After losing her teenage son Ethan to T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, psychologist Kimberly Stevens faced the unthinkable — and chose to transform her grief into something that would help thousands of others.
In this conversation, Kimberly shares the story behind Kids Connecting Parents, an app she created to help bereaved parents find local, peer-based connection and support when professional services fall short.
⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of child loss, grief, and bereavement. Please listen when you feel ready and have support available.
Her honesty cracked something open in me — and reminded me why I started Therapists Rising in the first place. Because when the system doesn’t work, we have two options: collapse under it, or build something new.
If you’ve ever questioned how to move forward after loss, burnout, or heartbreak, this episode will meet you right where you are.
Here’s what we cover
- Kimberly’s journey from psychologist and grieving mum to tech founder and advocate
- The moment she realized traditional therapy models weren’t enough for bereaved parents
- How she turned her personal loss into a mission-driven innovation that’s changing lives
- What it means to blend lived experience with professional training — ethically and powerfully
- The courage it takes to build something for the community you’re also healing within
- The emotional and practical realities of launching a mental-health app from scratch
- How grief can be a catalyst for purpose, leadership, and systemic change
3 Takeaways for Therapists
- Purpose can grow from the hardest things.
Your pain doesn’t disqualify you — it can inform the most meaningful, ethical, and innovative work you’ll ever do. - The system won’t always meet the need.
Kimberly’s story is proof that when traditional models fail, therapists can create new pathways — apps, programs, communities — that fill the gaps. - Lived experience is a superpower, not a liability.
When we stop hiding the human behind the professional, we create safer, braver, more connected spaces for healing.
💻 Resources & Links
💬 Connect with Dr. Hayley Kelly
- Follow on Instagram → @dr.hayleykelly
- Subscribe to Therapists Rising for weekly conversations about therapist innovation, leadership, and building sustainable impact beyond the therapy room.
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