By Emily Burleigh

Southwest Louisiana native Kimberly Caldarera-Theriot has dedicated her life to using her talents to help the community.

Caldarera-Theriot credits her passion for helping others to her parents. “My dad would take his football players that didn’t have a ride home after practice. My mom would take time to cook for friends that were sick, bring the elderly to the doctor, or serve communion to someone that was immobile,” she said. “Both of them worked hectic, busy jobs, but still took time to think of their neighbor’s needs.”

To Caldarera-Theriot, volunteering is defined as taking the time to focus on someone other than yourself. “Either time, energy, money, a service, meals, whatever it may be, always keep in mind someone is struggling and would appreciate the consideration.”

Her journey with volunteering began 20 years ago after her two sons were born. “I immediately wanted them to learn to think of the people that may not have the opportunities that they do. I wanted to make sure they stayed humble and appreciative of everything they have.”

“Taking the focus off of ourselves and focusing on the next guy keeps you thankful and appreciative for what you have, especially family. When you give your time and resources, it not only helps the person but builds compassion and humility in ourselves.”

Caldarera-Theriot stays busy. She currently works as the marketing director and community liaison for Allen Parish Community Healthcare.

“I promote the Allen Parish Community Healthcare through media, digital and social media publications,” said Caldarera-Theriot. “I am also the person that brings the community together to create initiatives to better Kinder and its surrounding areas.”

She is also an active board member for the Christus Foundation for HealthCare, on the board of directors for the Louisiana Association of Society Executives, vice president of the Southwest Louisiana Lodging Association, and on the advisory council for the Family and Youth Counseling Agency. She has also been previously involved with the Westlake Rotary, and currently works with the Kinder Rotary.

She graduated from McNeese in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management with a concentration in Business.

Caldarera-Theriot played a heavy role in raising $1 million for Christus to build the Heart Hybrid Suite. “This will allow doctors to perform open-heart surgeries and catheter procedures in the same operating room,” she said. “Doctors will not have to move the patient in the middle of one of these procedures.”

The Heart Hybrid suite will be named after Caldarera-Theriot’s father, who died of ventricular fibrillation in 2016.

Other activities she participates in include cooking and feeding those in need, giving Christmas present to children with incarcerated parents, and caring for children and the elderly.

Caldarera-Theriot also uses her cosmetology license to help the community. “I offer my services at no charge if they are unable to pay.”

“I enjoy giving makeovers to those that can’t afford those services,” she said. “I am a licensed cosmetologist so I am able to give back by giving haircuts, colors, highlights, and a makeup makeover.”

Caldarera-Theriot offered advice for those who wish to start volunteering. “I would begin by volunteering in a few different projects,” she said. “Helping others and taking the focus off of yourself is a great reward to yourself.”

“See which one creates a passion inside of your soul and motivates you to do more. Mix it up! You may find something that you never would have guessed you’d enjoy.”

Caldarera-Theriot will be dancing as a local celebrity in the Mad Hot Ballroom Fundraiser. “It will benefit the Whistle Stop,” she said. “It’s a non-profit organization that provides a supervised visitation center with a commitment to providing prevention services for family situations that involve domestic violence, child abuse, and/or neglect.”

“I look at this to not only support needed and special services to children and families of Southwest Louisiana but to continue supporting our area recovery effort. Since COVID, the hurricanes and others, domestic violence has increased considerably in our area.”

The Mad Hot Ballroom Fundraiser will be on Aug. 20 at L’Auberge Casino and Resort.