Growing up with her three siblings, Kelleigh experienced an environment of family, dogs, sports, and the arts. Kelleigh’s grandma owned a ceramic shop in Zanesville which is to whom she credits her love of acrylic painting. As for sports, she has played everything … except badminton and cricket! Volleyball and lacrosse were her focus, even making The Ohio State University club lacrosse team. Realizing the schedule was a bit much, she decided to enjoy an adult league instead. She has also volunteered as a high school coach where she enjoyed inspiring her students.
Attending OSU, she graduated with a B.S. in biology with a minor in chemistry but like many students was uncertain of what she wanted to do and switched her major several times. Many of her family members were educators, so she was not eager to join the ranks but now she kind of does just that!
After completing her undergraduate degree, she decided that she did not want to pursue medicine or an advanced degree at the time. Her mother suggested she consider education. She could combine science, the arts, her love for kids getting to experience opportunities with students. She talked to Marcy Raymond who ultimately attracted Kelleigh to PAST. Being intrigued with the technology possibilities she welcomed how it could be used with the sciences in programming.
“My favorite part of PAST is working with the kids. Seeing them interested in something new and watching how their confidence builds. I particularly enjoy watching the process of kids failing and then succeeding. The kids totally inspire me!”, Kelleigh shares. “I also enjoy my colleagues. The Tribe has so many perspectives, different but they are all open-minded folks. I am actually very shy but it was easy for me to engage with everyone. I can have a conversation with anyone because I was able to come in and feel like a part of the team. I made friends immediately!”
One of the joys that Kelleigh has experienced was going through the FabLab training. That experience taught her that no matter what problem she encounters, it can be solved. “Experiencing the FabLab Academy, I learned so much. There is no limit in what we can do.”
Support from the Tribe is paramount. “One of my greatest fears is public speaking, but recently I overcame the fear by presenting at a conference. I was able to do this because I really felt supported by the PAST Tribe.”
Summer programs are her favorite with all of the freedom and design challenges that it entails. Kelleigh also enjoys the FabLab instruction and the Green Academy because these programs really help students explore STEM experiences.
Kelleigh’s meta title is the Academic Alchemist. Aside from the obvious combination of science, education, and a bit of magic, being a lover of biology, chemistry, rocks and science, she liked the alliteration of the title.
In looking to the future, she wants to continue to experience many of the programs that PAST has to offer. Kelleigh closes with, “I cannot see myself going anywhere. I would love to explore project management with our partners like Bath and Body Works and KIPP. I love inspiring and pushing our students, but would always want to be involved with our Student Experiences group.” At PAST, Kelleigh is fortunate to have the option of doing both!