Counseling Center Staff

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 (SRSAC). On the state level, Dr. Caldwell is the Regents Advisory Council as the Chair-Elect of the Counseling Directors Association, and the Past Chair of the Crisis Response Network. On a national level, Dr. Caldwell is currently serving her second 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

What is your favorite quote? I have too many to pick just one, but my favorite poem is The Road Less Traveled, by Robert Frost.

What is your favorite dessert? Cannoli

Certifications: Licensed Psychologist

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

What do you do in your spare time? I love tabletop board games and card games and I am a massive nerd. I also really enjoy cooking/baking, creative writing, and play a few different musical instruments.

Favorite quote: “You are not weak just because your heart feels so heavy. I have never met a heavy heart that wasn’t a phone booth with a red cape inside.” – Andrea Gibson

Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified QPR Instructor

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

What is your favorite quote? “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” -Mary Anne Radmacher.

Favorite dessert: Cookies and cream ice cream

Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor

Hunter Gatewood (he/him) received his PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University. He has worked in a variety of clinical environments including university counseling center, private practice, inpatient, outpatient, and primary school setting. Hunter’s clinical work is informed from interpersonal and psychodynamic theory, essentially meaning exploring what things make friendships/relationships difficult because of how we act/react to other’s actions that we assume will happen or actually experience. 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

What is your favorite quote? “We accept the love we think we deserve” – Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Favorite dessert: Pineapple upside-down cake

Dr. Gunnerson 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

Favorite quote: “He who can’t laugh at himself leaves the job to someone else” – Unknown

If you could afford a one-week, all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would love to go to New Zealand and tour the sets of Lord of the Rings or hope to find the cast from Flight of the Conchords!

Dr. Hogue (he/him/his) is a two-time graduate of Georgia Southern University, bachelor’s in psychology in 2009 and master’s degree in Counselor Education in 2012. He is also received his doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Systemic Studies through the University of Louisiana Monroe. He joined the staff at the Counseling Center on the Armstrong campus in October of 2016. Dr. Hogue has experience providing services in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, public service, and private practice settings. His clinical interests include relational issues, identity development, sexual minority concerns, and systemic issues.

Education
PhD, Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Louisiana-Monroe
MEd, Counselor Education, Georgia Southern University
BS, Georgia Southern University

What is your favorite quote? “Never tell me the odds.” -Han Solo

What song do you sing at the top of your lungs while driving alone in your car? More than I am proud to admit but Bohemian Rhapsody is a forever pick.

Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, National Certified Counselor

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

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy spending time with my family, moving through dance or exercise, and listening to podcasts.

Favorite dessert: Strawberry and Cookies and Cream. .. CHEESECAKE!

Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified QPR Instructor

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 Be the Change Foundation, 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

Favorite dessert: A warm chocolate chip cookie will always make my day

If you could afford a one-week, all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would it be? If I’m not at work, you will find me at the beach. The number one beach on my bucket list to visit is the Maldives

Certifications:Associate Professional Counselor, Certified QPR Instructor

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

Favorite quote: “I think… once you’ve decided to change, then you’ve already begun your transformation.” -Haruhi

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games, watching cartoons and anime, and drawing digitally on my tablet. I would love the chance to pitch an animated show or graphic novel idea.

Brandi (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

Favorite quote: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” John A. Shedd

Favorite dessert I can’t limit it to just one….it would have to be peach cobbler or banana pudding (if it’s made the right way!)

Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor

Briana Perry (she/her/hers) received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. She is a Georgia Southern alumni and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Briana is working towards obtaining her LPC license in Georgia. She has experience working with adults in an outpatient and inpatient setting with various clinical presentations. Briana’s counseling style is a collaborative process that empowers and challenges clients. She utilizes an integrative and holistic approach that combines therapeutic models, centering treatment around the client’s individual needs. Her clinical interests include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, women’s issues, minority population concerns, and faith-based concerns.

Education
MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Regent University
BA, 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

Favorite quote: “Grow through what you go through.” – Unknown

Favorite dessert Strawberry cake

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

Favorite Quote: “The most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things you get ashamed of because words diminish your feelings – words shrink things that seem timeless when they are in your head to no more than living size when they are brought out.” – Stephen King

Favorite Food: I’ve got a huge sweet tooth but my favorites are cheesecake and cookie dough ice cream!

Dr. Mark Taracuk (pronounced: terra chuck) is a licensed psychologist at the Georgia Southern University Counseling Center. He is currently the Assistant Director of Training and the training director for the APA-Accredited Doctoral Internship in Psychology. Dr. Taracuk also serves as a member of the Georgia Southern University Sexual Assault Response Team and on the Prevention of Men’s Violence against Women Champions Committee.

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 serves as treasurer for the Society of Counseling Psychology, Division 17 of the American Psychological Association. He also chair-elect for Division 17’s Section on Advocacy for Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, and as President and Continuing Education Co-Chair for the Georgia College Counseling Association.

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

Favorite food: mint chocolate chip ice cream

Favorite quotes: “All existing things are really one. We regard those that are beautiful and rare as valuable, and those that are ugly as foul and rotten. The foul and rotten may come to be transformed into what is rare and valuable, and the rare and valuable into what is foul and rotten.” – Zhuangzi

Certifications: Licensed Psychologist, National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified QPR Instructor

Coming soon!

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

Favorite quote: “Do everything in excellence or don’t do it at all.”

What do you do in your spare time? I love to spend time with my family and closest friends. I love snuggling with my girls and watching a great Disney movie. I love riding long country roads and discovering new things.

Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor, Master’s Addiction Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor

Lindsay Craig (she/her/hers) serves as a predoctoral intern at Georgia Southern University Counseling Center. She is in her final year of her doctoral program in Clinical Psychology (PhD) at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, eating concerns, body image difficulties, identity growth and exploration, adjustment challenges, and supporting survivors of sexual trauma. She is particularly passionate about working with collegiate athletes to improve their overall well-being and performance. As a former collegiate athlete, she recognizes the unique demands and pressures of being a student-athlete, such as balancing academics, athletics, and social relationships.

Lindsay utilizes evidenced-based treatments such cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and third wave therapies, including mindfulness, and self-compassion interventions to support her clients’ needs. In her perspective, the therapeutic relationship holds the utmost importance in the process of healing and facilitating change and she hopes to assist clients in gaining a greater understanding about what gives their life meaning and purpose. She strives to create an empowering space for her clients to explore their own capacity for change and growth. Lindsay takes a holistic approach to wellness recognizing that it incorporates all aspects of the self, including emotional, psychological, physical, spiritual, and cultural components. She aims to help clients cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves, as well as others, in order to establish a resilient foundation and reach their highest potential.

In her free time, Lindsay likes to stay active by participating in Crossfit, swimming, and running. Additionally, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, cooking, baking, home brewing Kombucha, and exploring restaurants.

Education
MS, Psychology, Nova Southeastern University
BS, Psychology, Nova Southeastern University

Favorite quote: “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is your favorite dessert? Cheesecake

Victoria Forlini (she/her) has a masters in clinical practices from the University of Hartford and is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Hartford as well. She has experience working in crisis intervention, a residential eating disorder facility, community mental health, and intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization setting.

Victoria enjoys using internal family systems leaning heavily on parts work to explore how different parts of folx arise during significant events in that individual’s life. She uses parts work to create healing and integration among those different parts and likes to supplement parts work with dialectical behavioral therapy skills.

Victoria’s clinical population interests include female identified individuals who have experienced sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and trauma in general. She also has interest in working with folx who have experienced religious trauma.

Education
MA, Clinical Practices, University of Hartford
BA, Psychology, Catholic University of America

Favorite quote: “Acceptance lies at the heart of the change process. The patient comes to therapy out of a desire to be different; yet this very desire is the source of the patient’s pain. The central paradox of the human change process is that only by letting go of our attempts to be something we are not that change can take place. Change thus involves an act of surrender, rather than self-manipulation.” – Jeremy D. Safran

What is your favorite dessert? Chocolate mousse cake

Stephane Guzmán García (she/her) received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Masters in Global Health from Syracuse University. She has worked in various clinical settings, including Department Clinics, Community Health, and University Counseling Center.

Also, she has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Her interests are Anxiety, Depression, Suicide, Cognition, Multiculturalism, Wellbeing, Outreach, and Prevention & Intervention Efforts. Her therapeutic orientation is an integrative approach mainly based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Behavior Modification, Action Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing Techniques.

Stephane enjoys spending time with loved ones, visiting the beach, reading books, and volunteering.

Education
MS, Clinical Psychology, Ponce Health Science University
MS, Global Health, Syracuse University
BS, Psychology, Syracuse University

Favorite quote: “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” -Viktor E. Frankl

Alvin Nicholas is a current PhD student in clinical psychology at the University of Detroit Mercy. He has experience working in inpatient centers, community mental health centers, outpatient, and university college counseling centers. His research interests are in perfectionism, grit, resilience, failure and achievement experiences, and multicultural experiences. His clinical work orientation is integrative with a heavy emphasis on psychodynamic/psychoanalytic theory. His approach consists of working to help clients understand underlying processes or internal conflicts that interfere with social, academic, or psychological functioning and helping to bring that to the clients conscious awareness. Alvin’s specific areas of expertise include working with individuals with perfectionism and individuals who exhibit obsessive compulsive personality traits. Alvin also has special interest in working with individuals who identify as multicultural or multiethnic and who may have had difficulty understanding all the different aspects of themselves and how they fit in with their peers.

Special hobbies that Alvin enjoys include weightlifting, composing music, walking on nature trails, playing video games, watching and attending wrestling shows, and cooking.

Education
MA, Clinical Psychology, University of Detroit Mercy
MS, Psychology, Oakland University
BA, Psychology, Oakland University

Favorite music genre: Alternative rock

Coming soon…

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.

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

Our beloved Starship Robots have departed from the Statesboro campus. We appreciate their service to our campus community particularly during the early stages of the pandemic. We will be forever in their debt as they delivered a copious amount of coffee and snacks to our staff.

Favorite quote: “Beep boop beep boop.”

Personal role model: R2-D2

Favorite band: Jefferson Starship

Favorite song: Probably “Starships” by Nicki Minaj

Favorite Movie: Starship Troopers