Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling
Dr. Gennifer Van Pelt is a licensed professional counselor with a deep passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of life. She serves as a full-time faculty member in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS) counseling program while maintaining a private clinical practice from home. In addition to her role at CAGS, Dr. Van Pelt teaches as an adjunct professor in the Counselor Education and Family Studies program at Liberty University.
Dr. Van Pelt holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Christian Counseling, a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, all earned from Liberty University. Her academic and professional pursuits focus on the impact of childhood trauma on lifelong functioning, a subject that drives her research and clinical work.
Before embarking on her career in counseling, Dr. Van Pelt served as enlisted aircrew during her time as an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force. Her military service included deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. She remains connected to the military community through her husband, who also serves as an active-duty enlisted aircrew member in the U.S. Air Force.
Originally from Sweet Water, Alabama, Dr. Van Pelt’s journey has taken her across the globe, with residences in Georgia, Texas, Germany, and now Oklahoma. Along the way, she has worked in diverse community mental health settings, including inpatient and outpatient care, enriching her perspective and expertise in the field.
Dr. Van Pelt is also a proud mother to two teenage boys, ages 13 and 16, and her family shares a love for football that fills their fall weekends. Their household includes two golden retrievers, Honey and Finn, who are beloved members of the family.
Through her dedication to teaching, clinical work, and research, Dr. Van Pelt strives to equip future counselors with the tools they need to make meaningful impacts in the lives of others, all while continuing her mission to help clients heal and thrive.
