Kelli received her Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution Studies (with distinction) in 2000 and then attended University of Manitoba, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in 2004. She received her Call to the Manitoba Bar in 2005.

She is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, Manitoba Bar Association and currently acts as President of the Western Manitoba Bar Association. She also currently holds the position of Co-Chair of the MBA's Alternative Dispute Resolution and is a Representative of the Western Judicial District for the Branch Council of the MBA.

Originally from Dauphin, Manitoba, Kelli lived and practiced law in Winnipeg prior to relocating to the Brandon area. Since 2006 she has practiced exclusively in the area of family law with a particular focus on litigation, having represented clients in all levels of Manitoba Courts. Additionally, she has both mediation and collaborative family law training and experience. Kelli also assists clients with domestic and international adoptions and guardianship proceedings.

She has been a guest lecturer at both the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba, presenting on topics including family law practice and procedures, custody, child support, spousal support, property division, alternate dispute resolution in family law matters, domestic violence issues and conflicts of interest. In her spare time, Kelli enjoys camping, gardening and cooking for her friends and family. She is a music lover and a regular attendee of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Kelli also loves travelling, especially summertime excursions to Target Field to catch Minnesota Twins games with her husband, Ryan and their children.