February 6, 2025 | By Emilie Jacques
Recently hired as community support specialist at Copper Shores Outreach and Education, Leanna Keleher is ready to make waves in the community. Keleher is new to the job and the Copper Country, but not to serving others.
The importance and value of serving others was instilled in Keleher at an early age, having grown up in a military family. While earning her GED, Keleher’s draw towards serving others was picked up on by a mentor, who suggested that she go into human services.
“I’ve been hooked ever since,” said Keleher. “I love connecting with people and helping them find the different paths that they can take. When I’m meeting someone, I can see a glimmer of my own history inside them, and I think they can see it in me.”
Keleher’s compassion for others and her drive for providing community resources stems from personal experiences that often mirror those of the people she works with, helping her quickly build rapport and trust with them.
“I clawed my way to where I am,” said Keleher. “It’s hard to navigate the system when you aren’t in it. I found myself homeless when I was 16. I dropped out of high school and got my GED in my 20s. I can speak on their level because I have been where they are.”
Keleher looks forward to working with more people and further establishing her family into the community, all while making the Copper Country a better place to live for those around her. To learn more about the services provided by community support specialists at Copper Shores Outreach and Education, visit coppershores.org/outreach-and-education.
