More about seastar kids
About the Founder
Dr. Gary Jerkins is the Founder and President of SeaStar Kids. As an M.D., he also heads up Advancing Vision Research, LLC in Nashville, Tennessee.
Since 1996 his recurring trips to Ukraine have allowed him to share his faith through medical and humanitarian efforts. On numerous occasions, he has performed life-changing surgery for Ukrainians in need, and mentored native practitioners in the latest surgical techniques. Those long-time associations with the medical community in Western Ukraine have brought credibility to the Lord’s church, and continue to support outreach and humanitarian efforts in that part of the country today.
In 2010 Dr. Jerkins founded SeaStarKids, a 501(c)(3) Nashville-based non-profit organization that offers Ukrainian children the opportunity to attend a Christian summer camp and participate in monthly youth activities. Gary works tirelessly each year to provide the very best experiences for Ukrainian children, as well as identifying and mentoring skilled StarKeepers. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Healing Hands International and the Ukrainian Education Center.
"Dr. J.", as his friends call him, completed his undergraduate work at David Lipscomb University followed by medical school at the University of Tennessee at Memphis. After an internship at Methodist Hospital, Dr. Jerkins completed his residency at the University of Tennessee Department of Ophthalmology in Memphis. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Karen. They are the proud parents of three grown children: an eye surgeon, an actor and a corporate event planner.
Dr. Jerkins considers the practice of medicine not only a wonderful profession but also an art, combining scientific knowledge, clinical skills and Christian compassion. Above all, he is grateful that God has used that profession to lead him to a lifetime of service among the people of Ukraine.
About the Board
Gary Jerkins, MD—President
Kelly Adams, CPA PC –Treasurer
Marcille Durham —-Secretary
John Durham
Emilie Fowler, CPA
Theresa Green
Corine Jackson
Karen Jerkins
Andrea Keckley
Cindy Kreidel
John McMeen
Brie Murphy
Susan Swang
Ron Swang, DDS
· Special thanks to:
Jon Hutcheson, FaceBook Editor
Brittney Jerkins, Communications Director
About Our SeaStar Scholars
· 1.NASTIA LAHMAN, Kiev Medical College, Department of Pharmaceutics. Graduation Date: 2019
· 2. NADIA YERMOLENKO, Kiev College of Light Industry, Department of Design. Graduation Date: 2020
· 3.OLEG YAKIMENKO, Odessa Christian University, Department of Economics. Graduation Date: 2020
· 4. KATIA CHESNEKOVA, Odessa Christian University, Psychology Department. Graduation Date: 2020
· 5. VOVA PHILIPPOWSKI, Odessa Computer Science and Information University, Computer Programming Department. Graduation Date: 2021
SEASTAR KIDS MOURNS DEVOTED BOARD MEMBER
DANIEL "DANNY" GENTRY JACKSON
Known to many in Nashville, Tennessee as their favorite "Santa Claus" during the Holiday season, Danny Jackson was equally beloved by those who served with him on the SeaStar Kids Board of Directors. Danny was tireless in his devotion to the children of Ukraine and was a leader in humanitarian aid efforts since the beginning of the war. Danny's life of service also extended to the US Military where he served in the Army National Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, and to the Civitan International organization where he was a past International President. Danny is survived by his loving wife Corine (also a SeaStar Kids member of the Board), daughter Carrie Jackson (James) Young, and granddaughter Alana Ruth Young. Danny was "one of a kid" and will be missed.
