Who makes up Deaconess Children’s Services?

Meet Child Development Facilitator, Kelly McClain

Deaconess is staffed by 9 full time staff, 9 part-time staff and hundreds of volunteers, who serve over 3,000 children and their parents each year and work to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect by providing high quality, evidence based prevention and intervention services.

While each program at Deaconess compliments the others, one of our programs by its very nature directly supports all the others…specifically, our Child Development Program. Child Development at Deaconess Children’s Services provides every child the opportunity to become unique, confident and caring individual through identifying and helping to develop their individual strengths, fostering their hope in becoming the greatest version of themselves. By providing a safe place, Child Development Facilitators at Deaconess create an environment where children can seek support, have fun, share their feelings, learn new ways to communicate, listen, learn, be creative and be accepted for who they are.

The child development staff and volunteers at Deaconess play a vital role in making the programs at Deaconess successful. One of these amazing people is Kelly McClain. For the past 3 years, Kelly has been one of Deaconess’ dedicated and committed Child Development Facilitators. In addition to weekly children’s groups, Kelly also provides weekly transportation to the families that we serve, ensuring the families make it to their classes safely and on time.

According to Deaconess Child Development Coordinator, Anna King, Kelly has dedicated her time each week caring for children of all ages primarily in the Incredible Years Parent Education Programs. Her passion for working with children and families radiates and becomes contagious to those working around her. Over the years, Kelly has developed skills working with challenging children, becoming a consistent positive role model. The children in these programs have been able to connect with Kelly and establish a healthy bond with her.

Kelly has another life outside of Deaconess too. She also has many years of experience coaching and teaching children’s theater. This experience and knowledge in theater have allowed Kelly to provide enriching new activities and adventures for the children. Kelly strives to use her knowledge, enthusiasm and passion to provide a fun, encouraging, supportive environment for these children each week.

From day one, Kelly has also been proactive in her efforts to create positive relationships with her fellow staff and volunteers, making her an exceptional leader all around. Kelly McClain has been a blessing to Deaconess, sharing her enthusiasm and outstanding dedication to the Deaconess Child Development program. We are thankful to Kelly and the entire Child Development team for their outstanding support of the Deaconess child.