OUR TEAM

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."

Aneea Toomajian, LMFT Clinical Director Founder Positive Perspectives Aneea Toomajian MA, is an unconventional therapist and long time LMFT, solo mom of teen twins, wanna-be mermaid, and humble devotee of the seas and trees. Aneea founded Positive Perspectives in 1993 with the intention of contributing to the health, healing, and wellbeing of others. This Pledge is so deeply felt that a Sanskrit version is tattoed on her arm: LOKAH SAMASTAH SUKINOH BAVANTU Having worked in environments that span from preschools to prisons, Aneea draws from over 30 years of clinical experience with both adults and children, as well as from a fully embraced crazy beautiful life. Aneea was born in Santa Monica; growing up near and in the ocean. Living on a Peninsula provided constant connection with the water and allowed her to discover the sacred resources of the Sea. While caring for her mother through the ugliness of cancer, Aneea was sustained daily by the many powerful gifts Ocean Mama provided. Over many months and years, Aneea learned to rely on the reparative function of the Sea; counting on the divine ways She softens the rough edges of our broken hearts and allows us to restore our emotional equilibrium. Her relationship with Ocean Mama deepened and became central to her well-being and her work. Life is f'in messy. Healing is friggin' hard. Exploring ourselves and our lives takes courage and grit. It is Aneea's deep pleasure and honor to ride the waves with you. She has been heard many times saying "I have the best job in the world."

Stacy McCrory, LMFT Operations Director & Board Secretary Founder TwoCan Reatreats ​ Grief tender, joy seeker & founder at TwoCan Retreats, Santa Barbara Regional Director for the Waves of Grief Collective™, and Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice. I hold space for individuals, couples and families going through major life transitions, specializing in divorce, co-parenting and blended families, as well as trauma, grief and loss. I assist clients with improving communication, reducing conflict and creating healthy boundaries; as well as, provide support and guidance through psycho-education, coaching, mediation, and meditation. I assist and empower clients to be fully embodied and heal themselves using mindfulness and self-compassion practices, nature-based interventions, parts work and EMDR therapy. For over 25 years, I’ve served as a treatment provider, administrator and client advocate in both public and non-profit mental health settings (inpatient, outpatient, institutional, forensic), and in private practice. I’ve spent much of my career in clinical and supervisory roles, serving marginalized and underserved populations in the community mental health field, including advocacy, oversight and development for adult and juvenile mental health programs, as well as consultation on topics related to divorce and co-parenting, grief and loss, abuse and trauma, and women in leadership. I opened my practice in early 2005 to help families reduce conflict and minimize the negative effects of separation and divorce. After many years of training and experience with children and adolescents, I became a Certified Divorce Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Coach and Child Specialist, with a special focus on high-conflict co-parenting, including parent-child contact problems, or resist/refuse dynamics. I was a longstanding member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), The International Academy of Collaborative Divorce Professionals (IACP) and Collaborative Practice, California (CP-Cal), made up of interdisciplinary professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families through the resolution of family conflict. In 2021, I pursued more specialized training in mindfulness and self-compassion, grief and loss, psychedelic assisted therapy and conscious dying, becoming an end-of life doula, and studying with Francis Weller and other soul activists throughout 2023 and 2024. I’m a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) End-of-Life Doula Council, and volunteer my time as a doula with our small group, Dying in Grace in Santa Barbara, in order to be of service, expand my awareness and deepen my understanding of life, death and the sacred journey that lies ahead for us all.

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."

Angela Noury Finance Director & Board Treasurer Angela Noury is a trailblazer in both the natural world and the world of science. As the co-founder of a hiking and wellness group/nonprofit in Oakland, she’s passionate about creating spaces where people—especially communities of color—can reconnect with nature, community, and vitality. For Angela, getting outside isn’t just recreation; it’s restoration. With over 20 years of experience spanning biotech startups and global pharmaceutical companies, Angela brings deep expertise in building and evolving risk-based systems. She’s known for cultivating cultures of curiosity, growth, and integrity, and sees her role as a guardian of science and the natural world. Angela holds degrees in Clinical Laboratory Science and Microbiology and thrives in cross-functional teams where diverse voices lead to authenticity in practice. She welcomes healthy debate as a catalyst for authenticity in practice. When not guiding teams or trails, Angela is a dedicated caretaker to one teenager, three cats, and a thriving indoor jungle of succulents and houseplants. She’s also one of the rare women calling balls and strikes as an umpire for youth and college-level baseball and softball and currently serves as Umpire in Chief for the North/South Oakland Little League. A solo traveler at heart and adventure-seeker by nature, she’s always chasing the next trail, taste, or tale.

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