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
Counselor
Theoretical Orientation: An integrated approach that utilizes solution focused, cognitive behavioral, and reality theories/strategies.
Professional Interests: Stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, health and wellness and women's issues.
Professional Memberships: National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Joel Dobson, ALC, NCC
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
Becky Smith, Ph.D.
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.
Doctoral Clinical & Counseling Psychology Graduate Intern
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
Christina Gingerich
Masters-Level Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral approach with the incorporation of Solution Focused techniques that enables an individual to restructure their way of thinking and explore effective ways to reach their goals.
Professional Interests: Health and wellness, effects of birth trauma and/or miscarriage on females, relationship issues, goal achievements, substance abuse effects to individuals and their families, and other trauma aspects.
Professional Memberships: American Counseling Association (Student)
Teya Hale
Masters-Level Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Theoretical Orientation: Existential approach integrated with Cognitive Behavioral techniques employed to establish evidence-based mechanisms shaped for individual need in order to develop client awareness. Focusing on personal development and discovering a sense of self that will aid in progressing in other areas of life.
Professional Interests: Young adult and adult minorities, integrated health, overall mental health and wellness
Noah S. Brandt
Masters - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Theoretical Approach: Cognitive Behavioral/Existential. Focusing on promoting self-discovery and empowerment by collaboratively examining the interactions between thoughts and behaviors. Incorporates evidence-based interventions into treatment based on the individual needs of the client.
Professional Interests: ADHD, grief, promotion of resilience, stress management, and trauma.
Professional Memberships: American Counseling Association (student)
Terri C. Kadel, MS, LPC
Testing Coordinator
Professional Membership: National College Testing Association
Amanda Meyers
Secretary