About Student Counseling & Psychological Services Staff

Doug Hankes

Ph.D., Executive Director,
Licensed Psychologist

Doug completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas in 1996. He is a licensed psychologist in Alabama and Tennessee. He holds graduate faculty status in the Department of Psychology, the Department of Kinesiology, and the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling. Doug describes his therapy approach as mindfully eclectic and fosters a collaborative relationship with clients to promote change. He has been actively involved at the national level in sport and exercise psychology and has served on the Executive Boards of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 47 Society for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Doug is Past President of Division 47. He is an AASP Fellow and CMPC Emeriti and is listed on the 2020-2024 United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry and Mental Health Registry. When he’s not at work, you can find him hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Joeleen Cooper-Bhatia

Ph.D., Associate Director,
Licensed Psychologist

Joeleen is originally from northeastern Pennsylvania and completed her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at the University at Albany, SUNY. Prior to joining the staff at SCPS in 2008, she worked with college students in several settings, including during her internship at Virginia Tech’s Cook Counseling Center. Joeleen enjoys providing group therapy, particularly working with students in SCPS’ Understanding Self and Others groups. She is actively involved in the American Group Psychotherapy Association, where she has held a number of leadership roles, and is a Certified Group Psychotherapist. Additionally, Joeleen is passionate about supervision and training and her clinical interests include relationship concerns, trauma, family issues, and working with emotions. She uses a collaborative approach to therapy, focusing on the therapy relationship while incorporating tools to help her clients improve coping. In her time outside of work, Joeleen enjoys reading, long walks, binge-watching TV shows, and spending time with family.

Blair Chase

DCFT, Senior Staff Clinician

Blair received his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Temple University, his Master of Science in Art Therapy/Counseling at Springfield College, and his Doctorate of Couples and Family Therapy at Drexel University. Blair is a Board-Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Blair utilizes his three disciplines to focus on creative expression, systemic processing, and deconstructing negative schemas. His treatment approach emphasizes identity development, helping clients gain full access to themselves to make meaningful life choices. Blair works from a social justice lens as his clinical style promotes cultural humility and socially just-informed practices. Blair has served on multiple DEI boards, as well as other socially informed volunteer work on college campuses. Blair is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Outside of work, Blair enjoys fine dining, competitive sports, and traveling the world

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Rena Curvey

Ph.D., Senior Staff Clinician

Rena earned her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY and is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).  She is originally from Winchester, MA and attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) for her undergraduate education. Rena’s clinical interests include trauma, depression, anxiety, identity development, interpersonal concerns, life transitions, and sport psychology. She has trained in a variety of settings, including university counseling centers, veteran affairs (VA) medical centers, university medical clinics, and university athletic departments. Her treatment approach is integrative, incorporating interpersonal, acceptance and commitment, cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, and mind-body connection techniques. Outside of work, Rena enjoys spending time with her partner and family, watching sports, and playing with her black lab Biscuit.

Julie Dodd

Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

Julie earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1996 and has been a licensed psychologist since 2001. Her clinical experience includes work in hospital and clinic settings, providing services to the general public, veterans, and incarcerated offenders. Julie’s clinical and professional interests include treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress, and helping others manage critical incidents and disaster response. Having trained as a generalist, she has experience addressing a wide variety of clinical concerns. Julie’s therapeutic approach is integrative, incorporating cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness perspectives. She values developing authentic, collaborative relationships with her clients, helping them tap into their own strengths while developing new coping strategies to become their best selves.  Outside of work, Julie enjoys keeping up with the latest tech, researching genealogy, leading her church’s livestream team, and is excited to be a member of the Auburn Family.

Isabella Fiorenzo

M.S., Doctoral Intern

Bella is a doctoral intern from Saint Louis University where she is earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She is originally from Grand Rapids, MI and attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) for her undergraduate education. Bella’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ specific support needs (identity exploration and development), trauma, interpersonal challenges, life transitions, and sport psychology. She has trained in a variety of settings, including university counseling centers/athletics departments, community mental health centers, and university medical clinics. Bella’s treatment approach is integrative, incorporating cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, interpersonal, and mindfulness-based techniques. Outside of work, Bella enjoys spending time in nature, watching sports, cooking, and checking out local restaurants.

Marque Griggs

Ph.D., Senior Staff Clinician

Marque is from Central Georgia and recently obtained his doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at Tennessee State University. He is a two-time HBCU graduate, as he also completed his master’s degree in mental health counseling at Fort Valley State University. He has experience working in community mental health, primary care, and college/university settings. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at Ohio University Counseling and Psychological Services in 2019.  Marque’s clinical interests include relational concerns, depression, anxiety, identity development, and multicultural issues. He uses a combination of multicultural theory and integrative approach to therapy, drawing primarily from Humanistic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, strength/cardio training, his Atlanta Falcons, going to the movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Alex Hughes

Ph.D., Assistant Director for Training, Licensed Psychologist

Alex obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he also completed a Master’s degree in Theology. He completed his internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Idaho. Alex’s clinical interests include existential issues, religion/spirituality, identity development, and chronic illness. He uses an integrative approach in therapy, drawing primarily from Humanistic/Existential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal-Process Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. When work slows down, you can find him on a long walk or practicing his drawing skills.

Kellie Jenkins

Administrative Assistant

Kellie is an Opelika, Alabama native and the administrative assistant for the counseling center. She has extensive knowledge and experience in customer service and administration. Her enthusiasm, commitment, and positivity help create a comfortable environment for those who visit the center as well as for those who call. She also assists the SCPS clinicians with managerial tasks to provide the best quality service to clients. Prior to working at the SCPS, Kellie worked in the healthcare field for 22 years, specializing in geriatrics and mental health. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family and pets.

Dustin Johnson

Ph.D., Assistant Director for Outreach and Mental Health Initiatives, Licensed Psychologist

Dustin completed his doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas and arrived at SCPS in 2011. He emphasizes creating strong, genuine, collaborative, and open working relationships with his clients, helping them to develop, address, and maintain progress toward their personal goals. With a performance psychology background, Dustin enjoys helping clients develop practical strategies to meet life challenges and perform at their very best. As the Assistant Director for Outreach, Dustin helps to lead the A Sound Mind initiative, Auburn’s collaborative, campus-wide mental health awareness and prevention strategy. He is also a proud co-advisor to Active Minds, Auburn’s student organization for mental health.  A native New Orleanian, Dustin enjoys his fair share of gumbos, king cakes, jazz music, and especially, his beloved New Orleans Saints.

Priscilla Little

Office Supervisor

Priscilla is the Office Manager for the counseling center. She is responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of non-clinical personnel. She oversees the business, financial, and human resource aspects of the office. Previously she has worked as a paralegal, which provided her with training and knowledge in the area of HIPPA and patient privacy. Originally from Brandon, MS, Priscilla has lived in Birmingham, AL, Memphis, TN, Austin, TX and Louisville, KY before moving to Auburn in 2007. 

Austin Luker

M.D., Psychiatrist

Dr. Luker recently joined East Alabama Psychiatric Services and is thrilled to be an Auburn University affiliate at the Student Counseling & Psychological Services office. Dr. Luker earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from UAB, where he also completed his general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. Dr. Luker is a proud native of Clay County, Alabama, and is excited to be practicing psychiatry in the East Alabama area. He has known he wanted to be a psychiatrist since he was a teenager, and has clinical interest in ADHD, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, PTSD, and psychotic disorders.  As a child and adult psychiatrist, he has an interest in development across the lifespan and feels privileged to be working with Auburn University students at this unique and exciting stage of their lives. In his spare time, Dr. Luker enjoys running, DIY projects, playing the mandolin and guitar,  Auburn athletics, and spending time with his family.

Megan Manierski

Psy.D., Group Coordinator, Senior Staff Clinician

Megan recently completed her doctoral degree from Rutgers University in School Psychology.  She is originally from Macomb, Michigan and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Adelphi University.  Megan has experience working with college students in a variety of settings including athletic departments, hospitals, and community mental health centers. Her professional interests include anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity development, adjustment issues, and working with student-athletes.  Although Megan primarily uses cognitive behavioral strategies, she takes an integrative approach to treatment and works collaboratively with each client to best meet their needs. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her dog, exercising, reading, and being outdoors.

Carlie McGourty

Psy.D., Practicum Coordinator, Licensed Psychologist

Carlie recently completed her doctoral internship at Auburn SCPS and graduated from Marywood University (Scranton, Pennsylvania) with her doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Carlie is passionate about working with college students and the university community. She recognizes that college can be an exciting and difficult chapter in students’ lives. Her training is primarily in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which assists her in helping clients identify unhelpful behaviors and thoughts. She encourages clients to identify their strengths and values, using these in session as an empowering bridge towards developing balanced thoughts, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of oneself. Carlie’s clinical interests include interpersonal relationships, sexual violence/violations, identity development, and autism spectrum disorder. Outside of work, Carlie is usually watching movies, reading the latest Colleen Hoover novel, or spending time with her cat, Tigger.

Kristy Morgan

Lead Administrative Assistant

Kristy is an Administrative Assistant for Student Counseling & Psychological Services. One of the highlights of her job is assisting her favorite coworkers, Drs. Moose and Nessie. She has an associate degree in Administration and Paralegal and has worked in the field for over fifteen years. Kristy is a native of DeKalb County, Alabama and has resided in Auburn for the past twenty-five years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets. She also enjoys attending church, traveling and baking.

Baylee Muench

M.Ed., Senior Staff Clinician, Associate Licensed Counselor

Baylee earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as her Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Auburn University. She has gained clinical experience through working with a diverse population in a community mental health setting. Baylee uses a client-centered integrative approach, pulling primarily from cognitive-behavioral and humanistic perspective. She emphasizes connection, the therapeutic relationship, and overall wellness in order to meet students where they are and encourage growth. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment issues, and identity issues among others. In her free time, you can find Baylee trying coffee shops throughout the Auburn area, out in nature, or engaging in an artistic endeavor.

Christina Newberry

Psy.D., College of Veterinary Medicine Embedded Clinician, Licensed Psychologist

Christy is the embedded Licensed Psychologist for Auburn Vet Med, providing therapy and consultation services. She earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Chicago, a master’s in Clinical Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in Professional Psychology from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. Christy incorporates warmth, empathy, and humor into her strengths-based, collaborative approach. Specific clinical interests include compassion fatigue, burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and trauma. Originally from southeast Tennessee, Christy enjoys coffee shops, spending time with her sister, friends, and her sweet rescue pup, Joy.

Patrick O’Keefe

Ph.D., Licensed Professional Counselor

Patrick earned his MA in Counseling from Regent University and his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella University. He is a Navy and Coast Guard veteran and has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2005. His counseling experience includes working for the Navy, Army, and Veterans Affairs. Patrick provides a diverse psycho-social approach to counseling that applies cognitive behavioral therapy with motivational interviewing. He also encourages a whole-health lifestyle to improve an overall sense of psychological well-being. Patrick’s counseling interests includes trauma, reducing substance abuse and other compulsive behaviors, building self-esteem, and improving relationships. Patrick believes that life challenges can be learning experiences and used to develop meaningful coping skills. Patrick enjoys the Auburn and Opelika community and the many activities available in an SEC environment.

Melissa Sawyer

M.S., Licensed Professional Counselor

Melissa earned her Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. She has clinical experiences in community mental health, federal adult drug court, an inpatient psychiatric unit, and college counseling centers. Melissa has additional professional experience providing support and crisis intervention to victims/survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Her clinical interests include trauma, identity development, relationship issues, social justice, advocacy, and crisis intervention. Melissa practices from an existential framework and embraces psychodynamic, feminist, and relational concepts.

Sarah Schwartz

Psy.D., ECTT Coordinator, Licensed Psychologist

Sarah completed her Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Marywood University. She recently completed a doctoral internship at SCPS and enjoyed working with Auburn students during the past year. She has also worked with college students at Marywood University. She has worked in private practice with clients of diverse backgrounds and ages. Sarah has found that she is passionate about the college population and the unique experiences students will face. Her clinical and professional interests include body image concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and emotional regulation. Sarah works from an integrative approach, utilizing interpersonal, psychodynamic, emotion-focused and cognitive-behavioral techniques. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, DIY projects, watching movies, and swimming.

Kristee Treadwell

Ph.D., Assistant Director for Clinical Services, Licensed Psychologist

Kristee completed her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from West Virginia University in 2006. After completing her degree, Kristee worked as an inpatient psychologist at a community mental health center in Tallahassee, Florida for four years. Kristee joined SCPS in December 2010 and was excited to return to her alma mater since she received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. Her clinical interests include working with survivors of trauma, anger management and other presenting concerns relative to the college student population, crisis intervention, group counseling, graduate student training and outreach and instruction within the university and larger community. Kristee approaches her clinical work from an integrative perspective as informed by cognitive- behavioral theory and techniques, interpersonal and other psychodynamic perspectives (e.g., object relations).

Ashlee Trent

M.S.Ed., Psy.M., Doctoral Intern

Ashlee is a doctoral psychology intern from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey where she is earning her Psy.D. in School Psychology. She was born and raised in New Jersey and received her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. Ashlee also received her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University in New York City. Ashlee has experience working with people across age ranges and settings. Some of her experiences have been in public and private schools, private practice and outpatient hospital settings. Her clinical interests include working with anxiety, depression, identity development, interpersonal issues and emotion regulation. She enjoys working with clients to identify their values and goals and how to live life in line with those values and goals. Ashlee approaches her clinical work from a dialectal behavior therapy-informed lens. In her free time, Ashlee enjoys pilates, trying new restaurants, walking and reading.

Michael Wells

Psy.D., Senior Staff Clinician

Michael is a US Army Veteran who recently obtained his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at John F. Kennedy University. He has experience working in multiple clinical environments: community mental health, outpatient, primary care, department of state hospitals, Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), neuropsychological assessment, and college counseling. Michael’s clinical interests include anxiety, avoidance, grief, self-compassion, mindfulness, relationship concerns, PTSD, and trauma work. He uses an integrative approach in his clinical practice which draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Multicultural Theory. In his own time, he enjoys mentoring clinical doctoral/masters students, teaching classes, volunteering, spending time with family, trying new foods, catching a movie, and playing tabletop boardgames with friends.

Meghan Wood

M.S., Doctoral Intern

Meghan is a current doctoral intern at Auburn SCPS and is pursuing her PhD in Counseling Psychology at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. She obtained a Master’s in psychology from Auburn University Montgomery in 2017. Meghan utilizes a supportive, collaborative therapeutic approach to help clients identify goals they would like to work towards and help them gain insight into what may prevent them from reaching those goals. She has a passion for working with emerging-adulthood populations and has spent the last year pursuing supervised field work at the University of South Alabama as an associate counselor. Her clinical areas of interest include trauma, religious and spiritual concerns, and LGBTQIA+ identities. Meghan is trained in relational-cultural and interpersonal-process therapies, which promote holistic client conceptualization. After work, Meghan can be found reading, baking, or spending time on the lake or at the beach with friends and family.

Practicum Student Clinicians

2023-2024

Kaveh Afshar, M.S.

Julia Cantu, M.A.

Serena Jensen, M.A.

Olivia Kudick, M.S.