She received her associate’s degree in Medical Assisting in 1997 from Stark State College. After working in a physician’s office for 2 years, Kelly returned to college to pursue her degree in nursing. In 2002, she graduated cum laude from Kent State University with a BSN. Her employment began at Aultman Hospital in 2002 on a critical care step-down unit. In 2006, Kelly accepted an adjunct position at Aultman College. In 2007, Kelly was offered a full-time position as a clinical instructor. Kelly returned to Kent State and graduated with her MSN in 2012. In 2012, Kelly applied and was granted rank as assistant professor.