Hi, I’m Kelsey

I am is a Certified Child Life Specialist and grief counselor. I focus on helping children, families, and individuals navigate the complexities of grief, loss, and trauma. In a compassionate and supportive space, I use therapeutic play, creative arts, and educational tools to guide families through life’s emotional challenges, fostering emotional regulation, resilience, and peace amid adversity.

At Wave & Willow I work with youth offering a compassionate space to explore and process grief, loss, and trauma while honoring both the individual needs of clients and the dynamics of their families. Using therapeutic play, creative arts, and educational tools, I guide families through the challenges of life’s emotional experiences, helping develop healthy emotional regulation, build resilience, and find peace in the midst of life’s waves.

In 2020 I founded the Waves of Grief Collective & Audrey Marie Ellis Foundation in response to my own loss. I’m honored to have been featured by National Geographic and Gal Gadot in their documentary series IMPACT, highlighting my journey and healing through surf & ocean therapy. I was also humbled to receive the Jefferson Award for my community work with founding the Waves of Grief Collective. Recently, I had the privilege of facilitating a grief support program for U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and his team—a moment of deep connection and shared healing. For the last two years I have been honored to be the Program Director at Josie’s Place Josie's Place which provides facilitated peer-support groups to children, teens, young adults, and caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area who are grieving the death of a loved one.

I believe deeply in the healing power of authentic expression, community, and the natural world. It would be a privilege to walk alongside you and your family on your own healing journey.