Kelsey Staley | Peoria, IL

Balancing compassion and structure, Kelsey Staley is the Manager of both women’s and men’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Residential Treatment Centers and the Women’s Recovery Home for Trillium Place. In this role, she oversees daily operations, staff supervision and program development. “I am deeply committed to meeting clients where they are,” writes Kelsey, “fostering hope, accountability and resilience and helping those individuals in recovery build the skills needed for long-term recovery and stability.”

Growing up, Kelsey was drawn to environments that helped people turn their lives around. “As a child, I wanted to be someone who worked in a correctional facility. I admired the balance between discipline and rehabilitation, and I was curious about the opportunities to make a positive impact within a structured system.” Wanting to contribute to transformation, Kelsey pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology and became a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Rick Zehr, the Director of Addiction and Substance Use Services for Trillium Place, notes the incredible impact Staley has made in just a short period of time. “In less than a year, Kelsey developed and grew the New Leaf Recovery Home from start-up to 18-resident capacity with residents coming from as far away as Texas!” Kelsey’s work has also reduced the average wait time for access to care from three weeks to three days.

Part of Kelsey's recovery plan is to get residents involved in community service. She has volunteered alongside them to help transform Wildlife Prairie Park into Wildlife Scary Park, hanging lights contributed by the Recovery Home. She also led residents in cooking a meal at Ronald McDonald House for families whose children were receiving medical care at OSF. Kelsey encourages residents to develop new hobbies and get outside. “During the spring and summer season,” comments Rick Zehr, “all New Leaf facilities really bloom as the ladies put their heart into nature and the serenity of landscaping, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for current and new residents as well as staff and visitors."

Kelsey points to Jerry Moe as a major influence in her approach to supporting children and families. “As the former National Director of Children's Programs at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, he developed some of the nation's most respected programs for children growing up in homes impacted by substance use.”

While helping other families, Kelsey also cares for her own family consisting of husband, Clay and two children; daughter Kodi and son Emmett. Two dogs, four horses and 20 chickens round out the busy household. They love traveling, hiking and camping, with Forrest Park Nature Center as a favorite local spot for Kelsey. “Family is central to who I am and their support and energy shape how I approach both my personal and professional priorities.”