Kaitlyn Gomez
Photo Credit: Kirsten Lara Getchell
Long before she became an advocate for mental health awareness, K.M. Selvidge found her voice on the stage. As a child, she performed in dance and theatre, eventually performing for respected dance companies, off-Broadway productions, and even commercials. Performing gave her more confidence, yet something was still missing.
While the crowd’s applause felt validating, she was increasingly drawn to work that would create positive, long-lasting social change. That realization led her into nonprofit development, where she found a clear gap in mental health advocacy, shaping the next 25 years of her career.
Working alongside notable organizations such as the YMCA, Arthritis Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Columbia Law, she built lasting relationships and learned the inner workings of community-based advocacy. This deepened her belief that collective efforts can move even the most complex social challenges forward.
Photo Credit: Kirsten Lara Getchell
A Personal Motivation Behind the Mission
Growing up, she witnessed her sibling struggle with mental illness. There were nights filled with worry and mornings when everything appeared normal. Navigating that familial turmoil while having to portray stability to the outside world is something many families experience but don’t discuss openly.
She knew those moments could help others in similar situations. Her mission was to reduce stigma around mental health, give a voice to families in complex situations, and create tools that help young people to remain resilient in the face of mental health struggles.
Photo Credit: Kirsten Lara Getchell
The Kloe Series: Using Storytelling as Support
The Kloe Series is a collection of children’s books that explore mental health. Using animal characters and non-intimidating stories, the series introduces difficult topics in a way that feels safe and engaging.
These stories help children articulate feelings they may not yet fully understand, and they offer families a shared language to use when discussing mental health at home. The series has already received multiple awards, including six for Kloe’s New Start and three for Kloe’s New Friendship, demonstrating its cultural relevance.
Yet for Selvidge, the most meaningful feedback has come from families themselves, who feel a little less alone in their struggles. These narratives offer empathy and support, acknowledging the often-overlooked experiences of siblings and caregivers.
Photo Credit: Kirsten Lara Getchell
Advocacy Rooted in Empathy
Selvidge’s work also includes partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, where she advocates for greater mental health awareness, particularly for young people navigating family challenges.
Her focus is specifically on siblings of individuals with mental illness, who are frequently overlooked in these conversations. They often carry emotional burdens without recognition, which can lead to them feeling invisible or isolated. By giving these voices a platform, she challenges a gap in mental health discussions. She emphasizes that supporting a family means supporting everyone in it.
Redefining Success
Despite her successful advocacy, Selvidge shows no signs of slowing down. A third installment of The Kloe Series is set for release in 2026, with a fourth already in the works. Her work operates on a quieter, more intimate level, whether in the classroom or among family members.
By turning a personal experience into something that can help other families around the world, K.M. Selvidge is reshaping how mental health is talked about. It shouldn’t be an individual burden, but a collective responsibility.