Kelli on the guitar at Full Moon Fever Community Adventure
Kelli Smith
Kelli wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but she recognized that she had a unique talent for communication. Together with her extraordinary patience and compassion, she knew she wanted to make a difference. To be a voice for those who could not speak for themselves. Her journey to this realization defines what Leaps…n…Boundz is all about.
Kelli was 19 years old when she underwent a traumatizing spinal fusion surgery. Over a two year period, with the love and support of family and friends, she relearned some of the simplest tasks including how to walk. But she didn’t let that slow her down.
After graduation, with a degree in Broadcast Management, Kelli moved west to San Diego. While working in advertising, a friend suggested she visit a gymnastics facility for children with autism. She watched while loud music blasted in the gym and saw therapists and coaches working with children who were leaping for joy in the gym. At that very moment, she knew, this is it! The next day, Kelli enrolled in her first prerequisite course to pursue a Masters in Occupational Therapy - which she has now attained.
“People have told me I have been an integral part of changing their lives,” says Kelli. “However, they have changed mine even more. I am inspired everyday by the people I work with, their families and my colleagues.”
