Waves of Grief

Waves of Grief is a signature healing program of the Audrey Marie Ellis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded in loving memory of Audrey Ellis, a devoted nurse and twin sister, the foundation exists to honor her legacy through nature-based, community-centered healing programs. Waves of Grief brings this vision to life through nature-based grief support, creating safe, nurturing spaces for individuals and communities to move through loss with love, ritual, and connection.

Since 2020, Waves of Grief has served hundreds of people through our monthly Second Sunday gatherings, immersive retreats, and trauma-informed grief circles. Rooted in eco-therapy and inspired by the healing power of the ocean, our work continues to grow as a trusted resource for those seeking wholeness in the wake of grief.

Our programs are grounded in somatic and eco therapy based modalities and constructivist loss theories to address and support individuals moving through grief. Nature provides a unique opportunity to address collective and personal grief in a non-traditional therapeutic setting. Together we provide a natural space to gather in community and honor loss while interacting with the ocean as appropriate. We aim to foster a sense of community, connection and comfort while creating new meaningful experiences in integrated grief. The hope is that those who opt into Waves of Grief TM create their own sustainable therapeutic process in nature that is held and supported by the community cultivated in the programs.

Our Roots

Waves of Grief  became one of the world’s very first ocean community-based support organizations to reduce loneliness and isolation in grief during COVID-19’s early, most traumatic days. Led by Kelsey Ellis and Dana Marie Ahmed  (Nielsen)  of Wild Women Therapy  our program was featured in National Geographic’s documentary  “Impact”, where Kelsey told her personal story of the loss of her twin sister.  Impact is currently featured on the National Geographic channel and Disney + in 142 countries and 78 languages. ​In 2022 Waves of Grief became their own entity to expand inclusion and access to this model of care, while honoring their roots at Groundswell Community Project and SD Pain & Trauma Institute. Since 2020 Waves of Grief programs have grown calling in heart work and meaning after loss. 

Waves of Grief was sought after by the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and presented at International Surf Therapy 2022 Conference.  Now with 12 sites and partners around the world, in community we continue to offer accessible ocean therapy programs to support individuals and communities moving through grief and loss. Together we continue to find meaning in order to keep leaning into the world after loss, to keep moving waves of grief through the psyches of our bodies, and to integrate it. 

We are committed to fostering a space that honors and celebrates the diverse experiences of grief and healing. We recognize that every individual carries unique identities, histories, and ways of navigating loss. Our programs are grounded in the belief that healing is both personal and collective, enriched by the varied perspectives and traditions each participant brings.

We welcome and affirm individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our work embraces intersectionality, acknowledging the layered complexities of identity and grief. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported as they explore their paths to connection, meaning, and growth.

In alignment with our values, we continuously challenge ourselves to identify and dismantle barriers to access and inclusion. We commit to listening, learning, and evolving to ensure that our practices are equitable and reflective of the communities we serve.

Together, we honor the ocean, the land, and all beings, building a shared blue space where healing and connection are possible for all