Kelli Hartzell
Ph.D. - Counselor Education and Supervision
Education
- 2026, William & Mary, Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- 2023, St. Bonaventure University, M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- 2011, State University of New York at Fredonia (SUNY Fredonia), B.S. in Science Education Major: Social Work Minor: Sociology
What kind of educational and professional experiences did you have prior to beginning this degree?
Before beginning my Ph.D. at William & Mary, I had over seven years of clinical counseling experience. This experience included working with diverse populations in inpatient and outpatient settings who were facing substance abuse, mental health and co-occurring disorders and empowering them for personal growth. I also had the privilege of supervising associate-level human services students, supporting their growth and development.
Why did you choose this field, and what motivates you in this work?
I chose to enter the counseling field after a positive personal experience in counseling in my adolescence, which increased my self-awareness holistically. I was motivated to pursue a master's program in clinical mental health counseling to obtain licensure within the counseling field. Furthermore, I was motivated to pursue my Ph.D. so I could expand my professional growth and development in a way that will help other individuals with this shared career passion obtain their educational and licensing goals through both counseling education and supervision.
What do you hope to be doing after graduation? In 10 or 15 years?
In 10-15 years, I aim to balance working as a clinical counselor, educator, supervisor and researcher within and outside higher education. My goal is to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices amongst the counseling students, residents and clients I work with in the future. Additionally, I aim to promote wellness and resilience among the counseling students and residents I work with in the future, as well as improve retention within the counseling field.
Why did you choose William & Mary and specifically your degree program? What sets this degree program apart from those offered at other colleges?
I chose William & Mary as my specific degree program for a few reasons. First, the program is CACREP-accredited, offering ease from knowing the program aims to cover core professional standards within the counseling field. Secondly, there is a wide array of scholarships available each year for financial assistance. Thirdly, W&M offers graduate assistantships, helping with financial costs as well as making the program accessible and affordable.
What has been the most influential experience you've had so far in your program?
Thus far in my program, there have been many influential experiences. The most influential has been the experiential learning opportunities corresponding with the program's courses. I have had the pleasure of facilitating two growth groups with master-level students and their corresponding courses, co-teaching courses with faculty, co-supervising a master-level practicum course and collaborating on faculty research studies, all of which have helped me apply theoretical models to practical application techniques.
