About Kelsey | LGBTQ+ & Neurodivergent Travel Advisor

Meet Kelsey: LGBTQ+ Affirming Travel Advisor for Neurodivergent & Queer Adults

I’ll be honest with you: I didn’t plan to become a travel advisor. I planned to be a teacher. And I was for six and a half years. I mostly taught middle school English, in Baltimore, MD. I loved the work. And then I burned out so completely that I quit without another job lined up.

Sound familiar?

That burnout led me through a few unexpected doors- curriculum development, co-founding a wedding coordination company, and eventually, helping wedding clients plan their honeymoons. That last part? That’s where everything clicked. I’d found my thing. I eventually closed the wedding business to focus on New Dawn full-time, and I’ve never looked back.

Why I do this work the way I do it

Teaching Changed How I Communicate

Middle school taught me something I carry into every client interaction.

I don't assume, I ask.

I don't overload, I simplify.

I don't rush decisions, I create structure with room to breathe.

I Prefer Adults Only Resorts

There's no way you can relax with kids running around. Let's keep the chaos at home and land in a space that's made for rest, connection, and potentially romance.

I'm My Own Ideal Client

I have to actively force myself to relax. I’m a go-go-go person unless I deliberately carve out space to do nothing. Travel is my easiest reset. It allows me to get out of my environment, away from the to-do list, so I can actually focus on myself.

I'm A Part of the LGBTQ and Neurodivergent Community

I knew I wanted to work with these communities because I noticed they face a lot of judgement, especially when it comes to travel. I design itineraries that account for sensory needs, pacing preferences, and flexibility, all judgement free.

A few things about me outside of work

Dog Mom

I share my home in Baltimore with two insane dogs. Rue is an Australian Shepard and Lulu is a Corgi.

Trauma Survivor

I know what it's like to be hypervigilant in environments that should feel safe. To need rest so badly but not know how to access it. Healing taught me that rest is a necessity. And travel, done right, can be one of the most powerful forms of it.

Past Education

I hold a B.S. in English Adolescent Education from SUNY Fredonia and a Master’s in Educational Technology from Loyola University Maryland.

Sound like someone you'd want in your corner?

I’d love to hear about your trip. Whether you have a destination in mind or just know you need to go somewhere, let’s figure it out together.

Set Up a Free Consultation

Or head over to the Work With Me page to learn more about what's included.