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

Tierra Ezell
Associate Counselor

Theoretical Orientation: An integrated, client-centered approach that utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral, Reality, and Solution-focused modalities. She collaborates with the client to construct an individualized counseling treatment plan that best fits their unique experiences and lifestyle.

Professional Interests: Adjusting during life transitions, depression, anxiety disorders, sexual trauma, trauma-bonding relationships, eating disorders, domestic violence, self-esteem, resiliency, positive thinking, body image, social skills, grief and thought patterns.

Professional Memberships: American Counseling Association (Professional) and Alabama Counseling Association

Meghan Wood, M.S.
Associate Counselor

Theoretical Orientation: Relational-cultural approach integrated with interpersonal process interventions. Trauma informed with a focus on client resiliency and self-compassion.

Professional Interests: Religious/spiritual trauma, LGBTQIA+ interests, weight bias, social media, adjustment disorders, and personality disorders.

Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association Division 17  

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

Angelia C. Davis, M.Ed.
Advanced Practicum Student, Doctoral Clinical & Counseling Psychology Program

Theoretical Orientation: Integrated approach taking a humanistic, strengths-based perspective that primarily utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy while incorporating aspects of Emotion-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She believes in a client-centered approach to therapy that takes into account the unique experiences and preferences of each individual when devising a treatment plan. 

Professional Interests: The impact of stress, chronic health issues, and trauma on overall well-being and performance. Multicultural, LGBTQ+, and  men/masculinity issues, positive psychology, parent training, and integrated health care.

Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association, Alpha Phi Omega, Alabama Psychological Association 

Callie Mims
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

Brandi Ford
Masters-Level Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

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)  

Anna Grace Lambert
Masters-Level Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

Theoretical Approach: A collaborative person-centered approach integrated with Cognitive Behavioral techniques that emphasizes individual experience while empowering clients to change negative ideas and behaviors. Focusing on the unique experiences of each individual and the belief that every person is the expert of their own lives.

Professional Interests: LGBTQ+ topics, gender-specific stressors, identity exploration, life-stage transitions, personal value and goal exploration

Professional Memberships: American Counseling Association (Student)

Terri C. Kadel, MS, LPC 
Testing Coordinator

Professional Membership: National College Testing Association

Amanda Meyers
Secretary