Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Kelly Nicole Moore

August 20, 1980 – August 20, 2026

Dr. Kelly Nicole Moore, a devoted mother, loving wife, brilliant psychologist, and community leader, peacefully departed this world on August 20, 2026, following a courageous year-long battle with Renal Medullary Carcinoma. She was 46 years old. Throughout her journey, Kelly exemplified unmatched strength in how she lived, how she loved, and how she led.

A Foundation of Faith and Excellence

Kelly was born on August 20, 1980, to Michael Walker and the late Diana Walker. As a teenager, Kelly accepted Christ into her life as her personal Lord and Savior, laying a spiritual foundation that guided her entire life. She was a longtime member of Gospel Tabernacle Church, Inc., where she actively shared her gifts as a praise dance choreographer, step master, and in various other ministries.

Raised with a foundation of love, faith, and community, she attended the Willingboro School District and graduated from Willingboro High School in 1998. Driven by a lifelong passion for understanding and helping others, she attended Cornell University, earning her bachelor’s degree in human development in 2002. While at Cornell, Kelly committed herself to sisterhood and service, becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mu Upsilon Chapter, in the Fall of 2000.

A Lifelong Learner, Healer, and Entrepreneur

Promptly after graduating from Cornell, Kelly began her professional ministry of healing at Robin’s Nest in Glassboro, NJ, where she treated young children and families navigating severe trauma. Her ambitious spirit and dedication to her craft led her to earn a Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003. Constantly seeking to expand her knowledge, she went on to obtain her Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University in 2011.

As a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Kelly’s impactful career included serving at the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA), where she specialized in treating individuals with PTSD, OCD, anxiety, and other complex conditions. Always looking to progress, Kelly moved to work at Rutgers University, where she would train clinicians across the country on various treatment methodologies. Ultimately, Kelly was promoted to the Director of the Center for Psychological Services (CPS) and joined the faculty at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP). As the Director of CPS, she passionately mentored and guided the next generation of psychologists through their clinical hours, practicum requirements, and other things needed for graduation.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to equity in mental health, Kelly became an entrepreneur during the COVID-19 pandemic. She founded her own private practice, Moore Wellness LLC, specifically to serve Black and Brown clients. Her practice focused mainly on women, as she intimately knew and understood their unique struggles in life, providing them with a safe harbor for healing.

An Honored Leader

An accomplished and nationally recognized psychologist, Kelly received numerous professional honors for expanding healthcare access and advancing the understanding of racial trauma. Most recently, she was awarded the NJPA Dr. Stanley Moldawsky Mentor Award, the Lifting as We Climb Award, and the NCSPP Transformative Leadership Award. Cementing her local legacy, she was named to the Willingboro High School Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Kelly was a member of several other professional organizations or affinity groups. American Psychological Association (APA), New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA), New Jersy Chapter - Association of Black Psychologists (NJABPsi), Therapy for Black Girls. She was also a national Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Framework trainer.

Kelly was also a prolific author, co-writing the seminal book Racial Trauma in Black Clients – Effective Practice for Clinicians and contributing chapters to several other academic texts. An avid reader, her love for books inspired her to found multiple book clubs with her close friends and colleagues. Her husband, Melvin, would affectionately call her his "little nerd" a title that poked fun at, and ultimately celebrated, her eternal love of learning.

A Life of Service and Sisterhood

Kelly lived her life by a strong moral compass, doing everything by the rules and leading with integrity. She was a Silver Star and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., marking over 25 years of uninterrupted service. Deeply dedicated to leadership, she served on the Pi Mu Omega Chapter executive board for many years, dedicating her talents in various capacities.

Her passion for community and youth development shone brightly through her dedication to Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Kelly served on the Burlington County Chapter executive board for many years, a journey of service that culminated in her election as Chapter President. Under her visionary leadership, she proudly guided the chapter to achieve the prestigious Five-Star Chapter designation, the organization's highest level of distinction.

Her Greatest Joy

On May 29, 2004, Kelly married the love of her life, Melvin Moore. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in deep partnership. From their blessed union, three beautiful sons were born: Miles, Mason, and Matthew. While her professional accolades were vast, Kelly’s absolute greatest accomplishment was being a mother to her beloved "M&Ms." She was fiercely proud of everything her boys did, and she routinely shared her joy, lighting up social media with updates on their progress and achievements.

Her Precious Memory

Kelly’s legacy of care, excellence, and unconditional love will forever be cherished. She was preceded in death by her mother, Diana Walker.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her loving and devoted husband, Melvin Moore; her three adored sons, Miles, Mason, and Matthew; her faithful dog, Ivy; her father, Michael Walker; her sister, Kimberley Hayes (Bradley); her brother, Ahmeen Walker; two aunts; her mother-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, and lifelong friends.