Kelly always knew that she wanted to work in a field that helped other people, and began her schooling with the intention of becoming a teacher.  As a student, she was introduced to the field of linguistics and her passion for language began.   This led her to enroll at the University of Western Ontario where she graduated with a Master of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology.  During this time, Kelly was part of a research team in the Faculty of Education at Western, who specialized in learning disabilities.  Working with elementary school students, this team studied the links between speech and language and tools these students needed to develop and improve their writing skills, such as supportive technology.  Kelly was key in presenting strategies and resources for diagnostic screenings and referral considerations at conferences for other professionals and health associations.   Kelly was honored with the Warr-Leaper Award for clinical excellence.

Kelly is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in New Brunswick with the New Brunswick Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NBASLPA) and in Ontario with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). For over 17 years, Kelly worked as an SLP within an interdisciplinary assessment team, focusing on children with various complex physical and neurodevelopmental needs such as genetic disorders, hearing loss, neurodivergence, and intellectual and physical delays.  In addition, Kelly has a special interest in oral motor skills as well as feeding and swallowing.   She pioneered the development and implementation of a community feeding clinic that worked to bring specialized services closer to families.  The clinic collaborated with the local hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) to provide a well-rounded accessible service. 

Kelly has spent many years supervising and teaching Speech-Language Pathology graduate students and new clinicians.  In her capacity as a clinical mentor, she has taught many people to grow in their clinical abilities and strive to give their best in all things.  Kelly served as an Advanced Practice Leader for 6 years, where she led teams of therapists in an evidence-based approach to interdisciplinary care. Kelly is respected as an effective and hard-working leader, and values teamwork through collaboration. Her mentorship has set up Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Behaviour Analysts, and aspiring clinicians and students to continue to learn, grow, and pave their own path toward professional and personal greatness.

Over and above her impressive resume and clinical background, Kelly is a mom of two beautiful children.  As a firm believer that every child can flourish on their selected path if afforded the opportunity, Kelly also serves on the Local Board of Administration for the Saint John chapter of the BGC.  Growing up, Kelly was an avid dance enthusiast and was often found in the studio.  It was here that Kelly learned that everyone learns differently, and she went on to become a teacher and adjudicator of this art form for young aspiring dancers.  Kelly was particularly gifted at individualizing her teaching to their needs and pulling them together towards a common goal.  To this day, Kelly believes that there is no problem in life that can’t be resolved with a good-ol’-fashioned dance party in the living room!  She enjoys travel, loves music, can knit just about anything, and can unwind with a great book and a good cup of coffee.

Kelly has an incredible ability to build relationships with others.  Whether this means investing in students, current and future clinicians, children, or families, she is passionate about helping others discover their abilities and reach their highest potential!