Kelli is a fierce advocate and protective by design. God knew exactly what He was doing when He wrote the love story between Saïd and Kelli, and He knew this would be a different kind of power couple—a kingdom-work, by-the-power-of-God kind of couple. Together, they bring strength, compassion, cultural depth, and unshakeable faith to JJME’s mission. Separately, they are remarkable. But together, they are a force for the children of Togo.

Kelli has proven her professional skills time and again, but equally—if not more importantly—her heart for others has made her a tremendous force to be reckoned with. She is “Mama Bear” to our babies, a nurturing soul with hands made for healing and a heart built for service. As a caregiver, mama, and medical professional, she finds her greatest joy in caring for “her kids” at the orphanage—ensuring they are safe, healthy, and deeply loved.

Her journey to Togo began as a family trip with her husband, Saïd, who was born there. While she expected to connect with his roots and meet her in-laws, she didn’t expect to leave a piece of her heart behind. But that is exactly what happened. From the moment her feet hit the ground, her caregiver instincts took over. Kelli dove in—bathing little ones, completing wellness assessments, evaluating medical needs, and helping determine appropriate treatments. She showed up in every way possible, offering both comfort and competence.

Kelli is a maker-right of all things broken, a doer who turns compassion into action. Her love is hands-on, her care is relentless, and her mission is clear: to bring hope and healing wherever she goes.

Within JJME’s team, Kelli’s value cannot be overstated. She brings a balance of tenderness and strength, instinct and expertise, practicality and deep spiritual intuition. The children trust her. The mothers trust her. The team depends on her. And her unwavering commitment has become one of the foundational pillars of this ministry.