My name is Kel Smith. All of the work I do is with the intent to create and hold spaces where trans and queer people, particularly trans women, can be fulfilled in their aliveness.

I am a trans woman, somatic therapist, artist, community member, and queer nightlife diva. I grew up in upstate New York, where the harsh winters and cold kindness of the North East molded me into a tenacious, compassionate, and assertive cheerleader for people’s efforts towards living authentic and fulfilling lives.

Given my lived experience, I have an embodied and practical understanding of how transphobia and cissexism can impact our relationships to our bodies. I recognize that transphobia and cissexism exist as extensions of the white supremacist colonial imperialist agenda and therefore, the liberation of trans and queer people is contingent on the liberation of all oppressed peoples.

I was introduced to the field of somatics during my undergraduate studies in Dance at Portland State University. The lens that somatics offered me allowed me to see the world and myself differently, and gave me tools to support me in navigating my exploration of my gender identity. From there, while working with peers to construct a gender/name document change library for Trans LifeLine, I developed an interest in and began studying neurophysiology and neuropsychology.

Through California Institute of Integral Studies, I received a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychotherapy. During my time at CIIS, I focused my studies on the experiences of transgender adults, primarily transgender women.

I have received clinical hours through Queer LifeSpace, and currently work at Center for Mindful Psychotherapy.