January 2020: Welcome To Interim Executive Director, Debra Kiliru
As we leave 2019, we sadly say 'goodbye' to our first executive director Kristy Johnson. We are very appreciative of all that Kristy was able to achieve and the ways in which she was able to strengthen our organization during the time she spent with us, and wish her well in her new endeavors.
In 2020 LAP will be guided by Debra Kiliru (pronounced ‘key-lear-ru’) who is stepping into the role of interim Executive Director, Debra has been a LAP board member since January of 2019, so she is already an integral part of the organization. Her wealth of nonprofit experience, strong community connections, warm, rooted energy and wisdom have been a joy to experience, and we feel very lucky to have her helping to steer our path forwards.
Message from Kristy:
"It is fascinating to notice how all things unfold - organizations, families, individuals… As I reflect on my experience with Light a Path in 2019, I am increasingly aware of the organization’s evolution, and know that every small bit that has happened is the result of the interconnected web of incredible individuals who have made Light a Path part of their world. THANK YOU for holding up the organization so beautifully - for supporting the programs, the participants, and for lighting the path for so many. Thank you to the volunteers, the staff, program heads, board members and community who are the foundation upon which Light a Path is built, and continues to unfold.
For me personally, my journey is taking me on a different path - an unexpected one, but not surprising. The time I spent getting to know all of the people - the lights - who make Light a Path what it is, has been a gift for which I am eternally grateful. As of 2020, the ‘doingness’ of my world will look a bit different as I focus on young children and families in Western Carolina, working with the Western Carolina Community Action organization. The shift came from a recognition that my heart missed working with our earliest learners and the families that nurture them, and so my journey, too, continues to unfold. Bringing the practices for well-being like yoga, meditation and dance to this population is where my heart and soul sing.
And so I say thank you….and will observe Light a Path’s organizational evolution from a different lens, and pass the leadership to an amazing, strong, wise and beautiful human named Debra Kiliru. Debra has been a Board member since January 2019, and will serve as Interim ED beginning January 2020. May your hearts and souls….and the organizations connected to you...sing, dance, breathe, be still, feel and THRIVE.
With much love,"
Kristy
Message from Debra:
"I am grateful to Kristy for her focused and compassionate leadership as LAP's first Executive Director. She has carried the organization forward with an extremely dedicated team. I will work closely with her as well as our staff, program heads, participants, community partners, volunteers, and board to create a smooth transition.
As a young non-profit with an important mission, we must continue to listen, learn, grow and shift. Your involvement matters. I look forward to collaborating with you and hearing from you.
Thank you for your continued support!"
Debra
In 2020 LAP will be guided by Debra Kiliru (pronounced ‘key-lear-ru’) who is stepping into the role of interim Executive Director, Debra has been a LAP board member since January of 2019, so she is already an integral part of the organization. Her wealth of nonprofit experience, strong community connections, warm, rooted energy and wisdom have been a joy to experience, and we feel very lucky to have her helping to steer our path forwards.
Message from Kristy:
"It is fascinating to notice how all things unfold - organizations, families, individuals… As I reflect on my experience with Light a Path in 2019, I am increasingly aware of the organization’s evolution, and know that every small bit that has happened is the result of the interconnected web of incredible individuals who have made Light a Path part of their world. THANK YOU for holding up the organization so beautifully - for supporting the programs, the participants, and for lighting the path for so many. Thank you to the volunteers, the staff, program heads, board members and community who are the foundation upon which Light a Path is built, and continues to unfold.
For me personally, my journey is taking me on a different path - an unexpected one, but not surprising. The time I spent getting to know all of the people - the lights - who make Light a Path what it is, has been a gift for which I am eternally grateful. As of 2020, the ‘doingness’ of my world will look a bit different as I focus on young children and families in Western Carolina, working with the Western Carolina Community Action organization. The shift came from a recognition that my heart missed working with our earliest learners and the families that nurture them, and so my journey, too, continues to unfold. Bringing the practices for well-being like yoga, meditation and dance to this population is where my heart and soul sing.
And so I say thank you….and will observe Light a Path’s organizational evolution from a different lens, and pass the leadership to an amazing, strong, wise and beautiful human named Debra Kiliru. Debra has been a Board member since January 2019, and will serve as Interim ED beginning January 2020. May your hearts and souls….and the organizations connected to you...sing, dance, breathe, be still, feel and THRIVE.
With much love,"
Kristy
Message from Debra:
"I am grateful to Kristy for her focused and compassionate leadership as LAP's first Executive Director. She has carried the organization forward with an extremely dedicated team. I will work closely with her as well as our staff, program heads, participants, community partners, volunteers, and board to create a smooth transition.
As a young non-profit with an important mission, we must continue to listen, learn, grow and shift. Your involvement matters. I look forward to collaborating with you and hearing from you.
Thank you for your continued support!"
Debra