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Kiya Garrelts

Family Specialist

Kiya hopes that everyone she interacts with feels seen, valued, and supported. She believes that every person deserves to be heard without judgment and treated with respect, compassion, and dignity. Whether she's working with children, families, or members of the community, she strives to create meaningful connections that help others feel understood and encouraged.

Kiya's journey to Compass began through volunteer opportunities with her sorority. Through those experiences, she quickly fell in love with the organization's culture and the genuine care Compass team members demonstrate toward the families they serve. As someone whose faith plays an important role in her life and who has a passion for supporting children and families, Compass felt like a natural fit and a place where she could make a meaningful difference.

Currently entering her senior year at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kiya is pursuing degrees in Psychology and Spanish. Her education has provided her with a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, mental health, and effective communication. She enjoys applying what she is learning to build relationships, support families, and better serve the diverse communities around her.

Kiya is deeply passionate about supporting the mental health and well-being of children, families, and individuals. She believes every person has inherent worth and deserves opportunities to thrive. Helping others feel supported, respected, and empowered is at the heart of everything she does.

Outside of Compass, Kiya enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, crafting, singing, and staying involved both at UNK and throughout the Kearney community. She also loves traveling and has visited seven countries - a fun fact that reflects her adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world. When she's not exploring new places, you might find her watching a beautiful sunset or cheering on the Huskers.

One of Kiya's favorite Scripture passages is Colossians 3:16-17, which encourages believers to let the Word of Christ dwell richly within them and to honor God in everything they do. These verses are especially meaningful to her because they emphasize gratitude, wisdom, and intentional living. She also loves the passage's connection to worship through music, which has always been an important part of her life. For Kiya, this Scripture serves as a daily reminder to approach life with thankfulness, purpose, and a desire to glorify God through both her words and actions.

With a heart for service, a passion for mental health, and a commitment to living out her faith, Kiya is dedicated to helping children, families, and communities flourish.

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