Dr. Connolly has worked in forensic services as both a clinician and administrator for over 35 years.  She began her career as a forensic social worker in the Boston Juvenile Court, and later at Bridgewater State Hospital (Massachusetts). After earning a doctorate in psychology, she became a Designated Forensic Psychologist in the Massachusetts court clinics where she conducted hundreds of court-ordered evaluations and provided expert witness testimony. Additionally, she was appointed as a Qualified Examiner for court-ordered evaluations for persons who were being assessed for Sexual Dangerousness, and she provided expert witness testimony in Superior Court.

Her experience as an administrator began at Forensic Health Services where she served as the Clinical Program Director for the Court Clinics, then as the Program Director for the Sex Offender Treatment Program at the Massachusetts Treatment Center (MTC) and subsequently became the Director of Adult Treatment Services for multiple programs across the country. 

Dr. Connolly held the position of Assistant Commissioner for Forensic Services for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health from 2017-2025.  She represented the Department of Mental Health on a number of Legislative and Governor’s Commissions including the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board and as a Member on the Justice Involved Women Panel, both instituted under the Criminal Justice Reform Act.  She was a member of the Section 35 Commission to review the efficacy of involuntary alcohol and substance treatment and was a member of the Governor’s Special Commission on Sexual Offender Recidivism. She continues to serve on the Massachusetts Bay Threat Assessment Team for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reviewing high-risk cases for targeted violence.