CJ Superstar: Kelly Rouba -- Volunteer of the Year

CreakyJoints' Seth Ginsberg was on hand to congratulate Kelly on all of her accomplishments.

As Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey from 2006-2008, Kelly has traveled around the state (and the country) to promote awareness and greater inclusion of those with disabilities.

On November 14, 2008, she was awarded the Governor's Volunteer Award (Adult Category) at a ceremony held at Drumthwacket (the Governor's Mansion ... only really cool buildings have names like that).

Over 50 people were in attendance, including New Jersey Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells.

During her acceptance speech, Kelly gave a shout out to CreakyJoints and underscored her efforts to raise arthritis awareness levels throughout New Jersey.

Recently, Kelly became an associate with EAD & Associates, LLC -- Emergency Management & Special Needs Consultants.  She serves on the boards of Project Freedom, New Jersey Special Needs, and the Arthritis National Research Foundation. And she is also a member of both the Hamilton Township's Advisory Commission on the Status of Women and the Central New Jersey Kappa Delta Alumnae Association.

When she's not busy working and volunteering, she manages to handle legislative issues for Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein.

Kelly accepts her Adult Volunteer of the Year award with Nina Mitchell Wells, NJ Secretary of State, and Jack Callahan, Chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Volunteerism and Community Service, looking on.

Kelly recently wrote a book entitled Juvenile Arthritis: The Ultimate Teen Guide (review forthcoming) and has been an active member of CreakyJoints, attending events and helping to promote arthritis awareness.

With such a rigorous schedule, hectic life and amazing drive to raise awareness and help others, Kelly wears a great big smile and brings happiness to those around her.

For all of this, and the work we are counting on her to do in the future, Kelly is a profiled member and CreakyJoints Superstar.