Kelly Gately, Intern

Immediate Openings

Kelly Gately is a Master of Science candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rhode Island College, with plans to pursue licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She also holds a Master of Education in Science Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, as well as undergraduate degrees in Biology and Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University.

Kelly currently works as a Program Mentor at Western Governors University, where she provides one-on-one support to students, helping them navigate academic challenges, develop personalized study plans, foster motivation, and achieve timely degree completion. In this role, she also serves as a career-focused mentor, offering guidance, advocacy, and encouragement throughout students’ educational journeys. Previously, she worked with USTA New England as a Coach Development Coordinator, training and mentoring tennis coaches with a focus on leadership, confidence building, communication skills, and creating inclusive, supportive environments. She has also worked as an elementary and middle school teacher, supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development.

Her clinical interests include supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, identity development, and sleep concerns. Kelly’s approach to counseling is informed by her professional experience and her lived understanding of navigating chronic illness and invisible disabilities. She values a collaborative, strengths-based approach and strives to create a therapeutic space rooted in trust, empathy, and authenticity, where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Outside of her clinical work, Kelly enjoys reading, traveling, staying active, and engaging in community-centered initiatives. She is deeply committed to mental health access, inclusivity, and honoring each client’s lived experience with curiosity and compassion.