My Dog Died Staff

KELSEA JACKSON

Early Childhood Pet Loss – Contributing Editor

Kelsea Jackson brings both professional expertise and a deeply compassionate heart to helping young children navigate the loss of a beloved pet. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Union College and an MBA in General Management from California Baptist University. For seven years, Kelsea taught Pre-Kindergarten (4-5 year olds), gaining firsthand experience in guiding children through life’s big emotions with patience and understanding.

Kelsea’s passion comes from her belief that the early years are some of the most important in shaping who we become. She knows that what children experience in these formative years influences how they see themselves and the world around them. That’s why she’s dedicated to helping kids process grief in healthy ways when they lose a pet.

She understands that children often take things literally and may struggle to grasp what life and death mean. Kelsea focuses on listening first, then gently guiding children toward understanding. Using simple, honest language, she reassures them that their feelings are normal and helps them remember the joy their pet brought to their lives.

For Kelsea, the most rewarding moments are when a child’s face softens with relief—when they realize it wasn’t their fault—and they feel safe enough to share memories and emotions they couldn’t express before. Her goal is to give children not only comfort in their grief but also tools they can carry with them for a lifetime.