Ratna P. is an up-and-coming artist in Oregon. Ratna "graduated" from Casey Family Services Foster Care program in 1988 when she earned a degree in Fine Arts from the University of New Hampshire.

Although Casey has assisted her in a variety of ways over the years, Ratna has given back much more. Prior to moving, she served as a presenter and mentor in Casey life skills building workshops for foster youth approaching independence. She also provided the very creative and appealing artworks for a Distinguished Service Award presented to actress Victoria Rowell, herself a former foster child.

Last year, Ratna took a giant step and moved from New England. She is becoming active in the artists' community in Portland. A selection of her comics, which she says are autobiographical, appeared recently in a local magazine. Ratna tells us she loves Oregon and looks forward to the next stage in her life. She is working to find a publisher for her latest work.