“I write through anger, I write through pain, I write through happiness and I write based on other people’s situation,” Nelson said about her craft. “The depth of my emotions drives me to write.”

Nelson, a published author and military spouse, has written numerous plays, published a book entitled “Hear My Voice: Speaking Life Through Poetry” and most recently established Youth Expressions, a performing arts group for youth, in December 2009.

“My vision for this group was to create a foundation where youth can learn to become positive role models,” Nelson said. “A lot of times teens don’t have a positive outlet to express themselves. This group gives them the opportunity to learn to express themselves positively through writing, poetry, acting, dance and singing.”

Youth Expressions, which has 30 members ranging from 8 to 16 years old, includes youth from Killian and Bechtel Elementary Schools, Lester and Ryukyu Middle Schools, Kubasaki and Kadena High Schools and Zion Christian Academy.

The group also consists of several adult members, including choreographer Marvin Manigault Jr. and poet “Life,” who contribute artistically to the group’s performances.

Nelson has written and directed the two plays performed by Youth Expressions thus far; a Feb. 25 play honoring Black Histoy Month showcasing youth channeling prominent and everyday African-Americans, and “Second Chance,” an inspirational play examining how youth in difficult situations are able to overcome, which debuted May 1 at the community center here.

“These plays were so vital for the youth because they were able to enhance their acting skills and do something many of them had never done before,” Nelson said. “They benefited from discovering that someone watching could be going through the exact same situation as their character, and that through their performance, they could bless someone else.”

For Destinee McCrea, 14, Youth Expressions serves as far more than an artistic outlet.

“This group is so important to us because a lot of other teens are acting out negatively when they feel they aren’t being heard,” said the Kadena High School student. “Mrs. Nelson shows us that we can do positive things and be whatever we want to be. She’s my inspiration.”

Although she will be relocating to California with her family this month, Nelson said she will continue to write and inspire youth to find positive outlets of expression.

“It is my blessing to help bring out the potential some of these youth never thought they had,” Nelson said. “These kids make a difference to me. I did this for them.”