Meet Kelly Ehrhart, President of People First of NH

I have lived in Nashua since November 2011 and am a member of Advocate 4 Yourself, the Nashua People First chapter.

I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 12, however I did not receive services for a developmental disability until 2014. I also have mental illness and am passionate about the developmental disabilities and mental health system working together to give better care and not duplicate services.

I was born in Illinois. I am 54. I graduated high school after being put in a foster home my senior year. I have worked at Marshall’s since March 2012.

I also work at the Institute on Disability, working on a grant, and represent People First at the monthly meeting. I also work for the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities, helping give a presentation, Dream Big, to teach direct support professionals about choice. I am a member of the Participant Directed Services Committee, services I receive, and a member of the Quality Council as an alternate. I am also a member of Gateways Family Advocacy Network.

Some of my accomplishments:
Graduate of the New Hampshire leadership series in 2018
Won the Diane Carignan award in 2018
Nominated for the Virginia Bowden award in 2020.

My goal as president of People First is help us develop into a strong voice for advocacy in New Hampshire.

You can read more about me in Steppingstones, in an article on page 19, "Same Page, Same Team."