Thelma was recruited by Dallas ISD to teach one of the first multi-handicapped classes in the district. She was awarded Teacher of the Year at Martin Weiss Elementary where she taught Life Skills classes. Aspiring to further her career in Special Education, Thelma later became a Coordinator, Director, and Executive Director of Special Education Services. She oversaw the final stages of Project Homecoming, resulting in hundreds of students with disabilities being returned to their home campuses to be reunited with their siblings and non-disabled peers. Ms. Kelly will always be remembered as a resource of knowledge in the field of Special Education advocating for schools, staff, and especially parents.