A people-centered leader whose work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to helping others navigate complex interpersonal challenges with confidence and support. She began her career as a licensed clinical social worker, providing crisis intervention, case management, and guidance to individuals and families facing significant difficulties. This work built the analytical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills that now anchor her approach to human resources.

With more than two decades of experience in the independent school sector, Kelly has built HR functions, advised leadership teams, and supported organizations through moments of growth, conflict, and transition. As the founder of Start With HR, she partners with schools—and increasingly, nonprofits—across the country to strengthen their people practices, providing coaching, offering employee relations expertise, performance management support, and leadership development.

Kelly is known for creating training experiences that meet leaders where they are and take them where they want to go. She regularly designs and facilitates workshops on supervision, communication, and organizational effectiveness, helping leaders build the skills they need to support their teams with confidence. She has presented at conferences and professional gatherings across the independent school and HR landscape, sharing insights shaped by years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how people and organizations work.
Kelly also serves as Director of Emerging Professionals for HRACC, where she leads a three-month immersive program helping emerging HR professionals set and achieve meaningful career goals.

That same throughline—people, conversations, and trust led to The Brave Conversation Path.  Read why Kelly wrote the book →