• Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Mich.
• Pediatric Psychologist, Hurley Children's Hospital, Flint, Mich.
• Director, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Rotation, Hurley Pediatric Residency Program, Flint, Mich.

Dr. Ellens is a passionate clinician and educator when it comes to addressing the social, developmental, behavioral, and psychological factors impacting children's health. She collaborates with medical teams throughout Hurley's Children's Hospital and Hurley Children's Center to help kids reach their health goals. As faculty for the Pediatrics Residency, Dr Ellens supports competencies in pediatric development, behavior, mental health, interpersonal-communication skills, and scholarship. In 2022, Dr. Ellens was recognized with the Emerging Pioneer Award by the Michigan Psychological Association.

Dr. Ellens also holds an academic appointment within Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine, is the Co-Director of Pediatric Education Research for the Pediatric Residency Program at Hurley Medical Center, and serves on hospital and university-based committees that support scholarship.

Education

• Bachelor-of-arts degree, psychology & political science: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
  
• Master-of-arts degree, clinical psychology: University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Ind.
• Doctoral degree, clinical psychology: University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Ind.
• Predoctoral internship, clinical psychology: Wayne State University at Hawthorn Center, Northville, Mich.
• Post-doctoral pediatric psychology fellowship: Michigan State University at Hurley Medical Center, Flint, Mich.

Professional Interests

• Clinical training
  
• Health promotion and behavior change
• Coping with chronic medical conditions
• Somatic symptoms, chronic pain, and conversion disorder; functional symptoms
• Equity, diversity, & inclusion
• Quality improvement and clinical research

Professional Memberships/Activities

• American Psychological Association
• Society of Pediatric Psychology (Division 54 of APA)
• Michigan Psychological Association
• Programming Committee, Michigan Psychological Association

Favorites

Outside of work, Dr. Ellens enjoys being outside (when it is warm!), trying new recipes, and spending time with her family, friends and dog.

• Favorite food: Chocolate
• Favorite season: Summer
• Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with good friends, good food, and a beautiful view
• Favorite activities: Hiking & gardening