Stephen Karakashian

Now retired, Stephen Karakashian continues to use his training and experience in biology, psychotherapy, and the arts. He helped establish a system of marine reserves to protect endangered ocean life off the coast of Oregon where he now lives. He orks with the Institute for Healing of Memories--North America which employs group methods developed in South Africa to help heal people in this country traumatized by racism, sexism, and poverty. The arts are also a form of healing, and his tapestries are based on his Armenian family's painful history, yet have a redemptive quality through his use of rich colors to depict disturbing scenes of persecution.

Karakashian has a PhD in Biology and is a professionally certified psychotherapist, his most meaningful work has been in promoting diversity and social justice, and human rights and healing.