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The Counseling Center clinical staff includes psychologists, social workers, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and psychology and social work graduate student counselors.

While some of our staff have particular areas of expertise, each staff member is trained to assess and treat a wide variety of concerns.

Staff Clinicians

	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

Externs

	Allison Kaplan, M.S. Doctoral Extern (Loyola University, MD) Allison is a doctoral extern from the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program at Loyola University Maryland. She has provided therapy for clients across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings including college counseling, private practice, and community mental health centers. Her approach to therapy is person-centered and values oriented, with a focus on the therapeutic relationship. In session, she incorporates a blend of psychodynamics therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. In her free time, Allison enjoys reading, traveling, and playing with her two cats.
	Presley Scott, M.Psy. Doctoral Extern (The George Washington University) Presley is a fourth-year doctoral candidate at The George Washington University Professional Psychology (PsyD) Program. Presley works with individuals across the lifespan experiencing diverse concerns, including anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, life transitions, and trauma. She has experience providing individual and group therapy in community mental health, private practice, and school settings. Presley tailors treatment to address each client’s unique needs by integrating psychodynamics, relational, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. She strives to empower clients by enhancing self-awareness, identifying barriers to personal flourishing, and cultivating new behaviors and patterns that result in clients leading more personally fulfilling lives. In her free time, Presley enjoys cooking, arranging flowers, spending time with loved ones, or traveling.
	Ted Wilson, J.D. MSW Extern (Columbia University) A seasoned career attorney in Washington, D.C., Ted is completing his masters of social work at Columbia University with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice. Ted combines his analytical and critical thinking skills, knowledge of the life sciences, and social work education to deliver personalized care to people experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss and other conditions. He strives to use a strength-based therapeutic approach to help clients gain confidence and motivation to achieve their goals. He is passionate about efforts to improve access to mental health services and to encourage more male participation in the mental health system. Ted enjoys a broad spectrum of outdoor recreational activities, learning about different cultures, and spending time with his family and their happy Goldendoodle who keeps those around him calm and grounded.
	Nana Acquah MSW Extern (George Mason University) Nana is a third-year student in the Master of Social Work program at George Mason University, specializing in Children, Youth, and Families. Her clinical interests include anxiety, trauma, interpersonal relationships, and faith. In her free time, Nana loves reading, trying new coffee shops, anything related to music, and spending time with friends and family.
	Sara Mitchell MSW Extern (George Mason University) Sara Mitchell is a Master of Social Work student at George Mason University. After a stint as a health care journalist and editor, Sara spent 10 years advocating for health care accessibility and affordability. In her patient advocacy, she saw how stigma and shame made people unwilling to seek out necessary care, and she hopes to help reduce shame and stigma in her clients. Sara's previous externship was in a Virginia public school district working with K-12 students and she hopes to continue working with young adults in an academic environment when she graduates in 2025.

Practicum

	Frances Cooke Doctoral Student (The Catholic University of America) Frances Cooke is a second year clinical psychology PhD student at Catholic University. Her previous clinical experiences include working with children with selective mutism and neuropsychology assessments with older adults. Her research and clinical goals include working with adolescent and emerging adult populations with chronic medical conditions.
	Francesca (Frenchy) Fernandez Doctoral Student (The Catholic University of America) Frenchy is a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student at Catholic University, with a bachelor's from Colgate University and a master's from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Frenchy has experience working with youth, emerging adults, and adults with various mental health, behavioral, and learning concerns. She is particularly passionate about helping to assess and treat individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
	Jennifer Meigs Doctoral Student (The Catholic University of America) Jennifer Meigs is a second-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the Catholic University of America. After graduating with a B.A. in psychology from Loyola University Maryland, Jennifer worked as a research assistant in the Neuroscience and Novel Therapeutics Unit and Section on Mood Deregulation and Neuroscience at NIMH studying treatments for irritability in children and adolescents. Her clinical interests include cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and mood disorders.
	Jamie Kleiner Doctoral Student (The Catholic University of America) Jamie's clinical specialties include working with autistic teens and young adults individually and in group settings. Jamie currently heads the CatholicU Autism Spectrum Program (CASP).In addition to working with the autism community, Jamie has a vested interest in working with young adults navigating self-exploration, self-advocacy, and agency throughout their mental health journey. Her current research involves exploring mechanisms behind agentic cognition and she aims to employ concepts of existentialism, radical acceptance theory, and mindfulness in her clinical practice.

Divine Mercy University Practicum

	Matthew Ronconi Doctoral Student (DMU) My name is Matthew Ronconi, and I am originally from Miami, Florida. I graduated from University of Florida (Go Gators), and I joined FOCUS as a Campus Missionary at University of Massachusetts Amherst for two years after graduation. I encountered a great need for healing on the college campus, which led to my passion for helping people live integrated lives, especially with their faith and mental health. I am interested in psychodynamics therapy, Internal Family Systems, and existential therapy, but I am hoping to get a wide breadth of experience.
	Britt Lloyd Doctoral Student (DMU) Britt Lloyd is a clinical psychology doctoral student at Divine Mercy University. He received his bachelor's degree in health psychology from Brigham Young University, Idaho. He enjoys outdoor activities such as fly fishing, hiking, and camping and is passionate about guiding others to gain insight into their personal challenges and life situations.
	Andrea Peter Doctoral Student (DMU) Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I moved to the U.S. 4 years ago to pursue a degree in psychology, motivated by a deep desire to serve others, particularly those in marginalizes communities. My training interests at a university counseling center include addressing trauma and anxiety in college students, with a focus on multicultural counseling and the integration of faith and evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support holistic student well-being.
	Amelia Becerra Doctoral Student (DMU) Amelia Becerra is a Psy.D. student at Divine Mercy University with a background in psychology from the University of South Florida. She has a keen interest in trauma and psychodynamics theory, and she is dedicated to helping individuals heal and grow through therapeutic interventions. In her free time, Amelia enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and climbing, which complement her commitment to mental and physical well-being.
	Joshua Elmore Doctoral Student (DMU) Josh is a second-year student in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral program at Divine Mercy University. His clinical interests include working with adolescent and emerging adult populations with various mental health issues including depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and faith.
	Elisabeth Lilles (Sabeth) Doctoral Student (DMU) My name is Elisabeth Lilles, and I am a second-year graduate student in the Institute for the Psychological Sciences’ (IPS) Psy.D Clinical Psychology program at Divine Mercy University. My future career goal is to work with clients diagnosed with cancer and chronic conditions; in particular, I would like to work with children, adolescents, and emerging adults. As such, my training interests involve working in areas of grief and loss, trauma, and depression, and I am interested in psychodynamics, CBT, and attachment-based psychotherapies.
	Tiffany Blanco Doctoral Student (DMU) My name is Tiffany Blanco, and I am a clinical psychology doctoral student at Divine Mercy University. I am Cuban and Japanese and I was originally born in Florida and attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where I earned my undergraduate degree in the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology - Exercise and Movement Science. Following that, I moved to Seattle, Washington and worked as a Behavior Specialist. Some of my main training interests circle around undeserved, undertaken, and vulnerable populations, more specifically the adult and geriatric populations. My main research interests are appropriate access to mental health treatment, trauma, and assessments.
	Robert Ruark Doctoral Student (DMU) Robert Ruark is a second year Psy.D student at Divine Mercy University in Sterling, Virginia. His clinical interests include working with emerging adults who experience a variety of struggles including: depression, anxiety and spiritual struggle. He is mainly interested in psychodynamics and cognitive behavioral approaches to therapy.
	Gabriel Gumm Doctoral Student (DMU) Gabe is a second year doctoral student of clinical psychology at Divine Mercy University. He has a particular interest in psychodynamics, existential and narrative therapies to promote lasting change. Gabe's research interests include integrative approaches to psychology, subjectivity in psychoanalysis, personality theory and linguistics.
	Marcus Lines Doctoral Student (DMU) My name is Marcus Lines and I am a second-year doctoral student at Institute for the Psychological Sciences. I am originally from Wichita, Kansas, and earned a bachelors of psychology and philosophy at a local school called Newman University. In my free time I enjoy reading, longboarding, and, when I am home in Kansas, running around with my two younger brothers. My training interests revolve around building a solid base with attachment theory and the human person's need for connection and then layering in more psychoanalytic conceptualizations and interventions.
	Gabriela Ruiloba-Portilla Doctoral Student (DMU) My name is Gaby Ruiloba, and I am a clinical psychology doctoral student at Divine Mercy University. I am originally from Mexico, but before moving to Virginia I lived in Rhode Island and Michigan, where I spent 10 years working in pastoral ministry and Catholic education. The integration of spirituality and psychology is one of my main training interests, although I am excited to learn from every experience and person I encounter.
	Sarah Marie Alimangohan Doctoral Student (DMU) Sarah Marie is an international student from Sydney, Australia and is currently in her second year of the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Divine Mercy University. Her clinical interests include working with multicultural populations, children and emerging adults, as well themes on faith and spirituality.