Michelle Q. Slavik Founder OceanFlow Collective Nonprofit CEO/Executive Director & President Michelle's journey in being a surf therapy provider began as a participant in Waves of Grief. As a Director of clinical operations excellence, her background in building infrastructure and integrating systems to deliver much needed medicine to underserved communities across the globe naturally extends to the ocean space. As head and co-founder of the new nonprofit, Oceanflow Collective, and the Waves of Grief Collective™, Michelle’s professional and personal experiences have aligned with her passion for healing, rekindling a sacred relationship to nature, and creating space supportive of loss and trauma among individuals seeking inclusive, authentic and caring communities in/with/by/for blue spaces, like the ocean and it’s virtual shore. ​ She has been facilitating Waves of Grief since participating in the National Geographic Series, IMPACT. Later that year, she extended Waves of Grief into the workplace and onto a virtual shore at her Biotech company. Michelle was a member of Waves of Grief programming for US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, the surf therapy community at ISTO (International Surf Therapy Organization), and expanded community in Southern California with Anna Cho of HydroTheory. Her passion continues to drive awareness into cultures breaking down stigma surrounding mental health. Michelle led the defense of clinical data that gained approval for a sickle cell disease medicine, which subsequently won a 2021 Prix Galien award from The Galien Foundation for its “extraordinary scientific innovation in improving the human condition.” ​​​ "Growing safe spaces for this language of grief and loss to flow is the honor I can pay back to those we love. Plus it's easier to tap in to your heart space when you are in nature." Michelle says. "Nature mirrors and reweaves the space to heal."

Kelsey Ellis MA, CCLS Director Waves of Grief Collective Cofounder OceanFlow Collective Nonprofit Chief Operating Officer & Secretary ​ Kelsey is a certified child life specialist, surf therapy provider and grief counselor. Her background lies in facilitating expressive therapeutic programs for trauma recovery. She currently provides grief support training and grief support groups at Josie's Place in the San Francisco Bay Area. Collectively her professional and personal experiences have further fueled her passion for fostering community connection through creative programing. In March of 2020 Kelsey unexpectedly lost her twin sister to Covid19 complications. In response to her personal waves of grief, and solace found found in the ocean she founded Waves of Grief.  ​ In 2020 National Geographic & Gal Gadot selected Kelsey to share her grief journey and healing found through surf therapy in IMPACT.  The documentary shorts series is about six young women who are making an extraordinary impact around the world. ​ Kelsey is a proud recipient of the Jefferson Award for creating change in her community through Waves of Grief.  Most recently Kelsey was sought out to facilitate for the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and his team.  ​ Kelsey truly believes that healing can be found through authentic expression, community engagement, and connection to nature. "“The cure for anything is salt water: tears, sweat or the Sea.” - Isak Dinesen

Kacey Dodd Cofounder OceanFlow Collective Nonprofit Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer Kacey is a native of the California Bay Area where she has been a successful small business owner for more than fifteen years. Kacey has always realized the importance of good mental health and healing, and has studied mental health issues for over thirty years. With the isolation of the pandemic limiting access to her community, Kacey was drawn to Kelsey Ellis’ surf therapy program Waves of Grief in Half Moon Bay. The benefits of being in blue space, learning a new and challenging activity, and forming bonds with community centered the formation of Ocean Flow Collective. “I never expected the therapeutic healing I would experience by challenging myself physically and emotionally with the help of a surfboard and the ocean.” As a surf therapy facilitator Kacey is committed to Ocean Flow Collective’s mission of using the ocean to create safe space for trauma and grief healing.

Suzanne Zadeh Development Director Suzanne’s journey in community development spans from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the heart of Africa, shaping her into a changemaker and source of inspiration. Her global experiences and collaborations with luminaries worldwide have cultivated the skills she brings to her current role as Director of Development. During the challenging times of the pandemic, Suzanne's resourcefulness and passion for the ocean led her to cultivate a community in Linda Mar. Starting each day with a rejuvenating sunrise surf in Pacifica, she seamlessly blended her love for the sea with her dedication to her work, surrounded by awe-inspiring ocean views. Through this, she connected with the women's surf community in Half Moon Bay,Volunteering her time, Suzanne discovered a fulfilling, healing and authentic community of incredible women, empowering each other to find strength through riding the waves.The ocean, acting as Suzanne's teacher, playground, and healer, offers metaphors that extend from sea to land. Being a giver, serving the community, and helping others comes naturally to me, and I feel it deep in my bones. It is part of my identity, ingrained in my blood, and every moment spent working with my team is a cherished opportunity to foster a happy and healthy community, creating a safe space for individuals to feel heard, encouraged, and supported. Together, we make waves of impact.