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
Adjunct Staff
Psychology Interns
Practicum Counselors
Administrative Staff
Senior Counseling Staff
Karen Baer-Barkley, Ph.D., HSPP
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: Andrews University, 1998, 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)
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: eating disorders; substance abuse; ADHD; supervision and training
- Theoretical Orientation: cognitive-behavioral/humanistic
- Personal Interests: reading, collecting beach glass, spending time with family, animals, and good friends
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)
- 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
- 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
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)
- 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
- Personal Interests: reading and writing poetry, spending time with my sister, volunteering in the community
Rita J. Donley, Ph.D., HSPP
Associate Director, Coordinator of Clinical Services, & Staff Psychologist
- Degree: The Pennsylvania State University, 1986, 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)
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Divisions 17, 35, 49); ACCCCS (Association for the Coordination of Counseling Center Clinical Services)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: family of origin; group therapy; women’s issues; eating disorders; trauma and abuse recovery; supervision and consultation
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach incorporating relational theories, feminist therapy, humanistic and cognitive-behavioral perspectives.
- Personal Interests: being a great sports fan (especially college football and college men’s and women’s basketball); reading and movies
Miguel A. Franco, Ph.D., HSPP, CC-AASP
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: University of Florida, 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, Certified Consultant-Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Divisions 17, 47)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: recovery from trauma; cultural diversity/prejudice reduction; athletic performance enhancement training; psychological recovery from sports injury; sexual assault prevention training for male student-athletes; supervision; outreach and consultation.
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach, conceptualizing from psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioral theory, and systems theory.
- Personal Interests: sports; athletic training; music; movies
Leonard Hickman, Ph.D., HSPP
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: University of Maryland, 1990, Counseling Psychology
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Coordinator of Professional Development, Concurrent Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP)
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Division 17)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: anxiety; depression; graduate student adjustment issues; grief and loss; men’s issues
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach incorporating self-psychology, interpersonal therapy, humanistic and cognitive behavioral perspectives
- Personal Interests: hiking with my dog; canoeing; sailing; music; reading; movies
Erica Kelsey, Ph.D., HSPP
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: The University of Southern Mississippi, 2011, Clinical Psychology
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP)
- Professional Memberships: NASPA
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: crisis intervention, ADHD, somatic symptoms disorders, biofeedback, psychological assessment, adjustment, grief and loss, coping with chronic or terminal illness
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach incorporating cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment and mindfulness
- Personal Interests: spending time with family and friends; running, hiking, outdoor activities, renovating houses.
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)
- 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
Megan LaVoy, Psy.D.
Sport Psychology Specialist
- Degree: University of Denver, 2018, Clinical Psychology (Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology)
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Clinical and Sport Psychology Specialist Embedded In Athletics
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Sport and performance psychology; LGBT issues and identity exploration; family trauma; anxiety; self-compassion; relationships
- Theoretical Orientation: Interpersonal/ relational; Psychodynamic; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Personal Interests: Spending time with family, friends and dogs; Crossfit; anything outdoorsy and adventurous- water sports, skiing and snowboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, camping, hiking
Joey Ramaeker, Ph.D.
Sport Psychology Specialist
- Degree: University of North Texas, 2016, Counseling Psychology (Specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology)
- 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
- Personal Interests: Connecting with family and friends; attending athletic events; listening to new music; reading; photography
Wendy Settle, Ph.D., HSPP
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: University of Maryland, 1990, Counseling Psychology
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Coordinator of the Inner Resources Room; Concurrent Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP)
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Division 17), ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) ACPA (Counseling and Psychological Services), ACBS (Association for Contextual and Behavioral Science)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: depression, BFRB (body-focused repetitive behaviors), anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders; stress management; biofeedback; light therapy; trauma; gender issues, sexual orientation; outreach programs; study abroad; supervision and training
- Theoretical Orientation: integrated approach drawing upon aspects of biopsychosocial, developmental, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, and other mindfulness-based perspectives
- Personal Interests: music; yoga; meditation; creating with art and technology; reading; camping; sailing; trips to spend time with and visit family; volunteering for the local school district
Niki Sims, Psy.D.
Assistant Director for Clinical Sport Psychology & Sport Psychologist
- Degree: Arizona School of Professional Psychology, 2009, Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Clinical and Sport Psychologist Embedded In Athletics
- License/Certifications: CA Licensed Psychologist; Association for Applied Sport Psychology Certified Consultant (AASP-CC)
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Division 47, Sport, Exercise & Performance); Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Clinical and performance enhancement work with student athletes; performance enhancement with teams, outreach and consultation with Athletic Department administration, coaches and staff regarding policy, program development, team dynamics, and individual mental health issues; athletic injury; disordered eating; body image concerns; depression and anxiety; relationships; adjustment issues
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative, primarily drawing from contemporary interpersonal, humanistic, and cognitive-based approaches.
- Personal Interests: Connecting with family and friends; hiking, camping, getting outdoors; listening to music; reading; dancing.
Amy Spanopoulos, MSW, LCSW, LCAC
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), Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC)
- 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
Valerie Staples, MSW, LCSW
Staff 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)
- 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
- Personal Interests: spending time at the beach or pool; reading; time with family and friends; travel
Susan Steibe-Pasalich, Ph.D., HSPP
Director of UCC & Staff Psychologist
- Degree: University of Ottawa, Canada, 1980, Clinical 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)
- Professional Memberships: APA (Divisions 17, 29); Indiana Psychological Association; National Register; Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: college student development; psychological assessment and evaluation
- Theoretical Orientation: psychodynamic/humanistic-existential/cognitive-behavioral
- Personal Interests: co-parenting; traveling to places I’ve never been; reading fiction; spending time with friends
Weiyang Xie, Ph.D., HSPP
Staff Psychologist
- Degree: University of Minnesota, 2015, Counseling Psychology
- 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
- 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
- Personal Interests: reading; travel; movies; music
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
- Personal Interests: scrapbooking; cooking; spending time with my husband and children
Adjunct Staff
Megan Brown, Ph.D., HSPP
UCC Internship Outreach Supervisor, Interim Director, McDonald Center for Student Well-being (2018-2019 academic year)
- Degree: Andrews University, 2002, Counseling Psychology
- Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Coordinator of Outreach and Consultation, Concurrent Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP)
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: applied positive psychology; outreach; group therapy; multicultural issues; career development; premarital and couples counseling
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach, conceptualizing from a cognitive behavioral perspective in an interpersonal and strengths based context and applying evidence-based techniques
- Personal Interests: traveling, reading, health and wellness, rubber stamping, being outdoors, spending time with family
Arlen W. Epp, MDiv, MSW, LCSW, LMFT
Clinican
- 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
- Personal Interests: music; wilderness camping and hiking; canoeing; mountaineering; wood working; reading
Vicente Gonzaga, MD
Psychiatrist
- Degree/Training: Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil; Residency
Mount Sinai School of Medicine- Bronx NY; Fellowship: University of Chicago Medical Center - License/Certifications/Additional Titles: Licensed in Indiana; Board-certified Adult Psychiatrist
- Professional Memberships: American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: forensic psychiatry, anxiety, depression, psychodynamic psychotherapy and the integration of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
Megan Harrity, Ph.D., HSPP
Psychologist
- Degree: The Ohio State University, 2004, Counseling Psychology
- License/Certifications: Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP)
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association (Division 17 Society of Counseling Psychology, Division 47 Sport and Exercise Psychology)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: adjustment issues; relationships; self-worth; grief/loss; depression and anxiety; body image concerns; disordered eating; sport and performance psychology
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach incorporating interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and strengths-based perspectives
- Personal Interests: spending time with family and friends; athletic events; HGTV; movies; music; reading
Elizabeth A. Hay, MD
Psychiatrist
- Degree/Training: Indiana University School of Medicine; Internship and Residency: University of Kentucky; Fellowship: University of Kentucky
- License/Certifications/Additional Titles: Licensed in Indiana; Board Certifications in General Pediatrics, General Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: teaching medical students and residents, and international medical care.
James R. Hurst Ph.D., HSPP, LCAC
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.
Gerry Lewis, MSN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Degree/Training: B.A., Indiana University Northwest 1989, Associates in Nursing Indiana University Northwest 1996, Masters of Science in Nursing Indiana University/ Purdue University Indianapolis 2004
- License/Certifications/Additional Titles: Licensed in Indiana and Illinois as a registered Nurse. Licensed in Indiana as a Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice registered Nurse, Credentialed through American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Professional Memberships: No current memberships
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Mood disorders , anxiety disorder and PTSD
- Theoretical Orientation: resilience and self efficacy models
- Personal Interests: Music, art, flying and reading
Psychology Interns
Kiersten Eberle Medina
Psychology Intern
- Degree Program: Counseling Psychology, University of Northern Colorado; Ph.D.,
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association, Student Affiliate (Division 17, Counseling Psychology; Division 52, International Psychology; Division 56, Trauma Psychology)
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: grief and loss; trauma recovery; mood disorders; relationships and interpersonal struggles; disordered eating; adjustment and identity exploration.
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach incorporating interpersonal process, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and multicultural awareness.
- Personal Interests: hiking; photography; travel; yoga; reading.
Kallie Kobold
Psychology Intern
- Degree Program:Clinical Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary; Psy.D.
- Professional Memberships: Society of Behavioral Medicine, Student Affiliate; International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, Student Affiliate
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Eating disorders; mood and anxiety disorders; religious and spirituality issues; grief and loss
- Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with mindfulness and meditation techniques incorporated
- Personal Interests: Dogs, Baking, Traveling
Gabrielle Pointon
Psychology Intern
- Degree Program: Clinical Psychology, Indiana State University; Psy.D.,
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association, National Eating Disorder Association.
- Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: eating disorders; trauma; grief and loss; student athletes.
- Theoretical Orientation: integrative approach incorporating humanistic, interpersonal process, and cognitive behavioral theories.
- Personal Interests: running; basketball; hiking; cooking; horses.
Practicum Counselors
Alejandro Corona Espinosa
Practicum Counselor
- Degree Program: Clinical Psychology, University of Notre Dame; Ph. D.
- Professional Memberships: Society for Research in Psychopathology, Associate Member.
- Clinical Interests: College adjustment, religious and spirituality exploration, self-identity exploration, mood and anxiety disorders.
- Theoretical orientation: Integrative approach drawing especially from cognitive behavioral therapy and humanistic/ client-centered therapy.
- Personal Interests: Watching/playing sports, particularly soccer; spending time with friends/family.
Jovian Lam
Practicum Counselor
- Degree Program: Clinical Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Ph.D
- Clinical Interests: Stress & Anxiety
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative Approach ; cognitive behavioral therapy
- Personal Interests: playing with my cat, exercising, spending time with friends & family, cooking, & painting
Claire Scott-Bacon
Practicum Counselor
- Degree Program: Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, PhD program
- Professional Memberships: American Psychological Association, APA Division 41 Psychology & Law Society, Indiana Psychological Association, Society for Personality Assessment.
- Clinical Interests: Personality, dark pathological personality traits, criminal behavior and forensic assessment
- Theoretical Orientation: Integrative approach incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy
- Personal Interests: Walking, boating, gardening, sports (football, basketball, baseball, golf, and hockey), walking, and traveling
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 started work at the UCC in the Spring of 2012. Some of her personal interests include photography, yoga, spending time with family/friends, travel, music, and reading.
Kaylee Wolf
Office Services Coordinator
Kaylee started work at the UCC in the Spring of 2014. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and Notre Dame football.
