Rachel Simpson
Judge Henry Kantor,
I'm a certified art teacher for K-12, in the Whatcom county school district with Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, a substitute teacher for Bellingham School District, an art instructor at Whatcom Community College, and a teaching artist at Allied Arts of Whatcom County. I work with the community at large, believe in having a supportive, diverse culture, and associate myself with all kinds of families, and all of them care about each other within, and outside this area. Our next generations and parents that help their children is the way we will have a better home in this world for everyone.
I am writing this letter as a character witness for Audrey Angel. I am aware that Audrey has been falsely charged and convicted of burglary, a felony, and is facing possible incarceration. If I were in a closer location, then I would be there in person to support Audrey at her sentencing at 8:30AM on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at the Multnomah County Courthouse, 1201 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR in room 544, Judge Kantor's courtroom.
I first met Audrey at a festival in Oregon, while she was selling her artwork in a booth. She sat among a large group of artists and crafters, but when I first talked with her, I immediately felt at ease and welcome into her pop-up tent that held all of her beautiful wares. She went out of her way to introduce me to her son and partner. After a great conversation, I asked her if she would be interested in joining me for another visit at an event that I was running, and she accepted. She even gave me some of her own personal time away from her job, as a vender, to help volunteer with my event - which was a talent show. Ever since that first meeting, I've always had great experiences with her, every year in July at that same event called Seadog Nights & Gypsy Carnival.
Audrey is an extremely caring mother, wife, friend, and talented artist. She cares about her community at large. I've seen her go through stressful situations in life, as we all have had hard times such as financial or employment burden. Each time she rebounds as a strong individual who will go to bat for anyone within both her chosen family and blood family, when the need arises. She is the utmost of honest, loyal, strong, compassionate, giving, and reliable of a human being that I've ever met. There is no way that she could ever be guilty of this crime. She has so much to live and work for in her life, such as being a mother to her kids. They mean the world to her, and there is no way that she would ever do anything to damage their lives. I believe that you will see it in your heart to reconsider her charges. If you have any questions at all about my statement and/or experience, then please don't hesitate to call. Thank you for your time.
Rachel Simpson
4135 Landon Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98226
chaneecat@gmail.com
(360) 224-8828
May 11, 2016