Tricia Kelly has extensive experience working with Multilingual Learners as a teacher, program consultant, and curriculum specialist. She has taught Spanish and English bilingual programs across New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and has served as an MLL Specialist supporting teachers in Providence-based charter schools. Tricia earned her doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, where her research focused on cross-cultural relationships within dual language programs. Her current research and advocacy interests include finding ways to incorporate asset-based and culturally affirming practices in integrated programs for Multilingual Learners in K-12 school settings. She is particularly interested in innovative strategies that consider teachers, families, and community organizations in a holistic manner to support Multilingual Learners, especially newcomer students. Recent projects she has undertaken focus on translanguaging pedagogies that help sustain multilingualism in schools and ways to expand dual language programming in secondary school settings. Tricia's teaching, research, and advocacy prioritize maintaining joy at the center of hard work in schools.