Dr. Edmond Kelly, Walther Class of 1995, currently serves as Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at Walther Christian Academy. His journey, from student to school leader, is one rooted deeply in faith, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to student growth.

After graduating from Walther, Edmond attended MacMurray College before earning his Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology from Liberty University in 2000. He began his professional career as a Behavioral Clinician in Virginia, later relocating to Georgia where he served as an Assistant Supervisor with the Department of Child and Family Services. In 2008, Edmond returned to Illinois to work as a Behavioral Clinician at Lutherbrook in Addison.

While building his professional experience, Edmond continued his education, earning a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling from Liberty University, followed by an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership. Edmond credits a Child Development course as the defining moment that shaped his career path. “I read the first chapter of the book and knew that was the route I wanted to go,” he shared. Growing up in a loving, but broken home presented challenges, and those experiences helped clarify his purpose. “I realized that I wanted to help prepare kids academically and personally for what life brings.”

As a student, Edmond admits he coasted through high school and struggled academically. A turning point came during his sophomore year when Ms. Ehretsman pulled him aside. “She told me I needed to get my life together; that I could do so much better. She believed in me.” That belief paid off as Edmond went on to make the honor roll the following semester. “I slipped again later,” he said, “but I proved to myself that I could do it.”

He also recalls the impact of Mr. Gillingham, who worked closely with his family during a prolonged period of financial hardship. “He understood the totality of the household,” Edmond explained. “That perspective, seeing the whole family and not just the student, is something I carry with me when working with our students today.”

These experiences inspired Edmond to write his three part book series called “How One Choice Directs Your Destiny” and with his wife, Felicia (Edmond’s high school sweetheart), to establish the Heroes of Tomorrow Foundation which provides scholarship opportunities for students attending private schools, including Walther Christian Academy. “I was the kid who needed financial help,” Edmond reflected. “Now, it’s a tremendous blessing to be able to help others in the same way.”

Edmond returned to Walther in 2018 after being invited to speak at Career Day. “That visit felt like coming home,” he said. The experience led to an interview and ultimately his acceptance of the Dean of Students position, a role he has now served in for eight years.

When asked why he chose to return to Walther, his answer is simple: “This is home. This is where I was raised.” Those who know Edmond know he often refers to the students as “my sons and daughters.” He means it. “I’m deeply invested in their academic and personal growth. If our students do their best, feel loved, and develop a sense of godly excellence, then I’ve done something well.”