About Us
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Kellin, PLLC provides counseling and psychological services, trauma-informed training and technical assistance, and innovative organizational consulting including research and program evaluation.
We were founded in 2011 by Dr. Kelly Graves and have grown to include several talented Kellin Associates. Learn more about Our Story below. |
Dr. Kelly Graves, Owner and Founder
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The Story of Kellin, PLLC
Have you ever had an urge to do something different? To step out of your comfort zone even though it didn't make any sense? For decades, I had the yearning to build a purpose-driven career. But life too often trains you to chase the big titles and flashy lights. As a clinical psychologist, I spent almost 16 years in academia in the UNC system. It was what I was "supposed" to do after completing my doctorate and having a strong research background. I was excelling in academia, so that meant it was where I was supposed to be, right?
Wrong. Just because you might be good at something doesn't mean that that is what you are supposed to be doing.
Wrong. Just because you might be good at something doesn't mean that that is what you are supposed to be doing.
For years, I felt the tug to do something different. But what person in their right mind leaves a successful career to go into the unknown? No, not me...I am too planful and calculated to risk the unknown. And yet, something always felt "missing".
The power of connection is what finally gave me the courage to risk change. A friend and mentor by the name of Lindy Beauregard challenged me to think bigger. She had a faith in me that I am not even sure that I had in myself. And it was the connection that we had that gave me the strength to dream big and risk the unknown.
In 2011, Lindy was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Although the doctor's gave Lindy six months to live, Lindy had another plan. She had more work to do. For almost two years, Lindy and I poured into each other. While I was supporting her in some of the most difficult days of her life, I see now that she was supporting me in so many ways as well. Her wisdom and grace abounded. I learned so much from her in those two years as her friend and mentee. Lindy's battle demonstrated that life is all to short to wait for the "right time" to make a change. Lindy inspired me to focus on purpose, not paycheck. On passion, not profit. On days that are made up of things that are soul-filling, not soul-draining.
This is the root of Kellin's Story.
After 16 years in academia, I retired as a tenured Associate Professor, leaving my guaranteed tenured position and moving from the classroom to the community. In 2011 with Lindy's nudging, I founded Kellin, PLLC (co-named for KELly and LINdy). In 2013, Lindy and I co-founded its non-profit partner, the Kellin Foundation. It would be the last venture together before she gained her wings. And in my heart, I believe that this it was the "unfinished business" that Lindy had before she was ready to go.
Kellin, PLLC and the Kellin Foundation are separate agencies. While Kellin, PLLC provides training and technical assistance, innovative organizational consulting (including research and program evaluation), and clinical services (insurance and out-of-pocket), the Kellin Foundation provides free clinical services to those who are uninsured or without access to care, as well as victim advocacy services and community outreach. The Kellin Foundation has now been recognized nationally as a partner with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Click here to learn more about the Kellin Foundation.
The name "Kellin" itself demonstrates the power of connection (Kelly and Lindy - forever connected in a legacy of providing hope, healing, and happiness to those who feel lost or broken). And what I know for sure is that powerful, authentic connections provide the soil in which to grow to another level. It takes courage to connect with others, and even more courage to connect with yourself. Yet these connections can create the very holding spaces we need to try new things, risk change, and be vulnerable - all of which are essential ingredients of growth. All of which are essential to become our best selves.
Are you ready to grow? Let's do this. Together.
