Dr. Russell Kennedy 

Dr. Russell Kennedy, PsyD, MA, is a leading expert in sports performance psychology with over four decades of experience working with elite athletes across gymnastics, cheerleading, martial arts, and dance. A former NCAA Division I gymnast at Syracuse University, Dr. Kennedy understands the unique pressures of performance.  As the author of The Art of the Bravesmith, he has developed innovative, evidence-based methods for preventing and overcoming mental blocks, building anti-fragile athletes, and maximizing performance under pressure. He has trained thousands of coaches nationwide through his work as a consultant and lecturer for the United States All Star Federation (USASF) and Varsity University, delivering his signature BRAVESMITH philosophy to audiences at national conferences and gym-based intensive trainings.

Russ' BRAVESMITH coaching philosophy has guided elite programs worldwide, including World Championship cheer teams like East Celebrity Elite (ECE) and The California Al Stars, Olympic athletes, and Professional/UFC fighters.  Drawing on advanced training in Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Radically-Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) and sport-specific psychology, Dr. Kennedy helps athletes transform fear into competitive advantage while teaching coaches autonomy-supportive methods that build intrinsic motivation and psychological flexibility.

Beyond his coaching expertise, Dr. Kennedy brings rigorous clinical and academic credentials to his work. As Program Director at Walden Behavioral Care (2017-2025), he developed the state's only eating disorder treatment program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the GOALS program specifically designed for athletes with disordered eating. He currently serves as CEO of HUE Wellness, providing specialized care for Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services clients. Dr. Kennedy's background includes research with the National Institutes of Health on weight management, National Institutes of Aging for longevity, a Health Psychology Fellowship at Boston Behavioral Medicine and Tufts Medical, and taught as Adjunct Professor at William James College and lectures at colleges and universities across New England.  He worked as a consultant for organizations including Reboot USA and Zumba/Reebok International. With a PsyD in Clinical Health Psychology from William James College, an MA in Counseling Psychology from Boston College (GPA 3.9), and a BS in Biology from Syracuse University, Dr. Kennedy seamlessly integrates cutting-edge sports science, clinical psychology, and decades of hands-on coaching experience to help athletes and coaches forge mental strength that transcends sport.