As Clinical Director of University Counseling Service, I’m responsible for the administration and coordination of all facets of our clinical services system within UCS, which includes individual therapy, group therapy, initial consultation appointments, same-day Quick Access appointments, case management and referral services, and any factors impacting these services. In this role, I also support the therapists at UCS in the care they provide for students and prioritize developing and maintaining policies and procedures that consider both client and therapist well-being, and that are inclusive and culturally responsive. I also facilitate internal evaluation of our clinical services, monitor utilization trends and outcomes, and collaborate with our other Associate Directors and UCS Director in the leadership of our department. What I love most about this role is being able to help the helpers, so that they can provide the best care possible for our clients, and collaborating with campus partners to continuously improve and innovate within the ever-changing landscape of college mental health.

Education

2013 – Ball State University, Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology

Clinical/counseling interests:

As a therapist, my practice is integrative and strengths-based, including elements of interpersonal process, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral theories within a sociocultural and feminist therapy framework. I often integrate mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions into my work, and especially value a collaborative approach to therapy and clients’ holistic wellness. I am also trained in Prolonged Exposure (PE) treatment for PTSD.

My clinical interests include eating disorders, body image, size diversity and weight stigma, and I have a passion for promoting body positivity, body neutrality, and body respect. My research background focused on experiences of body size/weight-related bias and oppression, which informs my work with individuals across the body size continuum. I enjoy supporting and helping the individuals I work with as they explore their relationships with their bodies, health, weight, eating, and physical movement.

Other professional interests include: concerns that commonly impact women, working with survivors of sexual assault, and issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation. I also love to work with students with relationship and family concerns, sexuality concerns or desire to explore one’s sexuality, perfectionism, and concerns related to identity development.

Multicultural interests

My personal and professional values align with a prioritization of social justice and inclusion. Broadly, I have a strong interest in how privilege and oppression influence experiences, the complexities of intersecting identities, and sociopolitical forces in our lives. In addition to my specific interests in body size diversity and working with woman-identified individuals, I also enjoy supporting clients who identify as queer, trans, or wish to explore these aspects of their identities. One of the most meaningful aspects for me of being a therapist is supporting students who are exploring who they are - including race, ethnicity, social class, religion/spirituality, and other aspects of their identities. I also especially enjoy working with graduate students, nontraditionally-aged college students, and students who are parents.

Outreach interests

I am enthusiastic about the power of outreach programming and prevention efforts to strengthen wellness and reduce stigma within our community. I am interested in the power of play across the lifespan, as a way to improve mental health and build connections within and across communities. I also enjoy providing education and discussion regarding myths about health/fitness and weight, and reducing eating disorder risk and weight bias/bullying.

Professional affiliations

I am a member of the American Psychological Association: Division 17 – Society of Counseling Psychology, as well as the Association for the Coordination of Counseling Center Clinical Services (ACCCCS).