Donelyn has been a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist since 1987. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Westmont College and an M.A. in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. Donelyn has worked in the counseling field since 1973, working with juvenile delinquents and their families, licensing and placing children in Foster homes, directing a low-cost counseling clinic and counseling clients of all ages. Presently she is a clinical supervisor with Advent Group Ministries, a Christian Social Service agency, overseeing the work of 8 clinical trainees and interns. She also is adjunct faculty with Western Seminary, teaching Clinical Foundations and Child and Adolescent Therapy. Additionally she is a co-owner of Relational Resources where she maintains her private practice, seeing clients in Aptos and Felton. Donelyn is trained in EMDR and specializes in integrating psychological and spiritual health.

Donelyn, her husband Curt, and their four children have lived in the Santa Cruz mountains since 1976. Donelyn has also taught lay counselor training classes in Pleasanton and Santa Cruz, facilitates groups and speaks at retreats and seminars.