Kristen Hales

Community Representative

I was privileged to grow up in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Literally, in the woods, living in an unfinished house with no plumbing or electricity for a bit...yeah, I was a hillbilly. We even cooked on a wood stove. I LOVED IT!! Talk about learning survival skills and how to work hard! I graduated from Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) and spent the majority of my adult years working in payroll and accounting and Human Resources. On the side, I worked for H&R Block as a tax preparer and instructor. I was the Human Resources Manager for a facilities management company, called SMG, who managed the Salt Palace Convention Center, South Towne Exposition Center and the Ogden Eccles Conference Center. I worked there until 2006, when I quit to stay home with my new baby, Kayleigh.

Kayleigh started at Quest Academy Charter School when she was in Kindergarten and is now entering 8th grade. I volunteered in her classes until she was in 2nd grade when I was given the opportunity to work in the lunchroom. I worked at Quest for six years until February of this year. I was a member of POQA (Parent Organization of Quest Academy) as an active board and committee member and served on the school board as the POQA representative. I also volunteered running the after-school cooking club.

I have held numerous church positions working with children and youth and was also a Girl Scout troop leader for four years.

I currently live in Clinton, UT with my husband, Matt, and daughter Kayleigh. I also have four grown children, four grandchildren, a dog and a cat. In my free time, I like to read…a lot, drink Caffeine-Free Diet Coke with a LOT of ice, and binge-watch a few of my shows on Netflix.

I love working with children of all ages and am excited at the possibility of assisting Youth Futures accomplish their goals and objectives, as well as assisting youth in crises who need a helping hand.