Meet the Staff
Staff
Jessica Alvarez, B.A.
Practicum Trainee
Pronouns: she/her/hers
My goal is to create a safe, warm, non-judgmental space for my clients to show up as their authentic selves. I take a person-centered and multicultural approach to therapy, as I believe every person is unique and deserves healing and growth. I enjoy supporting clients with anxiety & depression, relationship dynamics, trauma, emerging adulthood and life transitions.
Vanessa Bell, Ph.D., HSP
Clinical Manager, Assessment
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I support students by providing psychological assessments to better understand various factors that may be adversely impacting their academic, emotional, social, and/or other areas of functioning. Working together, we will collect important pieces of the diagnostic puzzle and identify the most appropriate diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and supportive resources.
Stefanie Boakye, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I view the therapy process as collaborative. I am committed to work with clients to help them achieve their goals and grow. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming space for all clients. Students can count on me to be open, genuine, supportive, and warm in every session.
Jaclyn Bogner, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Trainee
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I find deep purpose in helping clients develop new skills and cultivate compassion for their most authentic selves. I believe that for therapy to be effective, it must honor each person’s cultural background and unique context. Guided by this belief, I approach therapy through a multicultural and social justice lens. My therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices.
Mary Clare Champion, Ph.D., HSP
Associate Clinical Director, Continuity
Pronouns: she/her/hers
My goal as a therapist is to meet students from all programs and identities and support them in their time at Vanderbilt, creating a safe space together in which to determine strategies to help navigate stressors and challenges that may have interfered with them succeeding in their academic or personal lives.
Nalini Conner, Ph.D., HSP
Associate Director of Training, Outreach, and Psychological Assessment
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I believe therapy offers a space to deepen your understanding of your emotions, identify what might be shaping them, and learn how to respond in meaningful ways. My goal is to create a safe and collaborative environment where clients can discover the unique tools that support their personal growth and help them work through life’s challenges.
Rena Curvey, Ph.D., LP, CMPC
Sport Psychologist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Rena works with student-athletes on the full spectrum of well-being from performance enhancement to clinical mental health concerns. As a therapist Rena utilizes an integrative treatment approach incorporating interpersonal process, acceptance and commitment, cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, and mind-body connection techniques.
Catalina Echeverry, M.A., B.A.
Practicum Trainee
Pronouns: she/her/hers
As a Latina from a Colombian immigrant family, I am passionate about supporting individuals from diverse and marginalized backgrounds. I value therapy as a powerful tool for personal growth and believe that meaningful change occurs when clients feel heard and supported in a safe, non-judgmental space. My approach integrates person-centered therapy with feminist therapy, and I strive to create an empowering environment where clients can explore their identities and overcome the challenges they face. This holistic framework honors both emotional depth and cognitive insight.
Fluent in Spanish
Viviana Grice, LPC/MHSP, NCC
Counseling Manager, Reset
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I strive to offer students a safe and confidential space where they are invited to a journey of self-exploration and growth. I work in collaboration with my clients toward unveiling and ending the cycle of self-defeating behaviors that have been barriers to reaching their full potential.
Fluent in Spanish.
Annie Holmes, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I aim to provide compassionate, individualized, and evidence-based care for all students. I strive to meet students where they are in their mental health journey and create a warm, welcoming space for them to share their story. I approach mental health care with an emphasis on seeing the whole person – mind, body, soul and empowering individuals to participate fully in their care.
Amber Hopkins, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I strive to provide patient-centered care that is both compassionate and inclusive to all students. My goal as a psychiatric nurse practitioner is to support students through their academic journey by developing strong therapeutic relationships and using evidence-based medication management.
Ruth Howard, Ph.D., HSP
Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
I am humbled by the strength and resilience that students exhibit every day, and it is a privilege to support them on their academic journey. In therapy, I strive to collaborate with students to create a warm, affirming, compassionate, and validating space for growth and healing to take place. As a provider who identifies as Latina and immigrated to the US as a child, my identities also inform my professional values, which are rooted in liberation psychology and include a commitment to empower students by honoring their unique lived experiences and strengths, exploring the impact of systems of inequity, and advocating for meaningful change.
Speaks conversational Spanish.
Li-Cih (Wendy) Hsu, M.S.
Doctoral Intern
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I view therapy as a crucial journey to healing, appreciating growth through discomfort, and finding beauty in the pain and growth. I use existential, multicultural and strength-based approaches to help you make sense of your life events, discover your purposes and clarify your values, and help you find ways to live more authentically and meaningfully. I value and believe in the power of strong therapeutic relationships and will meet you where you are to support your growth and narratives. I am passionate about suicide and crisis prevention work and Asian mental health. I often work with clients on issues of cultural identity development, transitions, relationships issues, trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
Hiba Jahangir, B.A.
Practicum Trainee
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I am a Clinical Practicum Therapist at the UCC. I view counseling as a collaborative effort that empowers an individual to navigate their distinct challenges in a safe space. I enjoy working with second generation immigrants and I focus on broader social and systemic structures that impact one’s daily life. Counseling looks different for everyone, and I invite people to keep an open mind about what living authentically can look like for them.
Speaks conversational Urdu.
Kristen Johnson, M.S., M.Ed.
Clinical Case Manager, Assessment
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I am dedicated to helping Vanderbilt students succeed in all areas of their lives. As a Case Manager, I support the Assessment Team in identifying challenges that may be impacting students’ academic and social functioning. I then work collaboratively with students to connect them to the resources and support that best fit their individual needs.
Alexandria Littlejohn, Ph.D.
Staff Psychologist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
My work is guided by the understanding that meaningful growth happens in safe, authentic relationships where every part of who we are, and who we are becoming, is seen and valued. In our work, you’ll find I bring a collaborative, curious, compassionate, and culturally humble presence. I believe each person carries unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives, and I strive to honor all parts of you and your story. My approach is relational, emotion-focused, and integrative, drawing on practices that foster healing and growth. My hope is that we can create a space together that empowers you to grow into the fullest and most authentic version of yourself.
Tanya Meyer, RN
Registered Nurse
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Tanya Meyer is a registered nurse with a strong background in both medical and mental health nursing. In her current role at the counseling center, she works closely with the clinical team to support students engaging in mental health care, particularly those navigating medication management as part of their treatment. Tanya is passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where students feel empowered in their mental health journey. She brings a calm, steady presence to her work and is committed to helping students feel seen, heard, and cared for throughout their time at the UCC.
Lila Mularoni, M.A.
Doctoral Intern
Pronouns: She/her/hers
My first time trying therapy was during college. I felt overwhelmed by the pressure of trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life, while being away from my family for the first time. My therapist helped me through this hard time life, and I hope that I can do the same for you and whatever reason you are seeking this space out. I aim to provide a judgement free space in which you can express your struggles, big or small, and together we can discover the why and how that will allow you to move forward. I am a multi-racial, woman who believes in the power of compassion, connection, and authenticity and will work to bring these things into our therapeutic relationship. I am grateful you are here and I know that you will find the support you are looking for at the UCC.
Martez Nelson, LPC-MHSP, NCC
Assistant Director for Community Engagement
Pronouns: he/him/his
My goal is to provide you with a safe, welcoming, and empathic space to navigate your challenges and goals. I work from a strengths-based approach, and we will use this approach to help you find new ways of managing your academic, social, and emotional needs. I am passionate about serving individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups including, black and brown folx inclusive of all gender identities.
Frances Niarhos, Ph.D., HSP
Psychologist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I enjoy helping young adults identify potential barriers to their academic success using well-established measure of cognitive, academic and mental health functioning. I also have a passion for teaching and mentoring trainees across all mental health disciplines as they prepare for professional roles as psychologists, clinical social workers and professional counselors.
Tanisha Owusu, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I am excited to join you on your journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Every experience, circumstance, and perspective shapes who we are, and I hold immense respect for the diversity that each of you brings to our space. My goal is to help you explore and define what true wellness means for you, and to provide support and guidance as you work towards actualizing that vision. Together, we will create a safe and inclusive space where every aspect of your individuality is honored and celebrated.
Melissa Porter, Psy.D, HSP
Associate Clinical Director, Reset
Pronouns: she/her/hers
My goal is to provide a space where I can provide support and guidance on working through the various challenges that life brings, where a student can feel heard, validated, and challenged while making decisions that best fit their life.
Mikaila Robinson, M.S., LPC-MHSP
Counseling Manager, Continuity Care
Pronouns: she/her/hers
As a dedicated counselor, my mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences openly. I am committed to supporting individuals through life transitions and helping them navigate challenges with compassion and clarity. Grounded in a deep respect for diversity and individualism, I tailor my approach to honor each client’s unique background, identity, and path to healing.
Shawn Saylors, Psy.D., CMPC
Sport Psychologist
I work with student-athletes through an integrative, collaborative, and strengths-based approach. I believe therapy is a partnership with meeting clients where they are at and understanding that each individual has their own personal journey. My goal is to be someone in my clients’ lives who is empathic and genuine, fostering growth in the client and aiding in their personal journey to be the best version of themselves. My clinical interests include identity development, resiliency, positive psychology, transition and adjustment, sport and performance enhancement.
Kyle Shadrick, LCSW
Counselor
Pronouns: he/him/his
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) in the state of Tennessee, and a therapist at the UCC. I am passionate about working with trauma and LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am also a Certified Transgender Care Therapist through ITCA.
Javionne Smith
Administrative Assistant
Pronouns: she/her/hers
In her role, Javionne will be a key member at the UCC working with students to achieving their mental health/wellness goals and supporting the administrative needs at the center. Javionne was born and raised in Nashville. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and taking walks with her son.
Julie Sutcliffe, PsyD, HSP, CMPC
Associate Athletic Director for Sport Psychology and Mental Performance
Pronouns: she/her/hers
As a therapist, I work collaboratively with clients to unlock their potential as humans and performers. I utilize an integrative, strengths-based and systemic approach to enhance student-athletes’ holistic growth and performance across social, academic and athletic spheres.
Eason Taylor, M.A.
Clinical Case Manager
Pronouns: he/they
Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to turn and what steps to take in times of need. As a part of the case management team, I aim to bridge any gaps between our students and the care that they are seeking. While I believe that we all have the ability to overcome even the most difficult challenges, I think our potential can be even greater with the right sources of guidance and support.
Natalie Thomas, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: she/her/hers
In my practice, I strive to be authentically present to provide a safe, person-centered, and collaborative space for students to explore their unique treatment needs. I welcome all without judgment and will support students utilizing evidence-based care, as they seek to strengthen their mental health and wellness.
Qianyi Wang
Doctoral Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I aim to offer a supportive and safe therapeutic environment to facilitate your understanding of yourself, and to fully experience and express your emotions. I view therapy as a collaborative journey, one that is rarely linear or perfect. It can be messy and unpredictable, but I really appreciate the opportunity to walk alongside you as you navigate this path towards healing and authenticity. As a Chinese international student myself, my identities have given me a unique lens through which I understand the impact of systemic and cultural factors, especially on marginalized populations. These experiences inform my practice and strengthen my commitment to inclusive and culturally informed care.
Fluent in Mandarin.
Ash Weber, LPC-MHSP
Counselor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Much of life is about acknowledging what is within or beyond our control, then developing the navigation tools to forge the path ahead. I believe that therapy should be an integrative, collaborative experience uniquely tailored to your identities and goals—as well as a space where you feel empowered to bring your full self to the table. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or revisiting familiar patterns, I strive to offer a warm partnership conducive to self-discovery, healing, and growth
Speaks conversational French.
Sarah Jordan Welch-Moore, LCSW, DSW
Counseling Manager, Reset
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
My goal when working with clients is to help them navigate the challenges that come from their experiences of trauma. As a systematic practitioner with a feminist lens, I work with clients to recognize the ways their unique identities, experiences, and relationships impact the way they move through the world. I hope to support autonomy and growth through the therapeutic process. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work to support students in their work towards healing, and realizing their own resilience.
Anabella Pavón Wilson, Ph.D., HSP
Psychologist
Pronouns: she/her/ella
I strive to provide an environment in which students can feel welcomed and safe. I will work with you to address challenges that may come up during your time at Vanderbilt, and/or address what may have impacted you in your past. I will also help you develop strategies to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and to cope with difficult emotions.
Fluent in Spanish.
Fay Womer, M.D.
Associate Director of Psychiatry
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I want students to thrive as they pursue their passions and ambitions, fostering work-life balance, fulfillment, and well-being for every individual. I strive to provide person-centered and evidence-based care in a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment and to sustain effective partnerships between psychiatric services and campus resources.
Speaks conversational Mandarin Chinese
Chelsea Worrell, Psy.D., M.A., B.A.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pronouns: she/her/hers
My clinical interests include sport psychology, adjustment concerns, and identity development. I have provided services in a variety of settings, including college counseling, a residential facility for eating disorders, and a crisis line, as well as through group therapy and outreach.
This page was last updated September 2025