Volunteer Spotlight – Kelli Keesey (BC)
CEC: What do you do professionally, Kelli?
KK: I am an Associate Medical Director for a small pharmaceutical company. I work in difficult to treat epilepsy.
CEC: What is your involvement with climbing?
KK: I am thrilled to have a daughter on a competitive climbing team. I’ve been climbing for over 20 years and competed myself for about a decade. We still love climbing as a family and do a few climbing trips every year checking out areas all over the world.
CEC: What do you like most about the sport of climbing? What are the qualities that make this sport unique in your perspective?
KK: I love the problem solving, strength and balance required and the need for complete focus and mental control. It fits very well with my gymnastics background. I also love the community of climbers. My closest friends are those I met climbing and I even met my husband at the climbing gym. This sport really has something for everyone and can be enjoyed by anyone at any level. I think that is really unique to climbing.
CEC: Why do you volunteer with climbing?
KK: I volunteer because I am grateful for all the support I received in the competitions I climbed at over the years. I also love the community, the kids and the atmosphere at comps. I love seeing and helping the kids to succeed but also supporting them when they aren’t happy with their performance. There is so much growth and learning happening at the comps and I feel privileged to be a part of it and hopefully contribute to a positive experience for everyone participating.
CEC: What is your call to action for others who are unsure about volunteering with climbing?
KK: There are so many positions that require no experience to get involved. We really need so many more people to jump in and help to make the workload lighter for everyone. I promise there will be people to support you and teach you and you’ll meet some great people and get to be a part of such an amazing experience for the competitors. There’s no reason not to…just do it!
CEC: Thank you Kelli for speaking with us, and for your commitment to our community!
