Welcome Kelli Braga to the IMPACT Team!
We are thrilled to announce that Kelli Braga is our newly appointed Support Services Manager, overseeing the organization’s support group programs including Billy’s Buddies and IMPACT’s regional support group sessions run around the country – as well as remotely with our biannual melanoma symposiums.
Please join us in welcoming her to our team, and learn more about her and the role she’s taking on in the following conversation:
How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma initially? What led you to want to get involved?
I have worked as a social worker at Beverly Hospital for 15 years. Years ago Deb (Girard) approached our department looking for someone to facilitate a Melanoma Support Group. I had facilitated our general cancer support group at the hospital and I truly love group work, so I was excited at the opportunity to be a part of this important group.
You’ve been actively running a support group out of Beverly Hospital. What’s the importance of this group and these sessions?
I can’t recall exactly how long I’ve been doing the group at Beverly Hospital, but my guess is at least 8 years. I think there is such power in group work – sharing your story with people who have an understanding of what you are going through makes a difference. Simply in sharing your story, there is healing that can happen.
What excites you about your new role at IMPACT – heading up the support aspect of the organization along with facilitating the Billy’s Buddies program?
I am thrilled to be taking on a larger role at IMPACT. So much of my career has been about offering support and making connections – it matters, and in my opinion, should be a standard part of the ‘treatment plan’. I look forward to working with our volunteer buddies – I truly value the time and energy they all put in to making the program so meaningful!
What do you think you add to IMPACT and what are you hoping to accomplish as you work yourself into the new role?
As IMPACT has grown into a national organization, I am hopeful to reach more patients in need. I also facilitate a telephonic caregivers support group for IMPACT and this is a fantastic way to reach people nationwide who might not have access to a local, easily accessible group.
What should people know about you? What are some “fun facts” about Kelli Braga? (Just have some fun here – like, favorite food, color, weekend spot, things of this nature…)
Fun facts: I love to play tennis in the summer and ski in the winter. Favorite color is navy blue. Favorite food is anything from the North End in Boston! I enjoy spending weekend summers on the beach (with a nice floppy hat and lots of sunscreen!). My husband and I have three young children, so we spend lots of time educating them about sun safety!
Why should folks get involved?
Whether it is Billy’s Buddies or support groups, these programs offer a shared opportunity for growth and healing. The ongoing benefits for social and emotional support that these programs offer is so impactful.
Visit www.impactmelanoma.org/get-support for more information on our Melanoma Support initiatives.
