Counseling Center Staff

Artemis Ray “Arty” Allen (he/him/his) is a licensed professional counselor (Georgia) and earned his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Columbus State University (Columbus, GA) in December 2018. He received his Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies with concentrations in Preaching and Counseling from Point University (West Point, GA) in 2014. Arty has worked in Residence Life at both Point University and Columbus State prior to shifting to clinical work at the University of West Georgia Counseling Center as an intern and then as a staff counselor. Arty’s counseling style is influenced by humanistic models as well as Gestalt therapy and creative expressive therapy. His clinical interests include LGBTQIA+ population concerns, Transgender and Non-binary gender development and concerns, anxiety, depression, grief, and Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger’s. Arty approaches therapy as a collaboration and works from a strengths-based multiculturally informed framework.

Education:
MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Columbus State University
BA, Biblical Studies with concentrations in Preaching and Counseling, Point University

Dr. Caldwell (she/her/hers) is a licensed psychology who received her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology in 2000 from Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, TX, where she also completed her pre-doctoral internship. She joined the Counseling Center staff in August of 2000 as a staff psychologist. She has since served as the Assistant Director for Training, and the Interim Clinical Services Director. Dr. Caldwell has been the Director of the Center since January of 2012; in January 2018, she became the Executive Director of the Counseling Center for all Georgia Southern campuses. Dr. Caldwell is the Past Chair of the university’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Teal House: Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault Center and Child Advocacy Center (SRSAC). On the state level, Dr. Caldwell is the past chair of the Regents Advisory Council’s Counseling Directors Association, and the coordinator of the University System of Georgia’s Crisis Response Network. On a national level, Dr. Caldwell is currently serving her third elected term to the Directorate Board of the Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services of the American College Personnel Association and was certified as a Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Responder.

Dr. Caldwell’s clinical interests are varied and include women’s issues, multiculturalism, and professional development concerns. Dr. Caldwell was the recipient of a 2005 Award of Merit for “Excellence in Service to the Georgia Southern University Community”, the 2006 “Commitment to Advocacy Award” for dedication to the issue of Sexual Assault Education, the 2010 “40 Under 40” award from the Statesboro Herald for professional achievement, and the 2014 “Outstanding Contributions to Counseling Center Work” award from Division 17 of the American Psychological Association. In 2019, she was awarded both the “College Counseling Advocacy Award” from the American College Counseling Association and the “College Counseling Director of the Year Award” from the Georgia College Counseling Association.

Education:
PhD, Counseling Psychology, Texas Tech University
APA-Accredited Internship, Texas Tech University Counseling Center
MA, Counseling Psychology, Texas Tech University
BA, Psychology, Florida Atlantic University

Alia Cara is a licensed professional counselor and obtained her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Alia is both a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Alia joins us with prior experience in treating clients with concerns related to trauma, abuse, mood disorders, anxiety, attachment wounds, grief/loss, and interpersonal relationships. She uses a variety of approaches in therapy including EMDR, IFS, attachment-focused therapy, and somatic approaches. Alia is excited to contribute her skills and expertise to the counseling team and is dedicated to fostering a supportive and caring environment for students.

Education:
MS, Mental Health Counseling, Nova Southeastern University
BA, Psychology, Armstrong Atlantic State University

Dr. Victoria Forlini (she/her/hers) earned her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford. Her clinical population interests include individuals who have experienced sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and other forms of trauma. Victoria uses an internal family systems approach leaning heavily on parts work to collaboratively explore one’s trauma. She uses parts work and a person-centered approach to create healing within the client. In addition to trauma work, Victoria has experience in treating anxiety and mood disorders. Victoria focuses on challenging unhelpful thoughts/behaviors, behavioral activation, and boundary setting. She strives to create a safe, comfortable, and socially just environment for all of her clients.

Victoria has worked in a variety of clinical environments including a university counseling center, residential eating disorder facility, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization program, and community mental health settings. Victoria also has experience working on a mobile crisis team and the suicide prevention lifeline for several years prior to earning her doctorate. She has a passion for working with young adults.

Education:
PsyD, Clinical Psychology, University of Hartford
APA-Accredited Internship, Georgia Southern University Counseling Center
MA, Clinical Practices, University of Hartford
BA, Psychology, Catholic University of America

Jordan Futran (he/him/his) is a licensed professional counselor who completed his master’s degree in professional mental health counseling at Lewis and Clark college and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Willamette University. Jordan has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health agencies, and forensic programs. Jordan’s clinical interests include anxiety, depression, identity development, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal effectiveness, ADHD, amongst others. Jordan’s practice is informed by person centered counselingas well as cognitive, behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapies. Jordan believes in a collaborative process in therapy and empowering individuals to build a life that is worth living.

Education:
MA, Professional Mental Health Counseling, Lewis and Clark College
BA, Psychology, Willamette University

Hunter Gatewood (he/him) is a licensed psychologist who received his PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University. His clinical work is informed from interpersonal and psychodynamic theory, which essentially means exploring how our patterns of interacting with people and assumptions of others impacts our relationships with those other people. For example, having the belief that others will not value our accomplishments plus not sharing our accomplishments with others, may make it hard for them to celebrate us and/or feel connected to us. Hunter has special interest in working with individuals within the LGBT+ community and those who have experienced interpersonal traumas (e.g., chronic invalidation or emotional manipulation).

Education:
PsyD, Clinical Psychology, Spalding University
APA-Accredited Internship, Georgia Southern University
MS, Clinical Psychology, Morehead State University
BA, Psychology, Georgetown College

Dr. Keith Gunnerson is a licensed psychologist who received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology through the University of Utah. He has worked in a variety of counseling environments including university departments, counseling centers, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and private practice. His main research interest includes the impact of religion on client’s experience of counseling. He has also investigated college success and retention in first generation college students. His clinical interests include issues related to religion, grief work, and working through trauma. His approach to therapy is largely client-centered wherein he strives to make each client feel comfortable and safe, while simultaneously adding cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment therapy, and interpersonal interventions.

Education:
PhD, Counseling Psychology, University of Utah
APA-Accredited Internship, Georgia Southern University Counseling Center
MEd, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Utah
BA, University of Utah

Jadeshala ‘Jade’ Humphries (she/her/hers) is a licensed professional counselor and Double Eagle. She received both her B.S in Psychology and M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia Southern University.  Upon program completion, Jade has served in university advocacy roles and in an off campus private practice setting.  She has experience working with several different populations  from adults, college students, to young teenagers. Her clinical interests include: depression, anxiety, developing  healthy coping skills, and suicide prevention.  Her therapeutic style is influenced by motivational interviewing, cognitive – behavioral therapy, and humanistic therapies with a solution – focused approach.

Education:
MEd, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Georgia Southern University
BS, Psychology, Georgia Southern University

Nate Jensen (he/him/his) received his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Georgia Southern University. His therapeutic approach is primarily informed by narrative therapy with an integration of cognitive-behavioral interventions and principles. This integrative approach encourages clients to harness their strengths, become more empowered in who they are and who they want to be, and foster meaningful changes that better align with their values and their goals. His clinical focus includes trauma, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, and identity development, but he has experience with a wide variety of presenting concerns with college student populations.

Education:
PsyD, Clinical Psychology, Georgia Southern University
APA-Accredited Internship, University of Oklahoma Counseling Center
MA, Clinical Psychology, Minnesota State University – Mankato
BA, Psychology and Human Development, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay

Randy LaMons (he/him/his) received his master’s degree in Counselor Education/Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Augusta University and his bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts/Public Relations with a minor in Business at Georgia Southern. Randy is also a former certified personal trainer and has a passion for fitness as well as counseling. He is involved philanthropic work and gives back to his community through his non-profit organization, the <i>Be the Change Foundation</i>, which was created to provide scholarships to help seniors pay for college expenses. Randy’s clinical style is client-centered while focusing on building a relationship with clients.

Education:
MEd, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Augusta University
BS, Communication Arts/Public Relations, Georgia Southern University

Kelly Long (she/her/hers) is a licensed professional counselor received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University and her Bachelor’s degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University where she majored in Psychology. She is currently licensed as a professional counselor in Georgia. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Kelly believes the best way to help her clients is by meeting them where they are in their journey and walking alongside them to help them reach their goals. Kelly’s style of counseling is a person-centered approach that utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.

Education:
MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, South University
BA, Psychology, Armstrong Atlantic State University

Coriona Matthews (They/Them/Theirs) is a licensed professional counselor and received their M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and B.S. in Psychology with minors in Child and Family Development and Gerontology at Georgia Southern University. Coriona has served in various settings and communities like university counseling centers, private practice, and K-12 school settings. They have experience providing service for several populations ranging from adults, college students, teenagers, and young children with diverse identities and needs. Coriona’s clinical interests include but are not limited to, working with impoverished individuals, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and clients struggling with depression, anxiety, low self- esteem, identity development, and systemic issues. Their approach to counseling integrates person-centered, acceptance and commitment, and narrative therapy with an emphasis on a feminist lens. Coriona believes therapy is a collaborative journey with individuals being the experts in their lives. They hope to help explore an individual’s journey and to promote empowerment and growth within individuals.

Education:
MEd, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Georgia Southern University
BS, Psychology, Georgia Southern University

Brandi Mallard (she/her/hers) received her Master’s degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Francis Marion University and her Bachelor’s degree from Coker College where she double majored in Psychology and Business Administration. She is currently licensed as a professional counselor in South Carolina and Georgia. Brandi has years of experience providing services in a variety of settings which include private practice, schools, group homes, and a Children’s Advocacy Center. She recently joined the Georgia Southern Counseling Center staff in August 2021. Brandi’s clinical interests include anxiety, ADHD, trauma, women’s issues, identity development, LGBTQIA+ population concerns, family of origin, and multiculturalism/diversity. She has completed advanced training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy, AF-CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and ChildFirst forensic interviewing protocol. Brandi’s style of counseling is influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, positive psychology, and Solution Focused Therapy.

Education:
MS, Clinical/Counseling Psychology, Francis Marion University
BS, Psychology & Business Administration, Coker College

DeAudra Reed (she/her/hers) has deep roots at Georgia Southern University, where she earned both a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Child and Family Development. Prior to joining the GSU Counseling Center, DeAudra had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, including a college counseling center, a vocational rehabilitation department, private practice, community mental health, and K-12 schools. These experiences have equipped her with a broad perspective and a deep understanding of the varied challenges individuals face throughout different stages of life. DeAudra’s clinical approach is founded on Person-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes authenticity, warmth, empathy, and non-judgment. This foundation allows her to create a supportive environment where she journeys with clients as they navigate life’s challenges. Integrating techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), DeAudra helps clients build on their strengths and move toward their goals. Her clinical interests include intrapersonal concerns (decision-making, identity exploration, personal growth and development, self-concept, self-esteem, self-worth), interpersonal concerns (boundaries, communication, conflict resolution, family dynamics, friendships, romantic relationships, and related concerns), Life transitions/adjustments, depression and anxiety.

Education:
MEd, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Georgia Southern University
BS, Psychology, Georgia Southern University

Anna Rivera (she/her/hers) is a licensed clinical social worker who completed her master’s and bachelor’s degree in social work from Daemen College in Buffalo, NY. Anna has worked in a variety of different capacities including community mental health, hospice, and outpatient clinics. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, mood dysregulation, and life transitions. Anna believes that the best way to support her clients is by encouraging them to utilize their strengths and resilience to overcome the obstacles or stressors they are confronted with. Her therapeutic style utilizes a person centered approach that is influenced by Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

Education:
MSW, Masters of Social Work, Daemen College
BSW, Bachelors of Social Work, Daemen College

Melinda Rule (she/her/hers) is a licensed professional counselor who received her M.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the University of North Florida. She has prior clinical experience working in youth residential centers and university counseling centers. Her main research areas involve advocacy for weight-inclusivity and size diversity in counselor education and athletic identity loss. <br><br>She enjoys working with students on a variety of concerns including but not limiting identity development and exploration, anxiety, relationship concerns, body image, body liberation, and athletic/high-performers concerns. Her clinical approach to therapy is client-centered with an emotion focused lens, while using interventions and best practices founded in interpersonal psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical and behavior.

Education:
MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of North Florida
BA, Forensic Psychology, University of North Florida

Dr. Mark Taracuk (pronounced: terra chuck) is a licensed psychologist at the Georgia Southern University Counseling Center. He is currently the Associate Director of Training and the training director for the APA-Accredited Doctoral Internship in Psychology. He completed his doctoral degree in counseling psychology at Oklahoma State University and his doctoral internship at the Georgia Southern University Counseling Center. He received his master’s degree in counseling from Indiana University, his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ohio State, and is a National Certified Counselor.

His clinical focus includes college student development, existential concerns, autism spectrum disorders, sexual health and well-being, intimate partner violence, relational concerns, and gender and sexual diversity. His therapeutic orientation is an integrative approach utilizing Rogerian and solution-focused methods with a dash of psychodynamic perspectives. Dr. Taracuk enjoys reading books in the hammock, is an avid Indiana Hoosiers basketball fan, loves Labrador Retrievers, and appreciates clever puns.

Education:
PhD, Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University
APA-Accredited Internship, Georgia Southern University Counseling Center
MSEd, Counseling and Counselor Education, Indiana University
BA, Psychology, Ohio State University

Tyhescia “Ty” White (she/her/hers) received her Bachelors of Science Degree in the field of Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University, graduating in 2005 and she completed her Masters of Science Degree from South University in 2009 in Professional Counseling. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and has worked in the field of mental health for 15 years. Ty has years of experience in Youth Detention Centers, group homes, Safe Haven Shelters, Higher Education, public schools, substance abuse inpatient/outpatient settings and private practice. She joined Georgia Southern Counseling Department Staff in November of 2021 and eagerly works to help connect students with resources needed to help support them both academically and personally. Ty enjoys focusing on areas of childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, perinatal mood disorders and relationship counseling. The modality she often uses is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a Solution-focused approach.

Education:
MS, Professional Counseling, South University
BS, Psychology, Georgia Southern University

Margaret Deane (she/her/hers) earned her B.S. in Psychology and Neuroscience from Sewanee: The University of the South and her M.A. in Psychology from The California School of Professional Psychology. She has worked in various clinical settings, including community mental health and private practice, shaping her client-centered approach to therapy. Her clinical interests include trauma, identity development, and interpersonal functioning, supporting clients in maintaining adaptive and fulfilling relationships. 

Margaret’s clinical work is informed by both psychodynamic and person-centered frameworks to help individuals develop insight into their inner experiences while feeling empowered to take an active role in their mental health journey. She values the importance of the therapeutic relationship and works collaboratively with clients to foster growth, resilience, and emotional well-being. Margaret strives to create a safe, affirming, and socially just space where students feel supported in exploring who they are and what they need. 

Education:
M.A., Psychology, The California School of Professional Psychology
B.S., Psychology and Neuroscience, Sewanee: The University of the South

Liz Deibel (she/her/hers) is a doctoral intern at Georgia Southern while completing her fifth year of the Clinical Psychology PsyD program at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. Her clinical work focuses on the ways that sociopolitical forces, relational patterns, and intersectional identities impact one’s lived experiences. She enjoys working with students who identify as LGBTQ+, romantic relationships, and survivors of trauma, as well as conducting cognitive and personality assessments. Liz practices from relational and humanistic approaches, such as Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT), Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP), and the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). She strives to emphasize the client’s agency in treatment, create a warm environment, and promote empowerment in students. She has prior experience in a private practice, a inpatient hospital, and a college counseling center. 

Education:
MA, Clinical Psychology, Roosevelt University
BS, Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
BS, Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University

Kaelin Gentile (she/her/hers) is a doctoral intern who is finishing her PsyD in clinical psychology from Spalding University. Her clinical interests include anxiety and related disorders, sports and performance, and other presentations that impact college students. Overall, she enjoys working to improve each individual’s overall functioning and wellbeing through skills, increased insight, and emotional exploration. Kaelin utilizes cognitive and behavioral strategies to assist clients in incorporating changes into their everyday lives. Previously, Kaelin has worked in a variety of clinical environments including a university counseling center, community mental health settings, and private practices with a variety of presentations including, sport performance, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Education:
MA, Clinical Psychology, Spalding University
BA, Psychology, Northern Kentucky University

Teona (she/her/hers) is a doctoral intern at GS and a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the University of Toledo. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Toledo and bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan. She has worked in a variety of settings including a university psychology clinic, community private practice, public high school, and now a college counseling center. Her clinical population interests include anxiety and related disorders, eating disorders and disordered eating, perfectionism, performance, and student-athlete mental health and well-being. Teona uses a process-based framework leaning heavily on ACT principles and utilizing CBT and DBT skills to help clients build psychological flexibility, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and live more authentic, values-driven lives. She strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for all of her clients. 

Alex Cudd (she/her/hers) is a fourth year clinical psychology doctoral student and practicum counselor at Georgia Southern University. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Georgia Southern University in 2023 and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia State University in 2021.

Alex has obtained clinical experience in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, an inpatient hospital, and an intensive outpatient facility for teens and adults. Her clinical interests include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, attachment wounds, LGBTQIA+ population concerns, development/identity-based concerns, and trauma. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and integrative, often drawing from person-centered, process-oriented, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles and techniques. Using an integrative and client-tailored approach, she strives to create a warm, open, and supportive environment. With this, she hopes that clients will feel a sense of comfort and autonomy as they begin to foster deeper insight, move towards their goals, and work towards a greater sense of wellness.

Education:
MS, Clinical Psychology, Georgia Southern University
BA, Psychology, Georgia State University

Coming soon!

Amber Guillen is a graduate student at Georgia Southern, working towards her M.Ed. in the Counselor Education program with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). She earned her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Amber’s approach to counseling is collaborative and strengths-based. She follows an Adlerian approach to therapy and integrates treatments from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support clients in achieving their personal goals. Her main goal in working with clients is to support their growth into more connected and self-compassionate versions of themselves. That includes developing a stronger sense of who they are, what matters to them, and how they relate to the world and others. Amber aims to provide a space to foster wellness and healing.

She has experience working with women in an intensive outpatient program. Her clinical interests include working with those who may be facing anxiety, depression, low self-worth, relationship challenges, life transitions, and career or identity exploration.

Education:
BS, Psychology, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Quinn Swidorski is a graduate student at Georgia Southern University, where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Counselor Education with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Studio Art, from Georgia Southern University.

Quinn has clinical experience working with individuals facing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, substance use, and life transitions. She has a particular interest in supporting those impacted by sexual assault, trauma, relationship challenges, depression, and anxiety.

Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing primarily from Person-Centered Therapy, Feminist Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Quinn is committed to creating a supportive, collaborative, and affirming environment that empowers clients and honors their lived experiences.

Education:
BS, Psychology with Minor in Studio Art

Vanessa Tomasik is a fourth year clinical psychology doctoral candidate and practicum counselor at Georgia Southern. She earned her master’s degree from GS and bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Vanessa has clinical experience working in a university psychology clinic and Department of Veterans Affairs treating trauma-related disorders, anxiety, depressive disorders, and psychosis.

Her clinical interests include complex trauma, dissociation, college student/young adult populations, and integration of spirituality and religion into psychotherapy. Vanessa works from a trauma-informed, integrative approach, guided by Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is passionate about creating an environment grounded in compassion where clients feel empowered and autonomous as they build insight, resilience, and move toward holistic healing and flourishing.

Education:
M.S., Psychology, Georgia Southern University
B.S., Clinical Psychology, University of Central Florida

Sarah Filas (she/her/hers) is the Coordinator of Office Services at the Statesboro office. She joined our staff in early 2020.

Coming soon!

Wes Konkle (he/him/his) is the Coordinator of Office Services at the Georgia Southern-Armstrong Counseling Center, having joined the staff in August 2016. He facilitates all office functions in the Armstrong office including scheduling appointments and data analysis.

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