We envision a future where every woman thrives through wellness, meaningful connections, and the restorative power of the ocena.
How it Started…
In a traditionally male-dominated sport, we realized that women needed a safe space to grow. We created Waves 4 Women, a nonprofit, to provide that strength in numbers.
There is strength in numbers to try new things and grow. As a team, we created clinics to build confidence and connection in the waves through wellness skills so we can thrive together!
Meet the Team
Sarah Butler
Executive Director (ex officio)
Bio coming soon :).
Kathie Watson
Bio coming soon :).
Wellness Director (ex officio)
Jennifer Hamrock, PhD
Jennifer is an educator, artist, and freelance professional with a lifelong passion for the ocean and surfing. After discovering Waves 4 Women through a volunteer meeting, she was excited to find a surf therapy organization in her own community that aligned with her passion for sharing the healing power of the sea. Jennifer finds great joy in introducing others to surfing, building meaningful connections with women, and fostering a welcoming environment where participants can experience the confidence, community, and restoration that the ocean provides. Today, Jennifer serves as the Surf Director for Waves 4 Women, is a certified Surf Therapy Provider through the Groundswell Community Project, and serves as the lead point of instruction for surf clinics.
Surf Program Director (ex officio)
Emmie Coler
Intern 2025-2027
Meet Our Board of Directors
MaryBeth O’Brien
Ashley is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, researcher, therapist, and faculty member in Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics at MUSC. With more than a decade of experience supporting children and families, Ashley is passionate about expanding access to mental health, wellness, and community. As a Folly Beach native, she understands the healing and restorative power of the ocean, and is dedicated to sharing this experience with other women. Ashley believes that every woman “deserves a place where they feel seen, supported, and confident,” a philosophy that inspires her work with Waves 4 Women.
Ashley Early, DSW, LISW-CP-S
MaryBeth is a professional animal keeper, former small business owner, and mother of two. She first connected with Waves 4 Women as a participant while seeking community and wellness during her own recovery period. Inspired by the impact Waves 4 Women had on her own life, MaryBeth became a volunteer, encouraging other women to gain confidence and connections through the organization. She is passionate about creating a supportive experience for others and loves to “watch the magic happen,” as participants leave each surf clinic “stronger, more confident, and feeling loved.”
Sarah is a chiropractor in Charleston, South Carolina, dedicated to helping people improve their health, build confidence, and reach their full potential. Originally from Redondo Beach, California, Sarah has always found strength and joy in the ocean. She earned her degree in Kinesiology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she competed as a Division I water polo athlete, and later played professional water polo in Australia. Sarah is passionate about fostering both mental and physical wellness, which drew her to the mission of Waves 4 Women. She particularly appreciates that Waves 4 Women provides a safe, supportive space in which vulnerability and honesty among participants creates strong bonds that develop into a lifelong community.
Elle Geers, MS, CCC-SLP
Sarah Logan, D.C.
Elle is a speech-language pathologist and U.S. Air Force Chief who has been part of Waves 4 Women since its earliest days. After reconnecting with co-founder Erin Jones following a military deployment, Elle joined the organization at its inception, inspired by its vision of empowering women through surfing, community, and connection. Having served multiple combat deployments and worked extensively with veterans experiencing anxiety and PTSD, Elle is passionate about helping others build resilience, confidence, and discover strengths they never knew they had. She believes in the transformative power of a supportive community and is dedicated to creating opportunities for women to feel empowered both in and out of the water.
Kathryn works in real estate development and is passionate about the peace and healing the ocean provides. After participating in a Waves 4 Women surf clinic, Kathryn rediscovered her love of surfing and found a passion for helping other women gain skills of courage and resilience in the water. She believes that surfing fosters confidence, and that communities of strong women transform lives. Through her work with Waves 4 Women, Kathryn is committed to creating an environment where every woman feels welcomed, encouraged, and empowered, noting her own experience with Waves 4 Women as a community she can “always count on to be kind and genuine and generous.”