Position: Associate Professor, Chair of Sport and Exercise Physiology Department
Department: College of Sciences
Phone: 610-282-1100, x1353
Office: 125B Dooling Hall
Dr. Carrie Ellis received her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Duke University before serving as an active-duty Army physical therapist for five years. After separating from the military, she continued to work as a tactical physical therapist in the Special Operations community for three years. Before coming to DeSales, she worked as an adjunct faculty member for the Methodist University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and at the University of Texas at El Paso in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Dr. Ellis is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) as well as a board-certified orthopedic specialist (OCS). She has provided support for Olympians, including medal winners at the Rio 2016 games, elite special operations soldiers, and competitive amateur athletes.
Dr. Ellis brings a hands-on, student-centered approach to teaching and research in the field of exercise physiology. With her background in human performance, she integrates real-world experience with academic rigor, helping students apply scientific principles to athletic performance, injury prevention, and lifelong wellness. Her collaborative work with students has led to numerous conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Ellis is Chair of the Sport and Exercise Physiology Department, a role she has held since 2022. She is actively involved in the DeSales University Doctor of Physical Therapy program as well, including supervising Pro Bono Boxing Classes for People with Parkinson’s Disease—an initiative that merges service with experiential learning for students.