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Hi! My name is Steen Krause. I am a nanny and respite care provider who enjoys reading, running, and judo. But my truest love is working with individuals with disabilities.
In 2006, I volunteered for the first time at Camp Big Heart in Winder, Georgia. CBH is a respite camp for individuals of all ages who have developmental disabilities. I signed up for a week, stayed for two, and never looked back. Six summers at camp changed the trajectory of my life and made me who I am today.
After moving to Texas, I became a certified Special Olympics coach with a local team in 2015. I help out with most of the sports we offer, meaning I get to see my athletes year-round!
In 2016, I also began volunteering at Victory Therapy Center, a therapeutic riding center that provides equine therapy services. One of my athletes, Amy, expressed interest in volunteering at the barn, so we became a partner volunteer team in 2018 and spend one morning a week grooming the miniature horse, Badger. Amy does such a fantastic job that she was featured during Victory’s annual fundraiser dinner last fall!
I consider myself incredibly lucky to have so many friends who have Down syndrome and to be included so readily in this community. The love is palpable and the hugs are top-notch.
More importantly, however, is the opportunity to see first-hand how capable people with Down syndrome are. The rise of inclusion and a better understanding of their ability has enabled people with Down syndrome to become increasingly independent and visible in our communities.
Ruby’s Rainbow is remarkable in that it not only provides people with Down syndrome college scholarships, but also promotes the fact that those individuals are both worthy of and capable of attaining a higher education. I am thrilled to be part of a movement that encourages people to DREAM BIG.