Empowering Through Healing: Kelsey Ko's Journey in Art, Education, and Community
S7:E85

Empowering Through Healing: Kelsey Ko's Journey in Art, Education, and Community

Begin your experience with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by the one and only Rob Lee. Today we have Kelsey Ko, a dedicated Korean American writer, and former educator based in Baltimore, who possesses a rich background in education, having served as a teacher in Baltimore City public schools for an impressive three years. Rooted in her passion for collective liberation, healing, and fostering human connections, Kelsey's impactful work seeks to create positive change. With a focus on centering social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices, she has championed students' potential, both creatively and academically. Kelsey's advocacy extends to policy issues affecting students, and her influence is recognized through featured work in esteemed publications like The Atlantic, Baltimore Magazine, and Maryland Matters. Currently pursuing her graduate studies in psychology and counseling, Kelsey aims to enhance her capacity to curate healing environments for others.

In this episode:

  • Embark on a soul-stirring exploration of Kelsey's mission, as we dive deep into the heart of her purpose: to unravel the threads of collective liberation, healing, and forging unbreakable human bonds.
  • Peel back the layers of transformation as Kelsey's narrative unfolds, tracing her transformative journey from a teacher's role in Baltimore City public schools to her poignant evolution as a psychologist and counselor.
  • Venture into the art of creating transformative spaces for youth, as we dissect Kelsey's insights on the pivotal triad of relationships, self-nurturing, and creative expression that pave the way for unlocking untapped potential and fostering safety.

Kelsey shares her journey and the values that guide her work. She discusses her experiences as a teacher in Baltimore City public schools, where she witnessed the impact of systemic racism and inequities on her students. Kelsey explains how her role as a teacher led her to pursue a career in psychology and counseling, with a focus on healing and collective liberation. She emphasizes the importance of relationships, self-care, and creativity in creating safe spaces for young people to tap into their own potential.


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This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore. 

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Creators and Guests

Rob Lee
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Kelsey Ko
Guest
Kelsey Ko
a Korean-American psychology graduate student, former educator, and writer living in Baltimore