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Meet the Staff

 

Staff

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Stephanie Anifant

Administrative Assistant
Pronouns: she/her/hers


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    Stacey Appiah-Opoku, MA, LPC-MHSP, NCC

    Assistant Director for Clinical Operations
    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    I believe we all have parts of our identities that influence how we move through the world and process experiences. As such I believe an important part of therapy involves exploring and affirming all salient parts of your identity. I will support you in sharing your story, identifying your values, experiencing your emotions and building skills to work towards your goals.


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      Marlon Bailey, LCSW, Ph.D., HSP

      Sport Psychologist
      Pronouns: he/him/his

      I approach counseling relationships by partnering with individuals to address the superficial and substantial parts of the obstacles to living and feeling well. This often includes managing the intricacies of identity, environment, hopes, and practical health indicators.


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        Vanessa Bell, Ph.D., HSP

        Psychologist
        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.


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          Heather Boyd, LCSW

          Therapist
          Pronouns: she/her/hers

          I believe life is all about balance. In therapy, that often means balancing change with acceptance. I try to create a safe place where clients can fully explore areas of life they would like to accept and areas of life they would like to change.


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            Sean Castady

            Administrative Manager
            Pronouns: he/him/his


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              Mary Clare Champion, Ph.D., HSP

              Associate Director for Administration and Clinical Services
              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.


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                Ashley Clark

                Administrative Assistant
                Pronouns: she/her/hers


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                  Nalini Conner, Ph.D., HSP

                  Assistant Director for Training
                  Pronouns: she/her/hers

                  “It’s okay to feel what you feel- it’s what you do with those feelings that is the most important.” I believe that therapy is a space to learn how to better understand your emotions, what may be contributing to them, and how to respond to them. My goal is to provide a safe, collaborative space for all clients where they can learn the individualized tools they need to help them navigate through any difficulties.


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                    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.


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                      Viviana Grice, LPC/MHSP, NCC

                      Senior Therapist
                      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.


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                        Annie Holmes, MSN, PMHNP-BC

                        Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
                        Pronouns: she/her/hers

                        I aim to provide compassionate, individualized, and evidenced-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.


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                          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.


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                            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.


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                              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.


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                                Leah Jesse, MD

                                Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist
                                Pronouns: she/her/hers

                                I consider it a privilege to be entrusted with the care of students as they embark on a journey of healing from some of life’s greatest challenges. My goal is to bring warmth, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude to every encounter, so that each student feels empowered to be their truest self. I strive to provide patient-centered care through a treatment relationship grounded in mutual respect and guided by students’ unique values and goals. My training in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry has given me a breadth of knowledge on the presentation of mental health disorders across the lifespan and a recognition of how different life stages influence treatment goals.


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                                  Kristen Johnson, M.S., M.Ed.

                                  Clinical Case Manager, Assessment
                                  Pronouns: she/her/hers

                                  I am deeply honored by the courage and vulnerability required to participate in the therapeutic process, and I strive to help students do so by creating a validating and collaborative space where they can explore and understand both themselves and the challenges that they are experiencing. My hope is that clients who work with me will leave therapy feeling encouraged and empowered to work toward personally meaningful life goals with intention.


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                                    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.


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                                      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.


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                                        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.


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                                          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.


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                                            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.


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                                              Melissa Porter, Psy.D, HSP

                                              Associate Director for Clinical Operations
                                              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.


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                                                Kyle Shadrick, LCSW

                                                Therapist
                                                Pronouns: he/him/his

                                                Hi there! My name is Kyle Shadrick. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) in the state of Tennessee, and a therapist at the UCC. In addition to individual therapy, I am also currently the co-chair of the UCC’s diversity alliance, and co-facilitator of the Continuum support group. I am passionate about working with trauma and LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am also a Certified Transgender Care Therapist through ITCA.


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                                                  Javionne Smith

                                                  Administrative Assistant
                                                  Pronouns: she/her/hers


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                                                    Emma Snow, LMFT

                                                    Clinical Case Manager
                                                    Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

                                                    I believe we are all capable of making change in our lives, but sometimes we need some help in doing so. As case manager, I will work as a part of a team to help students find the right path and access the resources they need. Together, we will make sure you have what you need to create healthy change in your life. 


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                                                      Julie Sutcliffe, PsyD, HSP, CMPC

                                                      Assistant 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.


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                                                        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.


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                                                          Susie Tharpe

                                                          Administrative Assistant, Medical Records
                                                          Pronouns: she/her/hers


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                                                            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.


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                                                              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.


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                                                                Ash Weber, LPC-MHSP

                                                                Therapist
                                                                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. 


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                                                                  Sarah Jordan Welch-Moore, LCSW, DSW

                                                                  Therapist
                                                                  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.


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                                                                    Zsanett Williams, DNP, PMHNP-BC

                                                                    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
                                                                    Pronouns: she/her/hers

                                                                    My approach to patient care is centered on collaborating with you to find solutions integrating information about your individual needs, psychosocial and cultural context with the most up-to-date, evidence-based, and person-centered treatment modalities. I aim to create a partnership in the therapeutic environment that focuses on building an individualized, holistic wellness plan that will empower you to flourish in all areas of life.


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                                                                      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.


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                                                                        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


                                                                           

                                                                          This page was last updated June 2025