Kelsey is a transplant to the Pacific Northwest, having grown up in rural Kansas. She received a bachelor's degree in Educational Ministries from Taylor University, and graduated summa cum laude from North Park Theological Seminary with a master of divinity. Kelsey is ordained to Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and has served in youth and young adult ministry throughout the denomination, including as a part of the University Ministries staff at North Park University. Kelsey has been part of the SPU University Ministries pastoral team since 2015, after serving for five years as the Assistant Director for the Center for Biblical and Theological Education.

As part of the Campus Ministries staff, Kelsey brings leadership to campus focused endeavors, specifically focusing on pastoral care for undergraduate students and serving as the advisor for our residential Student Ministry Coordinators (SMC). Kelsey is married to Tom, and they have two young children; together they enjoy live music, board games, and cheering for the University of Kansas basketball team.