When I sat down to talk with mental health advocate, Chelsia McKie, it was clear from the very beginning that her passion for helping others was unmatched.

Chelsia, a licensed therapist and the founder of Life Beyond the Game, has dedicated her career to improving the mental health of children, teens, and young adults, including student-athletes.

Her journey is a story of resilience, advocacy, and commitment to making a difference in her community.

You can listen to our full conversation below.

Chelsia grew up in Stone Mountain and Lithonia, Georgia, in a two-parent household. While her parents worked long hours, she often found herself alone as a “latchkey kid.” This early independence shaped her strong sense of responsibility and her desire to be an agent for change.

She described herself as a “loner” at times, but this solitude fueled her curiosity and drive to help others. From a young age, Chelsia was passionate about social justice and activism, interests that initially led her to pursue careers in broadcasting and politics.

However, Chelsia’s path eventually took a turn toward education. She began as a teacher, then became a behavior specialist and later a principal.

Along the way, she discovered a deep interest in supporting students beyond academics. She observed firsthand the mental health struggles many young people face, which inspired her to pursue a second master’s degree in counseling.

Today, Chelsia is not only an educator but also a therapist specializing in helping children, teens, and young adults navigate challenges like anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues.

During our conversation, Chelsia spoke passionately about the unique challenges facing young people today. “Trauma is literally building a maze in your mind,” she explained. “The more anxiety there is, the harder it is for the brain’s happy chemicals to flow freely.”

She highlighted how social media contributes to these challenges, creating unrealistic expectations and constant pressure for young people. Anxiety, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts are becoming more common in this age group.

Chelsia emphasized the critical role parents and guardians play in addressing these issues. “Open communication is key,” she said. “Spending quality time together, being proactive with mental health check-ins, and creating a safe space for children to share their feelings can make a huge difference.”

She compared mental health check-ins to routine visits to the dentist or doctor, stressing the importance of regular emotional care.

As the founder of Life Beyond the Game, Chelsia also works with student-athletes across the country. Her nonprofit hosts conferences designed to equip young athletes with the tools they need to thrive both on and off the field. “Athletes face unique pressures,” she noted. “They often tie their identity to their performance, and when they struggle, it impacts their mental health in profound ways.”

Through her work, Chelsia helps these young people build resilience, manage stress, and find balance in their lives.

Chelsia’s insights extend beyond her professional expertise. She shared how her own experiences with trauma and mental health challenges have shaped her approach to counseling. “If I can figure it out, I can change it,” she said. “I’ve always believed in being a problem-solver, whether it’s for myself or others.” Her commitment to growth and self-reflection has made her a compassionate and effective therapist.

Toward the end of our conversation, Chelsia left me with a powerful reminder: “It takes all of us to hold each other accountable and lift each other up. There’s so much negativity in the world, but you never know what someone else is going through. Be kind to each other.”

This interview with Chelsia Mckie was a testament to the importance of addressing mental health, particularly for children, teens, and young adults. Her work is making a lasting impact, not just on the individuals she counsels, but on the broader community as well.

As a parent, educator, or community member, we all have a role to play in supporting the mental well-being of the next generation. Let Chelsia’s words inspire you to act with kindness, communicate openly, and prioritize mental health in your own circles.

She has partnered with Gwinnett County Public Schools for her upcoming All-Sports Student Athlete Conference. You can register for the event here.

You can also follow her on Instagram here.