as impressive as her dedication, with a BFA from Nazareth College and an MFA from Virginia Tech, along with permanent educational certifications covering Nursery through 12th grade and K-12 Art Education.

Colleen spent 33 years teaching in New York public schools, where she supported students from early childhood through high school and continually expanded her knowledge in art therapy foundations, recognizing the power of art as a tool for emotional release, communication, and healing — especially through grief. Retirement hasn’t slowed her down one bit: she now works as a traveling Teaching Artist with Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, recently completed Compassionate Care Volunteer training with Hospice Maui, and also supports bereaved families through Let Grace In, an Oahu-based grief retreat program.

Her journey into service and creativity was shaped early on by a family who modeled giving back, and an art teacher who opened the door to self-expression. That safe creative space changed her life — and now she offers that same gift to others.

Outside of volunteering, Colleen enjoys embroidery, sewing, crafting, beach walks, shell collecting, time in ʻĪao Valley, and traveling. She calls herself grateful — and we are equally grateful for her.

Mahalo, Colleen, for bringing art, empathy, joy, and healing to Maui’s keiki.