Kelly Freel

Kelly is a graduate from the University of Delaware where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursery and Kindergarten Education.  She is currently pursuing a UD M.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in Early Childhood Development and Inclusive Education. Kelly has been working in the field of early care and education for over 28 years and has extensive experience working with infants and toddlers as a lead classroom teacher, as a team leader supporting infant and toddler professionals, and as a center leader in both profit and non-profit environments. She is particularly interested in brain development in young children, supporting infants and toddlers in trauma, and in outdoor learning environments that support curriculum development for young children.  She believes in the power of partnerships and is proud of her recent work in bringing communities – ELC staff, children, and families, UD students from multiple disciplines, and professional communities – together to support the redesign of our outdoor learning environments. Kelly lives in Wilmington with her husband, Bud, and their two daughters – Rose and Molly.