Introducing Lifting Up: How One Idea is Changing Student Support
When Katie Kelly first had the idea for Lifting Up, she was working as a grant manager and policy analyst at the Peoria Police Department. She saw firsthand how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) could affect students in the classroom, yet there was no streamlined way for schools to receive crucial information that could help them provide support. What started as a grant-funded project turned into a mission Katie couldn’t walk away from—even after job changes and setbacks.
Now, as the founder and CEO of Lifting Up, she’s helping schools across the country implement a better system for supporting vulnerable students. We sat down with Katie to learn more about her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and why she turned to SCAPE to help scale her impact.
Q: What’s your name, title, and business?
A: Katie Kelly, Founder and CEO, Lifting Up
Q: What does your business do?
A: We help schools to provide evidence-based supports to students who have been impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which may affect their ability to learn and engage at school. We do this by facilitating communication from first responders to schools, automating the national Handle With Care model.
Q: Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey.
A: I became an entrepreneur by accident. I had the idea for what would become SmartServices Alerts (our tool) in 2017 while working as a grant manager and policy analyst at the Peoria (IL) Police Department. I submitted it as an application to the Department of Justice Technology Innovations in Public Safety grant, and won! Sadly, a few months into the project, my position was eliminated due to budget cuts and the project ended. I moved on to Coconino County, AZ, but I couldn't let go of the idea- I knew I was on to something! After 6 months in Flagstaff, I decided I wanted to see the idea come to life. I left my job, partnered with my brother who is a software engineer, and we launched Lifting Up in 2019. I'm proud to say that we have grown to serve 26 school districts and over 65,000 students!
Q: What was the most powerful lesson you learned on this journey?
A: Persistence and belief in Lifting Up. What we are doing is very innovative, and that can be hard in this industry. But I truly believe that Lifting Up can save lives- we have heard the stories from the school counselors who work with us. That keeps me going every day, trying to reach more school districts to let them know that this tool even exists and that it can have a huge impact on their students.
Q: Why did you apply for the SCAPE Program?
A: Since moving to the Four Corners region, SCAPE has been a consistent, valuable resource. I regularly reference the educational videos, attend marketing workshops they sponsor, and attend networking events whenever I can. When we decided to apply for the OEDIT Advanced Industries grant, they were a no-brainer to connect with.
Q: What companies inspire you the most (local, national, worldwide)?
A: I'm really inspired by "practical SaaS" female founders who build technology solutions to solve problems they experience in the public sector. A great local example is MUNIRevs founded by Erin Neer and acquired by GovOs. Another is Curate, a company in Wisconsin founded by Taralina Willis that was acquired by FiscalNote. I love learning about their journeys, and they inspire me to keep going.
Q: What do you love most about the Four Corners?
A: Of course, I love the beauty of the Four Corners, but I think something I have come to love the most is the people. I live in Pagosa Springs, and I have met so many interesting and kind people, a great mix of locals and transplants. I've built a strong community much faster than I expected, and I am so grateful for that!
Building a Stronger Future with Lifting Up
Katie’s journey is one of persistence, innovation, and a deep commitment to student well-being. What started as an idea on paper has grown into a tool used in 26 school districts, supporting over 65,000 students—and she’s just getting started. With SCAPE’s resources and a strong community in the Four Corners, Lifting Up is positioned to expand its impact even further. We’re excited to see where Katie takes this mission next!
