Staff Bios
Counseling Staff
| Jill Lee-Barber, Ph.D. | Senior Director, Psychological and Health Services |
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Dr. Lee-Barber’s clinical interests include multicultural-feminist therapy, working with clients from collective cultures, LGBT issues, conceptualizing intervention both individually and systemically, as well as working with a broad range of the presenting concerns of university students. Dr. Lee-Barber does not have a specific clinical issue that she particularly enjoys treating; she enjoys working with people and borrows a line from Walt Whitman:
~ Walt Whitman |
Dr. Jill Lee-Barber is a licensed psychologist in Georgia who is a graduate of Georgia State University with a B.A. in English and an M.S. in counseling. She received a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Lee-Barber has previously served as associate director at Georgia Tech and assistant director at University of Georgia. Dr. Lee-Barber is active in the American Psychological Association (A.P.A.), Division 17, Society of Counseling Psychology. She has held several leadership roles including vice-president of professional practice for Division 17 in A.P.A., chair of the Section for College and University Counseling Centers and chair of the Section for LGBT Issues within Division 17. Currently, she serves as co-chair of the Taking Action Against Racism in Media initiative of Division 17.| Mikyta Daugherty, Ph.D. | Associate Director of Clinical Services |
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Dr. Daugherty has since become an accomplished researcher and has cultivated an expertise in clinical program design and implementation. She has served as the southwest regional protocol coordinator on three nation-wide clinical trials funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA CTN) and as a health science specialist coordinating post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment trials conducted by the Cooperative Studies Research Program of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center. More recently, she was project manager and clinical team leader for a federally funded health prevention initiative designed to integrate substance use prevention methods into regular medical practice within the Grady Health System and other community health settings throughout Georgia. Dr. Daugherty is committed to utilizing her training in evidence-based practice and program development to promote strong foundations in young adults. Dr. Daugherty has provided numerous professional trainings and consultation in overall program design and quality assurance methods within several university settings including UNM, Morehouse School of Medicine and Emory University. She has provided direct clinical supervision and didactic seminars for behavioral health graduate students and professionals, in addition to medical residents. Dr. Daugherty has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses at UNM, Clayton State University, Emory University and Georgia State University. Clinically, Dr. Daugherty most enjoys working with young adults and would describe her therapy style as rooted in third wave behaviorism or applied clinical behavioral analysis. She has substantial advanced training in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mindfulness based interventions for substance abuse, trauma and mood disorders. She is also an experienced MINT trainer of motivational interviewing (MI) and has developed original intervention guidelines for the use of MI to promote academic success in minority college students. Dr. Daugherty’s work utilizing MI with substance using college students and Greek organizations has also resulted in publication. |
Dr. Mikyta Daugherty is a licensed psychologist in Georgia. She graduated with her Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico (UNM) and completed her clinical internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center. While at UNM, she was awarded training fellowships from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to develop expertise in program development, management and outcomes research focusing on the dissemination of evidenced based interventions within university, hospital and community health settings.| Jeana Griffith, Ph.D. | Associate Director of Psychological and Health Services |
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Dr. Griffith has conducted research and has publications in the areas of sickle cell disease, depression and weight, shape and eating in African Americans. She has written a treatment manual for coping with chronic health conditions and has led groups based on this approach. Some of her professional interests include anxiety, depression, diversity, coping with chronic health concerns, sports psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Griffith’s favorite quote is:
~ Maya Angelou |
Dr. Jeana Griffith is a licensed psychologist in Georgia. She received her B.A. in psychology from the University of Cincinnati and her masters and doctorate in clinical psychology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She completed her internship and postdoctoral studies at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.| Chrisanne Mayer, Psy.D. | Coordinator of Urgent Care and Suicide Prevention |
| Dr. Chrisanne Mayer is a licensed psychologist in Georgia. She is a two-time graduate of Georgia State University: B.A. in Psychology and Ed.S. in School Psychology. In between these two programs, Dr. Mayer studied and completed her Psy.D. at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Mayer has experience working in multiple areas of clinical psychology including private practice, community mental health, K-12 schools and the inpatient hospital environment. Throughout her clinical work Dr. Mayer has built experience with crisis prevention and intervention. Dr. Mayer’s clinical interests include suicide prevention, crisis intervention and she particularly enjoys working with college students who are experiencing anxiety, depression and adjustment concerns. One of Dr. Mayer’s favorite quotes is: Show by your actions that you choose peace over war, freedom over oppression, voice over silence, service over self-interest, respect over advantage, courage over fear, cooperation over competition, action over passivity, diversity over uniformity and justice for all. |
| Angela R. Bethea-Walsh, Ph.D. | Licensed Psychologist |
| Angela R. Bethea-Walsh, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist in Georgia. She has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Lehigh University. She completed a 3-year Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Health and Addictions Psychology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, with funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Dr. Bethea-Walsh believes that people have an inherent ability to change and that motivation to change can be influenced within an atmosphere of trust, acceptance and compassion. Her early training was in person-centered therapy, psychodynamic and interpersonal therapy. Later, she was exposed to cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. As a Postdoctoral Fellow, she trained extensively in motivational interviewing. She practices evidence-based, culturally-sensitive interventions to treat substance use disorders, stress related to racial and sexual identity development, depression, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss, chronic pain management, pre-/post-natal mental health and fertility concerns. Other professional interests include: psychological evaluations with elite athletes; psychological consultation/assessments for individuals involved in medically-assisted reproduction. Dr. Bethea-Walsh has published in the areas of racial identity development, culturally competent qualitative research, substance abuse training in doctoral psychology programs, working alliance and prescription opioid abuse, universal substance use screening and the science of motivational interviewing. |
| Ijeoma Azonobi, MD | Physician |
| Dr. Ijeoma Azonobi attended Morehouse School of Medicine here in Atlanta, where she obtained her Medical degree, before going on to Duke University Medical Center to train for three years in Obstetrics and Gynecology. After that, she returned to Morehouse School of Medicine to complete residency training in Public Health and Preventative Medicine while simultaneously completing a Master in Public Health. Finally, she next completed the Epidemic Intelligence Service fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is board-certified in Public Health and Preventative Medicine. Her areas of interest include women’s health, STD prevention and contraceptive management. She enjoys gardening, movies, reading and spending time with her family. |
| Diana Awuah, APRN | Nurse Practitioner |
| Diana Awuah is a board certified family nurse practitioner. Diana received her BSN from Chamberland University and her MSN from South University. Her previous work experience includes urgent care clinics as well as family medicine. She enjoys swimming and spending time with family. |
| Melinda Schaitel, APRN | Nurse Practitioner |
| Melinda Schaitel is a board certified family nurse practitioner. She received her BSN from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in December 2008. She received her MSN from Concordia University Wisconsin in December 2016. Melinda enjoys cooking, hiking and Orange Theory. |
| Sheila Dubose-Cooper, APRN | Nurse Practitioner |
| Sheila Antoinette DuBose-Cooper is a board certified family nurse practitioner. Sheila attended Tuskegee Institute School of Nursing in Alabama where she received her BSN. She received her MSN from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. Sheila’s hobbies and interests include: reading, travel, spending time with family, music of all sorts and line dancing. She is also a wanna-be “grill master”. |
| Jennifer Hanlon, PA | Physician’s Assistant |
| Jen has her BS in Microbiology/Medical Technology from Pennsylvania State University and her Masters in Medical Science/Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University in Glendale AZ. Prior to practicing in Georgia, Jen practiced in Arizona and California. Her areas have been Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and Urgent Care. Jen is a die hard Nittany Lion fan but is very excited to now be a Georgia State Panther. |
| Weiwen (Lucy) Li, PA | Physician’s Assistant |
| Lucy graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor in Psychology, minor in Chinese and eventually a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. Outside of work, Lucy enjoys nature walks karaoke, yoga and eating good food. She is married to her wonderful husband Jay and they have two adorable cats: Mitzy and Killua both of which are adopted. |
| Jon C. Patterson, LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor |
| Jon Patterson, LPC has been in the field ‘forever’. Graduating in 1984 with as BA in psychology, he had his first internship in 1980. There were no programs or licenses then similar to what people work towards now and the field was in great flux. Mr. Patterson got his MEd. in 1993 from West Georgia College and went on to work in psychiatric hospitals and mental health clinics for 20 years until great upheavals in the field in Georgia in the early 2000s. He has worked with child and family, adolescents, Chronic Adult Mental Illness and now with the college/grad school demographic. Mr. Patterson got his license in 2008 and has worked at a variety of community-based agencies and Partial hospital programs. Currently he is here at GSU CTC 5 days per week and has a private practice with a psychiatrist in rural north Georgia. He is married, likes camping and hiking, plays a mean guitar and has a really big dog. |
| Rachel Newby, LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker |
| Rachel Newby is an Atlanta native who attended Oglethorpe University, where she received a BA in psychology. She continued her education at UGA where she received her Masters Degree in Social Work. Rachel currently lives in the city of Decatur, is married, has 2 kids and way too many pets! She is a LCSW and has spent the majority of her career working within the field of psychological oncology. In March of 2019 she was excited to become a member of the GSU counseling team. She is on both the Clarkston and Dunwoody campuses. |
| Tracy Hall, LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor |
| Tracy Hall is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, she graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in psychology and she earned a M.S. in clinical mental health counseling from Mercer University Atlanta Campus. She enjoys working with clients from a strengths-based perspective on a variety of presenting concerns including self-discovery, anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss and goal setting. Tracy also has years of experience working within the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA of GA) in various roles and is proud to serve on the 2019 – 2020 LPCA Board of Directors as the Membership Chair. |
| Colleen Sandick, LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker |
| Colleen Sandick is a licensed clinical social worker. Colleen’s approach to therapy comes from a strengths-based perspective and focuses on the strengths and resources that are already be present in a client’s life. She believes one of the most important aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship, as it allows the client to experience trust and feel comfortable exploring parts of their life that may be presenting a challenge. Her areas of interest include anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, substance abuse and selective mutism. She received a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) from Florida Atlantic University and master’s in social work (MSW) from Columbia University. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Georgia Chapter and a member of the Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work (GSCSW). Colleen is always out and about in the city with her husband and two young children. |
| Shirley Chancey, Ph.D. | Licensed Psychologist |
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Dr. Chancey is a process-oriented therapist who values the use of self as part of the therapy experience. She believes the therapy relationship is the foundation of trust, intimacy and boundaries that is crucial in the healing process. Some of Dr. Chauncey’s professional interests include trauma, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), violence, abuse (seven years specialized training in eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing or EMDR), women’s issues, executive stress management, LGBT issues, severe mental illness (bipolar, schizophrenia, dissociation), personality disorders, anxiety, depression, group dynamics, couples work, crisis intervention, guided imagery, psychomotor therapy and civil and domestic mediation. |
Dr. Shirley Chancey is a licensed psychologist in Georgia. She received a B.A. in psychology from Georgia College and State University before attending Georgia State University, where she earned a M.S. and Ed.S in counseling and The Fielding Graduate Institute, where she earned a M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology. Dr. Chancey’s early training was in behavioral and cognitive therapy. Later, she was drawn to humanistic therapies. Dr. Chancey trained extensively in experiential, existential and gestalt based therapies. After practicing while completing her Ph.D., she became interested in psychopharmacology, resulting in four years of training and passing the National Exam for Psychopharmacology.| Angela B. Hammond, LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor |
 Angela B. Hammond is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. She graduated from Purdue University where she received a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education. She earned an M.S. in Community Counseling from Chicago State University. Angela has worked in numerous clinical settings including community mental health clinics and crisis intervention before coming to Georgia State University. Some of Angela’s professional interests include depression, co-dependency, self-esteem issues, adolescents and human trafficking. Angela enjoys international travel and concerts. She also believes that you have to know where you’ve been in order to know where you’re going. |
| Shnequia Webb, D.S.W., L.C.S.W. | Client Advocate |
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Dr. Shnequia Webb is a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia with a B.A. in psychology and minor in journalism. Dr. Webb also received a M.S.W. degree from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia before earning a doctor of social work (D.S.W.) degree from Capella University. She also has certification in school social work in Georgia and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Georgia Chapter. Dr. Webb’s experience in social work primarily involves mental health and school settings. She has experience in addressing many topics with clients including depression, anxiety, stress and communication issues. Dr. Webb enjoys reading, traveling, attending church and meeting new people. She has two favorite inspirational quotes in which she strongly believes which are:
~ Jack Canfield
~ Maya Angelou |
| Lineliz Vassallo | Mind-Body Coordinator |
| Lineliz Vassallo is a mindfulness educator, MBSR-qualified instructor and registered yoga teacher. Lineliz (Linnie) received her advanced MBSR teacher training through the University of California San Diego Center for Mindfulness and completed training in mindfulness, emotional intelligence and compassionate leadership through Google’s Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute. A graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania and experienced educator, Linnie is fiercely committed to bringing mindfulness and self-compassion into the world of education. She was instrumental in developing the Mindfulness in Law initiative at The College of Law, has participated in a number of research studies on Mindfulness-Based interventions with Students in the Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program and has collaborated with the School of Public Health to offer Study Abroad opportunities that explore Mind-Body sciences in Japan & India. Linnie is energized by studying and applying the findings of positive psychology and neuroscience to her life and instructional practice. When not at the Mind-Body Clinic, you can find her teaching on the Simple Habit and Journey Meditation Apps, running, participating in squat challenges, or discovering new ways to appreciate mangoes and avocadoes. Her passion for tropical fruit is only rivaled by her dedication to student wellness, success, resilience and happiness at Georgia State! She really enjoys laughing and comedian Trevor Noah is her muse. |
| Mikela Hallmark, MS, LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor |
| Mikela Hallmark, MS, LPC has a master of science in counseling and has been providing counseling services for the last 8 years. She has experience working with adults and adolescents in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, couples work and more. Mikela has specialty trainings in EMDR and Gottman Method and has also taken additional trainings in DBT, CBT, Reality Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. She’s known for helping clients work to release judgment towards themselves and move toward their goals and purpose without being critical or perfectionistic. On a personal level, she enjoys fun adventures but is slightly accident prone so she has to be careful not to overextend her very non-athletic abilities. |
| Sarah E. Meng, LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor |
| Sarah E. Meng is a licensed professional counselor in Georgia, who has worked in hospitals, private practices and university settings. In 2006, Sarah graduated from Agnes Scott College with majors in psychology and women’s studies. After working in cognitive testing in private practice as well as with Emory and the Shepherd Center, Sarah received a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University and completed training in EMDR. Sarah’s publications and research interests include topics such as resilience in people who are transgender, LGBTQ identities the southeast and body liberation. At Georgia State University, Sarah works across campuses to provide high quality services to students. Outside of the office, Sarah is an aunt to many, a gardener and a believer in the power of love and guts to transform both individuals and communities. |
| Louise M. Turner, LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor |
| Louise M. Turner is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Georgia State University’s Dunwoody and Clarkston campuses. She graduated from Lincoln University (Missouri) where she received a B.S in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Louise received her M.A. in Professional and School Counseling from Lindenwood University. Some of Louise’s professional interests include depression, self-esteem, trauma, stress management, couples & relationships and parent-child communication. As a counselor she believes it is her goal to be supportive in the journey toward change with compassion and understanding, while being direct, professional, realistic and authentic. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, listening to music and traveling. |
| Tamela R. McDonald, LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor |
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Tamela R. McDonald is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Clinical Certified Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) and Sexuality Educator specializing in individual, couples and group therapy.With over 7 years experience as a therapist; over 16 years experience as a sexuality educator and as a graduate of Troy University specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Sexuality Studies; she is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Sexual Dysfunctions, Depression and Stress Management. In addition to being a prominent sexuality therapist, Tamela has presented to general audiences speaking on the topics of College Students and their Self-Efficacy on Condom Negotiation, Coping with Depression, Keeping the Intimacy in the relationship of Prostate Cancer Survivors and more. Tamela is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. Education |
| Ann Ellis, M.S., L.P.C., N.C.C. | Licensed Professional Counselor |
| Ann Ellis is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor at Georgia State University’s Newton and Decatur campuses. Ann received her M.S. in community counseling from Columbus State University. Her clinical interests are anxiety, mindfulness, trauma and veteran’s issues. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, running and spending time with family and friends. |
