Hi, I'm Kelly Clouse! Originally from West Lafayette, Indiana, I graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in financial planning and a master’s degree in special education. For the past 20+ years, I've had the honor of working as an essential skills teacher, helping students in high school settings transition from school to adulthood.

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Throughout my career, I've helped build an essential skills curriculum focused on functional academics, vocational training, daily living, social skills, and community involvement. I’ve collaborated closely with school personnel and families to support students in finding the right opportunities after high school. Beyond the classroom, I've been actively involved in community activities and social opportunities for our students, and have served on the board for a local day program during its beginning years.

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One of my favorite achievements in the classroom was establishing The Special Bean coffee cart. Through this microenterprise, students gained valuable work experience by running a coffee cart that served drinks to staff throughout the school. The Special Bean coffee cart offered students a rich blend of academic, social, and practical skill-building opportunities, empowering them with confidence and experience that they could carry into future vocational settings. It became a beloved part of our school, bringing students, staff, and faculty together around a shared sense of purpose and community support.

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Due to the success of The Special Bean, along with a lack of creative and fully supported vocational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, I left the classroom in 2024. Currently, I'm excited to begin Artful Impact, LLC, a learning program designed to provide creative, meaningful post-high school opportunities for students with disabilities. I believe in showcasing their unique talents and am thrilled to support them in becoming active, valued members of our community.

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Personally, my family is my biggest source of joy. My husband, who is a teacher at Harrison High School, coaches the varsity boys' soccer team and runs his own soccer training company. We have two wonderful kids: Avery, a high school senior, and Charlie, who’s in 5th grade. I love watching them participate in their own various activities, watching soccer at any level, baking, reading and crafting. I’m excited to start this journey that blends my love for creativity with my passion for teaching.