Dr.
Amanda Kelly

Dr. Amanda Kelly is the President and CEO of Firefly Autism, Colorado's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with autism and their families since 2003. Appointed CEO in January 2022, Dr. Kelly has led Firefly through a period of significant growth and national expansion while maintaining the deeply individualized, evidence-based approach to care that has defined the organization for over two decades. Born and raised in the rural village of Castletown Geoghegan in County Westmeath, Ireland, Amanda discovered her passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum as a teenager when a neighbor's son was diagnosed. That experience set her on a lifelong path — she and her twin sister moved to Dublin to work at a school for children with autism, and both went on to earn Doctorates in Psychological Science and Behavior Analysis. After completing her doctorate, Amanda became credentialed as a Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and moved to the United States to join Firefly Autism, initially planning to stay for just a year or two. Nearly fifteen years later, she leads the entire organization. Under Dr. Kelly's leadership, Firefly Autism provides a comprehensive continuum of care — from diagnostic evaluations and early intervention services for children as young as 18 months, to center-based and home-based programs for ages 3 through 21, adult services, sibling and social skills groups, transition-to-work programs, and community training. The organization operates two centers in Lakewood and Colorado Springs, along with home-based services across the Denver Metro and Southern Colorado areas. Dr. Kelly is a Contextual Behavioral Scientist who believes the ultimate purpose of behavioral science is to change the world in a positive and intentional way. Her expertise spans Applied Behavior Analysis, Relational Frame Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Organizational Behavior Management, and staff training and development. Under her guidance, Firefly earned the Certified Neurodiversity Workplace designation from IBCCES and secured a landmark partnership with the Chickasaw Nation to provide remote behavioral health services to underserved communities. Dr. Kelly is a vocal advocate for expanded resources for adults with autism, increased workplace opportunities, and greater public understanding of the autism spectrum. She has been featured on CBS Colorado, in Authority Magazine, and at numerous industry conferences, where she speaks on nonprofit leadership, evidence-based autism services, and the importance of individualized, values-based care.