Kelly came to the DPD in 1996. At the time she worked with a woman who also had a part-time position at DPD and spoke about it so often and so highly that Kelly was inspired to find out more. Kelly met with Sister Joan and the rest is history.

One year later Kelly became the program Assistant at Finnegan House which has been her home away from home ever since. “I love the DPD. It is one big family. It is a great place to work with great people doing amazing things every day. Definitely one of the best experiences in my life.”

Kelly has been married for five years. Her interests include poetry and drama. In fact, Kelly has two published poems and is a lifetime member of the International Thespian Society. She has learned much through her time as part of the DPD family. A favorite experience was attending the Catholic Charities Leadership Conference in Tampa, Florida. A not so favorite experience was having battled cancer in 2005. However, as a cancer survivor Kelly cannot begin to express the importance of the support and love she received from the DPD during that most difficult time.

Within the DPD Kelly is a coordinator of a very powerful program called “Fight for the Right.” This program teaches our residents the importance of service and giving back to the community. So often our folks are viewed as being in need of help. Through “Fight for the Right” they have the opportunity to learn that they are capable of making a difference. It is also an opportunity for the public to see them as capable which is often an unexpected perspective. Through activities such as fund raisers or food drives the residents are taking their place as members of a caring society.

Looking forward to her new position as director of the soon to be opened Giuliano House, Kelly is excited and nervous but most of all ready to take on this new and wonderful challenge. As someone who has served the most vulnerable among us for many years her experience and passion for the work will be changing lives every day. The DPD is proud and happy to introduce her as our newest Program Director!