About Me

Shelly in her wheelchair speaking at an event

I’m an author, a speaker, and a creator.

Author

I have loved writing all my life. Ever since I was a little girl in fifth grade, I have fancy myself a creative writer. I have written multiple short stories, blog posts, and endless titles of books that I’ve never actually written. What I have published are articles & interviews for ABILITY Magazine and co-authored a book titled, Beloved as We Are: Building a Congregational Culture of Disability Inclusion. And I’m just getting started…

Speaker

I have given countless speeches throughout my life. At one point, I rocked the microphone for Nesquick at the Times Square fair in New York City. I was also a product specialist for Pontiac cars and GMC trucks. I was even given the opportunity to speak at Google headquarters. More recently, my speaking engagements have kept me close to home. In 2026, I gave a one hour presentation for the Yellowjacket Series at RCTC, otherwise known as Rochester Community & Technical College here in Minnesota. I look forward to more opportunities!

Creator

I am the creator of this podcast, Uncomfortably Speaking. For more than 13 years, I lived between Los Angeles & New York City, working in the entertainment industry. I have a passion for the collaborative nature of filmmaking! This podcast allows me to join my passion of filmmaking with my lived experience of disability, bringing you an authentic look into living with internalized abelism.