Kelly has been an educator for over 17 years. She has been an elementary classroom teacher, teacher leader and the assistant principal for the past 5 years at East End Community School. At East End Community School, she has focused on improving chronic absenteeism, implementing restorative practices and embedding a social emotional learning curriculum. She has also implemented the guiding principles of The Opportunity Myth, working to make sure EECS is a school where students have opportunities to work on grade level instruction that is engaging and where students do most of the thinking. In addition, ensuring that EECS is a place where teachers truly believe students can meet grade level instruction. Ms. Thornhill's mantra is "You always have a choice, so choose kindness."