ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Kelsey Karr

Kelsey Karr: Finding Purpose in Acute Care and Academia

For Kelsey Karr, life since graduation has been a whirlwind of professional growth and personal milestones. She is currently working at UTMB Galveston, a Level One Trauma Center, where she thrives in the acute care setting, primarily treating adults but also working with pediatrics and the prison population. While she encounters a wide variety of diagnoses, her passion lies in neurocritical care and burn rehabilitation. As one of three primary burn therapists, she spends much of her time in the Neurocritical ICU and Burn ICU, providing essential, life-changing care.

Committed to lifelong learning, Kelsey has already taken steps to mentor and educate future clinicians. She recently attended an AOTA Fieldwork Educator Workshop, earning a certification to enhance her ability to support and mentor students. She is also working toward her Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) certification while continuing her education in burn care. But perhaps her most exciting academic venture is just around the corner—this summer, she will return to Baylor as an adjunct faculty member for on-site labs.

“I aspire to be in academia, and I cannot wait to dip my toes into it so, so soon!” she shared.

Beyond her thriving OT career, Kelsey is embracing new roles in her personal life. She and her husband welcomed their daughter, Ellie June, in February 2024 and are now preparing to welcome another daughter this September!