Kelly joined Middle Way in 2019 and has brought so much to the school, expanding her role year by year. She brings a calm and grounded energy to all she does and has joyfully embraced the task of creating connections between her deep understanding of children and the wisdom of the dharma.

As a specialist teacher, Kelly is an integral part of the MWS instructional team, providing dedicated instruction in PAF literacy programming with our Wild Horses, traditional yoga practice to our middle schoolers, and movement and social emotional learning (SEL/anti-bullying) in grades K-4. This year she also takes the lead in overseeing and training recess coverage staff and supervising the daily recess program, ensuring a safe, joyful, and developmentally appropriate experience for K-4 students.

“If someone were to ask me what my dream job was, this would be it. I am very happy working at Middle Way. It has been my dream to weave yoga and movement into a curriculum for students of all ages. This is possible with the support of Middle Way, the dedication and inspiration of all the teachers, and the amazing community. I am grateful and feel fortunate to be a part of this initiative to bring Buddhism into the classroom.

At Woodland Playhouse, I had the pleasure of working closely with physical and occupational therapists to incorporate movement into group play and everyday activities. For the past ten summers, I’ve led a one-week movement camp for three to eight-year-olds where children engage in creative writing activities, art projects, and collaborative group stories that incorporate different yoga poses to process and embody their experience. One of my favorite parts about working with children is their curiosity and ability to be in the moment. I embrace their creativity, ideas, and thoughts with the same curiosity.

I received a BFA in Dance Education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, where I also received a diverse musical education through dance. I also did extensive studies in yoga. I took my love for movement to NYC where I studied at the Limon Institute and performed with the Rae Ballard Dance Company. These experiences led me to teach movement classes at several YMCAs throughout New Jersey. I have also taught movement classes at the Studio of Light, the Copperhood Inn & Spa, and at Mt. Tremper Arts. In 2010 I received my Pilates certification NCPT from The Moving Body in Woodstock, NY and I am currently teaching private and group sessions at DutchessPilates in Woodstock, NY.

I have lived in the Catskills since 2001 with my husband, Tim and our three beautiful children Emily, Hailey, and Calvin. During my free time I enjoy hiking, cooking with my family, gardening and vacationing by the ocean.”