Dr. Kelly, a native of Michigan, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in the Department of Microbiology. She then attended the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, finishing her D.D.S. studies in 1991. From 1994 until 1997 she conducted research in the Department of Pathology in the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, receiving her Ph.D. in 1997. She then enrolled in the Graduate Program at the University of Oklahoma, receiving an M.S. in Orthodontics in 1999.

Dr. Kelly presently is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Michigan. Her primary focus is in the area of cleft lip and palate, and craniofacial anomalies. She is the Orthodontic Director of the Craniofacial Anomalies Team that functions through University Hospitals. Her research interests include clinical studies as well as molecular genetics.

Dr. Kelly is married to Dr. Fernando Alberdi and has two beautiful and crazy children, Kyle and David.