Meet Kelli!

At Pause, we LOVE to brag about our Pause volunteers, because…well they’re rockstars! The dedication, commitment and love they have is truly the heartbeat of our program. Without them, our small staff would not be able to support the 346 kids currently enrolled in Pause.

One way we brag on our volunteers is to introduce them to you, CAN DO! We like to introduce Kelli Pisani! Kelli has been volunteering with Pause for the past 7 years. Not only does Kelli commit to coming to Parent’s Night Out, but she also commits to coming to Pause Unlimited on Sunday mornings! At heart, she is a New England girl, but she’s lived in Liberty Township for the past 17 years. Kelli has been married to her husband, Stephan, for 30 years AND they went to prom together! #SoCute They have two grown children - Tyler and Haven. Kelli works in Lakota Schools as a substitute educational aid. When she's not working, she enjoys hanging out with friends, going out to eat and watching New England Patriots football!

Let’s get to know more about Kelli’s Pause volunteering experience!

Why did you choose to volunteer with Pause?
I began with Pause way back at the beginning at the first Parents Night Out event at Center Pointe. I was searching for a volunteer opportunity to use my speech pathology training and become more active in my church. Pause was the perfect fit. I signed up to be a buddy that first night and I was hooked. Lisa (Executive Director) and the Pause team opened a new door for serving in the community that I hadn’t realized.

Why do you continue to volunteer with Pause?
I continued with Pause because I saw what an impact just a few hours of respite did for the parents in our community. Family members were always so grateful just to have some time to do whatever they wanted without worrying. Pause provides a safe space for children to have fun, but it also provides a place for families to connect and build each other up. Relationships, trust, and community. That’s what Pause is all about.

Why is it important to volunteer every month?
It's important to volunteer every month to stay connected with the kids and the family members. I love seeing familiar faces every month and at family events. I personally love seeing the growth from month to month. At first a child may be hesitant to participate and the next month he is joining in the activities.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pause?
The smiles and laughter! I enjoy just watching the kids have fun. Pause adapts activities in such a way that every child can be successful. Pause meets a child where they are in the moment. The staff flexibility and willingness to let the child choose is key.

Have you overcome any challenges while volunteering?
I wouldn’t say I have overcome challenges, but Pause has given me the opportunity to push beyond my comfort zone and take on some leadership roles in the different programs.

Do you feel like you're making an impact?
I do feel that I am making an impact by volunteering with Pause. The growth of Pause programs shows how great the need is in our community. Families have challenges that many may not be aware of. Pause is meeting those challenges and helping families in many ways. I love when I am working at school and one of the kids shares about the fun they had at a Pause event!!! The smiles and excitement are so rewarding.

Thank you, Kelli, for pouring into our kiddos! We are SO lucky to have you!

This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.