From Long Branch to New Horizons: Kysee Bartee's Journey of Healing, Heritage, and Hope
November 10, 2026
By Ret. Veteran David Reevey
Echo News TV LLC — Community Voices
"When something feels overwhelming now, I remind myself that I have already survived an experience I once could not have imagined enduring. That does not make every challenge easy, but it helps me remember my strength."— Kysee Bartee
LONG BRANCH, NJ — Kysee Bartee is the daughter of George E. Bartee and Darlene Snell, and the youngest of three siblings. Born in Neptune, New Jersey, and a 1994 graduate of Neptune High School, Kysee’s roots are deeply woven into the fabric of the Jersey Shore.
Although raised in Neptune, Kysee spent every weekend of her childhood surrounded by family and friends in Long Branch. Sunday mornings were rooted in faith at Second Baptist Church in Long Branch, where Mrs. Betty Smith would pick her up for service. Afterwards, Mrs. Smith would deliver Kysee to the home of her grandfather, Mr. Willie Snell, for care. Shortly after, her mother would pick her up to spend the afternoon visiting elders and cousins across Long Branch before returning home to Neptune. In a fitting turn of events, Kysee’s mother eventually sold their Neptune home and moved to Long Branch—purchasing a house right next door to where Kysee had grown up, enveloped by community and family.
Throughout her life, Kysee has been guided by many positive influences, but none greater than her grandmother and her grand-aunts, affectionately known as the Robinson sisters.
Starting out in a modest three-room house in Mount Vernon, Georgia, the Robinson sisters possessed very little in material wealth, yet they found profound ways to build full, successful lives. They joined the Great Migration from the South to the North, establishing households and raising families. Eventually, they returned home to the South to build better homes of their own—achieving all of this long before the technology, resources, and opportunities of today were readily available.
The determination of the Robinson sisters remains a cornerstone for Kysee whenever she reflects on her own aspirations. Knowing how hard they worked and how much they created from so little, their legacy serves as a constant reminder to make the most of every opportunity and honor their sacrifices. It is a heritage that directly shapes the way Kysee lives and serves today.
While formal accolades may not always capture a person’s true impact, Kysee’s record of personal, academic, and community achievement speaks for itself. In 1995, she graduated from the Monmouth County Vocational School, earning her New Jersey cosmetology license. A decade later, in 2005, she earned an associate degree in graphic design from Gibbs College. Continuing her lifelong commitment to growth, Kysee recently completed the Massage Therapy Program at Brookdale Community College and became a Licensed Massage Therapist. Her strong work ethic, dedication, and versatile background in beauty and wellness seamlessly complement her practice as a holistic service provider. https://www.echonewstv.com/post/the-healing-touch-how-holistic-care-revives-the-journalistic-spirit
Kysee is also an active member of the Long Branch Cohesive Community Committee (LBCCC), a local organization entering its third year dedicated to bringing neighbors together through service, education, cultural celebration, and outreach. As a committee member, she coordinates meaningful initiatives—including Juneteenth celebrations, community fundraisers, and holiday Christmas drives—consistently working to uplift families, strengthen local connections, and encourage community pride.
"For me, the work is about showing up for one another and helping create a community where people feel supported and connected."
Yet, Kysee’s path has not been without deep trial. Life at times presented overwhelming hardship—most profoundly, the tragic loss of discovering her mother after she had passed away, as well as navigating her own mental health journey following diagnoses of ADHD and manic depression.
The loss of her mother changed Kysee profoundly. Reaching what felt like a personal breaking point, she consciously chose to carry her grief forward, allowing trauma to transform into purpose and a deeper reverence for life. Out of that love grew the annual Virgo Bash, a celebration created to honor her mother, Mrs. Darlene, who loved nothing more than bringing people together. Anyone who knew Mrs. Darlene can verify that she could turn almost any occasion into a festive gathering! Keeping her mother’s memory alive through such a joyful tradition speaks volumes about Kysee’s inner strength and character.
Before receiving her diagnoses of ADHD and manic depression, Kysee struggled without fully understanding what she was experiencing. However, through self-motivation and a willingness to learn, she championed her health rather than allowing her circumstances to define her.
"Having that understanding helped me become more self-aware and better able to address my needs. Mental health deserves to be taken seriously, and I believe in the value of therapy and asking for support."
An essential part of Kysee’s personal growth has been learning the art of setting healthy boundaries. She believes that a long history with someone—whether a relative or a friend—does not remove the need for mutual care and respect. Recognizing when a relationship no longer supports her well-being, Kysee is quick to protect her peace, even when doing so feels uncomfortable. Her journey has confirmed that being intentional about whom she allows into her inner circle is a vital component of ongoing self-care.
Currently, Kysee brings her therapeutic skills to clients at The Wave in Long Branch and Spavia in Clark, New Jersey. Looking ahead to her next exciting chapter, she will relocate to St. Thomas for approximately six months this winter to serve as a massage therapist at the spa inside the Westin. Written with permission by David Reevey.
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