Meet Our Staff
John Friend, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Director
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Friend’s clinical work is driven by his interest in the application of behavioral principles in understanding topics such as purpose, meaning and values, the therapeutic relationship, and present moment focused work.
Professional Interests: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, brief solution-focused therapy, integrated healthcare, sport and performance psychology, anxiety-related disorders, relationship issues, and coping with life transitions.
Professional Memberships: Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors, Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Chelsea L. Greer, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Associate Director
Theoretical Orientation: An integrated psychodynamic/interpersonal approach with an emphasis on the beliefs and habits we have developed from our significant relationships. Focusing on strengths and well-being in all clients and integrating other approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused, as appropriate.
Professional Interests: Concerns of young adulthood, career/vocation, relationship issues, group counseling, religion and spirituality, grief, forgiveness, anxiety and mood disorders, and working on integrated health (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual).
Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association: Divisions 2 - Teaching of Psychology, 17 - Counseling Psychology, 32 - Religion & Spirituality; American College Counseling Association; Christian Association of Psychological Studies
Vallarie Jones, M.S., LPC
Counselor
Theoretical Orientation: Integrated psychodynamic-interpersonal process approach that
draws upon cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, reality, and encompasses other
theoretical strategies that are best suited for each individual client to be their
best self.
Professional Interests: Stress management, family and relationship issues, anxiety, depression, health and wellness, coping skills, and correctional behavioral health.
Professional Memberships: Alabama Counseling Association, Alabama College Counseling Association
Joel Dobson, ALC, NCC
Associate Counselor
Theoretical Orientation: A collaborative, client-centered approach that integrates evidence-based treatment modalities to build on each client’s unique personal strengths in order to assist them in achieving personal goals and improving their overall sense of well-being.
Professional Interests: Family of origin issues, childhood trauma, life transitions, young adulthood, integrated healthcare, anxiety, mood disorders, and substance use
Brandi Ford
Associate Counselor
Theoretical Orientation: A Gestalt/Solution Focused approach while integrating cognitive behavioral therapy. Collaborating with the client to enhance individual self-awareness and discovery by exploring and utilizing evidence-based interventions for the need of the client, and to help the client ultimately reach their goals.
Interests: Health and Wellness, stress management, depression, coping skills, resilience promotion, social media, and trauma.
Professional Memberships: American Counseling Association (Student)
Rhena Baxter
Associate Counselor
Theoretical Orientation: An integrative, client-centered approach drawing from humanistic, existential and holistic based therapies with emphasis on a person’s self-growth and self-actualization. Therapy may include both talk therapy and nontraditional therapies such as guided imagery and mindfulness-based modalities to enhance client awareness and overall well being.
Professional Interest: LGBTQIA+ affirming care including exploration of gender and personal identity, adaptation to life changes and transitions, interpersonal issues, building trauma resiliency, stress, anxiety, and coping skills.
Professional Memberships: Alabama Counseling Association, National Board of Certified Counselors
Becky Smith, Ph.D. LPC, NCC
Counselor – College of Medicine
Theoretical Orientation: An integrated approach that utilizes cognitive theories, motivational interviewing, emotion-focused and solution-focused strategies.
Professional Interests: Stress, anxiety and mood disorders, substance use, eating disorders, trauma, emotional intelligence, grief/loss, social media and wellbeing.
Professional Memberships: American Counseling Association, Alabama Counseling Association, Alabama College Counseling Association
Callie Mims, MS
Advanced Practicum Student, Doctoral Clinical & Counseling Psychology Program
Theoretical Orientation: An Integrated approach primarily utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and incorporating aspects of mindfulness-based, interpersonal, and feminist therapeutic interventions. Focus on understanding what maintains maladaptive thinking and behavior patterns, and using personal strengths to accomplish goals, improve wellbeing, and foster resilience.
Professional Interests: Body image and disordered eating issues, gender role stress, family and relationship issues, perfectionism, anxiety disorders, life transitions, stress management and coping skills
Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association Division 51 - Psychological Study of Men & Masculinity, Phi Beta Kappa
Karin Hendricks
Advanced Practicum Student, Doctoral Clinical & Counseling Psychology Program
Theoretical Orientation: A collaborative, skills-based approach that primarily utilizes “Third Wave” cognitive behavioral therapies (Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, and Behavioral Activation). She focuses on supporting an individual’s growth through a person-centered therapeutic approach.
Professional Interests: Integrated health care, self-compassion, suicidality and self-harm, social justice, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, young adulthood, coping skills, and interpersonal conflict.
Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, and Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
Mary Parker Raley (she/her)
Masters-Level Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Theoretical Orientation : A collaborative Gestalt/Feminist based approach that focuses on empowering clients to reach their goals by increasing self-awareness and advocating when possible. Focus on the client’s unique experiences and how their perceptions of the world influence their mental well-being and ability to remain present in the here and now. Ultimately we are capable and responsible for our own healing and choices.
Professional Interest: LGBTQIA+ population, advocacy and activism, exploration of gender and personal identity, adapting to life changes and transitions, developing and understanding personal values, musicians
Professional Memberships: American Counseling Association (Student)
Mercer Boatwright
Masters-Level Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Theoretical Orientation: An Integrative humanistic and cognitive approach which emphasizes that people hold all resources within to find a purpose and live a meaningful life. Facilitating change toward more positive thinking and behaviors through use of cognitive behavioral techniques. Developing a collaborative relationship with clients toward self-discovery and attaining desired goal(s).
Professional Interests: Masculinity/men, chronic illness, family relationships, health & wellness, life transitions, depression, self & career development
Amanda Meyers
Secretary