Profiles in Leadership:

By Brian Reed-Baiotto

I’ve been covering high school and local junior college athletics since 2000.

Over the last nine years, I’ve run 210 Prep Sports, which attempts to cover approximately 30 high schools along the 210 Freeway from Rancho Cucamonga to Pasadena.

It also supports the Chaffey, Citrus, Mt. SAC and PCC baseball and football programs.

The site stretches some 30 miles and it’s impossible to do my job alone without the support from schools, administrators, programs, coaches and parents in getting me stats, information and photos so that I can put out as many stories as possible on a nightly basis.

There are a number of schools that have helpful employees that go above and beyond to make sure I’m able to document the success of their programs and athletes.

However, no school source has gotten me more info, photos or contacts over the last nine years and in as many sports as has Marshall’s Felita Kealing.

And no one has made herself available during inconvenient hours quite like Mrs. Kealing.

It’s not unusual for her to reply to a 2 am text so an Eagles’ athlete can see their name and photo in the media for a sports-related and sometimes even an academic or character-driven accomplishment.

There have been times I needed photos of either an individual or group for a particular story, and Felita would get the kids together that morning and take professional and quality photos of her own that I was then able to run in stories.

A couple years back, I did a feature on a freshman named Jack Badzey, who was very popular for calling Marshall baseball games on Game Changer so that parents or families who couldn’t attend the event in person could still watch the game via streaming and listen to Jack’s commentary.

For that feature, Felita tracked down a number of quotes from athletes and coaches that I was able to add to the story.

While her job centers around public relations, Felita’s tasks include marketing, communications, and student recruitment.

Day to day, she works directly with students, families, staff, administrators, and community partners to provide information, support, and resources.

Mrs. Kealing is very much a second-mom type of figure to the nearly 1,700 students that attend Marshall Fundamental or now (since 2025) what’s called Thurgood Marshall Secondary School.

If there’s a Marshall event of any kind, expect to see her there as a proud supporter of the school, programs and its athletes.

Perhaps one of the reasons that Marshall feels like family to Mrs. Kealing is that two of her own children have competed for and graduated from the Pasadena school.

Her eldest son Miles is 25, and his little brother Preston is 23.

They were both student-athletes in cross country, soccer, and track and field.

One a sprinter and the other a thrower.

They both also moved into student government as members of the Associated Student Body.

They went on to attend college one at Tulane University and the other at Cal State Monterey Bay.

But make no mistake about it, you don’t have to be related to Mrs. Kealing to feel special.

If you’re a student at Thurgood Marshall, you’re family to Felita.

She’s been a local volunteer in a number of clubs for what seems her entire adult life, and Mrs. Kealing has been at Marshall for the past 12 years.

Felita, 63, has worked her butt off to be a great role model and resource to the community.

She’s been described as tough, selfless and relentless by many.

But there was nothing that could have prepared her for what happened in January of 2025.

Felita and Michael Kealing, her husband of 29 years, saw their Altadena family home of a quarter of a century burn to the ground in the Eaton Fire.

For 13 months, the Kealings rented a home in northern Orange County (Brea), because it was the halfway point between Michael’s job as a Broadcast Engineering Manager and Felita’s work in Pasadena.

Michael Kealing has worked in post production for several known broadcasting entities for decades.

The community rallied behind the Kealing’s and the thousands of victims that are still rebuilding to this day.

Michael and Felita are back in the Pasadena area, and they expect their house to be finished by the Summer of 2027.

I asked Mrs. Kealing what she enjoys most about her job.

“It’s the overall relationships of the people. Students, teachers, staff, families, and our community partners; it is a collective synergy of culture,” she said. “There is nothing better than knowing I’ve provided a family with vital information, connected them to a resource, or helped point them in the right direction. I love watching our students grow, build confidence, and feel empowered.

I also really love being part of a school community that has so much talent, creativity, and potential. One of the things I love about my job is that I get to help shine a light on all of the events and activities happening here at Marshall and making sure our broader community knows about them.

This includes academic success, arts performances, and of course sports, win, lose, or draw I want to talk about the time student-athletes spend on the court or the field in competition, the students don’t always like the loses but that’s part of the experience. Every single day gives me a fresh opportunity to make a positive impact.”

And while she’s content being a life-changer at Marshall, Felita Kealing has thrown her name into the hat to become a member of the PUSD School Board.

For about 20 years, people have asked her when she’s going to run for the School Board and she’s always answer with “when I have my why” I should do it.

That ‘why’ finally came.

“Looking back, I realize that the work I’ve done in this community over all these years was really laying the foundation for this moment,” Mrs. Kealing said. “Every experience, every relationship, every opportunity to serve was another brick in that foundation.

I remember that morning that I decided to run so clearly. I got dressed, looked at my husband, and said, “I’m running for School Board.” And honestly, it just felt natural. It wasn’t something I had spent years planning out or mapping out step by step. It felt more like a natural progression of everything I had already been doing. That morning, it was just in my soul. I knew it was time.

Once I made that decision, I started looking back at my journey as a PUSD parent, volunteer, employee, and community advocate. I’ve spent more than a decade working inside the district, and many more years advocating for children and families. I’ve served in leadership with the Pasadena Educational Foundation, been involved with parent organizations, worked on district committees, and spent years building relationships throughout this community.

And I decided to step forward because I believe PUSD is at a really important crossroads. We need leadership that listens, brings people together, can make tough decisions responsibly, and keeps students at the center of those decisions.

I’m not running because I believe I have all the answers. I’m running because I know how to listen, how to collaborate, how to build relationships, and how to bring people to the table. I believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and I want to be part of helping PUSD move forward—together.”

There are seven members on the PUSD Board of Education, representing seven geographic districts across the Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre communities.

In the district, voters cast their ballots specifically for candidates running in the geographic district where they are registered to vote.

Felita’s candidacy for PUSD School District 1, covers the Northwest area of Altadena.

And she’s the sole challenger to a 15-year incumbent.

It’s important to note that while the candidates are elected by the constituents of a specific district, once a board member is sworn in, the responsibility is to protect and serve all schools and all students across the entire district.

Lastly, I asked Mrs. Kealing to 1) expand on the effects of the Eaton Fire and the rebuilding process and 2) what changes are necessary at the PUSD?

Said Felita Kealing: 1) “Our family went through a profound loss in the January 2025 Eaton Fire when we lost our home. It was a house that my family had built together over more than 25 years, so losing it was about so much more than losing a physical structure. It held a quarter-century of memories, hard work, family milestones, and the history of where our children grew up.

The experience was devastating, but what stands out in my mind just as strongly as the loss is the way our community showed up for us. Neighbors, friends, educators, faith communities, and local families completely wrapped their arms around us when we needed it most. It was a powerful, firsthand reminder of the incredible resilience and generosity that exists here.

Rebuilding is a journey, and it certainly hasn’t been easy, but we are moving forward just like so many other Eaton Fire families. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight—it takes resources, patience, advocacy, and a strong community support system.

2) I think PUSD needs to recognize what is already working—great instruction, hardworking staff, and standards that prepare our students to be college and career ready. We need to build on those strengths while being honest about where we can do better.

We need to focus on student achievement, especially for students who are furthest from opportunity, as well as meaningful parent involvement and stronger community connections. We have such a rich cultural history in Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre communities and I think PUSD should embrace that and connect more intentionally with the community around us.

Financial stabilization also has to be a priority. We need to make responsible decisions about our resources while being transparent with families and the community about where we are and where we’re going.

And I believe we have to pay much more attention to how we communicate and market PUSD. Everyone in the organization has a role in telling our story, including our Board of Education members. What the public sees on their laptops, on their phones, and in the media matters. We need to make sure we’re communicating the great things happening in our schools, while also being honest and transparent about the challenges we’re facing. How we show up and how we communicate can build trust—and trust matters.”

On behalf of this site, and the thousands of young men and women’s lives you’ve impacted for the better, thank you for everything Mrs. Kealing and best of luck in next week’s election.

Quotable:

Marshall Booster Club President, Noah Kaloostian: “The first time I went back to Marshall after several years of living outside of Pasadena, I entered the main office and there was Felita, always with a smile and wondering how can I help this parent? As we talked, we quickly realized that my older brother went to school with Felita, which made the connection even stronger. It’s a joy to enter the halls of Marshall and anticipate catching up or just greeting Felita, as you know that she will always check in with you and see if there is anything she can assist with. I can’t think of someone better to represent their constituents on the Board of Education.”

Educational & Community Advocate, Tamerlin Godley: “I can’t think of a better person to serve on the school board than Felita. She has a lifetime of history within the district and has dedicated her life to serving others in the Pasadena Educational Foundation. She has a relationship with students, parents, employees and administrators. She has the knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and energy to be a great school board member. Felita’s focus on students and their success through education is transformational. She always brings her A-game to every situation, and she’s compassionate and has empathy, which allows her to build a consensus.”

English teacher & former volleyball coach, Sang Lee: “There is already so much distrust from the community, so we need someone like Felita Kealing who can lead with humility and listen to the voices and concerns of the families and staff of the district. She is willing to listen thoughtfully on the conversation about consolidation from both sides. I am always wary of people who say one option is the only way, and on top of that, we have to move quickly. It seems like a convenient and perhaps logical solution, but schools have always been more about gathering places of community than an opportunity for government officials to trim budgets. This district needs to win back the people and have innovative options that are cost-efficient to draw neighboring and private school families into PUSD. Mrs. Kealing will begin the recovery of people by listening to their concerns. We need to rebuild our faith in the board with a people person who can unite families. We need that first.”

Marshall parent, Tonia Silver Lain: “Felita is the magic glue that holds Marshall together. She has a way of bringing people together, supporting the students, and making sure things get done. She is always there for the student athletes and the school community. Her dedication makes a real difference every day.”

Marshall parent, Danny Callaway: “Felita is the kind of person you want around and supporting your kids. She’s friendly, encouraging and interested. She’s vested in her students and would always ask me for baseball pictures for our instagram and social media platforms. PUSD needs more Felitas. We lucked out having her at Marshall.”

Marshall parent, Amy Pendleton: “Felita has such a welcoming spirit at Marshall. I am always impressed that she really knows our kids, always calling them by name (even asking about them after they graduate). As a parent, I felt like she was watching out for the students, encouraging them and celebrating their successes. She was at every event with her camera, ready to capture the moment and share it with the world. She’s a true gem.”

Marshall parent, Mary Callaway: “It was nice to see pictures of different teams on Marshall’s IG. I would send pictures of the kids on my son Nathan’s team to Felita and she would post. Before she was there, I never saw anything regarding my or other children’s successes in sports  ( and there was social media then). She was our social media star.”

Marshall parent, Stephen Delgado: “Felita has always displayed her desire to have the best interest of all students, student-athletes, as well as parents in everything that she works on for Marshall HS. Felita is relentless in her efforts to promote all of the wonderful and amazing things that the PUSD has to offer our community. Felita has been very instrumental in exposing our students to opportunities involving both college scholarships, and the Trades for those students that are interested. You will not find any person that cares more deeply or passionately about PUSD and its students than Felita Kealing.”

Marshall student, Jack Badzey: “Mrs. Kealing is always the first person to say good morning in the main office. She always comes to school with an unmistakable smile and great attitude. She takes amazing pictures of all the Marshall events, helping student-athletes with their exposure to playing in the next level. In my case, when you [Brian] wrote an article about me in freshman year, Mrs. Kealing gathered quotes from the baseball team about what I would do as a broadcaster. It was so cool to know that a Marshall staff member had cared about me, even in my first year at the school, gathering quotes for this article. It has been truly special getting to know Mrs. Kealing during my 4 years at Marshall, and I am so grateful for all the hard work she does at this school.”

Marshall athlete, Trevor Lain: “Mrs. Kealing was always there for the students, and now it’s our turn to be there for her. I’m proud to support someone who truly cares.”

Marshall athlete, Travis Delgado: “Mrs. Kealing is the heart and soul of the Marshall front office and cares very deeply for her students and her community. I know she is ready to take that passion to the school board.”

Felita Kealing has Been Endorsed by:
The Los Angeles County Democratic Party (D41) – Political Party
ACT/Pasadena Arroyo Democratic Club
The National Women’s Political Caucus, Pasadena Chapter
Stonewall Democratic Club
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
California High School Democrats (CAHSD)
Teamsters Local 986
Teamsters Joint Council 42
California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 434 – School Employee Union

Individuals:
Chris Holden, Former California Assemblymember District 41 and Former Mayor City of Pasadena
Terry Tornek, Former Mayor City of Pasadena
Kris Lowe, City of Sierra Madre Mayor
Dr. Phlunte Riddle, Former District Director for California State Assembly, District 41

Former PUSD Board Members:
Renatta Cooper
Ed Honowitz
Scott Phelps
Dr. Elizabeth Pomeroy
Tom Selinski
George Van Alstine

Educators and Community:
Dr. Eddie Newman, Former Principal of John Muir High School
Juanita DeVaughn, community advocate and retired PUSD educator
Juanita West-Tillman, community advocate and retired PUSD educator
Tamerlin Godley, Educational and Community Advocate
Jacqueline Kuykendall, Community Advocate
Sang Lee, Pasadena Unified Educator
Mary Roper, Pasadena Unified Educator
Melissa Lorenz, Pasadena Unified Educator
Darcy Naganuma, Pasadena Unified Educator
Jeffrey Fletcher, Pasadena Unified Educator
Steve Darden, Community Member/Business Owner
Will Morris, Educator/Educational Advocate