FrontLiner Profiles: Kim Kiley

Kim Kiley has served at FrontLine for 17 years.

“I love Trauma Informed Care and Resiliency work both at FrontLine and with employees of different agencies. I get to work with kind, compassionate people, have learned so much from them, and have gained a deeper appreciation for what various helpers do to serve the people of Cuyahoga County.” - Kim Kiley

How long have you worked at FrontLine?   

17 years

What is your current role? What are your basic job responsibilities? 

Research and Evaluation Specialist. I have several projects that I am currently working on. I provide monthly resiliency groups internally, and my services are contracted by various non-profits in the community to provide similar groups. I gather data for a number of the Trauma and Crisis Programs. I research and curate information to create Resiliency and Trauma Informed Care Trainings when agencies contract for these services. I work with a variety of co-facilitators who often share the same profession as those in the audience being trained. For example, when I work with first responders, I train a first responder in the subject matter, and they co-facilitate the training with me. Some trainings and groups also involve an art component, which is led by artist Guy Vincent.

What is a typical day like for you?

My days usually consist of a combination of creating and curating material for trainings and groups, gathering and analyzing data, creating reports, facilitating trainings and ongoing groups, and activities that support the trauma programs.  

Why do you work here? Why do you care about this work?

I work here because of FrontLine’s mission and the people I work with. I have met many amazing coworkers, clients, and helping professionals over the years. Resiliency and Trauma Informed Care are such important components of sustaining a career in the helping professions and providing quality, effective care to clients, and I am grateful to be able to share this information.

What is your favorite part of your job?  

I love Trauma Informed Care and Resiliency work both at FrontLine and with employees of different agencies. I get to work with kind, compassionate people, have learned so much from them, and have gained a deeper appreciation for what various helpers do to serve the people of Cuyahoga County.

I also have one favorite week of the year. FrontLine’s Trauma Department partners with the Cuyahoga County Family Justice Center, who sponsors Camp Hope for 40 of the children in FrontLine’s Trauma Programs. Camp Hope is a 6-day overnight camp. The curriculum focuses on hope and resiliency, along with traditional camp activities like swimming, kayaking, ropes courses, making s’mores, etc. I am one of the Frontline staff who help facilitate the program from parent drop off to pick up.  We apply a trauma-informed lens to camp activities and interactions, provide support to kids who might need extra attention, and assist with facilitating the Camp Hope America curriculum. I lead the mindfulness circle every morning and teach the campers stress management through mindfulness games and yoga. They can return every year until they reach the age of 18. I love seeing how they grow every year and benefit from the curriculum and the fun, supportive camp atmosphere.

What do you do to practice resiliency? 

Daily, I try to meditate and get some form of exercise, such as yoga, walking, or biking. I take vacation days when I am starting to feel run down.

What is a hobby, interest, or routine you have that is not related to work? 

In the cold months, I work on art projects and puzzles, and play board games. In the warmer months, I get out on my paddleboard, go hiking, and garden.