Kayla Starr Etie

Congressional District 4

Kayla Starr Etie, born and raised in Northwest Alabama, is an energetic full time single mother of 14 year old Bella, and 6 year old Milo. She is a founding member of the Alabama Parent Advisory Council, and was the first Parent Leader to manage the PAC in the state of Alabama. Serving as the Parent Leader for her district, she is also a part of the Alabama Parent Leadership Network and is the first and only parent in the state certified to facilitate the Strengthening Families Framework training.

She has a love for serving on boards, and is the President of the Sheffield Beautification and Tree Board, and Secretary of Keep The Shoals Beautiful. Both are nonprofits aimed towards environment and community outreach. In addition, Kayla also facilitates a Leadership program inside of Sheffield City Schools with The Rescue Me Project, another non profit organization geared towards youth outreach and community service.

When she isn't working and volunteering, you can find her out in her community or in the forest. Kayla believes that the most effective way to teach your children core values and empathy is by setting the example.

After making the decision to walk away from an abusive relationship while facing homelessness, she sought out help, landing her in a safety plan with DHR. She recognized there was significant potential for improvement in these systems. While being involved with DHR she attended a parenting class and soon after was nominated to serve on the Parent Advisory Council.

Kayla is on her healing journey and actively recovering from mental health issues such as CPTSD. With life experience involving domestic violence, mental health, and the welfare system, Kayla is now an advocate for caregivers facing challenges, working to support and empower them on their journey towards well being.

"To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation."
-The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho