She is a licensed psychologist with Board Certification in Geropsychology and holds a certificate in spiritual direction.  Dr. Carney's mission is to foster a holistic approach to meeting the “human needs” of the clients, staff, and family members touched by helping organizations.  

 

Dr. Carney has led the strategic development of innovative, person-centered approaches to support people living with dementia and their care partners.  In her most recent position, she served as the Corporate Director of Memory Care for a 27-site Continuing Care Retirement Community provider organization where she led organization-wide system change inspired by a new vision for dementia care.

 

In the era of COVID, Dr. Carney has responded to the weariness and burnout of healthcare staff by creating system-level interventions to foster emotional wellbeing. When systems encourage professionals to connect with the mission and values that motivate their work, that vision serves as a source of strength and inspiration.  

 

Dr. Carney is the lead author of a book published by the American Psychological Association titled “Transforming Long Term Care: Expanded Roles for Mental Health Professionals”. She also led the development of Neurocognitive Engagement Therapy (NET), a model for providing short term rehabilitation services to individuals with mid to late-stage dementia, which was awarded the 2016 Great Minds Award for Excellence in Dementia Care.

 

In acknowledgement of her expertise in memory care, Dr. Carney was appointed by Governor Tom Corbett to serve on the Pennsylvania Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders planning committee.

 

She is an active advocate for the Dementia Friendly Community movement and participates in a number of volunteer and professional organizations directed at supporting wellbeing in mind, body and spirit among older adults, their care partners, and the professionals who support them.

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In addition, Kelly is a wife, mother, grandmother, community volunteer, and spiritual seeker.  She understands the need for wholeness and balance in life and strives to be an advocate and mentor for those who lead and serve as they balance all the important priorities in their personal lives.