Meet Our Staff
Christopher James, MSW, LCSW
Director
Chris earned both his Master and Bachelor of Social Work degrees at Western Kentucky University and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 9 years. Chris brings experience from diverse mental health settings, including community mental health, emergency rooms, acute behavioral health units, and outpatient clinics. He is passionate about increasing access to mental health care for all people and has played key roles in program development to achieve this goal. Chris utilizes a strengths-based, person-centered perspective to empower others in successfully navigating barriers along their journey and making meaningful, sustainable changes. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and quality time with his family, friends, and dogs.
Jamye Hardy Willé, Ed.D, LMSW
Associate Director, Leadership, Outreach, and Training
Dr. Jamye Hardy Willé is an Associate Director in Student Care Coordination at Vanderbilt University. She is a native of Nashville, TN and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Western Kentucky University. Jamye is a Licensed Master Social Worker and brings with her diverse work experiences from social work and higher education settings. She obtained her Doctorate in Education in leading Learning Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University. Dr. Hardy Willé is passionate about recognizing the connections between mental health and student success, and connecting students to resources that meet their holistic needs. Her approach to practice is grounded in the strengths perspective and cultural competence, where she intentionally centers interventions on each student’s personal strengths and cultural background. Jamye believes intervention effectiveness and subsequent help seeking behaviors increase when students recognize the value of their intrinsic abilities and available resources. Outside of work, Jamye enjoys live music, the arts, sports, and collecting experiences through traveling around the world and in her own backyard. Dr. Hardy Willé is an active citizen within the community where she is a board member at the W.O. Smith Music School, Unscripted Improv, an advisory board member with Promise Land Heritage Association, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Hannah Lavoie, MSW, LCSW
Associate Director, CARE Support and Intervention
Hannah is an Associate Director at Student Care Coordination at Vanderbilt University. Hannah received her Bachelor of Social Work from Lipscomb University and Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work with a focus in Casework. She completed her internships at The Next Door in Nashville and The Sound School, a local high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Hannah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Hannah has extensive experience in community mental health intensive case management, crisis intervention, supervision, and leadership. Hannah previously worked in the University Counseling Center at Vanderbilt University as the inaugural Clinical Case Manager. Hannah was awarded the New Student Affairs Professional Award at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 Academic Year. Hannah is passionate about case management and use a strengths-based approach to help promote autonomy among her students she works with. She enjoys creative problem solving to address barriers that students may face. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys reading, spending time with her friends and family, watching New England sports or adding plants to her ever-growing (pun intended) collection.
Izzy Quinn, MSW, LMSW
Student Care Coordinator
Izzy Quinn is a Student Care Coordinator at Vanderbilt University. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama. While there, she focused on Addiction/Recovery Sciences and received her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Children, Family, and Adolescents. Originally from Woodway, WA, Isabelle has a passion for eating disorder advocacy and works to promote emotional wellness and healing in university settings. She believes in utilizing empathy, consistency, and strengths-based approaches to further the student experience and help those who need assistance during their collegiate years. She hopes to help students learn how to advocate for themselves and ensure their personal successes both in education and in life. Outside of the office, Isabelle enjoys kickboxing, reading, going to concerts, and traveling. Izzy is a proud member and advisor of Delta Gamma Fraternity.
Tyesha Butler, LMSW
Student Care Coordinator
Tyesha Butler is a Student Care Coordinator at Vanderbilt University. Tyesha is originally from Mississippi and earned her Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University. She received her Master of Social Work from the University of Tennessee, with a concentration in trauma-informed care and clinical practice. Tyesha has many years of experience providing counseling and care to older adults, young adults, teens, and youth. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to connect with, guide, and listen, while considering the needs and capabilities of the people she serves. Tyesha’s goals are to work with students utilizing their strengths to remove barriers and equip them with the proper tools to be self-sufficient and flourish. She brings her grounding presence, humor (when appropriate), and creates a safe and brave environment where grace, bravery, joy, and accountability co-exist. In her spare time, you can find Tyesha cooking, traveling, reading or listening to books, or spending time with her friends and family.
Micah Sutton-Goggins, MA-MFT
Student Care Coordinator, Engineering Student Success
Micah Sutton-Goggins is thrilled to be the Student Care Coordinator for Engineering Student Success. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia State University, a master’s degree in General and Marriage & Family Therapies (specializing in Trauma Therapy and Crisis Management), and a soon-to-be-completed doctoral degree in Education with concentrations in Educational Leadership and Student Affairs, she is passionate about helping young adult students thrive. With over 10 years of therapeutic experience, Micah loves working with students to help them discover their strengths, set personal and professional goals, and enhance their well-being through mental health practices and advocacy. She uses active listening, joining practices, and strengths-based applications to support students in becoming the best versions of themselves. Outside of work, Micah is a proud mother of four young adults. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, painting, and traveling. As a newcomer to Nashville and a self-proclaimed foodie, Micah is eager to discover the city’s diverse culinary offerings.
Kelly Markley, MSW, LCSW
Student Care Coordinator
Kelly Markley is a Student Care Coordinator at Vanderbilt University where she is dedicated to supporting student well-being through a holistic, strengths-based approach. She brings a wealth of clinical and case management experience from both educational and community mental health settings. Originally from California, Kelly earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge, and her Master of Social Work degree from Edinboro University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with professional experience that includes a client-focused therapeutic approach, case management, and navigating complex systems. As a Student Care Coordinator, she is passionate about removing barriers to success, helping students navigate challenges, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for growth. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, trying out new restaurants, and getting to know the Nashville area.
Kris Schonewill, LMSW
CARE Support Specialist
Kris Schonewill is a CARE Support Specialist at Vanderbilt. He earned his Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Taylor University and later went on to complete his Master’s of Social Work from the University of Tennessee. Kris has years of experience in the field of mental health, most recently supervising a community mental health team serving youth and young adults as they navigated their diagnoses, symptoms and the transition to adulthood. Kris also has direct experience providing case management, crises assessment and intervention, and helping clients navigate complex mental health and interpersonal challenges. He is passionate about building connections with young adults and working to eliminate barriers to help them reach their goals and fulfill their potential. Outside of work, Kris enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also loves music, baking, time spent in nature, a good cup of coffee, exploring new restaurants and following Nashville sports teams.
Sarah Beth Karistai, M.Ed.
CARE Support Specialist
Sarah Beth is a CARE Support Specialist at Vanderbilt University. Sarah Beth earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga. She went on to work at the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga as a Graduation Specialist while completing her Master of Education in Counseling. Sarah Beth served over nine years as a School Counselor with Metro Nashville Public Schools, working with students and families from diverse backgrounds. She was awarded Teacher of the Year and NEP Blue Ribbon Educator Award in 2020. Sarah Beth is passionate about connecting students to resources and support so they can thrive at their full potential. She believes building relationships with students, where they can be authentically known, is at the heart of student success. In her free time, Sarah Beth loves traveling and hitting all the new restaurants in Nashville with her husband, spending time with friends and family, thrifting, reading, and finding a new crafting hobby every month. Sarah Beth is also a Chi Omega Fraternity Alumna.
Hayley Brisendine
Operations Coordinator
Hayley Brisendine is the Operations Coordinator in the Student Care Coordination at Vanderbilt University. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management and Human Performance as well as her Associates minor degree in Business Management at Martin Methodist College (now known as University of Tennessee Southern), where she also earned a collegiate athletic scholarship playing volleyball. She has multiple years’ experience in billing and insurance, as well as strong customer service that help students navigate their way through their collegiate journey. Outside of work, Hayley enjoys coaching volleyball for a local volleyball club program, being at home playing video games where she enjoys the company of her 3 cats and dog, or spending time with friends and family.
Marissa Martinez, MA
CARE Support Coordinator
Marissa Martinez is the CARE Support Coordinator at Vanderbilt University. Originally from Southern California, Marissa received her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA and her Master of Arts degree in Counseling from the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences with an emphasis on first-generation college student success. Marissa possesses many years of experience in advising students at every academic level, and encourages self-advocacy and resliency through a student-centered approach based on choice theory or reality therapy. Marissa considers herself a lifelong learner and often attends conferences to enhance her skill set and utilize takeaways to be applied to her daily practice. Outside of work, Marissa enjoys traveling abroad with her family, taking road trips to explore new places in Tennessee with her boyfriend, attending college sporting events (especially NCAA March Madness tournament games), and trying out new restaurants.