Hi, I’m Kelly.
Strategist, activator, optimist.
Mom, wife, daughter, friend.


I’ve always been a hard worker. I’m goal motivated and relentless in pursuing them. Growing up, my family and friends might have used the word driven.  I think being a “starving artist” for the better part of my 20’s taught me that you always have a plan for the plan and a backup plan for when the first one changes. 

I always knew that my personal and professional background was unique. In fact, I spent the last decade trying to stitch together the pieces of my story in a way that could become a differentiator rather than a journey I was always trying to explain. The spring of 2020 was a turning point for the entire world, me included. I knew more than ever that I needed to lean into my strengths to accelerate the change I wanted to see in our shared community. In June, I started ClimbSmart Strategies as a side hustle, helping organizations center impact, transform their business models, and navigate the people side of change.  Then this side hustle became a full hustle… and then I was quickly promoted to my hardest title yet... Mom and my WHY completely shifted. My daughter is an amazingly smart, independent, powerful little girl who challenges me every day to take a page out of my own book.

Stay nimble, know my purpose, and fight for the change we want to see in this world. Be driven for the right things and empower others to do the same.

My Approach

Lead with courageous vulnerability.

A concept from the renowned researcher and author Brené Brown emphasizes that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength that allows us to connect with others, embrace uncertainty, and take risks. I work with clients to understand their needs, design solutions, and implement them effectively. I’m not afraid to ask tough questions, challenge assumptions, and offer honest feedback. Growth is hard and change is even harder. But I know that by leveraging our inherent strengths both as individuals and organizations, we have an opportunity to make a difference today and for the generations of tomorrow. In fact, I believe we have a responsibility, a moral imperative to do just that.

Before moving into the world of business, you could find me reading and dissecting plays - building movement plans and identifying character motivations. I studied theatrical direction and specialized in harnessing human instinct and motivation to drive action. I leverage this skillset every day in my approach with clients.

Business, like directing is about

  1. Assessing/building the script

  2. Identifying the key players

  3. Defining motivation and tactics

  4. Building a repeatable framework to drive action and pace

  5. Reflecting and refining the final product

Credentials

Master of Fine Arts, Directing; University of Portland
Certified Change Management Practitioner; PROSCI
Change Leadership Executive Certificate; Cornell University
Bachelor of Arts; Theater/Nonprofit Business