Kelli was born in Birmingham, Alabama but grew up primarily in Franklin, Tennessee. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. degree in Biology before attending Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. She completed her pediatric residency at University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina before joining the pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Vanderbilt. Kelli has not decided on a research focus but has specific interest in thyroid disease including thyroid cancer. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, son, and two dogs. She also enjoys watching sports (Roll Tide!) and being creative via painting or home DIY projects.