Faculty Spotlight: Chelsea O’Donnell

By DANIEL SIEGEL ‘22

Chelsea O’Donnell is a new faculty member this year, serving as a sabbatical replacement in the counseling center. Previously, Ms. O’Donnell worked at McLean Hospital in Belmont, BayCove BEST Urgent Care, Bryant University, and Dever Elementary School in Boston. Here are some questions to help you get to know her better!

1. Tell me about yourself!

I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers!), but have been living in MA for about

12 years now. I went to the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, MA for undergrad where I majored in Psychology and was a 4 year member of the women’s volleyball team. I then attended Boston College for my master’s in Mental Health Counseling and decided to stay in Boston to pursue a career in mental health. My favorite things to talk about, however, are my two rescue pups, Tootsie and Mabel! They are both about 10lbs and are both Southern girls who I adopted through local rescue organizations!

2. What brought you to Milton?

Prior to being at Milton I worked in a lot of acute care settings like hospitals, residential programs, and community crisis work, and I was looking for something where I could really take the time to connect and focus on preventative mental health care. I also love the school setting. What attracted me most to Milton was the people here. Everyone is so welcoming, excited about the students, and passionate about

making this community special.

3. What do you enjoy about working at Milton?

So many things! Aside from the breakfast sandwiches at the snack bar?... I love getting to work at a place that not only recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, but really celebrates it. I also enjoy getting to meet all the students at Milton and learn about where they’re from, what they’re interested in, and how I can best help them to be successful, inside and outside of the classroom.

4. What are your hobbies outside of school?

I coach the varsity volleyball team here, which feels more like a hobby than a job because it is so much fun! Outside of that, I’m a big foodie, so I love trying new restaurants and cuisines. I also love being active and out in nature, so I like taking my dogs hiking at Blue Hills, walking along the beach, or going for runs. Oh, and going to the movies. I love spending a Friday night seeing a movie with a big tub of popcorn.

5. Is there anything that you would like to accomplish at Milton?

Personally, I think I’d like to just be known around campus as someone who people can come to if they need anything. Being known as open, inviting, and trustworthy among the students would be a huge accomplishment. On a larger scale, I’d really like to help promote mental health awareness and the importance of self-care.

6. What does your typical day look like?

During the week, my day is pretty predictable. Coffee is a first, must check emails, meet with students, workout if I have time, then volleyball practice before I head home to play with my pups.

7. What advice would you give students about mental health?

Don’t neglect it for the sake of school work! I know school is super important, but your mental health has to take priority. Take the time you need for self-care. Do things that make you happy and help you to relax. Schedule in something enjoyable at least once a day. And always, always reach out if you start feeling too overwhelmed. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not real or important.

Whenever you see Ms. O’Donnell around, be sure to introduce yourself and say hi!

Mark PangNovember 9, 2019