Kelly brings over 20 years of diverse experience in behavioral health services, with a steadfast commitment to improving access to care and support for individuals in need. Holding a Bachelor of Social Sciences and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, Kelly has worked across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, addressing critical areas such as mental health, substance misuse, child protection, veteran affairs, and suicide prevention. Kelly’s leadership and expertise extend to serving on numerous boards and advisory groups, including as a Board Member and Accreditation Examiner for the International Council for Helplines, where Kelly has contributed to shaping standards and best practices in crisis support services.

Currently based in Sydney, Australia, Kelly is a strategic consultant specializing in the enhancement of helpline services. She previously served as Vice President of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at Vibrant Emotional Health. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is the United States’ national crisis line, providing 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors and responding to over six million contacts annually from individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation. Prior to this, Kelly was the Director of NYC Well, New York City’s behavioral health helpline, which handled more than 30,000 calls, texts, and chats per month in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, offering critical support to the community.

Her motivation for serving on the Board of LifeLine International stems from a desire to leverage her skills and experience to advance the LifeLine International’s critical mission of expanding access to crisis support and suicide prevention on a global scale. She is also passionate about fostering a sense of community among service providers and promoting shared learning opportunities to strengthen these essential services worldwide.