Kelly Sheets has spent just about all of her adult life helping people in need and building a stronger community. A lot of that comes through her career helping the injured, but also through her service at organizations such as the Portage YMCA.
“I’m not one of those people that had a lifelong dream of being a lawyer,” Sheet said. She is a personal injury lawyer at Theodoros and Rooth P.C. Attorneys at Law. “When I graduated with my bachelor’s degree I was sort of evaluating what I wanted to do next. I took a super simple approach, looking at my skills and strengths and what kind of profession I’d be suited for, so I applied to law school and here I am now.”
As a personal injury advocate, Sheets meets with people who have suffered an injury in situations such as car, workplace, or medical accidents.
“The day to day is meeting with people, hearing their stories, and getting into the nitty-gritty of litigation to earn our clients the best outcome,” she said. “Across the board, I’m super compassionate about advocating for those hurt by other people’s lack of care. It’s just the right niche for me.”
Her role as an advocate is not limited to her day job, as she spends a lot of time volunteering.
“I’m on the Board at the Portage YMCA, that’s another hat that I wear while trying to serve the community and advocate for people,” Sheets said. “That’s what the Y is for, being there for people who need connections, services, or even just a place to go.”
A few years back, the Portage Township YMCA went through some reorganizing and challenges. Sheets, having seen the positive impact it made on the community and her own family, joined the board to help however she could.
“I’m the chair of the strategic planning committee. We’re continuously evaluating goals for the Y to meet,” she said. “We basically help steer it.”
One thing many don’t know is that the YMCA offers scholarship to help families pay enrollment costs.
“Our Y in particular provides a lot of those scholarships and discounted memberships to our community members,” Sheets said. “I’m really proud that our percentage of scholarships is higher than a lot of YMCAs. It really shows that our Y is truly invested in making sure that people who want access to the Y have access to the Y.”
Sheets lives in Chesterton with her three children and husband, Joel, and like many Region residents, has ties all across Northwest Indiana.
“I work here in Lake County, my husband works in Porter County, our church and the Y are in Porter County as well,” she said. “We’re sort of touching all aspects of the Region. We’ve really developed connections here and put down roots in the community.”