Kelle Sullivan Gardner, also known as Kelle Brind’Amour, is best known for being the ex-wife of NHL coach and former player Rod Brind’Amour.
While her personal life is kept relatively private, there are a few key details about her background and connection to Brind’Amour that have come to light.
Early Life and Education
Kelle Sullivan Gardner was born Kelly Sue Gardner, but information regarding her exact birthdate, family, and early life is largely unavailable.
It is known that she attended the University of Ottawa, where she earned a degree in business. Before becoming a stay-at-home mother, Kelle worked as a marketing manager for a pharmaceutical company, showcasing her professional aptitude in the marketing field.
Marriage to Rod Brind’Amour
Kelle married Rod Brind’Amour in 1996, when he was rising to fame as a professional hockey player in the NHL. They had three children together: Briley, Skyler, and Reece. Their marriage, however, ended in divorce in 2004 after nearly eight years.
The specifics behind their split were kept private, although the divorce process was reportedly contentious. It included child custody arrangements and financial settlements, with Rod initially ordered to pay a considerable amount in child support, which was later reduced.
After their divorce, Rod went on to remarry in 2010, tying the knot with Amy Biedenbach. Kelle, on the other hand, has remained largely out of the public eye, and there are no reports suggesting she remarried or had other significant relationships following her split from Brind’Amour.
Career and Professional Life
While Kelle initially had a career in marketing, she became a stay-at-home mother after the birth of her children. There is little public information about any professional endeavors after her divorce from Rod Brind’Amour. However, her role as a mother to three children has been a key aspect of her life since then.
Family and Children
Kelle and Rod Brind’Amour’s children are all pursuing different paths. Their daughter, Briley Brind’Amour, is a graduate of James Madison University, where she was actively involved in volleyball and now works in digital marketing.
Skyler, their son, followed in his father’s footsteps and became an ice hockey player, even being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Their youngest son, Reece, is currently pursuing his education at the Parsons School of Design in New York.
Net Worth
Due to her private nature, Kelle’s exact net worth is not public knowledge. However, during her marriage to Rod Brind’Amour, the couple shared in the wealth generated from Rod’s successful NHL career.
As of 2023, Rod Brind’Amour’s net worth is estimated at $35 million, largely accumulated through his long-standing career as both a player and a coach in the NHL. The financial settlement during their divorce included child support, which initially required Rod to pay $15,000 monthly, though this amount was later reduced.
Personal Life Post-Divorce
Since her divorce from Rod, Kelle has maintained a very low profile. She does not appear to have a public presence on social media, and there are no known interviews or reports about her personal life after the split. It is unclear whether she returned to the workforce or if she remained focused on raising her children.
In summary, Kelle Sullivan Gardner’s life is characterized by her roles as a wife, mother, and former marketing professional. Despite being linked to a high-profile NHL figure, she has managed to keep much of her personal and professional life out of the public spotlight, dedicating her time to her family and maintaining her privacy.
