LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kelley Whalen was nominated by a family member, Gigi Whalen.

Kelley has been a staff member at Prairie Middle School for 27 years.  She has been a math teacher and a counselor.  In both roles, she has made a huge difference in the lives of her students.  She loves her students and works tirelessly to improve their lives through education and counseling support.  In a school where many kids are living in poverty, crisis situations in the home, and moving from school to school, Ms. Whalen works to be a support who students can seek out because they know she truly cares about them.  At times, this role in this community can be overwhelming, but she continues to return year after year because she believes in these students and knows they need her.  She collaborates with other staff members for the benefit of kids, as well as with parents, to be sure that all students achieve their best, every day.  She is a lifelong educator, who has made a huge difference in the lives of all of her students!