CAPS Team

I'm glad you are checking out the CAPS website and hope you find information to help yourself or a friend make a healthy next step. CAPS is the primary provider for Longwood University students’ mental health and well-being needs. Everyone deserves support during college, and CAPS is pleased to serve in this important campus role.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and serve as the Director of CAPS and the Associate Vice President for Health and Well-Being. I earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center. In 1995, I relocated from Pittsburgh to Farmville to join the Longwood community, which has been a joy.

I oversee a dedicated team of clinicians who utilize a stepped care model to empower students to take their next step in a personalized well-being plan. In addition to leading the Well-Being Team, I serve as an Academic Coach to incoming Lancers and teach as needed in the Counselor Education graduate program.

I am a change-oriented psychologist who takes a respectful and empowering approach, focusing on helping each student become more intentional about the steps they wish to take. It is a privilege to work with students as they continue their journey to create a life they desire and deserve. CAPS strives to help students address their well-being needs in an affirming, emotionally safe, and respectful environment.

The joys of my personal life include a wonderful husband, Bluegrass Billy, who owns one19 Restaurant on Main Street, and a silly rescue dog, Lily Bleu. Bill and I enjoy hosting dinners at our home, and I find joy in reselling thrifted items. I am passionate about striving to be good to our earth every day. You’ll often find me being active in the Fitness Center in Pierson Hall or eating lunch in the d-hall most every day.

I am passionate about counseling because it empowers individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives. Supporting students during their college journey is a privilege, and helping them build resilience, self-awareness, and intentionality is incredibly rewarding.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward your mental health and well-being, CAPS is here to help. Together, we can work toward a healthier, more fulfilling future. Let’s create a life you desire and deserve.

I am originally from the Farmville area, and although I’ve lived in other places, I’ve always returned to the heart of Virginia. I am a proud graduate of Longwood University, where I earned both my Bachelor of Science degree (1998) and Master of Science degree (2001) during my time as a Lancer. After graduating, I worked toward licensure in the mental health professions and obtained my LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in 2006.

Upon graduating, I worked in a number of clinics, gaining a breadth and depth of experience in counseling. I use this experience to approach students on a personal level and have great respect for those brave enough to seek out counseling services. Recently, I developed a greater understanding of the business side of mental health through my private practice, Mental Health Matters (MHM), a telehealth service I started to reach more people in need of counseling. Although I have put my practice on hiatus to focus on my role at CAPS, I remain grateful for the individuals I had the privilege to work with in that setting.

As an active listener, I strive to support, encourage, and guide my clients in healthier and happier directions. I truly enjoy getting to know each person, recognizing how unique we all are in our needs and goals. Because connecting with people is so important, I use a variety of therapeutic interventions tailored to the student and their personal objectives in treatment.

Outside of work, I spend a great deal of time with my husband, two children, and our two dogs. We love hiking, attending comic-cons, listening to music, enjoying Broadway shows, and cooking. I particularly enjoy researching recipes and testing them out on my family. I also have a passion for thrift shopping and can often be found hunting for deals at area thrift stores and estate sales.

I am passionate about counseling because I believe in the transformative power of connection and self-discovery. Everyone deserves a safe, supportive space to work toward their goals and navigate life’s challenges. Helping people uncover their strengths and work toward positive change is both a privilege and a joy.

If you’re ready to take the first step in your counseling journey, let’s connect. Together, we can work toward building a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling future.

I am a proud triple alum of Radford University, earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and a Doctor of Psychology degree in 2015 from their APA-accredited program in Counseling Psychology. During my doctoral training, I completed practicum placements in a variety of settings, including the Free Clinic of the New River Valley, Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute, Virginia Tech’s Cook Counseling Center, and Radford University’s Center for Assessment and Psychological Services. My clinical training concluded with an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the Iowa City Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City, Iowa. These experiences were pivotal in shaping my identity as a psychologist and influence my work today, with a continued focus on social justice, identity affirmation, multicultural competency, and evidence-based practice.

Some of my professional areas of interest include trauma, adult survivors of childhood abuse/neglect, and issues specific to small communities (e.g., rural areas, LGBTQ+, BIPOC). In treatment, I take an eclectic approach, often using a psychodynamic perspective, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), interpersonal processing, and solution-focused techniques, among others. I work collaboratively with students to help them develop the skills they need to manage everyday problems and build a life worth living.

Through my partnership with the Cormier Honors College, I teach a course aligned with my goals as a psychologist. Grounded in DBT and positive psychology, the HONS 251: Well-Being course offers a unique opportunity for students to learn resilience-building and well-being cultivation skills while earning academic credit.

I approach counseling with a deep commitment to evidence-based practices and a personalized, collaborative methodology. My focus is on empowering individuals to navigate their challenges and achieve personal growth. Whether through psychodynamic insights, DBT skills, or solution-focused strategies, I aim to meet clients where they are and guide them toward a fulfilling and resilient life.

Outside of my work at CAPS, I love spending time outdoors or exercising. Hiking in nearby Nelson County is one of my favorite pastimes, and I’m also an enthusiastic CrossFit participant. As a competitive athlete, I play for River City Roller Derby on two sanctioned teams. My roller derby alter ego, Sigmund Feud, reflects my competitive and spirited nature as a formidable pivot and blocker, always ready to score points or stop opposing jammers.

My passion for counseling stems from my commitment to helping others navigate their unique journeys and overcome barriers to their well-being. My academic background and hands-on experiences have instilled in me a dedication to supporting individuals, particularly those from marginalized or underserved communities. I believe in the transformative power of counseling to foster resilience, personal growth, and meaningful change.

If you’re ready to start a conversation or explore how I can support you, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re seeking guidance, skills to manage life’s challenges, or tools to build a more fulfilling future, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to create a life worth living.

I am originally from Charlottesville and moved to the Hampton Roads area to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Old Dominion University. I recently earned my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University, a CACREP-accredited program. I have had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, and adults in various clinical settings, including college counseling centers, community mental health, local jails, and in-home counseling.

As the Resident in Counseling, I provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and outreach to Longwood students. I am passionate about supporting diverse and underserved communities, destigmatizing mental health concerns in the BIPOC community, practicing cultural humility, and working with young adults experiencing mental health challenges.

My clinical interests include racial and generational trauma, stress and anxiety management, depression, adjustment, identity, and relationship difficulties. I draw from person-centered, psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), interpersonal processing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) while utilizing other theoretical interventions tailored to each client's needs.

My approach to counseling is to provide clients with warmth and compassion and work collaboratively toward their goals. I view therapy as a space where healing is possible and where clients can overcome life’s challenges. It is my priority to create an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for individuals to become the best version of themselves.

Outside of CAPS, I enjoy listening to podcasts about mental health and recaps of my favorite television shows, exploring a variety of music from many genres, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

My passion for counseling comes from a deep commitment to supporting diverse and underserved communities. I am driven to destigmatize mental health concerns, particularly in the BIPOC community, and to empower individuals to recognize their strengths and potential. I believe that therapy provides a unique opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and resilience-building.

If you’re ready to explore how counseling can support your journey, I’d love to connect. Together, we can work to overcome challenges, foster healing, and achieve your goals. Let’s create a space where you can thrive and grow into the best version of yourself.