Chandra Kelsey, MPH, CHES

Chandra Kelsey is a dedicated public health practitioner at the Office of Community & Practice at YSPH, where she co-instructs the Public Health Practicum course. In this role, she facilitates the connection between MPH students and community-engaged partnerships, emphasizing principles of equitable engagement, positionality, and best practices in health communication.

In addition to teaching, Chandra oversees the Applied Practice Experience (APE) for all MPH students at YSPH. She advises on internships, independent projects, and practitioner skill-building, guiding students as they navigate their professional development and real-world public health practice.

Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Chandra has been actively involved in several impactful side projects at YSPH focused on increasing equity and representation. Her contributions include advising on lactation spaces and policies, advancing menstrual health equity initiatives, improving access to Naloxone/overdose reversal aids, enhancing food access, and supporting the Pathways to Science Public Health Day. This annual event introduces local teens to diverse careers in the health services field, embodying her commitment to community health education and engagement.

Before embarking on her public health career, Chandra gained valuable experience in the fashion industry and high-end retail. She played a pivotal role in helping wholesale manufacturers expand into brick-and-mortar direct sales business models, showcasing her strategic vision and leadership capabilities.

Originally from Southern California, Chandra is a proud first-generation non-traditional college graduate. She has been recognized for her professional achievements and community contributions, being named to Connecticut Magazine’s 40 Under 40 list in 2020. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to Thailand to visit her family, exploring new restaurants, undertaking DIY remodeling projects on her over 100-year-old home, and staying busy with her kids and puppy.