Kelsey Elis

Kelsey is an eco-therapy provider, grief counselor, surf therapist, and retreat leader whose work lives at the intersection of nature, community, and healing. Known for her grounded compassion and visionary leadership, Kelsey brings a rare blend of empathy and expertise to every space she holds.In March 2020, she unexpectedly lost her twin sister, Audrey, to Covid-19. In response to her own waves of grief, she found solace in the ocean, the place that became both sanctuary and teacher.Kelsey went on to found the Waves of Grief Collective, which now host grief circles and retreats across 15+ locations worldwide. Her work has been recognized by the U.S. Surgeon General and featured in National Geographic’s documentary series IMPACT with Gal Gadot.Rooted in continuing bonds, ocean therapy and meaning making modalities Kelsey’s approach invites authentic connection to self, others, and the natural world. She believes, as Francis Weller writes, that “grief and love are sisters, woven together from the beginning.”Kelsey has been featured in National Geographic & Gal Gadot's IMPACT series and is a proud recipient of the Jefferson Award for creating change in her community.She has led grief healing programs for U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and his team. Her Waves of Grief™ programs are grounded in somatic and eco-therapy-based modalities and constructivist loss theories, offering a unique, non-traditional space where participants can honor their loss and find comfort in nature.Kelsey is deeply committed to the power of authentic expression, community connection, and Mama Ocean to bring about healing.