Our Team

Artemis Ray “Arty” Allen (he/him/his) 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) 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 Carata (she/her/hers) 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.

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) 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 counseling
as 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) 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. Gunnerson (he/him/his) 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 Double Eagle and 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

Kelly Long (she/her/hers) 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) 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) 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

Stephanie Royals, MEd, LPC (she/her/hers) is the Assistant Director for Swainsboro.

Melinda Rule (she/her/hers) 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.

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 therapy.

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

Dr. Mark Taracuk (pronounced: terra chuck) (he/him/his) 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, social justice-related issues, and gender and sexual diversity. His therapeutic orientation is an integrative approach utilizing Rogerian, feminist, and solution-focused methods with a dash of psychodynamic.

Dr. Taracuk has previously served on the executive board and as treasurer for the Society of Counseling Psychology, Division 17 of the American Psychological Association. He is also past-chair for Division 17’s Section on Advocacy for Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, and Past-President and Continuing Education Co-Chair for the Georgia College Counseling Association. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Association of Counseling Center Training Agencies

Dr. Taracuk is an avid Indiana Hoosiers basketball fan, enjoys reading books in the hammock, 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

Jodie Ward (she/her/hers) has strong roots at Georgia Southern University as a Double Eagle! Jodie obtained her Master of Education Counseling with a Clinical concentration and her Bachelor of Science in Sociology both from Georgia Southern. Jodie’s work has included non-profit community mental health, private practice, college campus counseling center, K-8 school, and in-patient hospital behavioral health. Jodie’s clinical interests include relationship counseling, identity development, anxiety, and depression. Jodie’s practice is informed by person-centered counseling as well as emotionally focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and somatic practices. Jodie approaches therapy as collaborative and works from a strengths-based multiculturally informed framework.

Education
M.Ed., Counseling-Clinical Concentration, Georgia Southern University
B.S., Sociology, Georgia Southern 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

Alicia Vasquez-Crede (she/her/ella) is a licensed master social worker who completed her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas in Austin, TX and her Bachelor of Arts in Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures from Barnard College in New York, NY. She has worked in social services for over 10 years supporting refugees and immigrants, both internationally and within the U.S. Alicia has experience working with anxiety, depression, cultural adjustment, emotional dysregulation, identity issues, and work/school/life balance. She believes each client has the ability to live a peaceful life and uses a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to build on existing strengths. Alicia’s therapeutic style utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. She is bilingual and can provide therapy in Spanish.

Education:
MSSW, Masters of Science in Social Work, University of Texas at Austin
BA, Bachelors of Arts, Barnard College

Claire Angerer is a doctoral candidate in Nova Southeastern University Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology. She earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL and her B.S. in Psychology from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Throughout her doctoral training, Claire has gained experience providing therapy to adolescents, college students, and adults from diverse backgrounds across a variety of settings and concerns. Her clinical interests include mental health in athletics, anxiety, depression, life transitions, high-performance concerns, interpersonal concerns, eating concerns, and chronic pain and injury. Claire takes a client-centered, collaborative, and integrative approach to therapy, drawing primarily from cognitive behavioral and interpersonal approaches. She strives to create a supportive space where clients feel heard. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going for long walks, and watching sports and reality TV!

Ire Duduyemi (pronounced: E-ray) (she/her/hers) is a doctoral psychology intern working towards earning her PsyD in Clinical Psychology. She earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the Florida School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University in Tampa, FL and her B.S. in Psychology from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. Throughout her doctoral program, Ire has gained years of clinical experience assessing and providing therapy to individuals across the lifespan including adolescents, college students and adults. She uses a client-centered integrative approach to therapy incorporating Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Multicultural methods. Ire’s clinical interests include, but are not limited to anxiety, depression, life transitions, interpersonal concerns, and culturally diverse populations. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, visiting museums, and spending time with family and friends.

Paige Hespe (they/she) is a doctoral psychology intern at the Counseling Center and is a doctoral candidate of the Counseling Psychology PhD program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Paige received their master’s in mental health counseling from Florida State University and bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida. Paige’s clinical interests include working with LGBTQ+ individuals, grief and loss, anxiety, and identity concerns, including questioning meaning or identity during life transitions. Paige enjoys using narrative, multicultural and feminist, and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches. This often means examining personal values, where they come from, and how to use them to guide our behavior. In her free time, Paige enjoys playing video games and reading science fiction.

Anastasia Zapfe is originally from a small town in southern Georgia, but has called Kentucky home for the past 17 years. She studied at Bellarmine University for her undergraduate degree in psychology. She is currently a doctoral candidate of the Spalding University PsyD program in Clinical Psychology. Anastasia has experience working with individuals with learning disabilities and extensive trauma. She is passionate about providing a safe, inclusive space for all individuals, giving back to the community, and striving for social justice. She approaches her work at Georgia Southern in a collaborative and client-focused manner. She is interested in working with young adults, those struggling with stress, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those who have experienced trauma. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction books, walking her dog, and finding new local places to get a good cup of coffee. 

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

• Sara Friedel (she/her/hers) is the Budget Analyst for the Georgia Southern University Counseling Center.

• 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.
• Favorite quote: “I do things like get in a taxi and say, “The library, and step on it.” ― David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest
• Favorite dessert: Chocolate chip cookies right from the oven