Amazon Home recently teamed up with singer-songwriter, and philanthropist, Alicia Keys to give back and celebrate Susanna, a special education teacher at Van Nuys High School who has been teaching in Los Angeles for over a decade, with a home makeover. “Like music, interior design is a form of self-expression,” commented Keys. “Finding your own personal style to bring your personality and creativity to life is what I love most about designing any space.”
After Susanna experienced the devastating loss of five family members, including her mother and brother, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued to work around the clock to teach and support her Autistic students, parents, and school staff, all while home-schooling her own children. Alicia Keys and Amazon Home felt passionately about her heroic acts of selflessness in her community they all consider home and decided to surprise her with a Hometown Heroes Makeover.
Susanna is still teaching at Van Nuys High School and has devoted her life to helping others. She has been living in her home which required a lot of reconstruction for 4 years after she and her family had to rent from a friend for 3 years beginning in 2013. She has two kids, two dogs, and her husband is also a teacher. “My family and I are beyond grateful to Amazon Home, Ms. Alicia Keys, and everyone involved for making our house into a home, she said. “The projects were big and never-ending. This wonderful gift made our house into a warm home. I am still discovering products here and there whether in my bathroom or kitchen, which is always a nice surprise.”
“As a mom of two, creating spaces where I can comfortably spend time with my family is important. Whether it’s gathering in the kitchen for our favorite meal or just chillin’ in the living room, Susanna and I both agree there’s nothing better than quality time with the people you love.” On that note, Amazon completely transformed Susanna’s space with everything her family needed from brand new furniture and decor to new tile, countertops and cookware. The backyard, which was at the top of Susanna’s priority list, was made over to include a new garden, gazebo, firepit, and even an in-ground trampoline. Susanna’s love of entertaining inspired Amazon to create more space for gathering and provide an outdoor seating and a dining area.
In honor of Susanna and her family, Amazon will make donations to Keep a Child Alive, Your Mom Cares, Breathe with Me Revolution,and Until Freedom.
“Teachers have really been there for us all during this past year,” said Keys. “Susanna is a true rock star and I’m so grateful to have met her and had the opportunity to surprise her with the home makeover that she and her family always wished for.”Inspired by the makeover, the Grammy-winner also created a list of her favorite Home items called Alicia’s Must-Haves.
Featured Items from Alicia’s Must-Haves
- Decor: Deco 79 White Ceramic Contemporary Vase – $35.34
- Kitchen & Dining: Round Fruit Basket – $35.98
- Bed & Bath: Upland Oaks Large Full Length Mirror – $204.95
- Furniture: Modway Ingenuity Channel Tufted Performance Velvet Sofa – $1,026.00
- Electronics & Music: Mini Projector – $72.99
- Handmade: Serein Decor Agate Inlay Cheese Board – $72.00
- Health & Wellness: Natural Wooden Tripod Stand – $24.99
- Pets: Mile High Life Mountain Climbing Dog Rope – $12.86
