Celebrating Years of Service: Chris Kelly's 36 Years of Service

For 36 years, Chris Kelly has dedicated her career to supporting Indigenous students and families in the Abbotsford School District. As a First Nations and Métis educator with deep family ties to the local community, she has spent her career helping generations of students feel seen, supported and connected. 

What first brought you to the Abbotsford School District?

Before joining the district, I had returned to school and completed my first year of nursing. At the time, I was a single mom, and I realized I wouldn't be able to continue my studies. I needed to find work, and an opportunity came up to become a teacher assistant.

I thought it would be temporary while I figured out my next step, but I absolutely fell in love with the work. I was able to raise my children doing it, build lifelong friendships and become part of a community. I've never left.

What has kept you here for 36 years?

For me, I found relatives here. My father is from this community, so many of the students and families I worked with were relatives or connected through family.

The students gave so much back to me that I just wanted to keep giving more to them as time went on.

What are some of the moments that have meant the most to you?

I've been fortunate to experience so many meaningful moments over the years.

One of the things I'm most grateful for is seeing the impact this work can have. I've had former students come back and tell me that something I said made a difference in their lives.

I've also had the opportunity to recognize three generations of the same family. I first celebrated the grandmother's academic achievements, then later presented certificates to her daughter, and now her granddaughter is in our schools. To be part of that family's journey has been incredibly special.

Another memory that always makes me smile is my time with the New Beginnings program. Many young parents didn't have family to support them through childbirth, so I often went to the hospital with them. I jokingly became the "baby catcher." Years later, I've had students say, "Chris Kelly was there when I was born." Those are moments I'll never forget.

What advice would you give someone beginning a career in education?

It all comes down to relationships.

This is the kind of work where you can continue learning and growing as a person while making a difference in the lives of students. If you care about people and building relationships, it can be an incredibly rewarding career.

Interested in building a career in a place that values relationship building? Check out our open positions now.