Kelsey Daniels, Clinical Director of Community Programs

Kelsey Daniels, Licensed Professional Counselor, is a graduate of the University of New Haven with a Master’s in Community Psychology. Prior to joining Sound Community Services as the Clinical Director of Community Programs, Kelsey began her work within the behavioral health non-profit space as a case manager and clinician, then made the transition into administration and leadership. Kelsey brings with her experience in evidence-based practices, clinical training, programming, crisis intervention, program development, quality assurance, contracts & compliance, and data analysis. Kelsey has worked within different levels of care including residential, intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, private practice, and college counseling. Kelsey is a Certified CPI Instructor and trained in several evidence-based models of clinical treatment including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Kelsey is passionate about removing barriers to treatment and ending the stigma around mental health and substance use disorders and approaches her work from a person-centered, harm reduction lens. By meeting someone where they are at and providing connection, we can uplift each other and create hope within ourselves to make lasting impacts on each other and the world around us. Outside of work Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband, baking, crafting, and going to the beach. 

What quote best captures your personal philosophy?

The quote that best captures my personal philosophy is, “No mud, no lotus”- Thich Nhat Hanh; without suffering through the mud, you cannot find the happiness of the lotus. Life is not easy, but through personal growth and development we can gain the insight to see our circumstances differently. I believe that all people can change and grow, we often just need someone to walk with us along the way.

What is something unexpected that most people don’t know about you?

The focus of my master’s program was Forensic Psychology because, before becoming a clinician, my original career goal was to be an FBI agent.

What do you most want clients of The SCSI to know about you?

I want the clients of SCSI to know that I love to laugh and talk about all things music, movies, and pop culture, so always feel free to say hi and chat. You might be surprised by what type of music I listen to!