Known in the community as "The Breast Whisperer" and "The Mary Poppins of Breastfeeding," she has appeared in local and national news programs, radio, and newspapers, including the Fox News Channel, The Washington Post, NBC 4 and the WashingtonPost.com's "Smart Living" section.
[2][5] On May 3, 2008 on FNC's Fox and Friends, Shelly emphasized the keys to successful breastfeeding as "early, effective and frequent" sessions and frequent skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby.
[6] In response to Time Magazine's controversial cover photo of a woman breastfeeding an older toddler, Shelly stated "there's more danger in standing on a stool like that, than there is in breastfeeding a three year old.
"[7] Shelly is an active member of the Lactation Consultant Association of Greater Washington.
[8] She received her BSN from DePaul University and a master's degree in health care management.