Our Team

Natalie Small

Founder & Clinical Supervisor

Shannon Boselli

Executive Director

Jessica Lin

Creative Lead

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.

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.

Jessica Hardesty, Board Member

Jessica is an ocean enthusiast driven by building community both in the water and on land. By day, she works in FP&A for a tech company and holds a B.S. in Finance from Cal State University, Northridge and an MBA from USC.

She was introduced to Groundswell through a surf therapist and deepened her involvement through volunteering. Groundswell’s mission—at the intersection of ocean connection, therapy, and community—mirrors what has shaped her life, and she’s excited to help bring these experiences to more people.

Marissa Miller

Marissa grew up on O‘ahu and now lives on California’s Central Coast, carrying a lifelong connection to the ocean through surfing. She works with Conservation International’s Surf Conservation program and is a professional free-surfer representing brands like Sisstr.

Her involvement with Groundswell began through her work at Conservation International, and the mission deeply resonated with her belief that people protect what they love. Having found purpose and connection through the ocean herself, she’s honored to help bring these experiences to communities around the world.

Casey Fields

Stay tuned!

Honoring Groundswell’s Lineage

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
Lexií Galbreath
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
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