Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Friesen RN.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Friesen Holistic Services LLC was founded by Kelly Friesen, a Registered Nurse and mother of a young adult who lives with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). After years on a waiting list, her son was finally offered an opportunity to live in a traditional corporate‑supported living apartment — an option that came with limited services, high costs, and a significant loss of autonomy. Kelly knew individuals and families deserved more. Across Minnesota and the Nation, provider resources for individuals with Autism decrease sharply once they reach adulthood, even though Autism itself does not end in adulthood. Recognizing this gap, Kelly created Friesen Holistic Services LLC to offer a different path and help fill a long‑standing void. Through Nurse Advocate Services, Neurodiverse adults receive individualized support to build life skills, strengthen independence, and access the services they need to thrive in their own communities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The business model for Friesen Holistic Services was based upon a Registered Nurse working as an independent contractor using a “modeling & role-modeling” concept. The concept is similar to traditional ABA or Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy but grounded in the Nursing framework. The idea she brought forward—a nurse‑led, real‑life, hands‑on support model—was something new, and counties weren’t quite sure what to make of it at first. It didn’t look like the traditional services, as Kelly’s model was not “home care” and it was not 245D licensed, so naturally there was some hesitation.
Things shifted when a unique case came along and Kelly offered to step in & get to work. She knew that meeting someone where they’re at, in the moment, could make a real difference. And it did. The progress her Client made showed what this kind of support could do: build practical life skills, boost confidence, and provide a sense of hope for their future. That success opened the door, and since then, more counties have welcomed the model.
Today, Kelly works with both CDCS county‑funded and private‑pay clients, offering services in person and virtually.
The impact has been clear. Neurodiverse adults are reaching goals that matter in everyday life, and the growth is showing up in real, meaningful ways. Alongside individual progress, a bigger goal continues to guide the work: creating a sense of community for Neurodiverse individuals—a place where people can build social connections, feel understood, and know they belong.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What makes my business unique is that this work is deeply personal. My passion goes beyond one‑on‑one support. I’m committed to helping the broader community understand Autism in a way that moves past basic awareness and into real understanding.
This journey has opened doors for me to provide Autism education and training to businesses, workplaces, and community groups. Neurodiverse individuals are all around us, and when people understand how different minds work, everyone benefits. I’ve also had the privilege of training law enforcement. Individuals with Autism are statistically more likely to have contact with officers by their early twenties than their neurotypical peers, so giving Officers practical tools to recognize and support someone on the spectrum is critical. The training has been well received across the board, and I’m grateful for the opportunities.
At the end of the day, everything comes back to connection. I know I won’t be here forever, and my hope is to help build a community where my son, Michael, and others like him can truly flourish—where they have support, friendship, and a real sense of belonging.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kellyfriesen.com
- Instagram: @NurseKellyFriesen
- Facebook: @nursekellyfriesen1
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nursekellyfriesen
