Meet the Founders of Gems and Pages
Gems & Pages Foundation is led by Carla and David Jordan, a husband-and-wife team whose lives have been shaped by family, creativity, lifelong learning, faith, and a deep appreciation for the wisdom found in everyday experiences.
Together, they share a love for nature, storytelling, community, and creating meaningful connections with others. Whether tending a garden, creating art, preparing a meal, writing, or developing new ideas, they believe creativity is not limited to a single discipline—it is a way of seeing possibilities, solving problems, and bringing people together.
Carla brings a strategic and intentional approach to the foundation’s work. With doctoral-level training and extensive experience in education, leadership, student development, consulting, program development, and community engagement, she is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths, explore new possibilities, and achieve meaningful goals. Her creative interests include writing, visual arts, handcrafted jewelry design, and developing educational experiences that encourage reflection, growth, and connection.
David brings a spirit of resourcefulness, service, and hands-on creativity. With doctoral-level training in clinical pastoral counseling and decades of experience in ministry, counseling, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and community service, he has dedicated much of his life to supporting and encouraging others. Whether cooking, gardening, preserving food, writing, building, or finding innovative solutions to everyday challenges, he believes creativity often begins with making the most of what is available and using one’s gifts to serve others.
Together, Carla and David founded Gems & Pages as a way to celebrate creativity, honor stories, preserve traditions, and encourage lifelong learning. Their shared vision is to create opportunities for individuals to discover their gifts, express themselves through the arts, connect across generations, and contribute their unique talents to their communities.
At its heart, Gems & Pages reflects the values that guide their lives: family, creativity, lifelong learning, resourcefulness, service, and the belief that every person carries unique gifts, valuable stories, and something meaningful to share with the world.
