Kelsey Ellis, MA CCLS

Kelsey Ellis is a surf therapy provider, grief counselor, and ocean-loving Pisces. She is the founder of the Waves of Grief Collective and the Audrey Marie Ellis Foundation. Kelsey draws from her own personal grief journey and professional expertise in trauma recovery to lead nature-based programs that help individuals and communities navigate grief through creative expression and a deep connection to nature.

This retreat marks Kelsey’s third visit to Ireland, a place that holds a special place in her heart. Having grown up as a competitive Irish dancer, some of her fondest childhood memories come from her time spent surfing the Irish coast after workshops. For Kelsey, Ireland has always been a magical place, full of beauty and healing, and she is excited to share this experience with others.


Kelsey has been featured in National Geographic & Gal Gadot's IMPACT series and is a proud recipient of the Jefferson Award for community change. She has also 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.