Kelly Smedley
MSN, PMHCNS-BC, PMH-C
Kelly's professional and personal background has shaped her mission to help eliminate the suffering many moms silently endure and led her to opening our practice. She believes moms can find fulfillment in themselves without guilt. She believes moms can learn to cope and even flourish no matter what obstacles life throws at them. Because moms are tough! And sometimes it helps to learn skills to navigate the unexpected challenges in life so you are the best version of yourself. It's okay to take care of you! Being a mom is exhausting, demanding, and sometimes emotionally confusing!
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Kelly received her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Delaware and master's degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a board certified Clinical Specialist in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. Her entire nursing career has been in the field of mental health. She's held supervisory positions in both inpatient and emergency room settings during her work in Pittsburgh at both Southwood Psychiatric Hospital and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. ​
In 2007 Kelly relocated to North Carolina with a faculty appointment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Department of Psychiatry. During her tenure at UNC, she held several leadership positions including Program Coordinator for the Center of Excellence for the Research and Treatment of Bipolar Disorders as well as Clinical Director for the Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health. In addition to her leadership and administrative roles, she provided individual therapy to clients with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders as well as coordinated several NIH-funded research studies.
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In 2015 Kelly decided to focus more on individualized client care and moved into private practice as an independent contractor with Bull City Counseling, PLLC in Durham, NC. She became one of the first providers in the country to earn certification in Perinatal Mental Health. Her passion is working with women who are pregnant, postpartum, dealing with infertility or loss, as well as those navigating life with children of all ages. She identified a need for moms to have more specialized care and founded Waypoint Counseling & Maternal Wellness, PLLC in 2020 with a goal of growing a dedicated team of providers. Kelly is honored to help guide her clients through some of the most challenging times in their lives and be present as they find the satisfaction, confidence, and authenticity they strive for.