Mary B. Kelly

Mary B. Kelly is a Professor in the Applied Behavioral Sciences Program at National Louis University, where she joined as full-time faculty in 2014. Her career spans over 25 years in aquatic safety with the Chicago Park District before transitioning to higher education. She holds a Doctoral studies in Contemporary Spirituality (in progress) from Loyola University and multiple certifications in spiritual direction, racial healing, and organizational psychology.

Education: MA in Psychology (National Louis University, 2004), BA in Applied Behavioral Science (National Louis University), and certifications in Substance Abuse Counseling (Harold Washington College) and Communications/Spanish (DePaul University).

Research interests include adult student spiritual experiences of liminality, restorative justice, and racial healing. She actively serves on the Board of Directors for the United States Lifesaving Association and co-founded Soul Play, promoting interconnectedness in communities. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes fostering deep personal and intellectual growth through "Circles of Trust" and Parker Palmer’s approach to weaving connectedness in classrooms.

Continuing education highlights include certification as a Racial Healing Practitioner (2020), training in the Daring Way™ (2013–2017), and involvement with the Center for Action and Contemplation’s CONSPIRE conferences. She balances academia with triathlon competitions and choir participation.