Kelly Akins became minister to preschoolers in August 2024. She previously worked at Wilshire’s Early Childhood Learning Center, first as a Pre-K teacher and then as assistant director and curriculum specialist. Before joining ECLC in 2016, Kelly was a public school kindergarten teacher for 32 years, first in Garland ISD and later in Richardson ISD.

Kelly holds a master’s degree in education from the University of North Texas and a bachelor’s degree in education with a music minor from Oklahoma Baptist University. She holds endorsements in kindergarten and gifted and talented education from Texas Wesleyan University and UNT, respectively.

A Wilshire member since 1990, Kelly is married to Allan Akins, and they are parents to two adult children, Brian and Emily. Kelly enjoys music and loves to quilt, sew and smock.