KELLI BRAGGS, FOUNDER
Kelli brings a powerful blend of expertise as a faith leader, social worker, nonprofit executive, and personal trainer with over two decades in the health and wellness industry.
Each role has contributed to her unique perspective on holistic wellness and community impact. As a faith leader, she fosters spiritual growth and resilience; as a social worker, she advocates for vulnerable populations with empathy and strategic insight. Her experience as a nonprofit executive director has equipped her with the leadership skills to drive large-scale change, while her background as a personal trainer enables her to support physical well-being on an individual level. This diverse foundation empowered Kelli to create Sanctuary as a space where women can thrive in spirit, mind, body, and personal spaces–championing positive change personally, professionally, and within their communities.
Prior to founding Sanctuary, Kelli served full-time as the Executive Director at Bridge of Hope Ministries, spearheading a transformative strategic planning initiative. Under her leadership, the organization evolved from a day shelter to helping lay the foundation to bring the first integrative medical respite center to the St. Louis region. This systems-level change disrupts how the healthcare systems have cared for the unhoused by providing safe and therapeutic hospital discharge options, while realizing substantial cost savings for healthcare systems and tax-payers.
Kelli received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Liberty University, a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, and will complete the Residential Interior Design Qualification Certification through Lindenwood University in 2025. Her dedication to fostering positive change, helping individuals realize their power, and making meaningful contributions to her community drives her personal and professional initiatives. When she is not working, Kelli enjoys being at home or traveling with her husband, daughter, and fur baby.
We are always vetting the right kind of partners for Sanctuary. If you are interested in joining our team and are a functional medicine practitioner, certified personal trainer, interior decorator, registered dietician, or spiritual/life coach who specializes in women’s health, please reach out.
