Kelly Drew Foster, Ph.D.(c) is a faculty mentor and doctoral candidate in Transpersonal Psychology. Her current research explores the evolution of consciousness and construction of the socially conditioned self. Kelly's work focuses on unraveling the rigidity of ego-based identity patterns, particularly those embedded within contemporary cultural and spiritual narratives, in order to reorient individuals toward a more authentic, interdependent sense of being.
In addition to her role as a faculty mentor, Kelly serves as the Administrative Director at IUPS and a member of the Academic Committee. With over 20 years of dedicated practice and study in contemplative traditions, Kelly’s background includes intensive training in Vipassana, mindfulness meditation, and self-inquiry. She previously lived and worked within a Tibetan Buddhist community of the Nyingma lineage under Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, and has studied within a variety of other Eastern spiritual pathways, including Soto Zen, Advaita Vedanta, and Kashmir Shaivism. Her passion lies in the intersection between ancient contemplative practices and modern transpersonal and depth psychologies.
Kelly's interdisciplinary work is enriched by her background in the creative and healing arts. She has over 20 years of training in dance and has been a lifelong visual artist. She approaches art-making as a therapeutic tool and maintains a somatic-based practice rooted in embodied movement. She is also trained in hands-on energy healing, and offers end-of-life support as a Death Doula through The Living/Dying Project and Hospice.