about me

Hi, my name is Kelly. I recently graduated college in Washington, D.C. I was particularly interested in art museums and plans to pursue a career expanding access to the visual arts. I’m passionate about education and its transformative power. Working with kids is a very important part of my life. I love to ski, read, and spend time outside, whether it’s exploring nature or wandering around the city. My two big dogs look more like mops than animals. Mac & cheese is a staple in my diet. I order it any chance I get and dream of keeping track of it all in a food journal, but I won’t bore you with that on this blog.

my books

Just As You Are

Do you wish you were cooler, more attractive, smarter, or more athletic? You’re not alone! Unrealistic images and messages from social media, TV shows, movies, books, and magazines all make it easy for teens to get caught up in a never-ending comparison game. But comparing yourself to others can also lead to feelings of unworthiness that get in the way of your happiness. So, how can you stop focusing on your flaws and embrace who you really are—someone who is truly awesome.

Just As You Are is packed with simple ways to help quiet your inner critic, overcome feelings of inadequacy, and love show you are. You’ll find powerful mindfulness and self-compassion tools for dealing with negative thoughts and feelings, and tips for pursuing things you love and value most. With this book, you’ll learn to move past your “imperfections,” celebrate your true strengths, and go after what really matters in your life.

Communication Skills for Teens

Our relationships with others are an incredibly important part of our lives. I believe productive communication is essential to building and maintaining healthy relationships. Technology and social media have changed the way people communicate, particularly among teens. However, I believe that successful relationships are dependent upon our ability to connect with people face-to-face. Communication Skills for Teens provides the guidance you need to become a better communicator and succeed in all areas of your life. Each chapter focuses on one key aspect of communication, offers a real teen’s perspective (mine!), and includes practical exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned.

Mother-Daughter Radio Show

This week, my mom (/co-author) and I spoke about our book Just As You Are with my longtime friend Carolyn Twersky and her mom Laura. Listen to the radio show here!

We discussed issues like peer pressure and friend group drama, and also how Carrie didn’t think I was “sexy enough” to be in her talent show act at camp when we were in the sixth grade.

Spoiler: I eventually was allowed to participate thanks to our more compassionate friend Billie. Check out the photos below (Billie & I are matching–she’s in the orange cast–and Carrie’s center stage…who’s surprised?!)

Side note: Carolyn writes for Seventeen.com! Check out her articles here.