Shelley completed a Bachelor of Nursing in 1995 at The University of Sydney. Shelley trained in Intensive Care then after gaining some experience, travelled to the UK to work. Shelley worked as an Intensive Care Nurse in London, Edinburgh and Belfast for two years. Upon returning to Australia Shelley completed Master of Nursing- Critical Care at The University of Sydney while working at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Shelley then had a change in career path and moved to the Kimberley WA to work as a Remote Area Nurse. During this time Shelley completed Master of Nursing- Nurse Practitioner through Flinders University and is now an Endorsed Nurse Practitioner in Rural and Remote practice.