Kanisa Kelly

Background

Kanisa Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood intervention, a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, and a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology. With more than a decade of experience in the mental health industry, she also served as a logistics officer in the U.S. Army. Her diverse background in leadership, logistics, and organizational psychology has fueled her passion for creating healthier and more effective workplace environments.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Kelly enjoys exploring organizational wellness strategies, mentoring professionals in leadership development, and integrating faith-based coaching approaches to support well-being initiatives. Her decision to pursue a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at UNC Charlotte reflects her commitment to advancing research and practical solutions that enhance psychological safety, leadership effectiveness, and employee well-being.

Research Interest

Kelly’s research focuses on psychological safety in organizations and its impact on employee welfare and business outcomes. Specifically, she examines how leadership behaviors, management styles, and organizational culture influence psychological safety—and how these factors affect productivity, employee retention, and innovation.