Dr. Joy Himmel serves as the Counseling Center Director and holds a Psy.D in Psychology, MA in Mental Health Counseling, and BSN in Nursing. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Nurse (RN). She has over 30 years of experience in hospital-and community-based programs and college health. She is trained in trauma informed care, EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Areas of focus are depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD and relationship issues.
Liam Costello is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia. He earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Broome Community College in Binghamton, NY, and his Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. Before joining OCS, Liam has dedicated his career to working with underserved and historically marginalized populations as both a substance abuse and mental health counselor. He was named therapist of the year for the state of Arkansas in 2018 by Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma (ARBEST), for his work providing trauma specific treatment to adolescent young men while they were incarcerated by the state. Liam values and celebrates working with people with diverse backgrounds, as their willingness to share about their unique experiences and perspectives allows him to develop an understanding of himself and others that is as rich, full, and complex as human beings are.
Dr. Kathreen Tadrous is a Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist who received a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.D. from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada. She completed her Psychiatric Residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, a Psychoanalytic Fellowship from the Institute for Psychoanalytic Education, NYU SOM, followed by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Fellowship at Rutgers University, Newark, NJ. She previously worked in Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, NJ as attending psychiatrist in both the ER and adolescent residential treatment and where she served as Associate Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency training program.
Dr. Laura Helton Edmonson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She received her bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and her master's degree from The University of Houston. She received her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant University, The California School of Professional Psychology. "Dr. Laura," as she is known by her clients, enjoys working with university students to address a variety of concerns. Some of these concerns include women's issues, issues pertaining to military and military affiliated populations, and topics regarding diversity -- particularly individuals who identify as Biracial or Multiracial.
Dr. Amy Cavanaugh is a staff psychologist and the group counseling coordinator at the Office of Counseling Services. She joined the Office of Counseling Services at ODU in Fall 2019. She has been committed to working with college students since she graduated with her doctoral degree in 2010 from Western Michigan University. She provides individual, couples, and group counseling services; facilitates on demand appointments; consults with members of the campus community; and enjoys developing and implementing outreach programs. Amy has a passion for group counseling and believes that everyone would benefit through learning from others, connecting with peers, and gaining support through group counseling. Amy enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+ community, couples, and survivors of trauma. Additionally, she has specialized experience working with disordered eating and eating disorders, women's issues, healthy relationships, stalking, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, body image, and LGBTQIA concerns.
Dr. Tranese Morgan is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia and has worked as a Staff Psychologist and Doctoral Training Coordinator at Old Dominion University's Office of Counseling Services since July 2020. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2011 from Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL, and her Doctorate degree (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology in 2017 from Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. In 2018, she completed a 2-year APA-approved Internship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Danielsen Institute at Boston University. Dr. Morgan's areas of clinical focus include the provision of affirming and inclusive mental health practices for college students. She utilizes a trauma-informed, integrative approach to therapy drawing from mindfulness and self-compassion-based practices, DBT, CBT, ACT, and relational theories (e.g., psychodynamic, attachment style, object relations). She aims to honor the spectrum of lived experiences of her clients including the ways in which their sociocultural identities (i.e., race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, spirituality, etc.) intersect with their mental health and overall well-being. She is particularly drawn to outreach, and well-being initiatives centered on diverse student groups including LGBTQIA+ students, neurodivergent students, and communities of color such as BIPOC, Latinx, and International students. Dr. Morgan is also passionate about therapeutic approaches to psychodiagnostic assessment including ADHD, ASD, personality, learning, and executive functioning.
Sarah Kalafsky is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She joined ODU's Office of Counseling Services in August 2019 and currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator. Sarah received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from James Madison University and her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling here at ODU. Sarah has worked in a variety of clinical settings, but found her passion working with college students within the university setting. Sarah practices from a person-centered, trauma-informed approach and often incorporates cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal process, and solution-focused techniques into her work. She uses warmth, acceptance, humor, and multicultural awareness to foster a safe, non-judgmental environment for her clients to feel comfortable and empowered as they work toward their goals. Sarah finds her role in campus outreach to be particularly rewarding as she is able to connect with students who may not traditionally seek out services, reduce stigma regarding mental health and help-seeking, and continue to foster collaborative relationships with other departments and organizations on campus.
Alysa Patti is a Resident in Counseling and a National Certified Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Christopher Newport University and her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of William and Mary. Prior to joining the ODU team in the Fall of 2022, Alysa worked in a variety of mental health settings including an inpatient substance use treatment center, a college telehealth clinic, and a private practice. She has experience helping individuals navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship issues. Her passion remains in working with young adults going through transition and individuals in the military community. Alysa strives to make counseling feel like a safe and comfortable environment where individuals can feel heard and work towards their goals. She utilizes techniques and interventions from Person-Centered, Strength-Based, and Cognitive-Behavioral therapies to promote mental health and wellness.
Ivonee Ward is a Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia and is pursuing licensure to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University, Virginia Beach. Ivonee has had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings including community mental health, acute inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, school-based programs, and integrative neurology services. She is passionate about supporting diverse and underserved communities, gender equality, and suicide prevention. Ivonee enjoys creating a safe, empathetic, and comfortable environment to empower students and promote positive change. She practices a strength-based approach and often incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing into her work. Ivonee is a devout believer in collaborating with students to identify issues, difficulties, and problems caused by thoughts, feelings, and emotions to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they are facing throughout their collegiate odyssey.
E. Gerrie Gargan-Wark is a Resident in Social Work working towards a License in Clinical Social Work. She received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Gerrie is passionate about working with young adults who are struggling with their mental health. In the past she has worked closely with clients who are involved in the juvenile justice system and helped them develop coping mechanisms in order to reduce recidivism. Gerrie is trained in Aggression Replacement Training (ART) and enjoys helping clients who are struggling with anger management. She is committed to creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment for her clients. Gerrie practices from a strengths-based approach and aims to empower her clients to develop a deeper understanding of their own struggles with mental health.
Catey is currently a Supervisee in Social Work working towards becoming an independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Radford University and her Master of Social Work from Norfolk State University. Prior to joining ODU, Catey primarily worked with individuals struggling with serious mental illness in higher levels of care, to include acute psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, partial-hospitalization, and intensive outpatient treatment settings, and has experience providing individual and group therapy services to both adolescents and adults. She also has prior experience providing mental health services on a college campus, which cultivated a passion for working with college students that remains to this day. Catey believes in meeting clients where they are and is committed to utilizing a person-centered, non-judgmental, collaborative approach to encourage exploration and growth. She prioritizes trauma-informed care and incorporates a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), to tailor treatment to meet clients’ unique needs. Catey truly believes that everyone is the expert of their own lived experience and continuously seeks to learn from and understand her clients to better inform treatment and help clients create meaningful, long-lasting change.
Maria is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. She earned her Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Before joining ODU, Maria worked in various clinical settings including residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient. She has experience providing individual, group, and family counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults. She uses an integrative approach to therapy, focusing on trauma-informed care and utilizing a variety of treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and solution-focus therapy in addition to art therapy techniques. As an artist and therapist, Maria believes in creative expression to heal and discover oneself, and that anyone can be an artist and benefit from creativity, regardless of experience.
Chrissie Collett is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Florida. She utilizes strengths-based, short-term, and solution-focused methods to help manage a variety of mental health symptoms (stress, depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, grief, trauma, interpersonal challenges). Together, she will partner with you and use your innate strengths to enhance your self-awareness and understanding and also identify barriers to change. She believes therapy should be collaborative, non-judgmental, and even humorous at times.
Deborah Reed is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Texas. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff formerly known as Arkansas AM&N College, an HBCU. Deborah earned master’s degrees in Biblical Counseling and Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. Deborah operated a private practice in the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area and worked with graduate students and young professionals of diverse backgrounds. Her empathy and compassion for seminary students helped those struggling with issues of faith and gender identity. Deborah uses Adlerian goal-oriented therapy that emphasizes the importance of clients’ unique perspectives and experiences. She has worked with victims of childhood and complex trauma, sex trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse using EMDR techniques. Deborah believes that mental health is most effectively treated by understanding the whole person which includes their history. Deborah uses talk therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy technique to help with symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and dissociation issues.
“For better or worse, people are where they are, because of where they've been. My goal is to help strengthen my clients' coping skills so that mental health struggles no longer interfere with their quality of life.”
Craig Simmons is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Craig is a person-centered trauma informed therapist who focuses on supporting and empowering young people to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. As a geek-aware therapist and a Problematic Gaming Specialist he understands the power of pop culture, gaming, technology, and all things nerdy and how our passions are an integral part of what makes us who we are. Using a solution focused approach, he works to help young people understand how their values and hopes can be used in pursuit of accomplishing their goals of healing and growth.
Liz Wieschhaus is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Illinois trained in EMDR, Play Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Specializing in helping individuals navigate life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges, Liz offers a compassionate and supportive environment for healing. By integrating various therapeutic approaches, she empowers clients to explore their emotions, build resilience, and achieve balance. Committed to guiding individuals on their journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling future, she tailors care to meet each client’s unique needs.
Dominique Scott is a Master’s Intern from Wake Forest University working towards his Master’s degree (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He received his bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Family Studies in 2010 from James Madison University. He currently holds a certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional Trainee (QMHP-T) in the state of Virginia. Upon graduation, he will meet the educational requirements to pursue licensure by the Virginia Board of Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). His therapeutic approach incorporates several major theories of counseling, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Relational Cultural Therapy. He tailors his particular focus to the needs of the client(s). He believes that every individual possesses inner strength and resources to work through life problems. He seeks to help clients discover their potential and learn various coping skills and strategies to help them achieve their goals in life. He desires to empower, encourage, and equip clients on their path to obtain health and wellness.
Kaitlin Viloria-Ellorin is a Doctoral Trainee from Regent University working towards her Doctorate degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2020 from the University of Mary Washington and her master’s degree (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology from Regent University in August 2023. Kaitlin practices from a trauma-informed, collaborative, and integrative approach based on the student’s needs to help empower them towards living a life in accordance with their values. Her approach is heavily informed by relational frame theory, ecological systems, and attachment style. She utilizes various evidence-based therapies including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) to address adjustment-related concerns, depression, anxiety, and trauma, among others. As a second-generation Filipino American, Kaitlin is passionate about working with students navigating their multicultural identity and cultural conflicts such as acculturation issues. With her previous experience working with both Veterans and active duty military at the VA and in private practice, Kaitlin is also passionate about serving military students and their mental health needs.
Jaline Israel is a Doctoral Trainee seeking her Doctorate degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Regent University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2020 and received her master's degree (M.A) in clinical psychology from Regent University in May of 2024. Jaline has gained clinical experience working in a college/community clinic setting and in private practice doing both psychological assessment and individual therapy. She has worked with individuals with various concerns including trauma, relationship difficulties, burnout, anxiety, depression, stress, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties with life transitions. Jaline utilizes an integrative approach to therapy that can be described as strength-based, client-centered, relational, and solution-focused. Her therapy approach is additionally rooted in a multicultural framework and utilizes tools from common modalities such as CBT, ACT, DBT, IPT, and Psychodynamic therapy. Jaline aims to help her clients feel comfortable, seen, and heard and to leave her office with a sense of clarity, self-efficacy, direction, and hope concerning their life circumstances.
Sydney Scouten is a Master’s Intern from William and Mary working towards her Master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice in 2022 from Old Dominion University. Sydney works with a variety of topics and presenting concerns including life transitions, relational issues, stress, depression, trauma, LGBTQIA+ identities, and more. She uses a trauma-informed, integrative approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Sydney aims to create a collaborative, empathetic, and non-judgmental space to help students feel safe to address their concerns. She believes that everyone is the expert of their own life and wants to help students gain the tools to face mental health struggles and lead a full life.
Dr. Joy Himmel serves as the Counseling Center Director and holds a Psy.D in Psychology, MA in Mental Health Counseling, and BSN in Nursing. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Nurse (RN). She has over 30 years of experience in hospital-and community-based programs and college health. She is trained in trauma informed care, EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Areas of focus are depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD and relationship issues.
Liam Costello is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia. He earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Broome Community College in Binghamton, NY, and his Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. Before joining OCS, Liam has dedicated his career to working with underserved and historically marginalized populations as both a substance abuse and mental health counselor. He was named therapist of the year for the state of Arkansas in 2018 by Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma (ARBEST), for his work providing trauma specific treatment to adolescent young men while they were incarcerated by the state. Liam values and celebrates working with people with diverse backgrounds, as their willingness to share about their unique experiences and perspectives allows him to develop an understanding of himself and others that is as rich, full, and complex as human beings are.
Dr. Kathreen Tadrous is a Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist who received a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.D. from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada. She completed her Psychiatric Residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, a Psychoanalytic Fellowship from the Institute for Psychoanalytic Education, NYU SOM, followed by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Fellowship at Rutgers University, Newark, NJ. She previously worked in Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, NJ as attending psychiatrist in both the ER and adolescent residential treatment and where she served as Associate Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency training program.
Dr. Laura Helton Edmonson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She received her bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and her master's degree from The University of Houston. She received her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant University, The California School of Professional Psychology. "Dr. Laura," as she is known by her clients, enjoys working with university students to address a variety of concerns. Some of these concerns include women's issues, issues pertaining to military and military affiliated populations, and topics regarding diversity -- particularly individuals who identify as Biracial or Multiracial.
Dr. Amy Cavanaugh is a staff psychologist and the group counseling coordinator at the Office of Counseling Services. She joined the Office of Counseling Services at ODU in Fall 2019. She has been committed to working with college students since she graduated with her doctoral degree in 2010 from Western Michigan University. She provides individual, couples, and group counseling services; facilitates on demand appointments; consults with members of the campus community; and enjoys developing and implementing outreach programs. Amy has a passion for group counseling and believes that everyone would benefit through learning from others, connecting with peers, and gaining support through group counseling. Amy enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+ community, couples, and survivors of trauma. Additionally, she has specialized experience working with disordered eating and eating disorders, women's issues, healthy relationships, stalking, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, body image, and LGBTQIA concerns.
Dr. Tranese Morgan is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia and has worked as a Staff Psychologist and Doctoral Training Coordinator at Old Dominion University's Office of Counseling Services since July 2020. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2011 from Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL, and her Doctorate degree (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology in 2017 from Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. In 2018, she completed a 2-year APA-approved Internship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Danielsen Institute at Boston University. Dr. Morgan's areas of clinical focus include the provision of affirming and inclusive mental health practices for college students. She utilizes a trauma-informed, integrative approach to therapy drawing from mindfulness and self-compassion-based practices, DBT, CBT, ACT, and relational theories (e.g., psychodynamic, attachment style, object relations). She aims to honor the spectrum of lived experiences of her clients including the ways in which their sociocultural identities (i.e., race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, spirituality, etc.) intersect with their mental health and overall well-being. She is particularly drawn to outreach, and well-being initiatives centered on diverse student groups including LGBTQIA+ students, neurodivergent students, and communities of color such as BIPOC, Latinx, and International students. Dr. Morgan is also passionate about therapeutic approaches to psychodiagnostic assessment including ADHD, ASD, personality, learning, and executive functioning.
Sarah Kalafsky is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She joined ODU's Office of Counseling Services in August 2019 and currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator. Sarah received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from James Madison University and her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling here at ODU. Sarah has worked in a variety of clinical settings, but found her passion working with college students within the university setting. Sarah practices from a person-centered, trauma-informed approach and often incorporates cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal process, and solution-focused techniques into her work. She uses warmth, acceptance, humor, and multicultural awareness to foster a safe, non-judgmental environment for her clients to feel comfortable and empowered as they work toward their goals. Sarah finds her role in campus outreach to be particularly rewarding as she is able to connect with students who may not traditionally seek out services, reduce stigma regarding mental health and help-seeking, and continue to foster collaborative relationships with other departments and organizations on campus.
Alysa Patti is a Resident in Counseling and a National Certified Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Christopher Newport University and her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of William and Mary. Prior to joining the ODU team in the Fall of 2022, Alysa worked in a variety of mental health settings including an inpatient substance use treatment center, a college telehealth clinic, and a private practice. She has experience helping individuals navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship issues. Her passion remains in working with young adults going through transition and individuals in the military community. Alysa strives to make counseling feel like a safe and comfortable environment where individuals can feel heard and work towards their goals. She utilizes techniques and interventions from Person-Centered, Strength-Based, and Cognitive-Behavioral therapies to promote mental health and wellness.
Ivonee Ward is a Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia and is pursuing licensure to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University, Virginia Beach. Ivonee has had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings including community mental health, acute inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, school-based programs, and integrative neurology services. She is passionate about supporting diverse and underserved communities, gender equality, and suicide prevention. Ivonee enjoys creating a safe, empathetic, and comfortable environment to empower students and promote positive change. She practices a strength-based approach and often incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing into her work. Ivonee is a devout believer in collaborating with students to identify issues, difficulties, and problems caused by thoughts, feelings, and emotions to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they are facing throughout their collegiate odyssey.
E. Gerrie Gargan-Wark is a Resident in Social Work working towards a License in Clinical Social Work. She received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Gerrie is passionate about working with young adults who are struggling with their mental health. In the past she has worked closely with clients who are involved in the juvenile justice system and helped them develop coping mechanisms in order to reduce recidivism. Gerrie is trained in Aggression Replacement Training (ART) and enjoys helping clients who are struggling with anger management. She is committed to creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment for her clients. Gerrie practices from a strengths-based approach and aims to empower her clients to develop a deeper understanding of their own struggles with mental health.
Catey is currently a Supervisee in Social Work working towards becoming an independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Radford University and her Master of Social Work from Norfolk State University. Prior to joining ODU, Catey primarily worked with individuals struggling with serious mental illness in higher levels of care, to include acute psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, partial-hospitalization, and intensive outpatient treatment settings, and has experience providing individual and group therapy services to both adolescents and adults. She also has prior experience providing mental health services on a college campus, which cultivated a passion for working with college students that remains to this day. Catey believes in meeting clients where they are and is committed to utilizing a person-centered, non-judgmental, collaborative approach to encourage exploration and growth. She prioritizes trauma-informed care and incorporates a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), to tailor treatment to meet clients’ unique needs. Catey truly believes that everyone is the expert of their own lived experience and continuously seeks to learn from and understand her clients to better inform treatment and help clients create meaningful, long-lasting change.
Maria is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. She earned her Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Before joining ODU, Maria worked in various clinical settings including residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient. She has experience providing individual, group, and family counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults. She uses an integrative approach to therapy, focusing on trauma-informed care and utilizing a variety of treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and solution-focus therapy in addition to art therapy techniques. As an artist and therapist, Maria believes in creative expression to heal and discover oneself, and that anyone can be an artist and benefit from creativity, regardless of experience.
Chrissie Collett is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Florida. She utilizes strengths-based, short-term, and solution-focused methods to help manage a variety of mental health symptoms (stress, depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, grief, trauma, interpersonal challenges). Together, she will partner with you and use your innate strengths to enhance your self-awareness and understanding and also identify barriers to change. She believes therapy should be collaborative, non-judgmental, and even humorous at times.
Deborah Reed is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Texas. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff formerly known as Arkansas AM&N College, an HBCU. Deborah earned master’s degrees in Biblical Counseling and Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. Deborah operated a private practice in the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area and worked with graduate students and young professionals of diverse backgrounds. Her empathy and compassion for seminary students helped those struggling with issues of faith and gender identity. Deborah uses Adlerian goal-oriented therapy that emphasizes the importance of clients’ unique perspectives and experiences. She has worked with victims of childhood and complex trauma, sex trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse using EMDR techniques. Deborah believes that mental health is most effectively treated by understanding the whole person which includes their history. Deborah uses talk therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy technique to help with symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and dissociation issues.
“For better or worse, people are where they are, because of where they've been. My goal is to help strengthen my clients' coping skills so that mental health struggles no longer interfere with their quality of life.”
Craig Simmons is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Craig is a person-centered trauma informed therapist who focuses on supporting and empowering young people to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. As a geek-aware therapist and a Problematic Gaming Specialist he understands the power of pop culture, gaming, technology, and all things nerdy and how our passions are an integral part of what makes us who we are. Using a solution focused approach, he works to help young people understand how their values and hopes can be used in pursuit of accomplishing their goals of healing and growth.
Liz Wieschhaus is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Illinois trained in EMDR, Play Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Specializing in helping individuals navigate life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges, Liz offers a compassionate and supportive environment for healing. By integrating various therapeutic approaches, she empowers clients to explore their emotions, build resilience, and achieve balance. Committed to guiding individuals on their journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling future, she tailors care to meet each client’s unique needs.
Dominique Scott is a Master’s Intern from Wake Forest University working towards his Master’s degree (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He received his bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Family Studies in 2010 from James Madison University. He currently holds a certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional Trainee (QMHP-T) in the state of Virginia. Upon graduation, he will meet the educational requirements to pursue licensure by the Virginia Board of Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). His therapeutic approach incorporates several major theories of counseling, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Relational Cultural Therapy. He tailors his particular focus to the needs of the client(s). He believes that every individual possesses inner strength and resources to work through life problems. He seeks to help clients discover their potential and learn various coping skills and strategies to help them achieve their goals in life. He desires to empower, encourage, and equip clients on their path to obtain health and wellness.
Kaitlin Viloria-Ellorin is a Doctoral Trainee from Regent University working towards her Doctorate degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2020 from the University of Mary Washington and her master’s degree (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology from Regent University in August 2023. Kaitlin practices from a trauma-informed, collaborative, and integrative approach based on the student’s needs to help empower them towards living a life in accordance with their values. Her approach is heavily informed by relational frame theory, ecological systems, and attachment style. She utilizes various evidence-based therapies including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) to address adjustment-related concerns, depression, anxiety, and trauma, among others. As a second-generation Filipino American, Kaitlin is passionate about working with students navigating their multicultural identity and cultural conflicts such as acculturation issues. With her previous experience working with both Veterans and active duty military at the VA and in private practice, Kaitlin is also passionate about serving military students and their mental health needs.
Jaline Israel is a Doctoral Trainee seeking her Doctorate degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Regent University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2020 and received her master's degree (M.A) in clinical psychology from Regent University in May of 2024. Jaline has gained clinical experience working in a college/community clinic setting and in private practice doing both psychological assessment and individual therapy. She has worked with individuals with various concerns including trauma, relationship difficulties, burnout, anxiety, depression, stress, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties with life transitions. Jaline utilizes an integrative approach to therapy that can be described as strength-based, client-centered, relational, and solution-focused. Her therapy approach is additionally rooted in a multicultural framework and utilizes tools from common modalities such as CBT, ACT, DBT, IPT, and Psychodynamic therapy. Jaline aims to help her clients feel comfortable, seen, and heard and to leave her office with a sense of clarity, self-efficacy, direction, and hope concerning their life circumstances.
Sydney Scouten is a Master’s Intern from William and Mary working towards her Master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice in 2022 from Old Dominion University. Sydney works with a variety of topics and presenting concerns including life transitions, relational issues, stress, depression, trauma, LGBTQIA+ identities, and more. She uses a trauma-informed, integrative approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Sydney aims to create a collaborative, empathetic, and non-judgmental space to help students feel safe to address their concerns. She believes that everyone is the expert of their own life and wants to help students gain the tools to face mental health struggles and lead a full life.