Dr. Amanda
Kelly
President & CEO, Firefly Autism
Meeting everyone where they are at, celebrating individuality and differences, and encouraging meaningful growth is at the heart of what the Firefly team does every day. It's all about the mission to positively impact and transform lives.
Why Dr. Amanda Kelly
Is The Expert
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.
- President & CEO, Firefly Autism (2022–Present)
- Ph.D., Psychological Science & Behavior Analysis
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst — Doctoral Level (BCBA-D)
- Contextual Behavioral Scientist — ACT & Relational Frame Theory Expert
- 15+ Years Serving Individuals With Autism at Firefly
- Led Firefly to Certified Neurodiversity Workplace Designation (IBCCES)
- Secured Chickasaw Nation Partnership for Remote Behavioral Health Services
- Comprehensive Care Continuum — Ages 18 Months to 70+
- Featured on CBS Colorado & Authority Magazine
- Born & Educated in Ireland — Dual Doctorate Graduate
Domain
Mastery
Scores
Power100's evaluation of Dr. Amanda Kelly's depth of expertise across the disciplines that define elite leadership in home improvement. Scored 1–10 based on verified performance, track record, and peer recognition.
Achievements &
Milestones
Ph.D. in Psychological Science & Behavior Analysis — Doctoral-Level BCBA-D
President & CEO of Firefly Autism — Colorado's Leader in Autism Services Since 2003
Secured Chickasaw Nation Partnership — Remote Behavioral Health for Underserved Communities
Led Firefly to Certified Neurodiversity Workplace Designation (IBCCES)
Comprehensive Care Continuum — Ages 18 Months to 70+
Two Centers (Lakewood & Colorado Springs) Plus Home-Based Services Statewide
Featured on CBS Colorado — Autism Advocacy & Education
Profiled in Authority Magazine — Nonprofit Leadership
Irish-Born Scientist Who Brought Global Expertise to Colorado
Nearly 15 Years Dedicated to Transforming Lives at Firefly Autism
Dr. Amanda Kelly brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to the Power100 platform as a world-class behavioral scientist leading one of the most respected autism services organizations in the country. Her expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis, organizational leadership, and values-based care offers valuable insights for any business leader interested in workforce development, neurodiversity inclusion, and building mission-driven organizations.
Her contributions span nonprofit leadership strategy, evidence-based service delivery, community impact at scale, and the growing movement toward neurodiversity in the workplace — topics increasingly relevant to home improvement companies looking to expand their talent pipelines and community engagement.
Firefly Autism is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with autism and their families through learning, support, and innovative solutions. Founded in 2003, Firefly provides a comprehensive continuum of evidence-based services including diagnostic evaluations, early intervention, center-based and home-based ABA therapy, adult services, social skills groups, sibling support, transition-to-work programs, and community training. Operating two centers in Lakewood and Colorado Springs with services extending statewide, Firefly serves individuals from 18 months to over 70 years of age — making it one of the few organizations in Colorado that provides full-spectrum support including adult services. Firefly is a Certified Neurodiversity Workplace and has expanded its reach through remote behavioral health partnerships.
Read The Expert.
Know The Industry.
Dr. Amanda Kelly contributes to Power100's growing network of verified home improvement leaders. Read their insights, watch their interviews, and follow their work.