“Spreading the good CooperRiis word” is what Kimberly loves to do, and she finds great satisfaction and joy in helping families experiencing mental health struggles find hope again.
After enjoying an Art Therapy clinical internship in 2016, Kimberly quickly found a home at CooperRiis’ Healing Community. As graduation approached and a yearlong stint as Executive Assistant to the President ended in 2018, Kimberly took on the role of National Outreach Coordinator. In May of 2022, Kim was promoted to Marketing & Outreach Director.
Hailing from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Kimberly graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Freelance graphic design and mural painting soon became her focus after marrying Rich Nelson, a portrait and landscape artist, and musician. With three amazing and creative children, raising a family took priority. North Carolina bound, Kimberly’s dream of owning art galleries developed into three locations over five years. Seeking more from the healing properties through the creative arts, Kimberly found herself at Lesley University’s Low Residency Program for Art Therapy, where she graduated with a Master of Arts.