Kelsey Backels, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)

Kelsey Backels, Ph.D. is currently employed by Millersville University as a temporary, part-time sabbatical replacement faculty for spring 2024. She retired from Millersville University in May 2021 after working in the Department of Counseling and Human Development for 29 years, 20 of which were as Department Chair and Counseling Center Director.  Dr. Backels volunteers as a Critical Incident Stress Management debriefer with Lancaster CISM and serves on their board of directors. 

Dr. Backels came to MU in 1991 from the University of Virginia Counseling Center upon completion of her doctoral internship. Dr. Backels graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, IN in 1991 with her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Prior to that, she was employed by Averett College in Danville, VA as Director of Career Counseling and Placement, Director of Student Activities, and Resident Hall Director. While living in Danvillle, Dr. Backels served as Vice-President of the Board of Directors and volunteered as a domestic violence and rape crisis counselor for DOVES, Inc.