In conversation with Michael Kelly, Associate Consultant
Michael Kelly is our Associate Consultant and an expert in behavioral health services, with more than 20 years’ experience in training and education, public relations, community organization, and development. His skills in administration and management at the Arizona Department of Health Services resulted in the revamping and funding of a historic behavioral health service delivery system for children in Arizona. We wanted to find out how his career in behavioral health began, and about his thoughts on the current challenges facing children with autism and their families.
When did you first start working in the behavioral health space?
“I acquired an associate’s degree in social work at Allegheny Community College in Pittsburgh. From there, I studied at the University of Pittsburgh and got a bachelor’s degree in sociology, and then moved on to a master’s program — a Master of Arts in teaching.
“My first job was as a police counsellor. My colleagues and I would ride around with the police department and be dropped off at domestic violence cases; generally, this is one of the most dangerous situations for an officer. I would de-escalate situations, triage the family members, and then recommend them to behavioral health services. Then I proceeded to head up a behavioral health program for young people in Pittsburgh for several years, before my wife, Vera, and I relocated to Arizona.
“This is where I decided to go in a very different direction. I wanted to try something new in radio and television. I became a radio broadcaster on an overnight show, easy listening country and western, on what was then called Cool AM Radio. I was on a learning curve that first year and gained a lot of experience; it was great fun.
“Eventually, I returned to behavioral health and joined the Arizona Department of Health Services, becoming an expert in the field of disabled adults and young people. I completed training through what was then the National Institute of Health and Mental Health and was there for 15 years.”
What a wealth of experience, Mr. Kelly — and what came next?
I wanted to continue to enhance my footprint and reach, and so I started working with a private consulting group, Kolbe Korp where I worked for three years. Have you heard of the Wonderlic Test and its founder Kathy Kolbe? Well, the test was developed by her father and is an acuity test that provides insight into people’s cognitive abilities — to determine what they are, and are not, willing to do. The test is used to enhance productivity for companies. After my time at Kolbe Korp, I became a senior advisor for economic development for the mayor of Arizona; I was with him for a decade. And since leaving, I’ve been busy with business consulting.
You’ve worked with our Chief Strategist and Partnerships Officer, Dr Sonya Pearson, for several years in a consulting capacity. How did that come to be?
“Dr Pearson and I met at Mesa Community College — she worked in senior administrative leadership, and I was doing some consultancy there. She then invited me to work on an initiative at the College of Southern Nevada, due to my experience in behavioral health and management.”
What attracted you to Shine Bright’s work?
“I knew Denise Resnik, who started a group called the Southwestern Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC). It’s probably one of the best local agencies that supports children with autism, from Pre-K through to early adulthood — SARRC is based in Phoenix, Arizona, which was acknowledged as being ‘the most autism-friendly city in the world’ by PBS NewsHour. Denise is brilliant and now heads up a sister company called First Place Transition Academy — it helps build the crucial skills that support independent living. It’s through First Place that I became aware of Shine Bright’s work.
“Shine Bright has a special niche in terms of providing quicker diagnosis and high-quality services to kids with autism in Arizona. We’re planning to scale nationally too, which is a very exciting prospect.”
What are the main issues facing children with autism, and how does Shine Bright aim to address them?
“Firstly, families getting a diagnosis, and secondly, long waitlists. Another issue is family support — families who have autistic children, but also the assistance they need to access individual education plans. They need comprehensive care and respite; both are very important. Then, there’s workforce development — training people to be able to deliver high-quality services.
“At Shine Bright, we diagnose early, shorten waitlists, and enhance the care on offer. We’re working diligently to not only address these challenges, but to improve the issues associated with the provision of service.”
Finally, Mr. Kelly, what’s a positive message about autism that you’d like to share with our audience?
“Let’s destigmatize and humanize autism and its challenges. Let’s illuminate children with autism; the love their families have for them and their successes.”