Kelli is originally from Wisconsin, but she has called the Pacific Northwest home for the past seven years. She just returned to Portland from Seattle where she worked with nonprofits as a coordinator and facilitator of educational programs for refugee youth. Through this experience, she gained a better understanding of the challenges newly-arrived families face and a much greater appreciation for the incredible work small nonprofits do to make local communities stronger and healthier.

In her free time, Kelli enjoys volunteering with teens, reading the latest in non-fiction and exploring the local food scene. Recent travels to Central America have also inspired a newfound love of birdwatching.

Kelli is passionate about creating opportunities for youth to be leaders and participate in their communities – and she loves how CommuniCare incorporates both of these components into the program. Kelli is excited to be back in Portland and she looks forward to supporting the CommuniCare program as its size and impact continue to grow!