ABOUT US
Our Mission
We aim to create safer, braver, and more inclusive spaces for individuals and communities around the globe to reclaim their healing, power, and belonging through Mother Ocean’s Waves.
who we are & What we do
Groundswell Community Project is the first organization to provide accredited training in trauma informed surf therapy modalities and curriculums supporting both clinicians, surf coaches, and water folx to have the mental health tools, curriculums, research, and support to increase access to research-based trauma informed surf therapy. We have served over 3000 individuals and their communities from over 15 countries and states since our birth in 2016. Read more about what we’ve been up to over the years through our annual impact report!
With our home roots in San Diego, California, and community partnerships that extend across the globe, we strive to break down barriers and build up communities and leaders that celebrate the intersection between mental health and ocean health.
Click here to learn more about Groundswell Surf Therapy™
meet Our Team
Natalie Small (she/her)
Founder & Clinical Supervisor
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #92747
Shannon Boselli (she/her)
Executive Director
Rumi
Groundswell Office Support
Board of directors
Jenn Beening
Board President
Jenn, a lifelong nature enthusiast and wildlife advocate, currently works in Marketing for a climate tech venture firm, focused on investing in solutions to address the planet’s climate crisis. She previously worked at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, where she managed social media programs, crafting impactful narratives to inspire global conservation efforts. Jenn holds a B.A. in Sociology and English from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an M.A. in Biology with a focus on Environmental Stewardship and Community-Based Conservation from Miami University of Ohio. She also serves on the board of Wildlife Madagascar, a non-profit dedicated to protecting wildlife, habitats, and communities. Jenn began her journey with Groundswell as a participant in the surf therapy program in 2023.
Chelsea Almario
Board TREASURER
Chelsea Almario is a dedicated entrepreneur who runs and owns a thriving real estate business. Ranked in the top 3% of realtors in San Diego and the top 4% of Coldwell Banker worldwide, she is passionate about building strong communities through both her professional work and philanthropic efforts. Partnering with and providing funding to nonprofits and small businesses is where her heart feels most aligned.
Her journey with Groundswell began in 2017 as a volunteer, later stepping into the role of surf safety facilitator before joining the board. Having firsthand experienced the transformative power of the ocean, Chelsea knows the importance of accessible healing spaces and is committed to ensuring others have the opportunity to connect with themselves, their community, and the sea.
Whitney Taylor
Board SECRETARY
With a background in sustainable development, international relations, and trauma-informed care, Whitney has spent over a decade working with nonprofits focused on community healing and social impact. She earned her MBA in Social Impact from Eastern University and has supported organizations like SheJumps, blending her love for the outdoors with meaningful community work.
In 2022, Whitney began pursuing a career in clinical psychology and discovered surf therapy through an internship with Groundswell—a transformative experience that deepened her commitment to connecting mental health and nature. Now, as a marriage and family therapist in training, she is honored to support Groundswell’s mission and help expand access to nature-based healing.
Lexií Galbreath
VICE CHAIR
Lexií is an artist, Blue Health researcher, certified breathworker, surfer, and a clinical counseling student working toward licensure. She is the founder and lead instructor of Selkie Soul Work in Newport, Oregon—but Groundswell is where her heart calls home.
A cold-water enthusiast with a love for the Pura Vida lifestyle, Lexií travels the globe to support the Groundswell community and conduct research on the healing power of Blue Spaces. With lived experience as both a participant and practitioner, she integrates water-based practices, breathwork, and play to support others on their healing journey.
Honoring Groundswell’s Lineage
Staff
Natalie Small: Founder, Executive Director
Madison Elick: Office Manager
Lara Burros: Programs Manager
Leah Austin: LA/OC Programs Manager
Kelsey Ellis: Bay Area Programs Manager
Jules Jackson: Operations Manager
Mo Mata: Office Manager, Executive Assistant, & Surf Therapy Facilitator
Nathalia Castillo: Executive Assistant and Operations Consultant
Meg Martin: Community Outreach Partner Manager & Surf Therapy Facilitator
Lauren King: Nonprofit Professional Volunteer
Emily Ruth: Surf Therapy Facilitator
Sarah Fisher: Surf Therapy Facilitator
Holly Beck: Surf Therapy Facilitator
Social Media Contractors
Viv Kaizer
Carla Borella
Suzanne Samadzade
Luz Arias
Organizations that supported the birth of Groundswell:
Shakti Rising
First Aid Arts
Generate Hope
Exxpedition
Board Members
Troy Marcikic (2016)
Tamzin Hector (2016)
Rachelle LaBelle (2016)
Teri Heidman (2018)
Katie Floyd (2018)
Dana nielsen (2019)
Rachel Maruico (2020)
Elsa River (2021)
Luz Alejos (2020)
Marina Varano (2018)
Bri Redfield (2021-23)
Mariam Morris
David Postolski
Non-Profit Interns
Jenn Lacey
Madison Elick
Natalie Tasca
Danny Garza
Evelyn Ramos Lopez
Lauren King
Lauren Carter
Katie Schaible
Sierra Brasher Nichols
Whitney Dickey
Kay Saffe
Becka Schwartz
Our Sponsors
Click here to learn more about our Partners and Sponsors!
Visit our Blog to learn more about our work worldwide, and follow us on Social Media to stay up to date on all things Groundswell.