Speaking & Workshops

I snapped this picture moments before the doors opened, where I gave a recent keynote to 500 attendees.

Meet Kelly

Kelly Hurd, M.Ed., is an educator, trainer, certified life coach, certified health coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and founder of Uplevel Life Coaching.

After navigating significant stress and burnout in her own life, Kelly became passionate about studying happiness, resilience, nervous system regulation, and behavior change. Today, she helps schools and organizations create healthier, happier, and more resilient communities through practical, evidence-based tools that people can put to use right away.

Popular Topics

  • The Calm Brain Advantage

  • Rewiring the Brain for Joy & Resilience

  • More Joy, Less Stress

  • Preventing Burnout Before It Starts

  • Building Resilience in Challenging Times

  • Nervous System Regulation for Everyday Life

Available for keynotes, conferences, professional development days, staff wellness initiatives, and organizational trainings.

  • As a former educator and lead trainer that delivered professional development to teachers, I understand the realities of today's schools.

    My workshops help educators to first improve their own emotional regulation, which serves at the necessary foundation for students to feel safe, connected, ready to learn. I then teach them how to widen the window of tolerance, best help to shift dysregulation and the practical tools that make all the difference.

    I have seen countless examples and worked with the schools to see how this approach improves teacher burnout, absenteeism, turnover, student engagement, classroom behavior, the school culture, and student academic success and test scores.

    Both staff and students feel calmer, more connected, hopeful, joyful, and resilient.

    My presentations are grounded in neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, positive psychology, somatic practices, trauma research, and occupational therapy.

    By translating complex science into practical, evidence-based, everyday tools, I help teachers feel better and teach better to help students to perform at their best.

  • High performers are often taught how to work harder—but not how to manage stress, prevent burnout, and sustain success.

    My presentations help teams improve focus, decision-making, communication, adaptability, and resilience during times of challenge and change.

    When people learn how to regulate their nervous system, they gain an advantage many overlook: the ability to remain calm, clear-headed, connected, and effective when it matters most. The result is healthier employees, stronger teams, better performance, and a more resilient workplace culture.

Practical, Science-Backed Tools for More Joy, Less Stress

Stress, burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm impact performance, relationships, health, absenteeism, and work-life satisfaction.

My presentations help people understand what's happening in their brain and body under stress—and, more importantly, what they can do about it.

Using neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, positive psychology, Positive Intelligence (PQ), mindfulness, somatic practices, and trauma-informed approaches, I teach practical tools that help people regulate their nervous system, build resilience, and improve their overall well-being.

A regulated nervous system is a competitive edge. When people can stay calm under pressure, think clearly during challenges, recover quickly from stress, and respond rather than react, they perform better, lead better, teach better, help others match their state (co-regulation), and live better.

My style is warm, engaging, and highly practical. Through storytelling, real-life examples, and interactive learning, participants leave with tools they can put to use immediately.

Participants Learn How To:

  • Calm the nervous system and reduce stress

  • Understand what's happening in the brain and body under pressure

  • Respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically

  • Build resilience and prevent burnout

  • Improve emotional regulation and mental fitness

  • Improve the states of others around them

  • Increase confidence, optimism, and well-being

  • Create healthy habits that support long-term success

The Result

Participants leave feeling calmer, more focused, resilient, and equipped to handle life's challenges with greater confidence and ease. They gain practical tools that improve well-being while enhancing performance, relationships, leadership, and decision-making.

Book a consultation

Participant Comments

“This was excellent. Kelly was fantastic! Her gentle and welcoming approach and all her strategies were great.”

— Participant from 2025

“I enjoyed it very much and appreciated the presenter's approach to this very important topic. Please bring it back!”

— Comment from 2026

“She was a great presenter. She was so open and friendly and fun. Everything was well covered, and I have ideas to bring back to my school.”

— Participant Comment from 2026

What my clients have to say:

  • "Kelly is a fantastic life coach! I’ve met with her for the past 3 months, and every session I leave feeling refreshed, less stressed and with an entire tool kit to combat anxiety and panic symptoms throughout my day. I am able to set boundaries at work now, and focus more on what makes me truly happy. I can’t thank Kelly enough, and highly recommend her for any future clients!"

    Sarah Hills

  • “I feel so lucky to have had Kelly's support. Kelly's knowledge of best health practices and resources impressed me week to week and the tools she has given me have positively impacted me and will continue to do so. With Kelly's guidance, I found more balance in my life, I’ve become lighter and I have become empowered to make changes for my happiness and health.”

    — Molly

  • “Kelly is extraordinary. She's not just a coach, but a genuinely great person who cares about other humans in a real way. She is real and relatable and the person you never knew you needed in your corner cheering for you. Her cheerfulness and optimism are inspiring, but she does not shy from challenges, nor is she unfamiliar with negativity and the rawness of life itself. She is a problem solver and comes to every session with ways to tackle life and make it work for you. She and I connected at the most raw points in my life and from the very first meeting, I felt like I was talking to an old friend. I knew she had my best interests in mind from the start and trusted her wholeheartedly....I still do! I value every minute I spent with Kelly and everything she taught me about tackling life, keeping myself in a positive space and picking myself up when I fall. She is truly an invaluable asset to this crazy thing called life and I can't say enough amazing things about her."

    Allison Smick

  • "Kelly is an AMAZING coach. I’ve been going through a lot of life transitions recently and she has been extremely patient, kind, and most of all, understanding towards me. She gave me amazing suggestions for real and tangible things to change about my life, so I can start implementing the lifestyle and self talk that I want, one step at a time. I could not recommend her more, she really is there for you."

    Annie Trowbridge

  • "Kelly, I thoroughly enjoy your presentation "More joy, less stress." - I found your advice super helpful and your story very relatable. I have already put some of your tips and tools into action, and seriously, this was one of the best and most practical trainings I ever attended. Thank you!"

    Bettina Sietz

  • “Kelly helped me transform from exhausted to a more energetic, happy, healthy version of myself. I highly recommend Kelly.  She imparts her wisdom with such care that you can’t help but become your best self!”

    Stephanie Bell

  • "Kelly is an outstanding coach! Her expertise, passion, and dedication to her clients are unparalleled. She empowers her clients to maximize their potential and inspires them to live their best life. Kelly's approach is compassionate and thorough, and she excels at keeping her clients accountable in a supportive and encouraging manner. Her ultimate goal is to help her clients achieve and surpass their goals, and she consistently delivers. Kelly is committed to her clients' success and is always willing to go above and beyond to offer personalized support and guidance. Without a doubt, Kelly is the best coach out there!"

    Heather Perigny

  • “Kelly is amazing. She brings positivity and a deep understanding of the process to growing your happiness. Already she has provided me with many tools I lacked previously in combating depression. She is punctual, funny, and always positive- but not in a fake, unrealistic way. I never thought therapy could be so enjoyable a process.”

    M D

  • "I've only known Kelly for 5 months, but it feels like I've known her for 25 years. I feel so blessed to have been introduced to her. Thanks to my wife for finding someone to help guide me through the most difficult time in my nearly 40-year professional life. It's comforting to have someone I can trust, share with, listen to, and feel I have someone who understands and genuinely cares. Kelly has been a true anchor, providing invaluable support and guidance. Highly recommended!”

    Tom Boucher

  • "I worked with Kelly for 4 months. Prior to meeting her I was feeling frustrated with my daily routine and struggling with areas of mental health. Kelly helped me find more confidence within myself, taught me skills to battle anxiety, and helped me organize my weeks ahead. Kelly is very client focused and does her best to understand YOU and what works best for YOU. Kelly had new ideas each visit on how we could reach my particular goals. We would set weekly, realistic goals to implement, which I still use now! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I highly reccomend signing up for 4 or more months to experience impactful and positive life changes. Kelly is an incredible coach and will treat you as a life long friend!"

    Ashley Lester

  • “I loved my coaching sessions with Kelly! I learned so much and truly believe that these sessions were and will continue to be a major part of my life. I'm calmer, more focused, and even sleeping better! I'm so grateful that I was able to have this opportunity and can't wait to continue on my path with the wonderful momentum and knowledge I gained from my time with Kelly.”

    Michelle

  • “Being coached by Kelly was incredible. Kelly listens intently and provides suggestions tailored to your needs. She has a wealth of knowledge and provides beneficial nuggets of wisdom each week. My mind is calm and my body is stronger. I have routines in place that will help me to sustain these changes, and continue to grow with a healthy lifestyle.”

    Jenn

  • "I had been planning on leaving teaching when I was introduced to Kelly. A colleague raved about her and I knew I needed to make changes. Life now feels better. I enjoy my kids more and have more patience, and more fun. I am not consumed by worry or anger like I used to be. My best decision was your coaching because it truly changed things for me and for my family. Thank you Kelly!”

    Lynn

  • “This was the best investment I’ve ever made and honestly, the 1st investment that I’ve made in myself.”

    Jamie

  • “I was completely overwhelmed with emotions and exhausted when I met Kelly. This was life-changing. I will always appreciate what I learned from Kelly and carry it forward to others in my life as well as my classroom. I feel blessed to have found something that I had lost - me.”

    Jennifer

  • “I didn't want there to be such a dramatic difference between the person I am in the summer versus the rest of the year. Kelly and her understanding of what it's like to be a teacher and her strong knowledge of health and wellness took baby steps with me to help me be a happier and healthier person. There is no way I would have been able to do this myself.”

    Amy

  • “I was in the habit of putting my needs below everyone else's. Through my time with Kelly, I learned strategies to gain clarity about identifying what I wanted and how to develop a plan to get there. My weekly sessions not only energized me but helped me stay accountable to myself, my family, and my students. I truly feel blessed to have had the Kelly's guidance and perspective.”

    Heather

  • “Kelly helped me create achievable goals and sustainable habits that have transformed me from exhausted to a more energetic, happy, healthy version of myself. I highly recommend Kelly as a life coach. She imparts her wisdom with such care that you can’t help but become your best self! Thank you Kelly!”

    Stephanie

  • “The 12 week coaching session with Kelly was extremely valuable to me. I would encourage all teachers to engage in wellness opportunities, especially with Kelly as the mentor and coach! When at my best, I am not only my best for myself, but also for everyone else around me.”

    Abbie

  • "Kelly Hurd led a workshop titled “Living with More Joy and Less Stress” at our library and I recommend her highly! She was a joy to work with during the entire process. She gave an engaging, informative, and powerful presentation. The tools she shared with people were free and could be tailored to the audience members’ needs. Her talk was a great blend of personal experiences, audience participation, and supportive tools. People left with an abundance of tools they could use immediately. Her energy and empathy radiated in the room. I received feedback from participants days and even weeks later about how much they appreciated the program and how the tools were effective and manageable. Her talk is a wonderful fit for libraries and would be a great fit for other settings as well."

    Heather A. Portsmouth, NH Public Library

  • "I reached out to Kelly on a whim after finding her on social media, and I feel so lucky that I did. She has guided me through a challenging and stressful chapter of my life with deep listening, thoughtful challenges, and strategies for long term happiness and resilience. Thanks to my work with Kelly, I feel that I have made incredible progress—I feel more present in my life and more focused on the goals that truly matter to me. I am so grateful for Kelly and the transformative work she does."

    Kaitlin Luker

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed Kelly's presentation on more Joy and less Stress. She's knowledgable about her topic, engaging, and so genuine. I left with several valuable take-homes that I put to use right away. Thanks for being such a wise and caring Life Coach, Kelly."

    Beth Boynton, RN, MS, CP

  • "Kelly has given me solid and inspiring direction in my life as a life coach. She is very professional, and I highly recommend her."

    Rebecca Klementovich

  • "Thank you so much for your guidance - helping me clarify my thinking, validating the need for change, giving me actionable steps to take."

    Stephanie Hausman

  • "Thank you for providing this workshop! You did an AMAZING job!! Keep shining your light bright!"

    Faith

  • "Working with Kelly made goal setting and follow through feel effortless. She introduced habit stacking in a way that was easy to implement and helped me build lasting routines. A perfect balance of encouragement and accountability pushed me to grow and stay on track. I’ve made real lasting progress thanks to her guidance and know that she’s still here to support me and continue to offer other services."

    Tricia Perra

  • "Connecting with Kelly Hurd of Uplevel Coaching was both powerful and personal. Hearing her story about why she began this work resonated deeply with me as a former educator. Like so many teachers, I once felt there was nowhere else to turn if I couldn’t keep teaching. Kelly’s journey and compassion made me feel instantly understood. What makes Kelly truly stand out is her ability to help you navigate the challenges you’re facing right now while also giving you practical tools to move forward. An hour with Kelly feels like being held in complete safety—she creates a space that is both grounding and empowering. She reminded me that I already have the ability to grow and thrive; I just needed a new set of tools to bring out the best version of myself. If you are considering leaving the classroom, or if you are searching for a way to stay while still choosing yourself, Kelly Hurd is the best resource you could ask for. Her guidance is compassionate, practical, and transformative. I can’t recommend her enough—I’ve even shared her name with some of the most wonderful teachers I know because I believe so strongly in the work she is doing."

    Lorraine Connell

  • "I reached out to Kelly after running into a wall both professionally and with my own creative, personal endeavors. Over the course of 12 weeks we worked through what was holding me back and causing me to feel stuck and how to get unstuck. Together we broke down walls with practical steps and tasks that slowly got me to where I needed to be. Her guidance was amazing and week after week, she brought new ideas and things to try and her ability to pivot and adapt was wonderful to work with. Her positivity and excitement is infectious and she is just the type of person we should all have in our corner championing us on. Working with her and having a constantly shifting schedule was easy and being able to adjust to my own fluctuating schedule was huge. I would recommend her services and abilities to anyway that is feeling stuck in their lives whether it be a professional issue, a personal issue, or a creativity issue."

    Jonathan Kohanski

  • "Before coaching, I was feeling lost in life and stuck with the same routine. The kindness and positivity each session was very encouraging and I was always looking forward to chatting. I felt like I could be honest with my thoughts and felt like I was making progress with goals even if the steps were small. Recent events have made life challenging, but with the goals and techniques provided by Kelly it has been helping me focus on the good aspects about myself and in my life. I really appreciate the kindness and positivity shown during the hard times in my life. It was really nice to have someone to talk to about personal issues and how to move forward."

    John Shumway

  • "I recently attended a workshop on stress management led by Kelly at Up Level Your Life Coaching, and I was genuinely moved by the experience. Kelly has a remarkable ability to combine solid science with deep heart. She clearly brings extensive education and expertise to her work, yet presents everything in a way that feels authentic, approachable, and never judgmental. She’s kind, sensitive, and thoughtful, creating a space where people feel comfortable being vulnerable while still staying grounded in practical, professional guidance. It’s a rare balance, and she nails it. I highly recommend Kelly for speaking engagements, facilitated workshops, and one-on-one coaching. Her impact is meaningful, timely, and truly valuable."

    Lisa Keslar

  • "Kelly Hurd, of Uplevel Life Coaching, delivered a thought-provoking and uplifting presentation for the members of the Seacoast Women's Network on November 18, 2025. She spoke from the heart, using her own experiences to illustrate the path from darkness and despair to light and joy."

    Karen Schuster

  • "Kelly spoke at a business networking event I attended and I loved it! She walked us through an exercise about handling stress over the holidays. I loved the useful tools she gave, and I can’t wait to bring this exercise to my leadership team so they can benefit from it too. Thank you Kelly!!"

    Lindsey Hadley

  • "What a JOY to work with Kelly! Her peaceful energy and her welcoming nature make it feel possible to dig in and do the work!"

    Amy Perez

  • "Kelly, I spoke with many of our Mentors this morning and we ALL agreed that your workshop was invaluable and inspired us. Jess and I will share this reading list with them. Your handout is something I personally put right into my Books App and will look back at both personally and adding to my teaching practice. From the bottom of our hearts thank you for sharing all the tools you’ve compiled over the years with our little nest. Sending you big Monday love!"

    Nora Happny Assistant Program/Marketing Ambassador The Village Nest Cooperative

  • "I am currently being coached by Kelly. She truly is amazing! As a woman who facilitate the growth and well-being of so many people, I tend to have limited cognitive and emotional space for my own well-being. Kelly has been in my private cheerleader and advocate. Taking steps at a time, at a pace that is appropriately challenging for me, Kelly is facilitating my personal growth. We only have so many revolutions around this beautiful sun. With Kelly’s inspiration, I know my remaining years will be more healthy and vibrant as I focus on me, too."

    Jenn Sellars O’Mahony

  • "For the past 17 years, I worked very hard to reach my executive level at work. I stopped taking care of myself and let my career take over my life without realizing it. I couldn’t even remember the last time I felt truly happy or even smiled. I was just “doing the motions” on a daily basis. After weeks of working with Kelly and using the practical tools she shared with me for my lifestyle, I was able to create healthy boundaries, start to take care of myself again while still succeeding at my career. She is/was a lifesaver!"

    K.A.K.

  • "Kelly’s authentic, joyful strategies make such a difference in reducing anxiety and affecting meaningful change in stressful situations. I have been deeply moved by her kind, impactful coaching. She is truly gifted. We are so lucky to have her on the Seacoast!"

    Andrea A.

  • "Kelly's ability to make a heavy topic feel approachable, empowering, and actionable. She didn’t just talk about stress in theory; she helped our clients (women's fitness studio in Dover, NH) understand its real impact on their health, energy, and decision-making, while offering simple strategies to manage it with more awareness and control. I would absolutely recommend Uplevel Life Coaching to anyone looking to reduce stress, improve emotional resilience, and create sustainable personal growth—especially women juggling business, family, and high expectations of themselves."

    Heather Dewitt, EvoFit Women’s Bootcamp

  • "How can you give someone 6 stars or 7 for a review? 5 just isn’t enough sometimes. Many people like to learn more. So, here’s what mattered for me - I was looking for something...something that when I found it, I’d be able to do more, help more, and be more to those in my life. It had a name. I knew it did. I started looking. I found UpLevel and Kelly after my good friend AI said “try Life Coaching”. I read Kelly’s story and how she approaches Coaching. I got the sense there was something else, though. So I called - and there is something else. Energy, courage, honesty, listening, patience, acceptance, skill, commitment, and when needed some motivation. I learned new skills - Kelly was confident and invested in me and I invested in myself. I had a good story, I had a good life “portfolio”, good family - but what I was missing was just for me to believe in myself - that I could have “it”, too. “It” was right in front of me… waiting. So, after 12 sessions, I now know how to get from “here to there” and that I’ll be safe as I travel. It took asking for help, getting the tools, trusting someone, and for me to learn that no matter what, I’d be OK. So, if you read this - and you meet Kelly, maybe you’ll be looking for that 6 or 7 star review too. All the best. PS - no AI was used here."

    Joe

  • "I’ve been coaching (business and personal) as well as counseling for many years. Kelly has a unique way of combining the caring, nurturing side of therapy with the action oriented side of life coaching. When I speak with Kelly, I feel heard and understood. Her carefully worded questions of a way of inviting different answers, which in turn, helps me self discover the different thoughts I needed that were somehow stuck inside. She does all this with a gentle nature that’s unassuming and curious. What sets Kelly, apart from others in her field that I have experienced is her solution based, action oriented approach to talking things out. We’re not talking for talking sake, then “times up, see you next week“. We’re there to find actionable tasks and new thought processes to foster real change. She’s also an excellent listener and notetaker. She’ll then recall past conversations from her notes. When you hear your own words read back to you, something really good happens that is hard to explain. I guess you’ll have to book time with her and find out for yourself!"

    Jon Kenyon

  • "Before practicing PQ, every other method I tried had failed me. PQ is exceptionally well designed—bite-sized, practical, and easy to incorporate into daily life. What worked best for me were the daily sessions, which helped me break repetitive thinking cycles and refocus my attention on the present moment. Over time, this became a habit that allowed me to label my thoughts and separate them from who I am. The impact has been truly life-changing, and I am deeply grateful to Kelly for introducing me to PQ."

    Ravi

  • "I can’t recommend Kelly highly enough as a grief counselor and life coach. From the very first session, Kelly created a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where I felt truly heard and understood. Her empathy and genuine care made a huge difference during an incredibly difficult time in my life. Kelly didn’t just listen, she provided practical tools, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful strategies to help me work through my grief, anxiety, and trauma in a way that felt manageable and empowering. Each session left me feeling more grounded, supported, and hopeful. If you’re looking for someone who is kind, insightful, and deeply committed to helping you heal and grow, Kelly is truly exceptional. I’m incredibly grateful for her support and the impact she’s had on my healing journey."

    Melissa

  • "I found Kelly for my high-achieving teen who was feeling anxiety from all the pressure of applying to college. They worked together, and she taught my child a lot of practical tools that made a difference. My daughter even asked to keep having more sessions to maintain ongoing support and accountability for achieving goals, maintaining healthy habits, and keeping a healthy mindset."

    Kelley Allen

  • "She was wonderful; excellent speaker." ~ "I thought the trainer did a wonderful job engaging everyone and keeping it low risk yet also keeping us involved." ~ "This training was phenomenal! Thank you so much! OH and our Trainer.... SHE ROCKED!!!!"

    Recent Feedback From Full-Day Workshops

  • "WOWZA!! I love working with Kelly! I get so stuck in my own loop - the familiar thoughts and feelings that keep me chasing my tail - that I needed Kelly to shake up my thinking. She asks EXCELLENT questions, provides smart feedback, and she is quick to celebrate the wins. Kelly has been the answer to my prayers."

    Emily Clement

  • "Kelly is absolutely amazing! She is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and kind! She comes to every meeting with notes, ideas and helpful tools! I appreciate the science backed information too! She is always learning and sharing new skills!"

    M.S.

SEE ALL REVIEWS