Kelly is a native Phoenician and has worked in long-term care and senior living since the age of 16. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University and the Barrett Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in 2002, and a Master of Health Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2008. Kelly became a Certified Assisted Living Manager in 2007 and a Licensed Nursing Care Institution Administrator in 2009. She was also designated by the Senior Living Certification Commission as a Certified Director of Assisted Living in 2017. Kelly has served on the Arizona Health Care Association Board for seven years and is the current Vice President. She has also served for the past two years as Arizona’s State Leader for the National Center for Assisted Living.