Driven by a deep personal connection to the healing process, Kristen Kelly, PhD, has built a career that bridges compassion and clinical expertise in the field of rehabilitation and mental health. As chief operating officer and vice president of Communicare Michigan, she has become a guiding force in transforming the way individuals with traumatic brain injuries are supported and empowered. Through her leadership, the organization has expanded access to services like semi-independent housing, cognitive rehabilitation, and person-centered care, establishing a strong reputation for innovation and impact.
Dr. Kelly’s academic credentials reflect her unwavering commitment to understanding the human mind and improving mental health outcomes. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology from Capella University, a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Superior State University. Her decision to pursue this path was influenced in part by her father’s experience as a Vietnam veteran living with post-traumatic stress disorder. That personal connection shaped her desire to help others confront and heal from trauma.
Since joining Communicare Michigan, Dr. Kelly has led with both vision and empathy. Her efforts have helped grow the organization’s footprint while ensuring that each expansion remains rooted in quality and responsiveness to community needs. She works closely with staff across departments to maintain high standards of care, while also developing new programs that meet the complex needs of individuals facing neurological and psychological challenges.
In addition to her executive leadership, Dr. Kelly serves as a neuropsychology consultant at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital. This role allows her to remain directly involved in patient care, bringing her clinical insight into both individual treatment plans and organizational strategy. Her ability to balance hands-on service with high-level oversight exemplifies the multidimensional nature of her career.
Earlier in her professional journey, Dr. Kelly served as a supervisor in the retro audit department at Magellan Behavioral Health. There, she developed a strong foundation in behavioral health compliance, process review, and data-driven decision-making—skills that would later enhance her effectiveness in executive roles.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Dr. Kelly is active in several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Work, and The Brain Injury Association of Michigan. These affiliations help her stay attuned to evolving research, policy changes, and best practices in mental health and rehabilitation.
Dr. Kelly’s work has not gone unnoticed. She was honored with the Women’s International Award in recognition of her leadership and lasting contributions to the mental health field. She has also led Communicare Michigan through multiple successful CARF accreditations, demonstrating adherence to internationally recognized standards for quality care.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kelly remains focused on expanding services to rural and underserved communities. Her team is exploring ways to adapt programs for these areas, including revisiting Communicare’s early roots in Florida. This forward-thinking approach reflects her enduring commitment to access, equity, and transformation in mental health services.