Bio of Kieranna Kathleen

Background
I grew up in a nominal Christian home and depending on where our family moved, we would attend the local Lutheran Church. Many times during childhood, I would attend other Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools in other churches such as Church of Christ, Baptist, and Disciples of Christ. In my senior year of High School I re-dedicated my life to Christ. My Dad just recently retired as a Pastor for a Congregational Church. My Mom (now passed away) was a school teacher & volunteered for numerous charities & regularly helped the homeless, the elderly, and the disabled. My sister, Dr. Deborah Dunn Yeager, is a highly respected college professor and business consultant.

Education:
I have a B.A. degree in Business Human Resource Management from Simpson University (graduating Sumna Cum Laude). I also have an A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from Shasta Community College. I have had a variety of management and working experiences. I am also a Certified Dog Trainer through the Animal Behavior College.

Missions:
In 1981, I went on my first of many short-term missions trips into Mexico both in the rural and urban areas of the country. I have also been on numerous mission trips in various urban cities and Native American Reservations on the west coast. While I pursued my college education, in my spare time, I went on a number of short-term missionary outreaches throughout California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and in various parts of Mexico, including serving with “Youth Unlimited Gospel Outreach”, and “Youth with a Mission”.

Non-Profit World:
My “mission work” at the Crisis Pregnancy Center (later called CareNet) began when staying temporarily in the home of Roger & Joann Ralston, this home was to be the beginning of the CPC ministry, a maternity home housing 3 pregnant women at the time. While I was walking past the living room one evening a “steering committee for the formation of a Pregnancy Ministry” asked the question of how to raise funds this was to be my beginning and introduction to the CPC ministry.

I started out in the summer of 1984 coordinating CPC’s various fundraising activities. In September 1984 I attended CPC’s first volunteer counselor training seminar and in October 1984 became a volunteer counselor. Later I joined the speaking team in 1985. I became full-time paid staff in 1988 as Assistant Director/Development Director and in 1994 became Executive Director. I have attended numerous Bible Seminars/Workshops; Worship Leaders Seminars; Leadership Seminars and Christian conferences.

Converting to Eastern Christian Orthodoxy:
After 10+ years of study and research, I made a major life decision and on September 20, 2003, I was Baptized and Chrismated into the Holy Eastern Orthodox Christian Church and given the new name Kieranna, after the Irish Saint Kieran of Clonmacnois.

A Sabbatical:
In March 2003, as Executive Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center I resigned for a much needed sabbatical. After taking the much needed sabbatical I decided to go into business and have “fun” using my wide variety of abilities, giving me the flexibility I desired.

Writer:
I am a writer and have enjoyed contributing to magazines and newspapers.

Certified Dog Trainer:
I have owned a variety of dogs throughout my life including many mixed breeds, German Shepherds, Labs, Dobermans, Poodles, and Shelties. I began training my own dogs through the local Haven Humane Society and with the Nor Cal Dog Training Club. Five of my dogs (Jaime – Sheltie; Megan – Chocolate Lab, Patrick Ryan – Sheltie; Dani Joy – Sheltie; Skip – Italian Greyhound) have obtained the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizenship Award. Recently two of her dogs have received the Advanced CGC award, “Community Canine”. Megan, Patrick Ryan and Dani Joy have earned titles in the dog racing sport called Flyball with Megan achieving FDCh before she crossed over the “rainbow bridge”. Patrick Ryan and Dani Joy have earned titles in AKC Rally Obedience. I have also trained in obedience, agility activities and tricks

I am a proficient “puppy trainer” and was an instructor for Nor Cal Dog Training Club. I am a Certified Dog Trainer through the Animal Behavior College and I am an AKC Certified CGC Evaluator & Trainer.

Interests/Hobbies:
I have been twice to Ireland, first researching the early Irish Saints and ancient Celtic Christianity and then later making a pilgrimage to Ireland’s Holy sites; including the monastery ruins of Clonmacnois, St. Kieran’s Holy Well in Kells, one of the monasteries St. Columcille established, the monastery of St. Brigid in Kildare, the monastery ruins of St. Kevin’s in Glendalough and many other holy ancient places.

Along with playing the Guitar, I also enjoy playing & learning “Flute” and Woodwind instruments. I play the Flute, Recorder and am learning the Irish Tin Whistle. In Jr. & Sr. High School along with playing the flute (since 6th grade) I also played alto and baritone saxophone, French horn, bugle and learned a little piano.

My hobbies include gardening, bird watching and enjoying the outdoors.

My desire is to be a ministry tool in the hands of God for encouragement, healing, reconciliation, and growth.

I have chosen to remain single, serving the Lord in whatever my hand finds to do. I live with my Sheltie, Dani Joy, an Italian Greyhound named Skip along with a roommate and friend, with her two Havana Brown cats, Alexandria Rose and Misty Rose.