Chels received their undergraduate degree from The University of South Carolina Upstate in Physical Education. They taught elementary and middle school ages and coached high school basketball and softball for 2 years post-graduation. They completed their Masters in Social Work at The Ohio State University with an emphasis in mental health and substance misuse. They worked previously with the SC Department of Mental Health servicing adults in Spartanburg County. Chels is a Licensed Master Social Worker and is currently working towards their LISW-CP.

Chels is passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community because they recognize the importance and meaning of presence in the community as a queer social worker. They prioritize meeting individuals where they are and providing a safe, encouraging, and authentic environment where individuals are always encouraged to show up just as they are.  

When Chels isn’t working, you can find them on a hike and hunting for waterfalls or spending time with their chocolate lab, Harper. Chels also loves to connect with their inner child and push the reset button by putting together Lego sets.