Ben Lippen Stories

Mrs. Trisha Kirkland

Staff Story: Trisha Kirkland

Role: School Counselor

Kirkland Family at a Clemson GameTell us about your family. I have been married to the love of my life, Brian, for nearly 22 years! We met at Clemson (go Tigers!) and spent the first four years of married life in Atlanta. From there, we moved to Wheaton, Illinois, for four years while Brian worked on his Masters. We now live in Lexington where he works as the Pastor of Community at Radius Church. We have two children, Lucia (9th grade) and Silas (5th grade). We also have 2 dogs, a fish, chickens, and a gecko.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love spending time outside—getting fresh air and sunshine. I love nature, art, and science, which all come to life for me when I am outside. I like to make things, whether it be crocheting, plants, or refinishing furniture. I also love to learn, so I am constantly reading, studying, and listening to podcasts. I especially love to learn about overall wellness and health.

Kirkland FamilyWhat is something most people don’t know about you? A little over 5 years ago, when I turned 40, I wanted to do something I had never done before, so I took up open water swimming. I spent hours in the pool and at Lake Murray training for open water swims. In April of that year, I swam the Low Country Splash, which is a 6-mile swim along the Mount Pleasant shoreline, beginning at Daniel Island, crossing the Wando River and finishing at the USS Yorktown. The most fantastic part of the swim was swimming under the Cooper River Bridge. It was magnificent! I hope to kick off each new decade by doing something totally new and challenging!

What are you most passionate about? I am passionate about helping people enjoy the Lord and the life He has given them. This is what led me to get my Masters in Clinical Counseling and to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. And this is what drives me to work with students at Ben Lippen. Sin has wreaked havoc on creation, and we suffer from our sins or the sins of others. But there is always hope through Jesus Christ. I want to help students to grasp His hope and to understand their identity in Christ. I am passionate about helping students steward their lives—spiritually, relationally, mentally, and physically—for the purpose of glorifying God, loving others, and enjoying life.

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