Kelsey Tainsh, CSP
Education & Youth Programs

Kelsey Tainsh inspires students and educators alike with her dynamic keynotes designed to empower, motivate, and spark positive change. Drawing from her personal journey of overcoming adversity, Kelsey connects with young audiences on their level, sharing powerful lessons on resilience, gratitude, and the importance of perspective. Her relatable storytelling, humor, and actionable insights encourage students to embrace challenges, build self-confidence, and support one another. For educators, Kelsey offers strategies to foster empathy, connection, and a growth mindset within their classrooms. Her keynotes leave a lasting impression, equipping the next generation with tools for success and inspiring them to thrive in school and beyond.

Kelsey speaks to our future leaders as she shares important life lessons. All of Kelsey’s youth programs are highly interactive, address the importance of being happy and helping others.

1) Faculty/Staff Program –
I’m Not Limping. That’s Swagger!

Overview:

Two-time pediatric brain tumor and stroke survivor Kelsey Tainsh shares her remarkable journey, including the story of her relationship with her school administrators, teachers, faculty and staff along the way. Her message is a powerful reminder of the impact educators have on the lives of their students every day. Armed with her quirky sense of humor, engaging stories and relevant message, Kelsey will help you gain the perspective needed to overcome any challenge in your life and in your work. Audiences walk away with a resilient new mindset and a fresh appreciation for the gift of work, accomplishment and relationships we all share.

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2) Kelsey Speaks and So Can You! – Workshop

Overview:

How Shifting Your Perspective Can Unlock Your Full Potential

Public speaking is often considered one of the top fears in America, yet being an effective communicator is key to great leadership. In this engaging session, Kelsey will share her expert tips and strategies to help you overcome that fear and become a confident speaker. Through a series of fun, interactive activities, participants will have the opportunity to practice and learn from one another, gaining practical insights that boost their communication skills and leadership potential.

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3) Pockets: What They Hold, What They Hide

Overview:

As children and students, sometimes it seems that if we don’t fit in, we stand out. So, we tend to hide our secrets, differences and challenges in our pockets to prevent from being bullied. By the age of 15, Kelsey Tainsh had survived two bouts with cancer and a life-changing stroke. She has spent the past 10 years learning how to cope with the daily challenges of accepting her new “normal.” In her pocket, she can both hold and hide her secret. Today, she proudly shares it with you and wants to know, “What secrets are you hiding in your pocket?” The key to changing student’s lives lies in teaching and helping them to share and embrace their differences, and the uniqueness of others. This highly inspirational program is the first important step.

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The Audience Will:

Learn to share their struggles and differences instead of hiding them
Learn the importance of kindness and why it matters
Learn to accept others uniqueness and embrace tolerance
Learn to turn uncomfortable situations into life-changing opportunities

Testimonials

I had the pleasure of hearing Kelsey speak during her Bold Talks session at INBOUND15. I was blown away by her story, her energy, and her ability to connect with the audience.

Jen Spencer Vice President of Sales and Marketing / Allbound

I think Kelsey embodies the best that each of us could be: determined, hopeful, positive in the face of physical challenges, and truly desirous of making a difference in the world. These are her strengths, both on and off the platform. When people hear her story and see what she has overcome, they feel like saying, ’Well, I’m done complaining.’ She is charming and unafraid. Her self-deprecating humor makes us comfortable with her, and her magnetism makes us love her.

Lou Heckler CSP / CPAE

Kelsey connected with our students in a way that was not possible with other speakers. Her story and message resonated with them, as they reflected on their own struggles and drew courage from understanding that they are not alone. Kelsey engaged our students and opened a dialogue that will help us grow as a community. She has inspired our campus in a truly powerful way.

Lydia V Stoye Assistant Dean of Students / Interlochen Center for the Arts

Kelsey connected with our students in a way that was not possible with other speakers. Her story and message resonated with them, as they reflected on their own struggles and drew courage from understanding that they are not alone. Kelsey engaged our students and opened a dialogue that will help us grow as a community. She has inspired our campus in a truly powerful way.

Lydia V Stoye Assistant Dean of Students / Interlochen Center for the Arts

The University of Florida Department of Recreational Sports was fortunate enough to bring Kelsey in to speak at our Team Training Day (student employee all staff training). We had approximately 450 team members in attendance who were challenged and inspired by Kelsey’s words. Her message of providing inclusive recreation for all aligned with our vision for our department. She was engaging, funny and delivered a message that spoke to the hearts of our staff.

Yurgen Panzhi n Associate Director, Programs Department of Recreational Sports / University of Florida

Kelsey connected with our students in a way that was not possible with other speakers. Her story and message resonated with them, as they reflected on their own struggles and drew courage from understanding that they are not alone. Kelsey engaged our students and opened a dialogue that will help us grow as a community. She has inspired our campus in a truly powerful way.

Marcia Whitney Coordinator for School Development Services / Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES

Kelsey was one of six General Session speakers to keynote at our annual SuperConference (600 attendees). She did an outstanding job delivering her inspirational message. Kelsey is the youngest speaker in ten years to take our stage. She deserved the standing ovation she got! Great job Kelsey.

Richard Menneg President / Automotive Training Institute