Kennedy has spent more than a decade conducting research to amplify well-being among justice-involved people and families. Prior to joining CCJ, she was Director of Research Dissemination for an academic research institute focused on developing and testing well-being based behavioral health interventions for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, correctional staff, law enforcement officers, and other criminal justice system stakeholders. Kennedy holds a Master of Social Work and a PhD in Social Work Research, both from Florida State University.