She began her career at Roycemore School in Evanston, Illinois, where over the course of eleven years she taught across multiple grade levels, from preschool and kindergarten to serving as the lower school teaching librarian. She also led summer courses for elementary students identified for gifted and talented services, deepening her expertise in differentiation and enrichment.

After relocating home to Columbus, Ohio, Shelley joined The Wellington School as a prekindergarten teacher. In 2016, she transitioned into leadership, serving in a range of roles including Early Childhood Director, Assistant Director of Early Childhood and Lower School, Head of Early Childhood, and her current position as Head of Early Childhood and Lower School and Assistant Head of School for Academics.

In her current role, Shelley oversees academic programs from preschool through 12th grade, working to ensure Wellington’s curriculum reflects a culture of challenge with purpose while staying true to the school’s mission and values. She is passionate about bringing research-based instructional practices into classrooms, strengthening teacher development, and designing cohesive PK–12 curriculum frameworks that challenge and support every learner.

Shelley earned her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Miami University and her graduate degree in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. As a proud parent of three Wellington students, all of whom began as Little Jags, she brings both a professional and personal commitment to the school community.