Kelly has an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture from University of Maryland and two graduate degrees from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Her first job was with Prince George’s Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) and has held Landscape Architecture positions at multiple private firms in New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. She is a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and was in the first cohort to complete US Green Building Council’s SITES accreditation while working for the non-profit Low Impact Development Center. Kelly has led University of Maryland Landscape Architecture based education abroad programs twice in Costa Rica. Kelly is an artist and appreciator of natural beauty and a co-founder and mentor with Green Mechanics Benefit LLC.