About Kaitlyn, MA LPC

MA, LPC, CEO of Into the Woods Wellness

International Award Winning Author | Licensed Professional Counselor  | Mental Health Innovator | Advocate for Holistic Healing

Kaitlyn Kenealy is a visionary leader and the CEO of Into the Woods Wellness, where she is redefining the future of mental health through an integrated, inclusive, and trauma-informed lens. An internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning author and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Kaitlyn has dedicated her career to breaking barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating lasting, transformative healing experiences.

Under her leadership, Into the Woods Wellness has expanded beyond traditional care models into a comprehensive ecosystem of wellness—bridging clinical mental health, nutrition, movement, and holistic healing. Kaitlyn leads strategic growth, corporate partnerships, and community-based initiatives that increase access to care while advancing a mission rooted in authenticity, equity, and whole-person healing. Her work in innovation and business development was recognized through her participation in the Envision Greater Fond du Lac Ignite Rural Program, where she earned 2nd place in a regional pitch competition.

Her powerful debut book, Healing is Messy AF, became a rallying cry for individuals navigating their own paths to recovery. The book earned the prestigious Canadian Book Club Award and received multiple literary honors within its first two years, establishing Kaitlyn as both a clinical expert and a raw, honest, and fearless storyteller.

Her voice has resonated globally through features in Top 50 Fearless Leaders, which reached #1 bestseller status internationally, and appearances at events such as the L.A. Times Festival of Books. Her second book, Unmasking: A Journey Through Trauma, Truth, and a Spectrum of Healing, further deepens her impact and has been recognized with awards for Best Memoir and Self-Help/Transformation.

Kaitlyn holds degrees in History, Women’s Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and Community and Mental Health Counseling. She specializes in trauma and PTSD, domestic violence, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Her clinical work is rooted in directness, solution-focused care, and radical compassion—tools she uses to help individuals and communities rebuild their lives.

In 2020, Kaitlyn founded Kenealy Counseling, LLC, a thriving private practice that grew rapidly under her leadership, achieving a 96% client retention rate. Driven by her passion for healing the whole person, she developed The Wellness Blend, an innovative care model integrating psychotherapy, nutrition, mindfulness, movement, and intentional living practices—laying the foundation for her current work at Into the Woods Wellness.

A recognized thought leader, Kaitlyn is also the host of the Rooted and Rising Podcast, where she brings accessible, real-world conversations around mental health, trauma, and holistic well-being to a growing audience. She is a sought-after speaker, delivering keynote presentations, workshops, and trainings to healthcare organizations, schools, and community groups, and is known for translating complex clinical concepts into actionable, relatable insights.

Kaitlyn’s leadership has been recognized across multiple arenas. She is a recipient of 40 Under 40 (Insight Publications, 2025), Fond du Lac Hometown Hero Award (2025), and her practice, Kenealy Counseling, was named Best Counseling Practice (2025). Additional honors include Trailblazer of the Year (2024), Top Psychotherapist (2023), Woman of Achievement (2022), Global Icon (2022), SHEro Award (2021, 2022), Young Professional of the Year (2021), and placement on the Brainz Magazine 500 Global List, among others.

Beyond her clinical and entrepreneurial work, Kaitlyn served on the Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund board and has previously co-chaired the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Access Committee. She continues to advance access to care through programs like Fondy Cares and other school-based mental health initiatives.

Her work has been featured in CIO TODAY, Women’s Quarterly Magazine, Who’s Who in America, Hoinser Magazine, Heidens Magazine, Unified Brainz, and more. She has also been a featured speaker and guest expert across various media platforms, sharing unfiltered and impactful insights on trauma, healing, and mental health innovation.

With an unmatched blend of clinical expertise, lived experience, and entrepreneurial leadership, Kaitlyn Kenealy is not just changing the conversations she is building the future of mental health. As CEO, author, and advocate, she invites others to join her in the woods—in the work of healing, rediscovering, and rising.

As CEO, author, and advocate, she invites others to join her in the woods—in the work of healing, rediscovering, and rising.