Dr. Kennedy studied art, literature, and foreign languages as an undergraduate at San Diego State University. She worked as a high school teacher and community provider for homeless women. She graduated with an M.A.in Social-Clinical Psychology from New College of California in 1998 and graduated with a Doctorate in Psychology from Wright Institute in 2002.

She has been affiliated with the Defense Health Agency since 1999, working at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs (VA), VA Puget Sound, Sheridan VA, and FSGA. Professional pursuits and interests include schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder research, trauma treatment, and the promotion of neuroplasticity through psychotherapy. She is currently the Team Lead for the 2ABCT Embedded Behavioral Health Clinic at FSGA.