Meet the Staff
The UCC is staffed by licensed psychologists, counselors, social workers, and psychiatry staff. We are professionally trained in a number of areas of expertise to help students through personal transitions and adjustments associated with college life. We are dedicated to helping students with any problem or concern that may require professional psychological assistance.
- Senior Counseling Staff
- Psychiatrist
- Consulting Staff
- Part-time Clinicians
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Psychology Interns
- Practicum Counselors
- Administrative Staff
Senior Counseling Staff
Christine G. Conway, Ph.D., HSPP
Director
- Degree: University of Notre Dame, 1986, Counseling Psychology
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP) #20040173A
- Professional Memberships: Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors, American Psychological Association (Division 17)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: College student development, health & wellness, sexual assault prevention & treatment, substance abuse prevention, and mindfulness & meditation
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative approach incorporating cognitive-behavioral, relational, mindfulness and systems perspectives
- Personal Interests: Spending time with family and friends, cooking (and eating), gardening, knitting, and traveling to new places
Amy Spanopoulos, MSW, LCSW, LCAC
Associate Director, Coordinator of Clinical Services, Staff Social Worker & Substance Abuse Specialist
- Degree: Indiana University School of Social Work, 2000
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Coordinator of Substance Abuse Services, Concurrent Assistant Professional Specialist, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame
- License/Certifications: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #34004776A, Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) #8700295A, EMDT certified
- Area of Responsibility: Concentration Area supervisor/ Substance Abuse Services
- *Professional Memberships: National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Mental health and addictions assessment and treatment, treatment for adjustment, anxiety, depression, trauma and substance abuse disorders
- Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Theory, utilization of feedback informed treatment practices, trauma informed care, motivational interviewing and EMDR
- Personal Interests: Landscaping our property, running, reading, watching movies, playing with my children, spending time with family, and caring for our animals
Maureen A. Lafferty, Ed.D., HSPP
Associate Director for Training & Staff Psychologist
- Degree: West Virginia University, 1991, Counseling Psychology
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Concurrent Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP) #20040757A
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Divisions 17, 35, 44), Association of Counseling Center Training Agencies
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: trauma and abuse recovery; gender and sexual identity issues; supervision and training
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach incorporating self psychology, feminist therapy, humanistic and cognitive-behavioral perspectives.
- Personal Interests: singing and listening to music; reading; movies; gardening; spending time near water and/or at home with my partner and our furry family
Peter W. Barnes, Ph.D., HSPP
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: University of Memphis, 2003, Counseling Psychology
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: UCC Webmaster, Concurrent Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP) #20042203A
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Division 51, Men & Masculinity); Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies; depression; anxiety; stress management; men’s issues; multicultural issues; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues
- Theoretical Orientation: primarily cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and mindfulness-based approaches, especially Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and integrating a variety of other theoretical elements as appropriate
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Personal Interests: spending time with my wife, son, and daughter, bass guitarist for the Phineas Gage, LSU and New Orleans Saints football, traveling, movies, cooking (especially New Orleans cuisine), and reading
Emily S. Burris, Ph.D.
- Degree: Alliant International University, 2017, Clinical Psychology
- Licenses/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist
- Professional Memberships: Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, American Psychological Association (APA), APA Division of Trauma Psychology, APA Society of Consulting Psychology, National Register for Health Service Psychologists
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Psychological assessment and treatment of mood disorders and behavioral symptomatology secondary to trauma; neurodevelopmental conditions; LGBTQ issues; grief/loss, and transitional problems; risk assessment; traumatic event management/post-vention; and psychological consultation with medical and non-medical professionals
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative approach incorporating cognitive-behavioral and ACT perspectives
- Personal Interests: Spending time with family, physical fitness, reading, photography, caring for my dogs, and trivia
Josephine Dickinson, Ph.D., HSPP
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: The University of Akron, 2007, Counseling Psychology
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Concurrent Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP) #20042312A
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Divisions 17 and 35)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: women’s issues; gender and sexual identity issues; multicultural counseling; trauma recovery; substance abuse treatment; family of origin; psychological assessment; outreach and consultation; supervision and training
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach incorporating psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, feminist, and multicultural perspectives
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Personal Interests: reading and writing poetry, spending time with my sister, volunteering in the community
Jordan Dolson, Ph.D.
- Degree: Purdue University, 2020, Counseling Psychology
- Licenses/Certifications: Limited Licensed Psychologist
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Anxiety; grief and loss; eating and body image concerns; family of origin concerns; graduate students; relationship difficulties; school-life-work balance; self-compassion
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative standpoint, approaching therapy primarily through a Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and person-centered lens, within a multiculturally-informed framework. Also drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when appropriate
- Personal Interests: Spending time with friends and family, going on hikes, reading, trying new restaurants
James R. Hurst Ph.D., HSPP, LCAC
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: University of Florida, 1994, Doctorate in Clinical and Health Psychology
- License/Certifications: Health Services Provider in Psychology in Indiana; Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor in Indiana
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association.
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Addiction prevention and early intervention, suicide prevention, anxiety and depression in emerging adulthood.
- Theoretical Orientation: Integration of cognitive behavioral, humanistic/existential, motivational interviewing, narrative.
- Personal Interests: Tennis, Celtic music, reading on current culture and politics.
Carlie McGregor, Ph.D.
- Degree: University of North Texas, 2020, Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Sport Psychology
- License/Certifications:
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association, Division of Counseling Psychology, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Body image; identity/multicultural dynamics; athletics/performance; relational concerns; LGBTQIA+ issues; masculinity/genderization
- Theoretical Orientation: Relational Cultural Theory (RCT framework integrating interpersonal and systemic perspectives, integrative and collaborative
- Personal Interests: Watching movies, spending time with family and friends, working on home projects, camping and outdoor activities, reading, cooking, anything sports!
Joey Ramaeker, Ph.D., HSPP
Assistant Director of the UCC and Sport Psychology Program Director
- Degree: University of North Texas, 2016, Counseling Psychology (Specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology)
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP) #20043237B
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Counseling and Sport Psychologist Embedded In Athletics
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Division 51, Men & Masculinity; Division 47, Sport, Exercise & Performance; Division 17, Counseling Psychology); Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Sport and performance psychology; disordered eating; body image concerns; men’s issues; trauma; depression and anxiety; self-compassion; relationships; adjustment issues
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative, primarily drawing from relational, humanistic, and mindfulness-based approaches
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Personal Interests: Connecting with family and friends; attending athletic events; listening to new music; reading; photography
Tiffany Russell, MSW, LMSW
Clinical Social Worker
- Degree: Masters in Social Work, Western Michigan University (2017)
- License/Certifications: LMSW - Clinical (Michigan) #680110615; LCSW (Indiana) #34009152A
- Professional Memberships: National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Clinical Interests and Area of Expertise: Anxiety, Depression, Goal Setting, Mental Health Within African American Population
- Theoretical Orientation: Trauma informed care, strengths based perspective, person centered approach
- Personal Interests: Spending time with family and friends, music, reading, traveling and shopping
Elizabeth Sanborn, Psy.D.
- Degree: James Madison University, 2021, Combined-Integrated Clinical and School Psychology
- License/Certifications:
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association - Division 47 Sport and Performance Psychology, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Sport and performance psychology; mood disorder, adjustment issues, relationship issues, trauma, and post-traumatic growth
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative drawing from cognitive-behavioral, relational, interpersonal and systems-based approaches
- Personal Interests: Spending time with family and friends, pampering my dog, watch sports, knitting, being outside, and binge-watching television
Valerie Staples, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker & Coordinator of Eating Disorder Services
- Degree: Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, 1981
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Coordinator of Eating Disorder Services, Concurrent Assistant Professional Specialist, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame
- License/Certifications: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #34001833A
- Professional Memberships: NASW, Academy for Eating Disorder Professionals, Eating Disorders Task Force of Indiana
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: eating disorders; body image; group therapy
- Theoretical Orientation: integration of humanistic, interpersonal, and cognitive behavioral perspectives
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Personal Interests: spending time at the beach or pool; reading; time with family and friends; travel
Kate Uitti, MSW, LCSW, IMH-E
Clinical Social Worker
- Degree: University of Michigan School of Social Work, 2013
- License/Certifications: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #34008234A
- Professional Memberships: National Association of Social Workers, Infancy Onward
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Change and adjustment, attachment and relationship, trauma, stress/anxiety, mood, grief and loss, women’s issues, self-exploration and development, multicultural perspectives, and student-athletes
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative approach incorporating psychodynamic, interpersonal, and humanistic perspectives as well as relational, mindfulness-based and cognitive behavioral approaches
- Personal Interests: Any time spent in nature is time well-spent; practicing yoga, playing volleyball, reading, hiking and running, gardening, travel and camping, playing with pups, family, and friends
Weiyang Xie, Ph.D., HSPP
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: University of Minnesota, 2015, Counseling Psychology
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP) #20043009A
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: multicultural counseling; bilingual therapy (English-Mandarin); counseling with immigrants and international students; applied positive psychology (e.g., resilience, well-being, strengths); mind-body connection; biofeedback therapy for anxiety and medical issues; depression; stress management; adjustment issues.
- Theoretical Orientation: humanistic, strengths-based approach; mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy with an integration of other theoretical orientations
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Personal Interests: Outdoor activities, e.g., skiing, playing tennis, and jogging around lake; playing ukulele; spending time with family and friends; traveling
Psychiatrist
Suhayl Nasr, MD
Psychiatrist
- Degree/Training: American University of Beirut, Lebanon 1974; Psychiatry Residency Training: University of Rochester 1974-1977; Psychopharmacology Fellowship, University of Chicago 1977-1979
- License/Certifications/Additional Titles: Licensed in Indiana and Illinois; Diplomate in General and Geriatric Psychiatry; American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology; Volunteer Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology at Notre Dame; Medical Director of Beacon Medical Group Behavioral Health, South Bend, IN
- Professional Memberships: American Psychiatric Association, Society of Biological Psychiatry, American Medical Association
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: mood disorders; anxiety disorders; college mental health; psychopharmacology and nosology
- Theoretical Orientation: BioPsychoSocial/Eclectic
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Personal Interests: reading; travel; movies; music
Julie Coyle, MD
Psychiatrist
- Degree/Training: Indiana University School of Medicine;Residency: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan
- License/Certifications/Additional Titles: licensed in Indiana and Michigan
- Professional Memberships: American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, and the Society of Biological Psychiatry
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: major depression and chronic daydreaming.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Caprice Mottley MSW, LSW (Indiana), LLMSW (Michigan)
Clinical Specialist
- Degree: Masters in Social Work, 2018, Andrews University
- License/Certifications: Licensed Social Worker(Indiana) #33010213A, Limited Licensed Master Social Worker(Michigan) #6851103654
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Athletes, sports and exercise performance/enhancement, post injury adjustment, multicultural based challenges-microaggressions, colorism/texturism, People of Color in the workplace, invisible illness, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness based therapies, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, spiritual exploration
- Theoretical Orientation:Integrated approach drawing upon aspects of the biopsychosocial model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), integrating strength-based perspectives as well as psychodynamic therapy approaches
- Personal Interests: Weightlifting/fitness training, playing and watching basketball, football and soccer; advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion, race relations, guitar playing/music, fashion and makeup aesthetics
Consulting Staff
Anna Uhran Wasierski, RD,CD
Consulting Nutritionist
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, 1993, Purdue University
- License/Certifications/Additional Titles: Registered and Certified Dietitian
- Professional Memberships: American Dietetics Association, Nutrition Entrepreneurs Practice Group, Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition Group, Northern Indiana Dietetics Association
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: disordered eating; weight management; sports nutrition; general wellness
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Personal Interests: scrapbooking; cooking; spending time with my husband and children
Part-time Clinicians
Arlen W. Epp, MDiv, MSW, LCSW, LMFT
Clinician
- Degree: Indiana University, 1994, Master’s in Clinical Social Work; Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, 1987, Master of Divinity, Pastoral Counseling Specialization
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Substance Abuse Specialist; Concurrent Assistant Professional Specialist, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame
- License/Certifications: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Indiana; Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indiana; National Certified Addiction Counselor; NAADAC
- Professional Memberships: National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: alcohol and drug abuse treatment and recovery; treatment of anxiety, depression, and impulse control disorders; dually diagnosed disorders; couples treatment; wellness and spirituality for living
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach incorporating cognitive, behavioral, motivational interviewing, systems, and psychodynamic perspectives
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Personal Interests: music; wilderness camping and hiking; canoeing; mountaineering; wood working; reading
Cindy Mongrain, MSW, LSW, MDiv
- Degree: Clinical Social Work University of Chicago, 2018; Master of Divinity, University of Notre Dame, 2001
- License/Certifications: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) #33009575A
- Professional Memberships: National Association of Social Workers
- Clinical Interest and Areas of Expertise: Trauma and recovery including trauma sensitive yoga, depression, anxiety & stress, women's issues, relationship/interpersonal challenges, LGBTQ+affirmative therapy, gender and sexual identity concerns, identity exploration, development and intersectionality, life transitions including adjustment to college and graduate school, coping skills, grief and loss, somatic/body-based interventions, mindfulness and spirituality
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative approach drawing upon psychodynamic attachment-based perspectives, interpersonal and relational perspectives, systems feminist, cognitive-behavioral perspectives, as well as somatic/body based and mindfulness-based perspectives
- Personal Interests: Cycling, yoga, cooking, reading, time with family and friends, including furry friends
Taylor Thomas, LMHCA
- Degree: Ball State University, 2020, Counseling Psychology
- License/Certifications: Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) #88001242A
- Clinical Interests and Area of Expertise: Multicultural counseling, women’s issues, gender and sexual identity issues, trauma, and anxiety disorders
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative, primarily drawing from interpersonal, humanistic, feminist, and multicultural perspectives.
- Personal Interests: Jane Austen, music, movies, reading, and going to the beach.
Psychology Interns
Ricardo Cornejo, M.S.
Doctoral Psychology Intern
Nayely Gonzalez, B.A.
Doctoral Psychology Intern
Neena Mathew, M.A.
Doctoral Psychology Intern
Practicum Counselors
Anne Knorr
Practicum Counselor
Catherine Maloney
Practicum Counselor
Administrative Staff
Margaret Strasser
Office Services Coordinator
Margaret has worked for Notre Dame for 13 years. Her personal interests include gardening, cross-stitch, scrapbooking, and football.
June Harr
Senior Staff Assistant
June has been employed at the UCC since January 2008. She loves sports and enjoys attending college football, basketball, and pro sporting events. Spending quality time with her family and having fun are her most favorite things to do, but she also enjoys fitness and making jewelry.
Rebecca Hessen Gillespie
Office Services Coordinator
Rebecca has worked at the UCC since the Spring of 2012. Some of her personal interests include photography, yoga, spending time with family/friends, travel, music, and reading.
Rachel King
Office Services Coordinator
Rachel started work at the UCC in the Fall of 2019. Some enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to podcasts, trying new foods and restaurants, and traveling.
