Suzanne Hollman, Ph.D., Psy.D.

Director of Counseling Center and Staff Psychologist (The George Washington University & University College London)

Dr. Suzanne Nortier Hollman, Psy.D., Ph.D. earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University, and a Ph.D. degree in the History of Medicine from University College London (UCL). She also holds a MSc degree in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology from Oxford University in the United Kingdom. She has lived and worked on three continents and has subspecialties in college student mental health and wellness, neuropsychological assessment, issues pertaining to spirituality and mental health, and the accreditation of graduate programs in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Nortier Hollman serves on the American Psychological Association (“APA”) Committee on Accreditation as an elected Commissioner, and  is the past Treasurer/Secretary for the National Council for Schools of Professional Psychology (“NCSPP”). She has taught in graduate programs in Psychology for the past 15 years, and is the Dean Emeritus and former Program Chair of the APA approved Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences “IPS”) at Divine Mercy University. She has written and presented internationally and currently has a book chapter and two journal articles in press. Dr. Nortier Hollman has completed fellowships with the New York Freudian Society, the Washington Psychoanalytic Society, and the Unit for Psychoanalysis at University College London. She is a member of the Transcultural Histories of Psychiatry group at UCL and is a regular media contributor specific to the advancement of mental health, and the alleviation of suffering, wherever it exists. She spends as much time as she can in the ocean snorkeling, learning to surf, and perhaps most challenging of all,  familiarizing herself with Gen-Alpha linguistics.

Karen Miller, L.I.C.S.W.

Staff Social Worker (Washington University)

Karen Miller, LICSW received her Masters of Social Work from The George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis in 1999. She has been a staff member of the Counseling Center at Catholic University since January of 2008. Prior to her work at CUA, she specialized in working with at-risk children, youth, and families. Karen works with clients from a Cognitive-Behavioral perspective, though she integrates aspects of relational and humanistic theories as well. Her style is straight-forward and direct and she is strong believer of utilizing humor in therapy. Karen also supervises advanced graduate students in social work and psychology. Her particular areas of clinical interest are trauma, issues related to family of origin, individuation, relationships, and building self-awareness.

Ali Phillips, PMH-NP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Vanderbilt University)

Ali Phillips, APRN, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master of Science in Nursing, with a specialty in psychiatry and mental health, from Vanderbilt University. As a Nurse Practitioner, she is trained and certified to take medical histories, conduct examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose and treat acute and chronic mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medication, and provide supportive therapies. Ali has treated patients facing a variety of clinical challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, substance abuse, addiction and trauma among others. Ali has a special interest in interpersonal neurobiology. In her spare time, Ali can usually be found on a bike or reading a good novel.

Peter Ellsworth, Ph.D.

Part-Time Staff Psychologist (Fielding Graduate University)

Dr. Ellsworth provides psychotherapy and supervision services in the Center while also supervising practicum students in the Department of Psychology. In addition to a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Ellsworth has an MS in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. Dr. Ellsworth was a staff therapist and researcher at the St. Luke Institute, a private psychiatric hospital for Catholic priests and men and women religious, for 17 years before going into a generalist private practice. He believes in the healing power of encounters with short-term psychotherapy and the wisdom of maintaining an openness to the efficacy of a variety of therapeutic approaches. Dr. Ellsworth’s research interests include exploring the connections between mental well-being and spiritual growth, illuminating the role of allostasis and optimal responsiveness to stress demands in maintaining mental and physical health, and identifying strategies to harness the client’s innate ability to heal themselves. Dr. Ellsworth and his spouse are the grateful parents of five adult children. Dr. Ellsworth also appreciates the benefits of diverse meditation and contemplative practices, running, building things, and meaningful conversations with others.

Frances A. Mallari, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow & Director of Group Therapy (The George Washington University)

Dr. Frances Anolin Mallari earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University. Her clinical experience includes The Meltzer Center for Psychological and Community-Based Services and The Capital Institute for Cognitive Therapy. She takes an integrative, collaborative approach to therapy, using empirically-supported cognitive-behavioral treatments with humanistic-existential elements. Multicultural issues are a passion of hers — both personally and professionally, and she is constantly searching for creative ways to adapt treatments and interventions to consider an individual’s multiple intersecting identities. She specializes in working with emerging and young adults who experience mood and anxiety disorders related to life transitions, identity exploration, relationship issues, and adjustment difficulties. In her spare time, Frances enjoys reading, crafting, exploring places through food, and creating playlists for very specific situations and moods. 

Allyson Shaffer, M.S.W, L.I.C.S.W.

Staff Social Worker & Director of Externship Training (Marywood University)

Allyson Shaffer, LICSW, received her Masters of Social Work from Marywood University in 1994. She has been at Catholic University since 2010, serving in Social Work education, Student Affairs and the Counseling Center. Allyson has over 25 years of clinical practice experience, with individuals, families and groups. She has a background in crisis intervention, trauma & emergency psychiatry services, grief & loss, and counseling with children, young adults & parents. Allyson is the Training Director for the Graduate Externship Program for Social Work & Psychology students.  She takes a collaborative approach to therapy, working with clients from a Cognitive Behavioral perspective, utilizing aspects of psychosocial and strengths based theories. Outside of work, She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She can often be found at a baseball or swimming event, or out trying to keep up with her dogs. Her favorite days are at the beach with her family.

Johanna Arenaza, Psy.D.

Staff Psychologist (The George Washington University)

Dr. Johanna Arenaza is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst with a private practice in Washington, DC. Originally from Spain, she completed her psychoanalytic training at the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. Previously, She earned her doctorate degree at The George Washington University (GW), her post-doctoral work at Georgetown University, and her internship at CUA. She has been an adjunct faculty member at GW where she supervised doctoral psychology students. Dr. Arenaza has also taught several psychoanalytic courses such as Psychoanalytic Technique, Gender and Sexuality, and The Experience of the Analyst at (WBCP). She regularly lectures at local universities regarding personality disorders and operating a successful private practice. She served for three years as the Co-Chair of the Annual Stacia I. Super Memorial Ethics Conference at the WBCP. Dr. Arenaza also collaborates with local lawyers conducting psychological evaluations for immigrants facing deportation. Outside of work, Dr. Arenaza is a competitive Ballroom and Latin dancer.

Christina Lee, Psy.D.

Practicum Director of Divine Mercy Training

Renita C. Gabriel, Psy.D.

Staff Psychologist 

 Dr. Renita C. Gabriel earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Chicago
School of Professional Psychology, Chicago Campus. She has significant experience
providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment in a variety of settings (i.e.,
inpatient, outpatient, academic, and forensic) with populations ranging across the
lifespan and from culturally diverse backgrounds. For the past 15 years, Dr. Gabriel has
been the owner of a small group private practice where she primarily sees clients for
individual therapy and supervises pre-licensed clinicians. Dr. Gabriel takes an
integrative approach to psychotherapy that is collaborative, culturally responsive and
strengths-based. Drawing on cognitive- behavioral, existential and person-centered
techniques, Dr. Gabriel recognizes the importance of an individualized treatment
approach in her work with clients. She is a member of several professional
organizations including the Maryland Psychological Association (MPA), the American
Psychological Association (APA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors
(AACC). Dr. Gabriel’s professional interests include the integration of spirituality in mental health treatment, professional mentorship, writing, teaching and providing education and support to faith-based communities around mental health. She currently serves on the school board of a small Christian School in Maryland and is an active participant in her local church. She enjoys music, travel and spending time with her husband and two children.

Suzanne Hollman, Ph.D., Psy.D.

Director of Counseling Center and Staff Psychologist (The George Washington University & University College London)

Dr. Suzanne Nortier Hollman, Psy.D., Ph.D. earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University, and a Ph.D. degree in the History of Medicine from University College London (UCL). She also holds a MSc degree in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology from Oxford University in the United Kingdom. She has lived and worked on three continents and has subspecialties in college student mental health and wellness, neuropsychological assessment, issues pertaining to spirituality and mental health, and the accreditation of graduate programs in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Nortier Hollman serves on the American Psychological Association (“APA”) Committee on Accreditation as an elected Commissioner, and  is the past Treasurer/Secretary for the National Council for Schools of Professional Psychology (“NCSPP”). She has taught in graduate programs in Psychology for the past 15 years, and is the Dean Emeritus and former Program Chair of the APA approved Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences “IPS”) at Divine Mercy University. She has written and presented internationally and currently has a book chapter and two journal articles in press. Dr. Nortier Hollman has completed fellowships with the New York Freudian Society, the Washington Psychoanalytic Society, and the Unit for Psychoanalysis at University College London. She is a member of the Transcultural Histories of Psychiatry group at UCL and is a regular media contributor specific to the advancement of mental health, and the alleviation of suffering, wherever it exists. She spends as much time as she can in the ocean snorkeling, learning to surf, and perhaps most challenging of all,  familiarizing herself with Gen-Alpha linguistics.

Karen Miller, L.I.C.S.W.

Staff Social Worker (Washington University)

Karen Miller, LICSW received her Masters of Social Work from The George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis in 1999. She has been a staff member of the Counseling Center at Catholic University since January of 2008. Prior to her work at CUA, she specialized in working with at-risk children, youth, and families. Karen works with clients from a Cognitive-Behavioral perspective, though she integrates aspects of relational and humanistic theories as well. Her style is straight-forward and direct and she is strong believer of utilizing humor in therapy. Karen also supervises advanced graduate students in social work and psychology. Her particular areas of clinical interest are trauma, issues related to family of origin, individuation, relationships, and building self-awareness.

Ali Phillips, PMH-NP

Staff Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Vanderbilt University)

Ali Phillips, APRN, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master of Science in Nursing, with a specialty in psychiatry and mental health, from Vanderbilt University. As a Nurse Practitioner, she is trained and certified to take medical histories, conduct examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose and treat acute and chronic mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medication, and provide supportive therapies. Ali has treated patients facing a variety of clinical challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, substance abuse, addiction and trauma among others. Ali has a special interest in interpersonal neurobiology. In her spare time, Ali can usually be found on a bike or reading a good novel.

Peter Ellsworth, Ph.D.

Part-Time Staff Psychologist (Fielding Graduate University)

Dr. Ellsworth provides psychotherapy and supervision services in the Center while also supervising practicum students in the Department of Psychology. In addition to a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Ellsworth has an MS in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. Dr. Ellsworth was a staff therapist and researcher at the St. Luke Institute, a private psychiatric hospital for Catholic priests and men and women religious, for 17 years before going into a generalist private practice. He believes in the healing power of encounters with short-term psychotherapy and the wisdom of maintaining an openness to the efficacy of a variety of therapeutic approaches. Dr. Ellsworth’s research interests include exploring the connections between mental well-being and spiritual growth, illuminating the role of allostasis and optimal responsiveness to stress demands in maintaining mental and physical health, and identifying strategies to harness the client’s innate ability to heal themselves. Dr. Ellsworth and his spouse are the grateful parents of five adult children. Dr. Ellsworth also appreciates the benefits of diverse meditation and contemplative practices, running, building things, and meaningful conversations with others.

Frances A. Mallari, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow & Director of Group Therapy (The George Washington University)

Dr. Frances Anolin Mallari earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University. Her clinical experience includes The Meltzer Center for Psychological and Community-Based Services and The Capital Institute for Cognitive Therapy. She takes an integrative, collaborative approach to therapy, using empirically-supported cognitive-behavioral treatments with humanistic-existential elements. Multicultural issues are a passion of hers — both personally and professionally, and she is constantly searching for creative ways to adapt treatments and interventions to consider an individual’s multiple intersecting identities. She specializes in working with emerging and young adults who experience mood and anxiety disorders related to life transitions, identity exploration, relationship issues, and adjustment difficulties. In her spare time, Frances enjoys reading, crafting, exploring places through food, and creating playlists for very specific situations and moods. 

Allyson Shaffer, M.S.W, L.I.C.S.W.

Staff Social Worker & Director of Externship Training (Marywood University)

Allyson Shaffer, LICSW, received her Masters of Social Work from Marywood University in 1994. She has been at Catholic University since 2010, serving in Social Work education, Student Affairs and the Counseling Center. Allyson has over 25 years of clinical practice experience, with individuals, families and groups. She has a background in crisis intervention, trauma & emergency psychiatry services, grief & loss, and counseling with children, young adults & parents. Allyson is the Training Director for the Graduate Externship Program for Social Work & Psychology students.  She takes a collaborative approach to therapy, working with clients from a Cognitive Behavioral perspective, utilizing aspects of psychosocial and strengths based theories. Outside of work, She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She can often be found at a baseball or swimming event, or out trying to keep up with her dogs. Her favorite days are at the beach with her family.

Johanna Arenaza, Psy.D.

Staff Psychologist (The George Washington University)

Dr. Johanna Arenaza is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst with a private practice in Washington, DC. Originally from Spain, she completed her psychoanalytic training at the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. Previously, She earned her doctorate degree at The George Washington University (GW), her post-doctoral work at Georgetown University, and her internship at CUA. She has been an adjunct faculty member at GW where she supervised doctoral psychology students. Dr. Arenaza has also taught several psychoanalytic courses such as Psychoanalytic Technique, Gender and Sexuality, and The Experience of the Analyst at (WBCP). She regularly lectures at local universities regarding personality disorders and operating a successful private practice. She served for three years as the Co-Chair of the Annual Stacia I. Super Memorial Ethics Conference at the WBCP. Dr. Arenaza also collaborates with local lawyers conducting psychological evaluations for immigrants facing deportation. Outside of work, Dr. Arenaza is a competitive Ballroom and Latin dancer.

Christina Lee, Psy.D.

Practicum Director of Divine Mercy Training

Mikeira Spriggs, B.S.

Administrative Assistant I (Old Dominion University)

Mallory Marse, M.B.A.

Administrative Assistant II (Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA)