August Superintendent’s Superstar shines

In 2008, Kelsie Igasan graduated from the Alice M. Worsley School at the Juvenile Justice Campus. From ages 5 to 16, Kelsie was heavily involved in sports and in 2005 was ranked second nationally in the American National Cheer and Dance Championships. At that time, she developed a substance abuse problem. At age 16, she was sent to rehabilitation and began her sobriety journey. She relapsed many times, leading to running away, homelessness and physical altercations. She struggled with emotional control issues and irrational behaviors, which resulted in her being incarcerated at the JJC.

Kelsie was able to find long-term sobriety at age 19 after the birth of her first son and support from her family. In 2017, she suffered a serious car accident and relapsed. During her treatment it was uncovered that Kelsie had past sports-related traumatic brain injuries that unknowingly contributed to her mental health issues, substance abuse and suicidal ideation.

Today, Kelsie is two years sober and shares her story openly and honestly across Fresno County to bring awareness to TBI and how it relates to a person’s mind, body and soul. She created a public speaking service, The Butterfly Inside. She believes if we work together and collaborate, there’s a chance at preventing brain-trauma related outcomes.