Lezlie N. Kellison, LCSW

Founder & CEO, Kellison Community Concepts, LLC

Lezlie N. Kellison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the founder and CEO of Kellison Community Concepts, LLC (KCC)—a mission-driven initiative focused on preventing mass violence and rebuilding America’s fractured crisis and mental health infrastructure.

After decades of service in hospitals, jails, courts, and community mental health, Ms. Kellison witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of a fragmented, underfunded, and reactive system. Despite relentless efforts to help individuals who were violent, suicidal, addicted, or experiencing psychosis, she encountered the same barriers—gaps, exhaustion, and red tape. Determined to create meaningful change, she walked away from her professional roles and is dedicating the rest of her life to fixing the broken system.

Ms. Kellison’s career spans clinical and correctional settings including the Department of Health and Human Services Homeless Bureau in Long Beach, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in San Diego, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon. Her work has focused on crisis intervention, psychiatric emergency care, and the diversion of justice-involved individuals into treatment rather than incarceration. She is formally trained in suicide prevention, crisis response, and behavioral threat assessment. Through workshops, public speaking, and policy leadership, Ms. Kellison is building momentum for a national paradigm shift—one where fear is replaced with hope and systemic suffering is met with wrap-around coordinated care and compassion.