Kelly Babineaux-Leday | Lower Elementary Director

Kelly Babineaux is an Opelousas native through and through. She’s been a vibrant part of the Hope for Opelousas team since 2018. As the Lower Elementary Director, she sprinkles her passion for education and deep-rooted love for her community into everything she does. A proud graduate of Opelousas Senior High, she continued her studies at the Aveda Institute, honing her creative skills and becoming a licensed  esthetician and makeup artist, later earning a psychology degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

For Kelly, this is more than just a program—it’s a true family and an essential lifeline for the community.

Witnessing her students’ growth, especially in their small but monumental breakthroughs, brings her the greatest joy. Also functioning as the Art Director, Kelly thrives during their annual art show season, where her students use their creativity to make inspiring and colorful works of art. Beyond the classroom, the students travel to Kids Across America camp each summer with HFO staff members, allowing them to form a stronger relationship with God while meeting new people. These experiences, rooted in community and faith, offer Kelly as much fulfillment as they do for the children.

Hope for Opelousas represents hope and renewal for Kelly—a space where children feel safe to grow and thrive academically, artistically, and personally. Outside of work, Kelly values time with her family and enjoys swing out dancing and resting at home.