Meet Life's Challenges with Courage & Creativity
Discover a sense of inner refuge, live with greater ease and trust, and reconnect with what matters most.
Through meditation and creative practices, I offer guidance for those seeking healing, ease, and transformation.
In times of transition and uncertainty, finding inner refuge can make all the difference.
I know how isolating it can feel to navigate heartbreak, loss, or moments of deep uncertainty. I’ve been there, too. Whether you’re grieving a beloved companion, feeling burned out, or searching for a new way to approach a challenge, I understand.
Since I was a child, I have turned to art as a way to process my experiences. Over time, I also discovered mindfulness and compassion practices. Both have helped me create space for grief, find refuge in stillness, and reconnect with my deepest values.
“Kelly’s guidance helped me navigate a time of deep uncertainty with a greater sense of presence and ease. Through mindfulness and creative practices, I found the space to process my experience and reconnect with what truly matters.”
Services
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Weekly Mindfulness Meditation Sessions
Kelly leads weekly online mindfulness meditation sessions through the University of Miami Libraries. To learn more, click here.
Introductory Mindfulness Meditation Sessions for Groups
Kelly offers accessible and experiential mindfulness meditation sessions for groups and organizations. These introductory sessions can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group.
Kelly’s mindfulness sessions typically include guided meditations, brief periods of instruction, and opportunities for sharing experiences with others. Participants are introduced to a variety of informal and formal meditation practices that can be incorporated into daily life.
Contact Kelly to discuss how she can support your group or organization. -
Kelly provides consulting services for libraries and other organizations interested in integrating mindfulness meditation and creativity into the workplace. These programs are designed to support mental health and well-being for employees and communities. Issues addressed can include employee burn-out, low morale, and retention.
Contact Kelly to schedule a conversation about how she can support your organization. -
Kelly offers one-on-one mentoring for individuals seeking companionship and guidance on their journeys. These sessions support those wishing to begin or deepen a daily meditation practice, find inspiration during challenging times in life or work, or gain clarity on the next steps in their path.
Contact Kelly to schedule an exploratory conversation. -
Inner Refuge Workshops: Fostering Heart-Centered, Creative Lives
Kelly’s Inner Refuge Workshops offer participants the opportunity to strengthen and resource themselves in a supportive, inclusive environment. These workshops blend meditation and art practices, drawing from lectio divina, an ancient practice of contemplative reflection that invites participants to engage deeply with texts, images, and their own inner experiences. Together, these practices foster inner strength, courage, and deeper connection to the heart, helping participants respond to life’s challenges with curiosity, care, and creativity.Join Kelly’s email list to learn about upcoming workshops.
Guiding with Presence & Creativity
In uncertain times, whether facing loss, aging, or transition, we all need calm, steady hearts. My vision is to offer creative and contemplative support for individuals and leaders aspiring to navigate change with presence and care.
I work with educators, librarians, artists, and clergy, supporting those who guide and uplift others as they cultivate mindfulness, creativity, and community. My mission is to help people center themselves, reconnect with their values, and move forward with courage, clarity, and compassion.
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Absolutely. Kelly’s sessions are designed to be accessible and welcoming for all experience levels, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to deepen their practice.
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Meditation offers a way to pause in the midst of life and reconnect with your inner strength. By cultivating mindfulness and care, you can discover calm and clarity, even during stressful times.
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These workshops blend meditation and creative practices to help participants strengthen their resilience and connect with their hearts. Inspired by lectio divina, an ancient tradition of contemplative reflection, they encourage deep engagement with texts, images, and inner experiences. Through this process, participants gain tools to approach life’s challenges with curiosity, care, and creativity.
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Yes, definitely. Kelly will connect with you to learn about what your organization is seeking, and she will adapt her offerings, as needed, to support learning and growth for participants.
Kelly has delivered talks and sessions on mindfulness meditation programs for large professional organizations, such as the Association of Research Libraries and the National Park Service; college courses in art, psychology, and writing; university entities, including student organizations and faculty and staff networks; and religious organizations, such as St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (Coconut Grove).
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Kelly’s mentoring sessions are tailored to your journey. Whether you’re starting a meditation practice, navigating a life transition, or seeking creative inspiration, these sessions provide companionship, encouragement, and clarity.
About Kelly
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Kelly practices Insight Meditation and regularly attends silent meditation retreats at centers such as Insight Meditation Society, Spirit Rock, and Garrison Institute. She is a graduate of the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) and Mindfulness Mentor Training (MMT).
Kelly is also a participant in the international Kincentric Leadership program, which has included time spent on retreat in the Rocky Mountains. Kelly now regularly integrates nature-based mindfulness practices into her daily life and work in Miami, Florida.
In 2024, Kelly began a two-year program in Spiritual Direction through Stillpoint, which includes a series of retreats at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. These experiences have shaped her approach to mindfulness, emphasizing deep listening, creativity, and compassion for oneself and others.
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As a painter-poet, Kelly integrates creative practices into her teaching, mentoring, and workshops. Drawing inspiration from the ancient tradition of lectio divina, she helps participants connect deeply with their inner worlds through meditation and art.
Kelly’s academic background as a literary scholar further informs her work. She earned a PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures from the University of Michigan, focusing on Russian and Czech poetry and painting. She also completed a Fulbright fellowship in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she explored the intersection of art and literature.
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With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Kelly currently leads the Mindfulness and Well-Being Programs at the University of Miami Libraries. Her work includes developing programs that foster mental health, community, and resilience within academic and professional settings.
Kelly has delivered workshops, keynotes, and presentations on mindfulness for national and international organizations, including the Association of Research Libraries, International Association of University Libraries, AMICAL Consortium, and the National Park Service.
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Locally, Kelly collaborates with campus and community organizations to offer inclusive mindfulness programs that support students, faculty, staff, and community members. In the classroom, her work extends into art, psychology, and writing courses, where she integrates mindfulness with creative expression and dialogue.
Globally, Kelly contributes to initiatives that promote mindfulness and well-being in educational settings and beyond. She is dedicated to creating spaces for connection and healing in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
Kelly lives and works in Miami, Florida, with her beloved partner, Marga, and cat, Zorka.
In 2024, Kelly's dog Pivot, a loyal companion for 14 years, passed away. Pivot's dignified, loving spirit continues to inspire Kelly on her path.
Finding inner stillness isn’t about stepping away from life, but stepping into it with presence, care, and trust. Through quiet reflection and creative contemplation, we create the conditions for transformation.
Get in Touch
Whether you are exploring mindfulness, navigating change, or bringing creative practices to your community, I’d love to connect. Reach out to start the conversation.
