Kelli M. Bertrand is a seasoned program manager and crisis response leader with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, recovery, and community outreach across Louisiana. Currently serving as Program Manager for Metropolitan Human Services District, Kelli oversees the implementation of federally funded programming, community-based initiatives, and strategic partnerships that expand access to behavioral health services throughout the metropolitan area. She has also led the development and implementation of Faith Partner initiatives, collaborating with churches and faith-based organizations to strengthen community engagement, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and connect individuals and families to critical support services.
Her career spans key leadership roles with the Office of Behavioral Health, Metropolitan Human Services District, and Catholic Charities, where she has coordinated crisis counseling, led prevention initiatives, supervised multidisciplinary teams, and provided strategic consultation to state and local government agencies. Kelli is also a certified trainer in Mental Health First Aid, Psychological First Aid, ASIST, and Motivational Interviewing, with specialized expertise in trauma-informed care, substance abuse prevention, disaster preparedness, and faith-based community programming.
Kelli holds a Master of Public Health in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Southern University. As a proud alumna of both Southern and Tulane Universities, she brings both academic rigor and real-world application to her work and aspires to educate the next generation of crisis response professionals.
Deeply committed to community empowerment, Kelli is known for her ability to build partnerships, design impactful programs, and lead collaborative initiatives with compassion and clarity in high-pressure environments.