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Kirsteen Feltz: Bringing Joy, Purpose and Enrichment to PACE
Kirsteen Feltz, the Life Enrichment Specialist at Midland Care PACE in Lawrence, Kansas, is a fascinating individual with a diverse background that spans sports, education, and life experiences across three continents. Her journey from tennis professional to PACE Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) member is a testament to her passion for improving others’ well-being and her ability to adapt and excel in different roles.
Kirsty’s career began as a tennis professional, where she served as the director of tennis at the Lawrence Country Club. Sponsored by Prince Sporting Goods, she co-led the Lawrence Tennis Association and professionally played Paddle (Padel). Now, as a PACE Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) member, she channels her energy into creating a sense of purpose for Midland participants.
“My role is to create a reason for participants to get up in the morning, get dressed, perform their ADLs, and follow their plan of care,” Kirsty explains. “I accomplish this through the assessment process by discovering the participant’s passions and goals. My job requires a lot of listening and figuring out how to make those passions come to life.”
As a graduate student at Northwest Missouri University and an alumna of the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Kirsty values continuous learning and growth. She also credits Midland’s team environment and the comprehensive care model for motivating her to do her best work. “I enjoy seeing the positive impact the PACE program has on participants’ lives,” she says. “It’s rewarding to see participants come in with little will to live, but through the care provided, they start smiling, laughing, and even extending their lives. That’s why I refer to our center as the ‘Life Center.'”
“I refer to our center as the ‘Life Center.'”
Kirsteen feltz
Kirsty’s journey to Midland Care spans three continents—Africa, Europe, and North America. Born in Zimbabwe, she lived in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and several states across the U.S. before settling in Lawrence, KS. Her rich cultural experiences and love of cooking, baking, gardening, and biking reflect her dynamic and adventurous spirit.
Kirsty thrives on challenges. Whether she’s bringing out the best in a PACE participant or experimenting with new global recipes in the kitchen, she approaches each task with determination and a love for what she does. Her energy and passion for life are truly contagious.
John White, who has worked alongside her for years, captures her impact best: “Kirsty is a rare ‘gem’! Having the lasting experience of working with PACE for over 11 years now, there are few Midland Care staff who have the historical knowledge that Kirsty can share. Kirsty has a unique ability to understand the participants she works with and finds rewarding ways for these folks to understand what PACE can offer. A strong ‘team’ understanding allows Kirsty to work collaboratively with all disciplines. It is truly an honor to be working alongside this amazing individual. I would invite everyone to come see Kirsty in action.”
Kirsty’s dedication to enriching the lives of Midland Care participants goes far beyond her job title. She embodies the organization’s mission of providing life-changing care, making her a cherished team and community member.