Leslie Kelly started her position here at First United in September 2010. She has an extensive background in Christian Education. While in high school Leslie worked one summer with a Church and Community Worker from the UMC Board of Global Ministries, visiting country churches and helping with VBS. Leslie began teaching church school while in college and hasn’t stopped!
Leslie is a graduate of Russell Sage College and last October was accepted into “ Tending the Soul” – spiritual formation and training for companioning others, taught and facilitated by Rev. Wendy Miller. Leslie served as Director/Teacher of Special Blessings Preschool , a ministry of the Waterford United Methodist Church, for 13 years. From 1999-2004, Leslie was Director of Christian Education at Calvary United Methodist Church in Latham, NY. Most recently Leslie was the Manager of In Home Services at the Arc of Rensselaer County. She was recently recognized with an “Everyday Hero’s Award” for work with one of the people she serves through the Arc in the community.
She has been involved with many mission outreach projects, raising funds for Heifer International, Easter Seals, and the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life. Leslie loves to write and enjoys cooking, listening to beautiful music, reading and art. She enjoys trying new things and last summer went parasailing for the first time.
Leslie is married to Rich and they have been blessed with 3 beautiful daughters- Krista,is a Doctor of Pharmacy living in Saratoga ,NY ; Lyndsey is a Job Coach for the Arc of Rensselaer County living in Troy; and Erin is a second year vocal major at the College of St. Rose, also living in Troy. Rich has worked in Human Services for over 30 years and is presently a Prevocational Employment Counselor with the Arc of Rensselaer County.
Leslie may be reached at the church office 518-272-2771 or by email.
