Kel Richards
CARPENTER’S APPRENTICE
She/Her
Kel has a background in natural resources management and ecology and still contributes on a part-time basis as a forestry conservation technician at Vermont Family Forests. She has spent most of her career in outdoor and environmental education until she found the trades. She loves how carpentry connects her mind and body through the work. She is a graduate of the Trailblazers program through Vermont Works for Women. She is passionate about deepening her experience in aspects of building, but especially how we can approach homes in a resilient and environmentally sustainable way.
Kel was drawn to Lewis Creek because of their relationship with Vermont Works for Women (VWW promotes economic justice by advancing gender equity and supporting women and youth at every stage of their career journeys). In her Trailblazers class, it was powerful to see so many women representing the trades. Kel one day hopes to pass the knowledge she has learned (and is continuing to learn) to other queer and femme people who are interested in the trades.
Kel grew up and still lives in Burlington. She has travelled throughout the United States and other countries but is always drawn back to Vermont because of the community, mountains, groundedness of the people…and the contra dances! Kel loves to be outside. When she’s not working, she’s usually bike touring, camping, hiking, watching wildlife, or soaking up the infinite knowledge of forests. You can also find her at home drawing, sewing, playing games, cooking delicious food, and gathering friends together. Recently, she has been putting more time into making up-cycled jewelry and making charcuterie boards.
Did you know?
Kel’s favorite movie quote is "Do you realize how many events and choices that had to occur since the birth of the universe, leading to the making of you just exactly the way you are?" A Wrinkle in Time: movie
Kel has a collection of rocks, shells, bones, eggs, owl pellets, plant reproductive structure and leaves.
Even though they grew up in a Red Sock family, Kel didn’t realize “socks” wasn’t spelled with an “x” until high school.