Staff
Kelli Kirk- Director of Operations
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Kelli was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where she spent the first 55 years of her life. She has enjoyed numerous, diverse occupations over the years. No matter where she has worked however, she follows her mother's advice, "always leave a place better than you found it." Each position in which she has been honored to serve has led to a leadership role.
Kelli remarried in 1995 and she and her husband, Brian, have 2 boys who will both graduate from university in the coming year. Together they are blessed with their mixed family of 4 children and 4 grandchildren. Kelli is grateful to have maintained a sustained friendship with her ex-husband. Kelli found her true passion in ministry after she and Brian began attending a Lutheran church in Sandy, UT. The church was looking for a communication's director to work 15 hours a week producing the newsletter, bulletins, website and marketing materials. This was the perfect job allowing her to spend time with her two young sons. Over the next several years she was led to teach Sunday school, then became Director of Children's Ministry and then Family Ministry Director. Shepherding parents and children birth to high school age and the volunteers who served them was her joy and gift. She then attended seminary at Salt Lake Theological Seminary. Kelli retired in 2015 leaving behind a growing volunteer team which she created. Kelli created countless publications to encourage families along with developing and leading women's retreats and leadership conferences. After 20 years of ministry which culminated in the opening and directing a Preschool and Daycare at the church she once again left the world a better place to retire and begin spending her time reading and enjoying the outdoors. Kelli's husband, Brian, retired in 2016 and together they enjoyed 18 months on the road living in their RV and traveling and exploring the United States which they continue to enjoy. They settled in beautiful Hayesville in 2018 where she discovered The Still Place as she was exploring volunteer opportunities. Again, following her joys and gifts, one thing led to another and she was asked to join the staff at The Still Place a few months later. It has been a blessing for her to see how families with seriously ill children are nurtured and loved when they attend a single family retreat. She feels the love and passion Dr. Dawn, Dr. Craig and Kayla Tucker, the program director, as well as the volunteers show for each family. The Still Place truly is a place to experience rest, renewal and re-creation, not only for families but also for the staff and volunteers who are lucky enough to serve them. |