Texas Tech University

Staff | Student Counseling Center | TTU

Student Counseling Center Staff

Please read our email policy before contacting any member of the Student Counseling Center staff by e-mail.

A group photo that includes 23 smiling staff

Headshot of Lisa Viator

 
Lisa Viator, Ph.D. 

Managing Director  

 

Licensed Psychologist (since 1991)

Graduate Training: Clinical Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1991

Internship: University of Maine, 1989-90

Theoretical Orientation: Interpersonal, Cognitive-Behavioral, Client-Centered

Professional Interests: Eating Disorders, Trauma Survivors-EMDR trained, Group Therapy

Approach to Therapy: I approach therapy from a combination of cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and interpersonal orientations. The best way to briefly describe cognitive behavioral therapy is that if you as a client can change your thoughts and change your behaviors, your feelings will follow. My role as a therapist is to guide this process. "Client-centered" means that I am committed to developing a positive relationship with my clients in which they feel safe, understood and accepted. This atmosphere helps set the stage for emotional healing and change. Finally, an interpersonal approach lends itself to giving appropriate, therapeutic feedback to clients based on our relationship. The theory is that if a set of dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, or behaviors happens within the therapeutic relationship, it could also be happening in other relationships outside of therapy. My job is to share my observations, explore the history of the pattern, and encourage new ways of approaching relationships. While I generally use a combination of all three of these approaches, my emphasis on one over the others varies depending on the presenting problem and client goals.

Approach to Supervision: I take a developmental approach to supervision, making sure that fundamental skills (empathic listening, developing a therapeutic alliance) are solid before moving on to more advanced skills. I believe it is important to respect my supervisee's theoretical orientation and give him or her room to continue to develop his or her own unique style. At the same time I provide opportunities to learn about my own approach to treatment as well as techniques for helping clients gain insight and reach their goals.

Senior Staff at SCC since 2008

Contact  Lisa Viator

Headshot of Marie Moerkbak
Marie Moerkbak, Ph.D.

Associate Director, Director of Intern Training

 

Licensed Psychologist (since 2009)

Graduate Training: Clinical Psychology, University of Texas, 2006

Internship: Geisinger Medical Center, 2005-06

Post-Doc: Harbor Medical Center, UCLA, 2006-07

Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral

Professional Interests: Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Behavioral Medicine

Approach to Therapy: My therapeutic orientation is an integration of person-centered concepts (such as therapist congruence (genuineness), empathy , and unconditional positive regard ) and CBT. By integrating these two orientations I seek to foster a safe environment that allows clients to explore their problems as well as challenge their own understanding of their situation/problems.

Approach to Supervision: My supervision framework is loosely based on my therapeutic orientation. I take an equalitarian stance, applying client centered concepts and a CBT framework to promote an environment where supervisees will feel comfortable bringing in both successes and difficulties from their therapy work and which will allow them to meet challenges in a confident manner.

Senior Staff at SCC since 2007

Contact Marie Moerkbak

Headshot of Sam Farley
 
Samuel Farley, Ph.D.

Associate Director, Director of Clinical Services

 

Licensed Psychologist (since November 2019)

Graduate Training:  Oklahoma State University, 2018

Internship: Indiana University, 2017-2018

Theoretical Orientation: Integrative Approach (Interpersonal, Relational-Cultural, and Cognitive Behavioral)

Professional Interests: Eating Disorders, Trauma, Men and Masculinity, LGBTQIA+

Approach to Therapy: I incorporate numerous theoretical orientations into my clinical practice, but place a large emphasis on building a good therapeutic alliance with clients. This allows for a strong foundation to assist any work clients wish to begin. During the first two meetings, I collaborate with clients on identifying the issues and goals they have and deciding the best route to beginning to work on these concerns. I am trained as a generalist and able to work with clients who are experiencing a wide array of concerns.

Approach to Supervision: My approach to supervision aims to provide a developmentally safe and supportive atmosphere for supervisees to discuss potential issues or concerns during their training experience. I seek to help supervisees identify relevant training goals and help provide guidance on working towards those goals. Additionally, I seek to provide feedback and challenges to elp facilitate supervisee's growth in their approach to working with clients and developing their professional identity.

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2018

Contact Samuel Farley

Headshot of Nancy Robinson
 
Nancy Robinson, Ph.D.

Assistant Director; Coordinator of Practicum Training

 

Licensed Psychologist (since 2006 in Texas; 1999-2006 in Massachusetts)

Graduate Training: University of Denver, Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, 1990 
Respecialization in Clinical Psychology, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, 1997

Internship: Worcester Youth Guidance Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, 1996-1997 
(With a rotation at University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics)

Theoretical Orientation: I believe that different approaches work best for different presenting problems and circumstances. My strengths lie in cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and interpersonal approaches to therapy. Thus, my focus is on thoughts and emotions and the behaviors associated with them, providing a supportive and safe place to explore one's identity, and understanding patterns of interactions with others and how to improve them. In combining these approaches, I seek to understand where clients are in their development of self and relationships with other, and then work together to explore what types of changes best suit their individualized goals and improve their current situation.

Professional Interests: Life-span development, self-compassion, mindfulness, stress and coping, parenting, relationship skills and attachment, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, and recovering from trauma.

My approach to supervision takes into account the developmental stage of the supervisee as well as their interest in learning more about certain aspects or approaches to therapy. I strive to develop a trusting and mutually respectful relationship that allows me to provide support as well as teach and consult, so that supervisees may have room to develop their own unique style.

Senior Staff at SCC since 2011

Contact  Nancy Robinson

Headshot of Austin Wade
Austin Wade, Psy.D.

Assistant Director, Coordinator of Group and Outreach Services

 

Licensed Psychologist (since 2019)

Graduate Training: Clinical Psychology, University of Indianapolis, 2017

Internship: Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program, Wichita State University, 2016-17

Theoretical Orientation:  Interpersonal Process (IPT), Client-Centered, Emotion Focused (EFT)

Professional Interests: Supervision & training, treatment of anxiety concerns and related issues, interpersonal skills and confidence development, group therapy approaches to mental health and relational goals, men’s issues, problems associated with media & technology use patterns, graduate student issues

Approach to Therapy: I tend to view treatment from an interpersonal theoretical approach, seeing concerns, goals, and challenges through a more relational lens, and seeking to alter approaches within interpersonal realms as a method moving toward goals for self. More generally, my role is to help each person determine the possible ways their current strategies, environment, or experiences can be modified to manage their difficulties better. I find that learning about the benefits of emotions and emotional experience, determining different ways of relating to others, and challenging unfair beliefs about ourselves and our worth are often most helpful to consider and I tend to discuss these areas most as a result.

Approach to Supervision: My approach to supervision is largely developmental. I believe it is important to balance the supervisee's sense of autonomy and their perception that they are supported and guided by their supervisor. This balance also changes as the supervisee develops and gains more skills and experience. I believe that less experienced supervisees typically require more guidance and support as they learn fundamental skills. I also believe experienced supervisees typically require a more consultatory relationship, with somewhat increased autonomy as they process more complex issues (e.g. choosing a theoretical orientation) and develop a professional identity.

Senior Staff at SCC since 2017

Contact  Austin Wade

Headshot of Mary Lauren Taylor
 
Mary Lauren Taylor, LPC-S, LMFT-S

Assistant Director, Coordinator of LPC Training

 

Graduate Training: Texas Wesleyan University, Professional Counseling MA Program, 2010.

Theoretical Orientation: Systems, Cognitive Behavioral

Professional Interests: Trauma, Grief, Self-Compassion

Approach to Therapy: I work primarily from a system’s model. I believe that distress is often due to a combination of circumstances, relationships, and experiences. When conflict is present in multiple aspects of one’s life it can become difficult to function. I believe that change in one area can effect changes in all aspects of life and healthy change and coping can lead to a less distressing state of being. I work with clients to heal from the things they have experienced in life, create healthy relationships and boundaries, and learn skills to cope with the stress of life. For clients that have experienced trauma such as abuse, sexual assault, or other traumatic events I approach counseling by using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Through this technique the client is able to find healing from the trauma they have experienced.

Approach to Supervision: Through supervision I aim to help the trainee learn to be the best version of themself as a therapist and a person. I work with the trainee to gain skills, strengthen their self-efficacy, and give themself grace when they fall short of their expectation.

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2018

Contact Mary Lauren Taylor

 

Headshot of Maria Vega
Maria Vega

Case Manager

 

Undergraduate:  BOE, Wayland Baptist University, 2005

Senior Staff at SCC since 2005

Contact Maria Vega

 

Headshot of Greg Johnston
Greg Johnston, Ph.D., LPC-S

Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor

 

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2017

Contact Greg Johnston

Headshot of John Purcell

John Purcell, M.S., LMFT-S

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Supervisor, Coordinator of MindSpa Services

 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (since 2021)

Graduate Training: Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, Texas Tech University, 2017

Professional Interests: Partnering and Intimate Relationships, Identity Development, Childhood and Family Trauma, and Family Dynamics of Addiction.

Theoritcal Orientation: I work in an integrated theoretical approach to therapy that draws from Post-Modern Theories, Symbolic-Experiential, Emotion-Focused, and DBT/CBT/ACT adaptive to client’s goals.

Approach to Therapy: I view therapy as a collaborative approach to improving the important relationships in our lives. We can be intentional in changing the relationship we have with ourselves, with the problems bringing us to therapy, with peers, with partners, with families, and with our larger culture.

 

Approach to Supervision: My role and function as a supervisor shifts to the developmental goals of supervisees. Initially, Supervision necessarily attends to the legal and ethical responsibilities of helping professionals, but grows into a collaborative exploration of therapist identity, professional passions, strengths, and goals.

Senior Staff at SCC since 2017

Contact John Purcell

 

Headshot of Rob Wozniak
Rob Wozniak, LPC-S

Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor

 

Graduate Training: Texas Tech University, M.Ed. in Counselor Education, 2014

Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Group Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR therapy).

Professional Interests: Anxiety, Depression, Addiction and Trauma

Approach to Therapy: I operate with a non-judgmental approach that meets the client where they are at. I believe in empowerment of the client to foster an environment that healing and growth can take place. My theoretical orientation is typically based on what can best help serve the client. I believe we are all capable of being the best versions of ourselves. I feel very honored and privileged to be part of this process and look forward to working with anyone in need of help.

.

Senior Staff at SCC since 2018

Contact Rob Wozniak

 

Headshot of Kim Durbin
Kim Durbin, M.Ed., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

 

Licensed Professional Counselor (since 2013)

Graduate Training: Texas Tech University, M.Ed. in Counselor Education, 2012

Theoretical Orientation: Integrative (CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, DBT, & MBCT)

Professional Interests: Relationships, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Addiction

Approach to Therapy: I practice from an integrative approach by focusing on the current needs, goals, and abilities of the client. Building the therapeutic alliance is a priority in the beginning stages of therapy. When clients are given a safe nonjudgmental environment to process and work through their concerns, change becomes possible. In therapy I focus on assisting clients gain self-awareness and self-control. I believe this can be accomplished through recognizing how their thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors contribute to their concerns and how learning and implementing new positive coping strategies can elicit new outcomes.

Senior Staff at SCC since 2019

Contact Kim Durbin

 

Headshot of Heather Saldana
Heather Saldaña, M.A., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

 

Graduate Training: Master of Arts in Counseling, Wayland Baptist University, 2017

Theoretical Orientation: Integrative (Person-Centered, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Professional Interests: Depression, Anxiety, Career Counseling, Grief, Anger Management, Family of Origin Concerns.

Approach to Therapy: My approach is to first create a therapeutic alliance so that we can build a trusting relationship.  It is important to me that you feel safe and accepted. Life has many seasons/challenges, and some are unexpected, I would be honored to walk side by side while you navigate these challenges.  My goal is a collaborative approach to help clients gain insight, improve interpersonal relationships, process trauma, develop coping skills, and create routine and stability. I provide a safe, caring environment to explore life’s challenges and guide you on a path to healing and transformation. 

Strengths Quest: Learner, Developer, Harmony, Achiever, Relator

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2022

Contact Heather Saldaña

 

Headshot of Elise McCay
Elise McCay, M.S., LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

 

Graduate Training: Master of Science in Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy, Texas Tech University, 2018

Theoretical Orientation: I believe each client has unique needs, resulting in an integrative approach to therapy as necessary using Narrative Therapy, Symbolic-Experiential Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Professional Interests: Substance Use Disorders, Process/Behavioral Addictions, Eating Disorders, Identity Development, Family of Origin Concerns

Approach to Therapy: My goal as a therapist is to first foster a welcoming, empowering, and healing environment to begin the growth you are seeking. I believe that the client should not work on their struggles alone and that the therapist is there to sit with you through all the feelings of discomfort. I come from a systems model and believe our past and current relationships and experiences can influence our emotions, how we view ourselves, how we view others, and how we communicate. I work with clients to find healing, empowerment, and freedom from their struggles. I believe that clients benefit the most from a congruent and honest, yet empathetic, approach to their problems. .Diversity:  Everyone comes from different walks of life. I value and respect the diversity each person carries within their culture, race, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, and socioeconomic status. Each of these aspects can significantly impact a wide variety of the presenting concerns you bring to therapy; they are important to acknowledge and process. I strive to ensure my clients feel accepted and safe in the therapy process. All are welcome in all ways. 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2022

Contact Elise McCay

 

Headshot of Kailah Glock

Kailah Glock, Ph.D. 

Licensed Psychologist

 

Licensed Psychologist (since 2024)

Graduate Training: Ball State University, Counseling Psychology Ph.D., 2022

Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2021-2022

Theoretical Orientation: Person-Centered

Professional Interests: Depression, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+, Substance Use, Grief, Trauma

Approach to Therapy: In my work with clients, I use a mixture of person-centered, CBT, and trauma-informed techniques to help clients meet their personal goals and develop greater insight into what they are experiencing. I typically start clients with a foundation of coping skills to help facilitate deeper processing in the next stage of therapy. I strive to meet clients where they are at and tailor my approaches to what they are needing in the moment. My aim is to support clients in meeting their goals in a supportive and non-judgmental environment where they can grow and experience meaningful change. 

Approach to Supervision: I take a developmental approach to supervision and work to meet my supervisees where they are at. I see my role as supportive in terms of consultation, mentorship, and fostering professional identity development. I value instilling self-care and genuineness in my supervisees as well as helping them build conceptualization skills, identifying their theoretical orientation, and discovering their niche areas of interest. I believe in taking an approach with a balance of focusing on strengths and growth edges to help instill confidence in my supervisees.  

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2022

Contact Kailah Glock

 

Headshot of Fan Ding

Fan Ding, Ph.D.          

Licensed Psychologist   

 

Graduate Training: University of Central Arkansas, Counseling Psychology, Ph.D.

Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2021-2022

Theoretical Orientation: Person-Centered, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy

Professional Interests: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, International students

Approach to Therapy: My approach to therapy is grounded in an integrative framework, drawing from a variety of techniques I have learned throughout my journey. This means I customize my therapeutic approach to align with my clients' specific needs and preferences. I firmly believe that everyone possesses inner strength and will naturally thrive in their unique environment. As a therapist, my role is to collaborate with my clients on their journey toward healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Approach to Supervision: In my role as a supervisor, I draw upon a developmental model perspective to guide and nurture the growth of emerging therapists, tailoring my approach to their stage of training and unique needs. My aim is to empower these emerging therapists, enabling them to evolve into competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive practitioners.

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2023

Contact  Fan Ding

 

Headshot of Kortney Wooten
Kortney Wooten, Ph.D.

Post-Doc Trainee

 

Graduate Training: Louisiana Tech University, Counseling Psychology Ph.D. 2023

Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2021-2022

Theoretical Orientation: Relational Cultural and Cognitive Behavioral

Professional Interests: Trauma, Multiculturalism, Mood Disorders, Body Image

Approach to Therapy: I integrate relational cultural and cognitive behavioral therapies to help clients gain more insight on how their identities shape the way they view themselves, their distress, and their ability to cope in the world around them.

Approach to Supervision: Relational Cultural

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2023

Contact  Kortney Wooten

 

Headshot of Marena Matta

Marena Matta, Psy.D.          

Post-Doc Trainee  

 

Graduate Training: California Baptist University

Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2023-2024

Professional Interests: I enjoy doing trauma work, which includes the utilization of different evidence-based trauma treatments (e.g., EMDR, CPT, TF-CBT). I also enjoy supervising and facilitating group therapy.

Approach to Therapy: I primarily practice from a combination of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) approach. I believe that one’s thoughts significantly contributes to their emotions and behaviors, therefore addressing maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs is crucial for healing and growth. In addition, an interpersonal approach helps foster strong therapeutic rapport, as well as helps clients build insight, awareness, and new ways of approaching interpersonal relationships.

Approach to Supervision: Within supervision, I strive to create a supportive and developmentally appropriate atmosphere. I believe that is important to meet supervisees where they are currently in their developmental levels and to help them gain the skills to meet their own professional goals. I encourage ongoing feedback from supervisees and encourage them to reflect on both their triumphs and areas of growth.

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2024

Contact  Marena Matta

Headshot of Brittany Munoz
Brittany Muñoz, Psy.D.

Post-Doc Trainee

 

Graduate Training: Divine Mercy University

Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2023-2024

Theoretical Orientation:  I take an integrated approach, although my primary orientation is EFT. I most often integrate psychodynamic, CBT, and interpersonal approaches in my work. I have found that the EFT approach allows for a secure/safe space to be developed so that clients have the opportunity to further explore their inner world. "Tend to befriend" is a common phrase I use to illustrate the need for us to tend to our inner world by naming and experiencing our emotions.   

Professional Interests: Mood Disorders, Body Image, Family Relationships, Interpersonal Relationships, Eating Disorders, Trauma 

Approach to Supervision: I take a developmental approach to supervision. My hope is to meet supervisees where they are while creating a safe space for them to hone their skills and develop new ones. I also value ongoing feedback throughout the process to monitor growth and tailor supervision to current needs.   

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2024

Contact  Brittany Muñoz

                                       

Headshot of Lindsay Prekker

Lindsay Prekker, M.S., LPC          

Licensed Professional Counselor   

 

Graduate Training: Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 2021

Theoretical Orientation: Integrative (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered)

Professional Interests: Depression, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+, Trauma

Approach to Therapy: My initial focus when meeting with a client is to create a safe and comfortable environment through the establishment of a strong therapeutic relationship. I strive to meet clients where they are currently at and work collaboratively with them to help build the knowledge, skills and insight necessary to work through challenges they are facing now as well as those they may face in the future to create meaningful changes in their lives.

 

Senior Staff at SCC since 2024

Contact Lindsay Prekker

 

 

Administrative Staff

Headshot of Bethany Calderon

 

Bethany Calderon
Administrative Business Assistant, Staff at SCC since 2024

 

Headshot of Debbie Ashley

 

Debbie Ashley
Senior Business Assistant, Staff at SCC since 2015

 

Headshot of Tamara Ebeling

 

Tamara Ebeling
Senior Business Assistant, Staff at SCC since 2019

 

Doctoral Interns: 2024-2025

Headshot of Simone Cooper

Simone Cooper, M.A. Kean University

 

 

 

Headshot of Cara Knoepple

Cara Knoepple, Florida State

 

 

 

Headshot of Bella Miceli

Gabriella Miceli, M.S., New Mexico State

 

 

 

Headshot of Stephanie Power

Stephanie Power, M.A., Northwest University

 

 

 

Headshot of Ning Tang

Ning Tang, M.A., University of Akron

 

 

Other Counselors in Training

Headshot of Shadie Miller

 

Shadie Miller, LPC-Associate

 

 

Headshot of Lucy Hatch

 

Lucy Hatch, LPC-Associate

 

 

 

Headshot of Laura Crossen

 

Laura Crossen, LPC-Associate

 

 

Headshot of Francesa Dinsay

 

Francesca Dinsay, LMFT-Associate

 

 

Practicum Students: Fall 2024

a group photo that includes 4 smiling therapists

Luke Childers, M.S., M.A.

Allison Sapp, B.A.

Emily Paez, M.S., M.A.

Malvika Narayan, M.A.

a photograph that includes 4 smiling therapists

Bryce A. Robinson, B.A.

Michael Leduc, M.A.

Brelynne Baldwin, M.A.

Crys Mylls, M.A.

a group photo that includes 3 smiling therapists

Michelle Shegedin, B.S., B.A.

Daniela Navarro Verdugo, M.A.

Samantha Gonzalez, M.A.

Supervision Disclosure Information

The Student Counseling Center provides training opportunities for graduate practicum students, doctoral psychology interns, and post graduate trainees. Per Texas state law, it is our responsibility to inform our clients of the trainee status and provide the supervisor contact information for each unlicensed therapist.

Updated 8/21/2024

 

 

Student Counseling Center