I’m Kelly Hale—though some know me as Kelly Kale, thanks to my love of growing veggies. And, yes, dressing up as kale for Halloween more than once!
I’m passionate about helping people realize how easy it can be to move through Fight, Flight, and Freeze—via nervous system regulation—to discover that everything they need is already within them. With 25+ years as an OT, Pilates & Brain Gym practitioner, and craniosacral therapist, I guide people to reconnect with their bodies, tap into resilience, and find ease through movement.
I’m also a former meditation dropout. My racing mind (hello, ADHD) couldn’t handle stillness, so I met myself where I was—in movement. When I couldn’t find what I needed, I created it. That’s how Gutsy Brain Movement was born—a blend of nervous system regulation, corrective exercise, and developmental movements, combined with gut health and emotional well-being, to help people feel strong, safe, and at home in their bodies.
My work isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Chronic health challenges always led me back to the gut and nervous system. Discovering celiac disease was a key to moving beyond my fertility struggles for example.
When I’m not creating inspiring content and loving up on the amazing people in my membership, I love spending time with my husband and teen daughter, dancing, hiking, caring for my ever-growing collection of houseplants, and walking my rescue hounds.
How I Put Myself First
For years, I wore overachievement like a badge of honor. I pushed through exhaustion, and convinced myself that rest was something I had to earn. But my nervous system had other plans.
Now, I start each day with three to five minutes of nervous system regulation. These are small but powerful rituals that keep me from slipping back into old patterns. I’ve learned that if I don’t check in with my body, I’ll default back to stress mode—pushing, overdoing, and ignoring what I actually need.
As many days as I can squeeze it into the entrepreneur/mom juggle, I move my body and mind with integrative practices to ground myself—ideally with some time in nature. That often requires walking right past a sink full of dishes or a cluttered house (a skill that took serious practice!). My house might be cluttered, but at least my nervous system is organized. And that’s what truly helps me show up for my life.
My Family
My family is small but mighty. I’ve been on this journey with my husband, Chris, for a loooooong time. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that real love takes work—it’s messy, it’s imperfect, but absolutely worth it.
Our 14-year-old daughter is a force, passionately championing female empowerment one moment and grappling with the realities of teenage angst the next. As a holistic, crunchy mom, I’ve always prioritized natural remedies, mindful parenting, and the mind-body connection. She happily drank all the green smoothies and took every herbal tincture I gave her for years. Now, rejecting all things green is her form of teenage rebellion.
We have two rescue hounds, Snoopy and Vivi. They are plushy, lovable, and stand in as the siblings we once dreamed of for her. Snoopy even comes to work with me, modeling nervous system regulation as he slumbers peacefully alongside healing sessions.
And though she may live an ocean away, our French exchange student will always have a place in our hearts—and our family.
My Journey to Metro Detroit
I grew up in Grand Blanc, but couldn’t wait to move to a big city. I craved urban energy, diversity, and culture. So after undergrad, I packed my bags and headed to Washington, D.C. I fully embraced the hustle culture, juggling three jobs just to afford life in the city. It’s also where I met my husband, a Jersey boy, who eventually converted to loving Detroit as much as I do.
From there, I moved to Indianapolis for graduate school. After my clinicals, I finally landed in Metro Detroit—and I couldn’t be happier. What I love most about this area? The people. Detroit is a place of resilience and creativity, where communities don’t just rebuild—they reinvent. I love the energy here that makes you feel like anything is possible.
We love exploring the food scene downtown, especially the creative and ever-changing menu at Chartreuse. They always find a way to accommodate my food allergies without compromising on flavor!
My Defining Moment of Motherhood
One of my defining moments in motherhood came when I shared that we were making a big change for my daughter. Someone responded, “Mean girls are going to be everywhere.” Without missing a beat, I replied, “Someday, if my daughter is in a toxic workplace or bad relationship, I want her to feel empowered to move on. I don’t want her to think she has to stay in those situations.”
In that moment, I realized how many people hesitate when it comes to standing up for change—even when it’s what’s best for their child or family. It only strengthened my resolve to raise a daughter who knows her worth, supports other women instead of tearing them down, and trusts herself enough to walk away from anything that doesn’t align with her values. And that starts with me continuing to model that strength and support for her every day.
The Importance of Community
Motherhood is hard and messy, and it takes a physical, mental, and emotional toll. There’s no calling in for a mental health day when you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or just need a moment to breathe. Some days, it feels like too much. Like the weight of the load of motherhood is something you can’t carry alone—and you shouldn’t.
That’s why community matters. You need women who are willing to get in the trenches with you. Women who don’t expect you to have it all together, and who let you be raw and real without judgment.
My Intentions at Detroit Mom
I intend to show up authentically—to share the struggles and joys of motherhood in a way that helps other women feel seen and validated.
I want to bring conversations about mental health (for ourselves and our children), changes in our bodies, and shifting hormones out into the open—because these are real, lived experiences that deserve space, not silence.
I applied because I love how Detroit Mom attracts a diverse group of women who are passionate about our city and our families. My own journey—from anxious, stressed-out perfectionist to someone who has learned to navigate motherhood with more ease—is proof that change is possible. I hope my presence helps other moms feel less alone, more supported, and empowered to take care of themselves along the way.
