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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Michelle K. Cooper, Ph.D., HSP-P, LCAS-A, Associate Director, Licensed Psychologist, Interim Training Director, has a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and a Master's 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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Arika Morrison, M.S., LPC, Counselor/Sexual & Interpersonal Violence Care Coordinator, completed her Master's 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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Ned Martin, M.A., LPCA, NCC, Counselor and Case Manager, earned his Master's Degree in Counseling from Wake Forest University in 2010. He enjoys working with diverse people and concerns. He is experienced in counseling individuals, couples and groups, and he works with a wide variety of counseling issues including: anxiety, depression, personal growth, wellness, anger, suicide and substance abuse. Ned trusts that each client has the capacity to live a meaningful, healthy life, and he utilizes counseling theories like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Analytical Psychology to inform his work. Fly fishing, writing and enjoying lazy afternoons with his family are some of his favorite things. |
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Christy Newell, LCSW, LCAS, Counselor/Substance Abuse Coordinator, completed her Master's Degree in Social Work from Walla Walla College and then earned her Social Work licensure in 2007. She has also gained her license as a Clinical Addictions Specialist in 2012. Christy has experience working with diverse populations with a variety of issues from: depression, Bipolar, anxiety, substance abuse/addiction, adjustment, suicide, sexual abuse and trauma. She uses therapies such as person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. When not counseling, Christy enjoys spending time with her husband reading as well as enjoying the outdoors with their 2 dogs, horse and a cat (who also enjoys long walks.) |
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Michael Jay Manalo, Ph.D., NCC, Licensed Psychologist, completed both his master’s degree in School Counseling and his doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at The University of Georgia. He conducted his predoctoral internship at WCU’s CPS and his postdoctoral training and subsequent work experiences in private practice settings in Georgia prior to returning to WCU. His counseling interests include depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, eating disorders, AD/HD, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) issues, multicultural psychology, social skills issues, and developmental disabilities. His approach to counseling is primarily Person-Centered integrated with aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. He completed Safe Space and Safe Zone training at both UGA and WCU and is also a National Certified Counselor. Outside of work, Jay is an ACA certified whitewater kayak instructor and Wilderness First Responder. He also enjoys spending time with his family, his dog, and other loved ones. (Arriving May 1st, 2013) |
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Keysha Alston, M.A., Counselor, completed her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Florida in 2010. She has experience working with college populations and has a strong passion in helping empower individuals to overcome their personal struggles. Keysha has worked with individuals and groups over a wide-range of issues, including depression, anxiety, body-image, self-injury, women’s issues, LGBTQ issues, relationships, and life transitions. Although informed by humanism and existential psychology, Keysha uses cognitive-behavioral and process-oriented techniques to assist clients. She views her role as a therapist as creating a safe, warm therapeutic environment that fosters growth in clients. In her spare time, Keysha enjoys reading, finding new music, and dabbles in photography |
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Karen Macke, LPC-S, Counselor, has a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Antioch Graduate School (1993). She specializes in working with eating issues, trauma, couples counseling, anxiety, depression, OCD, and gambling. Karen’s approach is client centered, cognitive behavioral, and utilizes some experiential modes. She is also trained in EMDR, hypnosis, and Trauma Resolution Therapy. Karen has interests in hiking, beekeeping, gardening, travel, and fun. |
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Alida Herrera, NP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner, received her Master's 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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Mandy Poundstone, M.A., Pre-Doctoral Intern, completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and Psychology at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2010 and is planning to complete her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2013 from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Mandy integrates various theories and techniques into her work with students depending on their needs in order to facilitate growth and change. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, outdoor activities, running, attempting new recipes, watching her favorite Chicago teams, going to concerts, and traveling. |
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Diane Radvanski, M.A., Pre-Doctoral Intern, she anticipates completing her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2013 from Fielding Graduate University. She is originally from Bayonne, NJ, approximately 20 minutes from NYC. Her clinical and research interests are in health psychology, particularly helping people cope with chronic illness and pain, psychophysiology, and stress management. Her dissertation research is examining the impact of coping style and religiosity on functional outcomes and quality of life in people diagnosed with Scleroderma. In her spare time, Diane enjoys watching and playing sports such as tennis, softball and basketball, most forms of dancing, especially Latin and ballroom, and is an avid pet lover, especially dogs. |
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Tiffany Franzo, B.S., Counseling Trainee, completed her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University and is currently working on her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well as the Substance Abuse Studies Certificate Program at WCU. She is a teaching graduate assistant in the counseling program and enjoys working with college students of all ages. Tiffany views counseling as a collaborative relationship in which she has the opportunity to help individuals actively design their own lives. Outside of work, she enjoys being with family and friends, being outdoors, traveling, reading, and playing with her pets. |
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Andrea E. Moon, B.A., Counseling Trainee, she completed her Bachelors Degrees in Psychology and Japanese from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is currently working on her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Western Carolina University. From her experiences studying abroad in Japan she is very interested in how psychology, counseling, and varying cultures are viewed in foreign countries. When not working or studying Andrea enjoys reading, playing video games with friends, listening to music, and spending time with family. |
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Alyna Ohanmamooreni, B.S., Clinical Psychology Trainee, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Florida State University with a minor in humanities. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Western Carolina University with the hopes of getting into a PhD program or attaining licensure. Besides interning in the clinic she is also doing research with a team on campus through the National Science Foundation on the effects of disparaging humor. Alyna follows a holistic-wellness model of doing therapy that involves the use of a variety of techniques with a client centered emphasis. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hiking, rafting, and spending time with her fiancé. |
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Lisa M. Carter, A.B., Office Manager, has an Associate's 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. |
