Bender, Kelly

Dr. Kelly Bender

PACE Specialist and Advanced Academics

Hello and welcome to Shepard Advanced Academics! I'm Dr. Bender, and I'm excited to be your teacher this year! I have spent over 20 years in education. I taught Advanced Placement and GT Science and Math at the high school level in Mesquite for the first 18 and for the 2023-2024 school year made the transition to elementary school. 

I grew up in Ft. Pierce, FL with my parents and two sisters.  I'm a 3rd generation University of Florida graduate and am working on my daughters to be 4th generation. I also attended Parker University in Dallas where I got my doctorate in chiropractic. After a few years of practicing part-time and teaching at Collin College, I decided full-time teaching was more for me.

I live in Plano with my husband, Chris, my two daughters; Katarina and Ava, and our black labrador, Tiki. My daughters attended Shepard and have gone through the PACE program here, so Shepard holds a special place in my heart. I enjoy reading, board games, puzzles, cooking, and traveling.  I look forward to being a part of your child's elementary experience!