Kelly a Mackinac Island resident, has been involved in Civil War living history since 1998 and is the newsletter editor for the Michigan Soldiers' Aid Society, a civilian reenacting group known for their large educational presentations.

A life long obsession with the lifestyle and clothing of the past led her into becoming a living historian and producing both the clothing and accessories her personas demanded.

A graduate of Michigan State University's medical technology program, she recently left her laboratory career to fulfill a lifelong dream of living on historic Mackinac Island in northern Michigan and to establish a new career as a bead artisan creating reproduction and original design beaded bags and accessories.

Kelly and her husband Robin live in their long awaited Craftsman-style bungalow surrounded by their extensive collections of vintage clothing, books, coopering tools, candy molds, fabrics, and beads.