Chelsey believes that housing is a basic human right and that community holds untapped potential to provide care and support for those who are unhoused. The traumatic experiences of a neighbor living in her car were the impetus for Chelsey to tap the power of collective care to help establish the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative in early 2019.

Chelsey works as an editor for two international peer-reviewed science journals and is a communications consultant for justice-focused nonprofits and causes. She established a social justice community organization and for many years has volunteered with a Colorado animal rescue organization, where she fosters and trains special-needs dogs, including dogs with significant behavioral challenges.

She is married to her high-school sweetheart and best friend, Mike, and is “mom” to three rescue dogs as well as a grumpy 20-year-old feral cat who lives in the backyard of Chelsey’s Denver home.

As she recovers from serious health consequences of having COVID-19 in early 2020, Chelsey has also been active in state and national advocacy for science-based public health policy, health equity, insurance reform, and patient-led research.

Although health limitations keep her from many of the outdoor activities she once enjoyed, Chelsey is working hard to return to passions such as hiking, snowshoeing, running, and global travel. Meantime, she finds fulfilment close to home through organic gardening and engaging in neighborhood mutual aid activities.