Kelly Athena

Kelly Athena, M.A., is an award-winning poet who has taught creative workshops and college classes for thirty years. She encourages us to stay open-hearted, emphasizing that we can choose a new perspective each moment.

A Master Gardener, she loves learning about permaculture and sustainability. She is a pianist, composer, and past president of the County Arts Council. An avid bird watcher, hiker, and scuba diver, she is awed by the wonder of nature.

A Master of Photography, she served as past president of the Phoenix Professional Photographer's Association and was named Arizona Photographer of the Year.

Growing up in the lush landscape of Northern California, her father inspired her with his passion for birds, flowers, gardening, and classical music. Her mother encouraged her creativity, hard work, love of jazz, and jitterbugging.

She has also lived in Utah, Texas, Mexico, and Iowa. She now lives on the edge of the wild, howling Sonoran Desert in the foothills of Phoenix with her two cats and a small worm farm.