Meet Our Staff: Kelli Webster, Community Coordinator
The next staff member up on the blog is Kelli Webster, our Community Coordinator for Brookside Elementary School IPS #54! Even though you may not see her every day at Play, Kelli fills an important role for our organization. Working primarily out of the school, Kelli serves as a connector between Brookside Elementary, the students, their parents, and the many after school programs offered in the neighborhood.
Kelli joined us in September of 2017. After graduating from Anderson University with a degree in Public Relations, Kelli worked for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for a number of years. With a desire to work in community and build up those around her, Kelli sought out a new position and we are lucky to have her!
When Kelli isn't developing partnerships for Brookside Elementary, she can be found singing in her church choir at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, where her father is a pastor.
Can you spot Ms. Kelli in this photo? Here's a hint: she is singing her heart out on the right.
We asked Kelli some questions to get to know her, and the results were pretty interesting! Here you go!
Where did you grow up? I was born and raised here in good ole Indiana.
What is your role at Brookside Community Play?I am the Community Coordinator at 54. I engage with the children mainly all day, everyday.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?I enjoy being stationed in the school so I can build relationships with the kids outside of Play.
What do you find most challenging about your job? The most challenging thing is learning how to deal with each kid individually. Each child requires special attention and some more than others. But it is very rewarding.
Describe what you were like in elementary school. In Elementary I was one of the kids who had a group of friends that were close and somewhat “clique-ish.” I think that is what makes me want to work with those who are tough to crack or those that run in groups because I was once that child.
What is your favorite sport? I am more of Basketball Fan! Go Pacers!
What is your favorite activity to do locally? I love going to listen to the local bands in Indy.
If you were a crayon, what color would you be?I would be a mix of teal and purple because it reminds me of Mermaid. ☺
What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite childhood memory was going on my first Disney Cruise. It offered me so many things, including the chance to travel outside of the U.S. In the words of Princess Ariel, it’s a “whole new world.”
Do you collect anything? I do not, but if I did it would probably it would be dolphins or elephants because they are my favorite animals.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would you be? Well I would be a dolphin because they are friendly, carefree, and love the water.
What is your favorite family tradition? I love Thanksgiving because my dad’s side of the family is huge so when we get together it is a big party!
What do you enjoy most about working on the Near Eastside? I love being on the east side because it is close knit community and everyone looks out for one another.
What was your favorite toy as a kid? I loved my Baby Shu-Shu. She acted like a real live baby who cried and needed diaper changes.
If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?I would be able to transform into a transformer and fight off crime. I don’t know if that’s a super power or a dream, lol.
What was your childhood nickname?My mom called me “Meeche” because she wanted to name me Michelle, but never did. Why she didn’t, I don’t know.
Can you play any instruments?I used to play the flute in middle school. Now, I just use my voice as my instrument. I love singing.
What is your favorite outdoor activity? I love to be outside, so anything with riding bikes, horseback riding, or just walking, especially on Mass Ave.
Share a personal fact that no one would ever guess about you.I am terrified of birds.
Now I know what to get Kelli for her birthday, her very own bird!
Thank you, Kelli, for participating in our little questionnaire. We look forward to learning more about you and what you will bring to Brookside Elementary in the future!
Tune in next week for another edition of "Meet Our Staff." We promise not to disappoint!