We are excited to introduce you to Kerri Shull who joins our growing team of passionate and dedicated individuals in her new role as Hands4Hope’s Community Engagement Assistant. Kerri will work closely with Yoko Kono (who started volunteering with her boys and now has served as Hands4Hope’s Community Engagement Coordinator for the last six years.)
A mom of three boys with a busy sports schedule, Kerri is passionate about serving her community, and like Shirley (this month’s Adult Lead Spotlight) and Yoko, she sees the benefit of introducing her children to volunteering at a young age. Her youngest son, a sixth grader, has already participated in multiple Community Engagement outreaches such as the Mercy Creekview Senior Dinner and Blanket Making event!
We invite you to learn more about Kerri in our latest Staff Spotlight!
Welcome, Kerri! We’re so glad to have you join our team! Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m a mom to 3 rad boys and a sweet dog, married to an awesome guy, and I love the outdoors and traveling. If I could hike everyday, I probably would - hiking brings me peace and calm. I also love spending time with my family! I have a senior in high school who loves soccer, a freshman who is all about basketball, and a sixth grader who loves the outdoors as much as I do and is always up for an adventure and exploring somewhere new with me.
What were you involved with before starting with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
I helped run a small family business for nearly 17 years which allowed me the flexibility to work from home and be with my boys during their early years. It was a wonderful experience but I was ready to move on. I started doing volunteer work at our local food bank a couple of years ago, which I still do and love, and knew I wanted my next path to be in a field where I was helping others and working in the community.
What do you like to do in your free time?
As mentioned above, I’m an avid hiker and I enjoy any and all things outdoors. I have a hard time sitting still so if I do have free time, I’ll usually fill it with a walk or run with my dog or some fun outdoor activity with friends or family.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know or are surprised to learn?
A fun fact (maybe not a “fun” fact) is that I’m afraid of heights. With that being said, I’ve been sky-diving and have hiked Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park and Half Dome (twice) in Yosemite. Both of which had to have been two of the scariest hikes I’ve ever done, but also extremely exciting and challenging. I really don’t want to be afraid of things so I am trying to conquer this fear by putting myself in situations that would challenge this and hopefully, eventually, overcome it. I love to travel and plan hiking trips to various National Parks and am always up for exploring somewhere new. I hope to make it to all National Parks at some point throughout my life.
What goals do you have for your work with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
I hope I can help in motivating youth to give back to those in need, help others around them, and not be afraid to lead and speak their minds. With those things, my hope is that the youth in our community will gain confidence in themselves, knowing that they can do anything they set their minds to.
What are you most looking forward to in working with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
I look forward to working with the amazing Hands4Hope staff and out in the community to help with the growth of this incredible organization.