Staff Spotlight: Kelly Hayes
Each month we highlight one of the wonderful folks who make the magic happen at ACR.
This month we're spotlighting our new Volunteer Coordinator - Kelly Hayes! She’s a true animal lover, and you'll often find her swimming in Barton Creek or treasure hunting in second-hand stores. In her new role, Kelly loves connecting with our community daily and has even caught the sewing bug (go quilting ladies!).
Read on to learn more about her, or sign up to volunteer and meet her at ACR!
How did you find Austin Creative Reuse?
A friend of mine was encouraging me to try some new creative hobbies but it just didn't fit into my budget at the time, so she sent me ACR’s way! It’s made such a big difference in my ability to try new things. It’s so Austin and so up my alley I was surprised I had never been before. Now I tell everyone I know about ACR!
What’s your favorite part about working at ACR?
I love connecting with the community. I get to meet so many new people working in Volunteerland. It’s very creatively encouraging and inspiring!
How’d you end up as a Volunteer Coordinator at ACR?
I had been working with dogs for over ten years and while I loved it, I was ready to try something new. I was looking for something that would align with my passions and values as well as something I could have fun doing. Not an easy find. As soon as I saw a position open up at ACR I applied and here we are today!
Are you an artist, crafter, or maker? What mediums do you work with? What kinds of arts and crafts do you like to do?
Since starting here at ACR I have taken up sewing. Wholly inspired by the incredible fabrics we are consistently donated. “I have to do something with this,” is running on a loop through my mind. I am very much in the beginner stage, but I love it and have some ambitious plans!
What do you do when you’re not working at ACR/what other hobbies do you have?
I love thrifting and go often with my partner. Our entire home is a love letter to secondhand stores and garage sales. I also love to cook and bake, I often go swimming at Barton Springs but my favorite thing to do is hang around the house with my partner and animal crew.
Do you have any children or pets?
I have two dogs and two cats. Alabama, Otto, Pearl & Charles. I am a big animal lover. My cat Charles is a double polydactyl cat, he has 6 toes on each of his paws!
Are you from Austin? If so, tell us about your experience here! If not, where are you from and what brought you here?
I am originally from New York but I have been in Austin for 9 years now and consider myself an Austinite. I love it here, but definitely miss the beach and having 4 seasons.. and bagels.