Honoring Kelley Worth: A Light That Continues to Shine
September 30, 1970 — May 25, 2025
With Love and Light
It's with profound sadness and immense gratitude that we honor the memory of our beloved board member, Kelley Marie Worth, who peacefully transitioned on Sunday, May 25, 2025. As we navigate this loss, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible legacy Kelley leaves behind—a legacy that continues to illuminate the path forward for Surf the Earth.
A Heart Called to Service
Kelley wasn't just a board member; she was the embodiment of everything Surf the Earth stands for. As a seasoned mental health clinician with over two decades of experience, she had dedicated her professional life to healing, working across various settings—group practices, inpatient and outpatient programs—providing compassionate support to families and adolescents.
When Kelley and her husband Rob welcomed their daughter Aleia Jade into the world, she stepped back from her clinical practice to become a full-time mother. For 16 years, she and Rob built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with Aleia, whose artistic spirit flourished under her mother's loving guidance.
When Tragedy Became Purpose
In May 2022, their world changed forever when Aleia made the heartbreaking decision to seek relief on her terms by suicide. Instead of allowing grief to consume her, Kelley channeled her pain into purpose. She discovered the work of Suzanne Geisemann and found her way to Helping Parents Heal, where she would become a cornerstone of support for other bereaved parents in Western North Carolina.
Kelley understood that mental health stigma had played a role in her daughter's struggle, and she was determined to ensure that other families wouldn't have to face the same silence that so often surrounds mental health challenges.
Together with Rob, she established Jade's Wings—a comprehensive healing center in Canton, North Carolina, born from their profound loss. Following Aleia Jade's death by suicide in May 2022, Jade's Wings was created to offer transformative grief therapy and intuition development, providing clinical support, energy healing, EMDR therapy, and group support sessions. Located in the newly remodeled lower level of Mr. Robot Shop in downtown Canton, Jade's Wings serves as both a tribute to Aleia and a beacon of hope for other families navigating the complex journey of grief and healing.
Finding Surf the Earth
When Kelley joined our board, we knew we had found the perfect advocate for our mission. Here was someone who didn't just understand our work intellectually—she lived it, breathed it, and had experienced firsthand why our efforts matter so desperately.
Kelley brought more than professional expertise to Surf the Earth; she brought authenticity. She knew what it felt like to love someone struggling with mental health challenges. She understood the isolation that families experience when stigma prevents open conversation about depression, anxiety, PTSD, and thoughts of ending one's life. She had witnessed the devastating consequences of a society that still whispers about mental health instead of speaking openly and compassionately.
Her Mission with Surf the Earth
During her time on our board, Kelley consistently advocated for approaches that would make mental health resources more accessible. She pushed us to consider how our messaging might land with worried parents, struggling young people, and isolated families. Her clinical background informed her advocacy, but her personal experience gave it urgency.
As both a board member and one of my closest friends, we will miss her deeply—her wisdom, her compassion, and her unwavering commitment to making mental health support accessible to all families.
The Ripple Effect of Her Compassion
While serving on our board, Kelley continued her healing work across multiple arenas:
Helping Parents Heal Western North Carolina: She helped establish this group, creating a "tribe-like" feeling of connection and belonging
New Member Group Co-Facilitator: Partnered with Tammy Patrick to welcome newly bereaved families
Art for the Heart: Served as guest facilitator, helping others express grief through creativity
Shiome Healing Circle: Assisted in supporting sacred healing spaces
Art Classes for Healing: Started her own healing art classes, encouraging free-flowing creativity as a path to healing
Together with Rob, she established Jade's Wings—a tribute to Aleia Jade offering clinical support, energy healing, EMDR therapy, and group support sessions.
Her Vision Lives On
Kelley saw Surf the Earth as more than an organization—she saw it as a movement. She believed passionately in our mission to stop mental health stigma, understanding that stigma prevents people from seeking help, families from having honest conversations, and communities from rallying around those who are struggling.
Though Kelley has now been reunited with her beloved Aleia, her impact continues to ripple outward. In her memory, we recommit ourselves to the vision she held: a world where mental health is discussed as openly as physical health, where families have access to resources and support, and where communities rally around those who are struggling.
Her compassion and dedication continue to inspire our work and remind us that behind every effort is the potential to help real families.
Honoring Her Memory
As we prepare to celebrate Kelley's life, we invite our community to join us in honoring what she stood for. Her life was a testament to the possibility of transformation—the way grief can become healing, pain can become purpose, and personal tragedy can become community service.
Our hearts go out to Rob and all who loved Kelley during this difficult time.
How You Can Honor Kelley's and Aleia’s Memory:
Donations may be made to The Aleia Worth Scholarship through Give to the Music at www.givetothemusic.org or by calling (828) 252-1888.
For more information about Kelley's work: https://jadeswings.com/
Read Kelley's Full Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kelley-worth-obituary?id=58523631
Her Legacy Continues
As Surf the Earth continues its mission to stop mental health stigma, we carry Kelley's spirit with us. We remember her dedication to centering families in our work, approaching each conversation with compassion, and never losing sight of the real people behind the statistics.
Your light hasn't been extinguished, dear friend. It has simply changed form, continuing to shine through every life we touch, every barrier we break down, and every family we serve. Thank you for believing in us, for believing in our cause, and for showing us what it looks like to turn the deepest pain into the most beautiful purpose.
You will be missed, Kelley Marie Worth. Your work here continues through all of us.
All our love and light - The Surf the Earth Team
Surf the Earth Board Pictured at Shred the Stigma 2025 Pictured left to right : Alex McCann Rosemary Hitchens, Nancy Miller, Drue Wright Tammy Patrick and Kellley Worth (Missing Sarah Joyner)
Stronger Together: Reflecting on Shred the Stigma Weekend
We are stronger when we Shred Together
Photos courtesy of Dinahmight Klicks Photography
April 10, 2025
As the northern air settles back into its peaceful rhythm at Boyne Mountain Resort, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible three days we shared during our Shred the Stigma weekend. From Friday's moving film screening to Sunday's mindful activities, each moment was filled with connection, compassion, and courage—exactly what Ali envisioned when she emphasized "connection, connection, connection" as the heart of Surf the Earth MHC.
Where Powder Meets Purpose
"Shred the Stigma is where powder meets purpose," as our event description promised, and we witnessed this powerful combination in action throughout the weekend. The slopes became more than just a place for winter sports—they transformed into pathways for open conversation, healing, and community building.
Friday evening began with an unforgettable opening address from Board Member and Vice President Drue Wright that set the tone for the entire weekend. Drue welcomed everyone to the screening of "Mountain in My Mind 3" and shared Ali Patrick's story—how this vibrant freestyle skier with a gift for authentic connection faced a sudden Bipolar I diagnosis at age 23, battling courageously through a brief but intense five-month journey before her transition in October 2023.
Photos courtesy of Dinahmight Klicks Photography
Drue’s words resonated deeply as he explained what it truly means to "Shred the Stigma":
"Just as Ali fearlessly carved her path down mountain slopes, we're here to cut through the silence, shame, and misconceptions surrounding mental health conditions. To shred the stigma means to openly discuss mental health with the same compassion and understanding we give to physical health. It means creating spaces where people feel safe saying, 'I'm not okay' without fear of judgment."
He offered a powerful perspective that would become a touchstone throughout the weekend—comparing mental health care to treating a physical injury like a broken arm. Both deserve the same level of attention, professional support, and time to heal, without shame or hesitation.
We Are Stronger When We Hold Each Other Up
One of the evening's most profound moments came during an interactive exercise that Drue led to illustrate the concept of support. Participants stood and extended their arms straight out to the side, noticing how vulnerable and easily moved their arm was on its own. Then, they moved closer to the person next to them and placed a hand on each other's shoulders while keeping their arms extended.
Photos courtesy of Dinahmight Klicks Photography
The difference was immediately apparent—with that foundation of support, each arm became much more stable and stronger. Drue explained, "This is exactly what we're building at Surf the Earth—a community where we support each other through challenges. When we face mental health struggles alone, we're like that unsupported arm—vulnerable, easily overwhelmed. But when we connect, when we support each other, we create stability and strength that can withstand life's pressures."
Drue shared Ali's own words about mental health from writings she began in her final months: "I've never known much about mental illness, and I never knew it could be something that could spring onto you one day with no warning." These words reminded everyone why they had gathered—to continue the conversation Ali began and to create understanding where silence too often prevails.
The evening continued with a special video message from John Padilla, director of "Mountain in My Mind 3," followed by the film screening that explored topics including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and healing through the unique lens of mountain and snowsports culture. As we gathered in the Vienna Room, surrounded by resource tables and silent auction items, we could feel the energy of something special beginning to take shape.
The conversations and connections that started that night continued to deepen throughout the weekend.
Saturday's Workshops: Tools for Life's Mountains
Saturday brought a full day of workshops that gave participants practical tools and insights to navigate life's challenging terrain. From the mindful approach of "Pause, Breathe, Proceed" with Karen Wright and Kecia Freed to the powerful sessions on resilience, suicide prevention, and emotion management, attendees gained valuable resources that extend far beyond the slopes.
We're especially grateful to our workshop presenters: Karen Wright and Kecia Freed, Lisa Clavier, Kathy Snyder, and Kelley Worth. Each brought their expertise, personal experience, and compassion to create transformative learning experiences. As one participant shared, "I came for skiing but left with tools that will help me navigate my everyday life."
The afternoon's "Laps for Ali" honored the beautiful soul whose vision inspires everything we do at Surf the Earth MHC. The collective energy as we gathered to remember Ali reminded us all why this work matters so deeply. The evening bonfire, with music by the Shifties, s'mores, and heartfelt conversations, further strengthened our community bonds.
Sunday's Gentle Renewal
Sunday offered a gentler pace with opportunities for reflection and renewal. Meagan Krzywosinski guided us through yoga and a sound bath experience that helped integrate the weekend's emotional journey, while Angela Linsenman's Zentangle Art Workshop provided a creative outlet for self-expression.
The Zentangle workshop became one of the weekend's most beautiful metaphors for our mission. After participants created their individual art tiles using this meditative drawing method, Angela invited everyone to bring their pieces together to form a collaborative mosaic. As each unique tile found its place in the larger design, we witnessed a powerful visual representation of our community—distinct individuals coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
"Just like these tiles," Angela noted as the mosaic took shape, "each of us brings our own pattern, our own story to this community. When we connect these pieces, we strengthen each other and create a more beautiful world."
The weekend concluded with the Banked Slalom event, which brought competitive fun while continuing to support our mental health initiatives. As participants cheered each other on—regardless of skill level—the spirit of connection that had been building throughout the weekend was palpable on the slopes.
The Community We Built
What made this weekend truly extraordinary wasn't just the activities—it was the community that formed around them. People arrived as individuals but left as part of something larger. We witnessed strangers becoming supporters, listeners becoming friends, and silent struggles finding voice in a safe space.
When asked what the favorite part of the event was, here are some of the responses:
“The whole event venue was uplifting making it feel good despite challenging topics and feelings.’
"Getting to know the resources in our community and the incredible people who support others."
"Community"
"Group activities"
”The art table”
Other comments included:
”This event was truly an awakening of HOW we can go about discussing mental illness and removing the negativity surrounding it. Honestly, I am inspired to continue my work for adolescents and young adults who feel disconnected from others.”
”So important for young kids to understand mental health. Yoga/meditation. Learning to breathe”
”The event was REALLY REALLY well done! Kudos to all involved.”
”Thank you!!! So grateful for organizations like these!”
”Thank you so much for all you put into this! I loved it.”
Zentangle Art Group!
Carrying the Community Forward
The true measure of our weekend's success won't be found in attendance numbers or funds raised (though we're grateful for both!). It will be in how this newly formed community continues to grow and thrive beyond the boundaries of our three days together.
We hope you'll join us in continuing these connections:
Attend our upcoming MindAligned Meetups (both in-person in Petoskey and virtual sessions)
Follow us on social media
Share the resources from the weekend with others in your life
Practice the affirmations and tools we explored together
Remember Ali's powerful words: "You are enough just as you are. You are enough on your hardest days."
A Mountain of Thanks
None of this would have been possible without our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, presenters, and every single person who showed up with an open heart. Our sincere gratitude goes to:
Boyne Mountain for providing the perfect venue and support
Our Green Circle Sponsor, Mid-West Insurance Agency Mt. Pleasant
Happy's Taco Shop for sponsoring our Bonfire and Banked Slalom
NAMI Grand Traverse, our Bunny Hill Sponsor
Jade's Wings for sponsoring the Mountain in My Mind Movie Night
Embracing Imperfections, our Fireside Sponsor
All the businesses that contributed to our silent auction!
Every vendor who provided resources, every volunteer who gave time, and every participant who brought their authentic self
Photos courtesy of Dinahmight Klicks Photography
As we said throughout the weekend: We are stronger when we shred together. The stigma surrounding mental health continues to isolate too many people, but for three days, we created a community where open conversation replaced silence, where vulnerability was met with understanding, and where no one had to face their mountains alone.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We can't wait to see how the connections made this weekend continue to grow and thrive in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Surf the Earth MHC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization initiated by Ali Patrick committed to raising awareness about mental illnesses and shredding the stigma.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that reaching out is brave. Text or call a trusted friend, or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text). You matter, and things can get better.