About

Our Mission

The mission of Essence of the Butterfly Foundation is to teach mindfulness to children. Through classes, camps, workshops, and products, Essence seeks to enlighten and enrich the lives of our community’s youth by helping them reconnect to nature, be curious and learn through play, and practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation and emotional regulation.

The Essence Team

  • Hello! I’m Kelsy, President and co-founder of Essence of the Butterfly Foundation.

    I love seeing kids grow and blossom, which is why I came together with Brittney Crawford to found Essence in 2022 after noticing several critical elements of healthy childhoods like nature time, learning about emotions, connecting with peers, and being present missing from our childcare systems.

    (I also wanted to work with kids so I could have an excuse to play more often…)

    I love playing with my cats, Milo and Thai, and going on nature adventures with my friends and boyfriend, especially to the Florida springs!

    I love cooking and trying out new recipes, roller skating, reading and writing, and going on coffee walks with friends. 

    I am currently back in school obtaining my Master's Degree in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health and my hope is that this will help me continue to grow as a childcare provider and blossom with Essence of the Butterfly!

  • Hiii my name is Brittney but I go by Britt! Co-founder and vice President of Essence.

    Working with kids means so much to me! Getting to learn and grow alongside them is a true blessing! Essence allows me to bring my dream of giving kids a safe space to be themselves, explore nature, creativity and friendship come to life!! In addition, my goal with working with kids is always to give them a space to be heard and honor all the emotions we get to experience as humans!! 


    Some things about me… I grew up here in Safety Harbor! I was a ballerina for 10 years and still enjoy dancing today!  I love to read, craft, thrift and spend time with my friends and family! I enjoy being in nature, meeting the trees, critters and soaking up the sun! 


Meet the Board

Behind Essence of the Butterfly Foundation is a caring board of nature lovers, artists, and educators who bring their passion and wisdom to everything we do. They help shape our vision and keep our wings fluttering toward connection, creativity, and mindfulness.

  • Hi! I’m Celeste. 

    I’m a seasoned psychotherapist who enjoys weaving together creativity, mindfulness, and connection in both my private practice and personal life. 

    I’m dedicated to supporting children and adults as they grow with confidence and authenticity, often through nature, art, and play. So when Kelsey and Brittney asked me to join Essence of the Butterfly in 2025, I felt naturally aligned and, of course, drawn to their heart, vision, and care. It was an easy yes!

    I also enjoy playing in nature with my partner and friends, the calm of our cat Pixel, and laughing with my mom beneath the mango tree she planted from seed.