Kelley received her doctorate degree in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on Mathematics Education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. There she engaged in teaching and research responsibilities focusing on education courses for pre-service elementary and special education teachers. The research work Kelley was involved with investigated primary students' difficulties with number and operation. She also received her master's degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and Science at the University of South Florida in 2006. Prior to becoming a professor at USC, Kelley taught elementary and middle school in Pinellas County, Florida. She taught children ranging from Kindergarten through sixth grade and enjoyed collaborating with special education and teachers of ELLs (English Language Learners) as her classes often included a high number of mainstreamed students. She resides in Cayce, South Carolina with her amazing family including her husband, Dustin, and her two sons Marshall and Eero. She recognizes that none of her accomplishments could have been met without the constant support and love of these three wonderful people.