Kelli Nielsen

Kelli Nielsen didn't originally envision herself to become The Grief Guru, but a series of personal losses shaped her path in a different direction. After losing her mother to suicide in 2017 and consequently moving to Florida from Minnesota, Nielsen found herself grappling with immense grief. The available support systems and tools for recovery seemed inadequate, and this prompted her to seek out other methods for healing.

An encounter with an inspiring speaker became a turning point for Nielsen. She committed to a journey of recovery, studying, praying, and documenting the process. Her newfound coping mechanisms were put to the test when, barely a year later, her son Quintin tragically passed away due to an accidental drug overdose.

In the face of this devastating loss, Nielsen applied the recovery skills she had honed. As she began sharing Quintin's life story and her message of hope, she recognized her true calling. Through her experiences, she also embodied the strength of resilience, having personally navigated through adversities such as battling cancer twice, enduring a divorce, bankruptcy, and the loss of her home.

Transitioning her personal journey into a professional mission, Nielsen became a speaker, author, and coach. She penned the book, "You're Not Crazy, You're Grieving," which chronicles the healing process she undertook following her significant losses. She also founded Grace for Grieving After Loss, an initiative aimed at helping others navigate through their grief and find purpose in their lives after loss. Grace for Grieving After Loss offers courses on loss and grief, a grief recovery community, weekend grief retreats, and resources for those grappling with loss.

Nielsen currently resides in Florida with her daughter, Piper. Together, they are creating new family traditions and making lasting memories, as Nielsen continues her work in supporting and encouraging those in recovery and those affected by trauma and loss.