We represent the fields of psychology, counseling, social work, and psychiatry. We train interns in counseling, clinical psychology, and related counseling programs. Our primary commitment is to enhance the psychological growth, emotional well being, and learning potential of students. Our permanent staff are licensed and/or certified mental health professionals. However, all members of our counseling team (including graduate interns) are trained to address a wide range of presenting concerns. We each have our own unique interests and have developed counseling styles that best enable us to connect with students in a personalized way that aims to be most helpful.
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John Ritchie, Ph.D., Director, Licensed Psychologist, has a Doctorate in Educational Psychological Studies-Counseling from the University of Colorado. He uses primarily cognitive-behavior, family systems, and psychomotor psychotherapy approaches in individual and couples counseling. John also enjoys counseling groups and giving presentations and workshops on various issues such as relationships, conflict management, gender issues, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and group facilitation. He is married and has five children. John enjoys the outdoors, athletics, animals and spending time with his family. He also has a part-time private practice in Sylva. |
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Michelle K. Cooper, Ph.D., Associate Director, Licensed Psychologist, has a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and a Masters in Counselor Education from Penn State. She uses relational-cultural, family systems, culturally-sensitive approaches incorporating mindfulness-based therapeutic tools and other evidence-based practices into her therapeutic work. She views counseling as a collaborative process where both client & counselor bring their individual expertise/gifts together to address specific concerns. Personally, she loves the mountains, rivers & related recreational activities, especially with her family. |
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Lisa Devore, Ph.D., Psychologist/Alcohol & Drug Coordinator- has a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the Auburn University and a Masters in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University. She has experience working with individuals, couples and families. Lisa approaches counseling from a holistic and collaborative perspective. She uses systemic and solution focused models of therapy. Outside of the areas of alcohol and drugs, Lisa has an interest in crisis management, first responders, grief and loss, and horticultural therapy. |
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Michael L. McIntosh, Psy. D., Training Director, has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Psychologist - He received his Masters and Doctoral degrees from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology (now called Argosy University, Chicago.) He integrates various theories and techniques, such as humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and brief dynamic models, to the unique needs of students. He enjoys working with individuals and groups on many different topics such as anxiety, depression and transitions in life. Mike has also works with people who are deaf or hard of hearing and teaches Sign Language I and II at WCU. When not at work Mike enjoys spending time with his fiancée, working on computers, and exercising. |
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Arika Morrison, M.S., LPC, Counselor/Sexual & Interpersonal Violence Care Specialist, completed her Masters Degree in Counseling with a specialty in College Student Personnel from Shippensburg University in 2002. She completed her counseling license in 2004. Arika has experience working with a variety of counseling issues including: Relationships, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Disordered Eating, Body Image, Self-Esteem and Women’s Issues. Arika uses a humanistic approach blended with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. She also really enjoys working with SoulCollage®. Outside of the office, Arika cherishes her time with her husband and their dog traveling through the mountains or to the coast. |
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Thomandra S. Sam, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist/Culture & Gender Specialist, has a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University. Thomandra has experiences working with a variety of counseling issues including both Culture and Gender Related Issues, Identity Development, Anxiety and Relationship Issues. She is interested in practitioner training that fosters multicultural competency, supervision and the management of multiple identities. Thomandra primarily integrates humanistic and relational-cultural therapies to foster a collaborative therapeutic process with clients. Outside of work, Thomandra enjoys shopping, reading, playing her WII and cooking (particularly Creole food). |
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Case Manager/Counselor | |
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Alida Herrera, NP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner, received her Masters Degree in Family Practice Nursing from the University of Wyoming in 2000. She is Board Certified as a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner, providing care to patients of all ages. Having been a parent, teacher and counselor, she is understanding of the challenges facing families dealing with school concerns as well as at home. She enjoys spending weekends visiting friends out of town and enjoying the mountain scenery.
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Marisa L. Wood, M.A., Counselor/Pre-Doctoral Intern, Obtained a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2009 from Argosy University American School of Professional Psychology and is currently earning a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Marisa enjoys working with various counseling issues such as: anxiety, adjustment, trauma, and substance use. Her experiences consist of counseling individuals, school age through adulthood, including couples. Marisa believes that counseling is a collaborative process between the client and the counselor and is client focused. She works from a Psychodynamic orientation and utilizes both Self Psychology and Attachment theory within a brief therapeutic framework. Marisa is currently working on her Clinical Research Project which focuses on creating a tool for current women practicing in the field of psychology during pregnancy. She believes her work will provide a means of working through pregnancy related issues that arise between therapist and client while conducting therapy. Outside of work Marisa enjoys various outdoor activities and reading. |
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Ashley Yates, M.A., LPC, NCC, Counselor/Pre-Doctoral Intern, is currently a Psy.D candidate at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA. She received her M.A. in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling Psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School. Clinically, Ashley utilizes a culturally informed Relational-Humanistic approach and incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy and creative arts therapy. Ashley’s interests include helping persons manage life transitions, grief, intergenerational trauma, minority stress and identity development.
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James L. McAbee, B.S., Clinical Psychology Trainee, is currently a candidate for a Master’s degree of Clinical Psychology at Western Carolina University. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and German Literature in 2004. His research interests have been in the areas of personality, depression, anxiety, and experiences with bullying. He uses an integrative approach to therapy with a primary orientation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. |
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David Solomon, B.A., Clinical Psychology Trainee, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and German from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2008 and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Western Carolina University. He plans to continue to a PhD program following graduation. He has a number of research and clinical interests including Posttraumatic Growth, childhood maltreatment, and LGBT issues. He is currently completing thesis work examining the effectiveness of different types of interventions used by Child Protective Services in cases of child abuse and neglect. |
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Lisa M. Carter, A.B., Office Manager has an Associates Degree in General Business.She specializes in providing excellent customer services , computer knowledge and a positive attitude. Lisa really enjoys working in the university environment and has been a part CPS for over five years. Lisa is originally from Athens, Georgia. She has two wonderful daughters, Jessica and Anna who both enjoy playing basketball and softball. Lisa loves being with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, playing and watching sports (especially football), and listening to music. She is thrilled to be a part of the Western Carolina University community and Counseling & Psychological Services team. |
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Debbye McGee, Administrative Assistant is origianally from Grand Junction, Colorado. She has lived in the area for 18 years. She has two daughters Crystal and Lavender Sky. Debbye also has two granddaughters Jazmine and Jewell Sky who are both five years old. They will be starting kindergarten in the fall. She loves photography, traveling and making jewelry. In her spare time she enjoys being one with nature, meditation, aromatherapy and practicing Mindful Living. |
