Shelley graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Architecture) in 1980 and from the Architectural Association with a Masters in Architecture in 1984. Prior to forming Urban Arts Architecture in 2006, she was the principal of Urban Forum Architecture for 14 years. Shelley has been an adjunct professor at the UBC School of Architecture, University of Waterloo, and the Emily Carr University. Her recently completed Radium Hot Springs Community Centre and Library was one of the first DLT buildings in Canada and received a SAB Green Building Award.