Justin Berk, Meteorologist AMS CBM
Co-founder; Chairman Of The Board
Reason For Starting Just In Power Kids
I am a dad to two boys and dedicate a lot of my time to educating children about meteorology and STEM. Working with kids AND for kids is my passion that the grew out of my own experience.
I almost lost my left leg when I was 14 years old. After an original diagnoses of bone cancer and risk of amputation, it was one doctor that properly diagnosed me with a staff infection in my left tibia. I recovered and continued to play sports, but I know what painful surgery, long hospital stays, and a scary outlook is like.
This is why I began the Maryland Trek in 2014.
After 4 years with another nonprofit, I wanted to know where all the money was going. So we began Just In Power Kids in 2018 for just that. I never have and never will collect money from this organization. This is a labor of love and I want to maximize all of the fund we receive to go to the kids.
Fundraising History
I am grateful for 14 of my 20 years in TV broadcasting being in Baltimore. That allowed me to build up connections and a large social media platform.
I believe the a part of everything I do needs to be for a cause outside of myself. In the past 8 years, I have done:
- STEM assemblies in hundreds of schools with a contest to raise money.
- Baltimore 10 miler as a charity racer chaser.
- FITF (Faith in the Flakes) shirt sales. A portion has always gone to charity. Now sales help contribute to Just In Power Kids.
- SnowStix 10% of all sales goes to Just In Power Kids.
- Maryland Trek: a 329 mile hike and bike across the state each August to share the stories of kids snd their experience with cancer. This event has grown quite a bit since starting in 2014. The team members are like an extended family.
Education and Awards
- College: Cornell University, Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science- May 1995
- CBM: Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with the American Meteorological Society
- Best in Baltimore/Baltimore Magazine in 2000, 2006, and 2007
- Weatherist.com Baltimore’s and America’s Favorite Weathercaster 2014
- Baltimore City Paper Voted Best Meteorologist in 2014 Reader’s Poll
- Baltimore Sun Magazine Best Meteorologist and Reader’s Choice 2013 and 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- Mobbies Award for Best Facebook Page 2012, 2013 (also readers choice), and 2014 (plus best Twitter feed).
Broadcasting Career
- WSTM in Syracuse, NY 1995
- WBNG in Binghamton, NY 1995-1997
- WBAL in Baltimore, MB 1997-2003
- WPHL in Philadelphia, PA (Freelance 2001 and 2005)
- WMAR in Baltimore, MD 2003-2012
Kid Weather App
One of proudest developments! I made this mobile app with my oldest son. It was his idea when he was years 6 old, and the first project I worked on when I left my last TV station. It has been downloaded in over 60 countries and won a Parents Choice Award among many others.
Jacki Dalsimer
Background
Current Job: Management Consultant for LCBSolutions LLC and a certified Health Coach.
History:
Jacki started her work career as a middle school mathematics teacher. Her next career was in the fitness industry where she worked her way up to a management position in a Baltimore based gym. To make more time for her kids, she transitioned to LCBSolutions developing online educational products for providers of Medicare & Medicaid. As much as she loves her position at LCBSolutions, it doesn’t fuel her passion for helping others. Jacki started a successful health coaching business to fuel her passion.
Education
BS in Elementary Ed from Towson University
MBA from University of Baltimore
I am grateful to be on the board of JIPK. I absolutely love children and hate to see them suffer. My sister is a breast cancer survivor. During her treatments, I witnessed a huge impact on her mental and physical strength when she started receiving holistic treatments in conjunction with her treatments at the hospital. I love the mission JIPK and believe all pediatric oncology patients should receive holistic care too!
Larry Rogers
Background
Mid Atlantic Aerial
Crew Chief for The Maryland Trek FOREVER!!!!
Share the big news
"Larry has been the glue that has held together our biggest fundraiser, The Maryland Trek. He is irreplaceable! "
Matt Titus
Background
Owner of Blackbird Crosfit
Member of Maryland Trek 4
Testimonials
Matt is a strong man physically and spiritually. He is an asset to our team
- Justin
Cathy St. Clair
Background
I’m originally from WV and moved to the DMV in 1986. I had a long career as a senior systems analyst. (Basically a liaison/translator between marketing and system developers). I’m currently enjoying retirement.
Also: A member of The Maryland Trek Support Crew
Share the big news
I have always had a sting desire to help others. Even as far back as being a candy striper at a local hospital in my hometown during Jr. High and High School. I chose to be involved with Just In Power Kids because I strongly believe in its mission in supporting the kids and their families. I have been a financial supporter for a number of years and volunteered for parts of the Trek for the past two years. I’m excited to be a full week supporter for the Trek 10 team and work as the Trek 10 family liaison for the Trek 10 Power Kids.
David Stein
Reasons for being part of Just In Power Kids
I joined Just In Power Kids as a way to honor my daughter and continue to fight for children, and their families, that are going through childhood cancer. My daughter, Ariella, battled Ewings Sarcoma for over two years. She laid down her sword on May 9, 2019 after complications from a bone marrow transplant. I will forever be grateful for Justin and what this great organization provides to families during the unbelievably difficult journey of childhood cancer.
Team Member:
Maryland Trek10 - Full Week
Maryland Trek 11 - Day 1
Maryland Trek 12 - Full Week
Educational Background
Education
BA Hospitality Business - Michigan State University
MBA - University of Phoenix
Current Job
Fraud & Anti-Money Laundering Analyst
Bryna Colley
PR Professional and Maryland Trek Support Team
Joined Just In Power Kids as a mom of three realizing the value of community support and the power of friendship experienced with our Maryland Trek team.
Debra Berlinrood
Background
Accountant
Share the big news
Andrew Boone
Reasons for being part of Just In Power Kids
I have been part of the apparel production for The Maryland Trek and worked with Justing since 2018 on his weather projects.
As a member of other nonprofits I see the value of this organization in the message, methods, and priority on families and programs with limited overhead costs.
Background
Vice President and CFO of Maryland Print House
Getting Involved
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Our Impact
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