Before calling Connecticut home, Carol and her husband Derick lived in New York City, where she worked as a lawyer, a business development executive, and a political fundraiser, along with volunteering with a mentorship organization focused on preparing first-generation college students for the professional world.

In pursuing a lifelong call to “do good,” Carol experienced a deep conversion in her mid-thirties and seized the move to Connecticut to shift careers yet again, this time dedicating her time and talents to the Church.

As of February 2026, Carol has served as the Interim Director for Foundations in Faith, handling all aspects of operations.

She has a J.D. from Nova Southeastern University and a B.A. in International Affairs and Political Science from The Florida State University. She is originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and speaks Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Italian-ma solo un po’!

At her home parish, St. Mary’s in Ridgefield, she is the co-facilitator for OCIA and the St. Jerome Center Bible Study, is a member of Disciples 4 Life, an adult retreat ministry, and serves as a Reader at Mass. Carol is also a member of the Diocese of Bridgeport Guild of the Most Blessed Sacrament and serves on the Board of Advisors to the Office of the Guilds.

About joining Foundations in Faith in 2022, she said "This is more than just starting a new job after moving to a new place, it's a way to offer all that I am to the Lord."

For the past 25 years, Kelly and her husband Chris have made their home in Wilton. They have three adult children who are now living and working in New York City.

Throughout her life, Kelly has focused on helping people in need and serving those who are marginalized. She is now the Director of Foundations in Faith, a 501c-3 recognized charity that is committed to supporting and transforming pastoral ministries in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Last year, Foundations in Faith began two new crucial missions: It has been an invaluable resource during the pandemic, particularly for its’ ability to assist pastorally vibrant parishes faced with financial challenges. In addition, Kelly became a member of the newly formed Diocesan Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, which Bishop Frank Caggiano asked to develop strategic goals to combat racism.

Bishop Caggiano observed, “Under the capable and creative leadership of Kelly Weldon, [Foundations in Faith] has proven to be a great resource to our parishes and our people.”
For Kelly, the path to Foundations in Faith began growing up in a big, loving family – she was one of six children with an interesting birth order: Boy-girl, boy-girl, boy-girl. It was much like The Brady Bunch with Kelly being the “Marcia” of her family.

Kelly attended Catholic University of America, where she met her husband Chris, a student of law. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Kelly began her career in roles that combined social work and law. She worked at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in the Witness Aid Program, and later moved on to work with children in foster care, representing their interests at Family Court hearings.

A fun fact -she even appeared before Judge Judy back in the day.

Over the years, Kelly has worked and volunteered at a handful of non-profits, including Head Start, Family & Children’s Agency, and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).
In 2008, Kelly put her skills and experience to use at a small family foundation, the Perrin Family Foundation, in Ridgefield, Connecticut. It is here that she began her journey in understanding oppression and racism. It is also where where she learned the value of youth engagement.

In addition, Kelly’s foundation experience includes serving on the Connecticut Order of Malta Grant Committee.

In 2019, Kelly came to Foundations in Faith. She is energized by Bishop Caggiano’s comprehensive vision for pastoral care, the leadership of the Board of Directors, and the creativity of the committees that guide the strategy and grant making processes.

She noted, “The greatest inspiration comes from the people in the funded programs. They are missionaries for Christ, salvation and justice."