Chelsea Vandenkooy, Client Care Coordinator
My “Why”:
For as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about being a safe space for those around me. My earliest memories of this are from my childhood. My sister, mother, and myself are survivors of domestic violence. I vividly remember “stepping up” to shoulder the pain and emotions of both my sister and my mother during this time in our lives. While I realize it is problematic for a child to hold space for an adult in this fashion, I did so out of the most pure love and compassion. I knew in my little 9 year old heart that I never wanted my family to suffer like this ever again. I have since blossomed into the woman that I am today, and my desire to bring as much empathy and understanding as I can into this dark world remains one of my deepest truths.
Three Fun Facts about me:
I have never dyed my hair, I can move my ears, and I am fresh Disney World Passholder as of 2026!
My Favorite Books(3):
I simply can't narrow it down to 3, however I thoroughly enjoy reading from horror and psychological thriller genres.
My Hobbies
I LOVE to sing, dive bar karaoke is one of my favorite weekend activities. I also love to write and have a deep affinity for music, specifically lyrics. And as a true Piscean woman, I love being near and in the water. I am very partial to being at the beach but I will never say no to a pool day!
My Journey
My journey has always been rooted in a deep desire to help others, especially children and individuals with developmental needs. For over 20 years, I’ve worked in caregiving roles, from nannying and babysitting to supporting children in daycare and church programs, which naturally led me into the field of behavioral health. I earned my master’s degree in Behavior Analysis in 2023, and over the past 8+ years, I’ve developed strong clinical, assessment, and leadership skills while working with individuals with autism across home, school, and clinic settings. Along the way, I also gained valuable experience in behavioral health operations—supporting onboarding, coordination, and the systems that keep care running smoothly. While I do enjoy the clinical work, I discovered that I truly fell in love with the back end of things and the impact strong operations can have on both clients and providers.
Stepping into my current role as a Client Care Coordinator at Growing Branches feels like such an exciting and meaningful next chapter. For the first time, I feel fully aligned with my passion, surrounded by a community of like-minded professionals who are equally committed to supporting others in a compassionate and holistic way. Being part of a team that values connection, growth, and emotional well-being has been incredibly energizing, and it’s reaffirmed my desire to continue growing in the mental health field. I’m truly excited about the path I’m on and the opportunity to make a deeper impact in the lives of others
My Favorite Superhero
My 7 year old niece is my superhero, I am almost positive that she is harboring the 7th infinity stone.
My Favorite Quote
"And here you are living, despite it all." -Rupi Kaur