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.

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.

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.

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.

Gail Martinez Waters, Ph.D., LCPC

Director of Outreach

Dr.Martinez Waters is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She earned her Doctorate in Counseling Education and Supervision with a focus on Pastoral and Spiritual Integration from Neumann University, where she studied the integration of spiritual care in counseling and researched the impact of mental health literacy on mental health knowledge, relationships, and spirituality. She also holds a Master’s degree in Education, School Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. For more than 20 years, Dr. Martinez Waters served as a K–12 public school counselor, supporting students, families, and communities in building mental health awareness and resilience. She has also provided private counseling to adolescents, young adults, and adults, helping clients navigate life transitions and emotional challenges. Her professional interests include life transitions, anxiety, grief, relationships, and the role of spirituality in mental health. She takes a relational and humanistic approach, creating a safe space where students can build authentic connections, discover their strengths, and heal through meaningful relationships.Outside of her professional work, Dr. Martinez Waters enjoys playing tennis, traveling for leisure to explore local cuisines, and serving her church as a lector and member of the mental health ministry.

Christina (Seung Yoon) Lee, M.T.S., Psy.D.

Divine Mercy Practicum Training Director 

 Dr. Lee earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Divine Mercy University (DMU) in 2023, complemented by a master’s degree in Theological Studies, with a focus on Marriage and Family, from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, DC 9j 2015. Dr. Lee completed her pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University Counseling Services at California State University, Northridge—a vibrant setting in Los Angeles, renowned for its diverse student population. Immersed in this multicultural environment, Dr. Lee provided counseling to a wide spectrum of clients, including immigrants, first-generation college students, and international students. Her work addressed the complexities of identity, acculturation, and cultural transitions, fostering an inclusive approach that recognizes and celebrates each client’s unique experiences. Currently serving as a training director for practicum trainees from Divine Mercy University at the CUA Counseling Center, she supervises DMU students and also offers therapy to individuals seeking a counselor who respects the significance of faith and spirituality within the therapeutic process. Dr. Lee’s clinical interests include depression, trauma and resiliency, creative therapeutic approaches, multicultural counseling, attachment issues, identity development, existential exploration, and spiritual struggles. She is passionate about guiding clients toward greater self-understanding, equipping them with adaptive coping skills, and helping them overcome psychological barriers to strengthen their relationships with themselves, others, and God.

Anna Westlund Bramlett,

Pre-Doctoral Intern

Maryam Sodeyi,

Pre-Doctoral Intern 

Maryam Sodeyi is a pre-doctoral intern completing her Psy.D in clinical psychology program at Appalachian State University. Maryam has a Masters degree in Community Psychology-Clinical services from the University of New Haven. Her theoretical orientation is rooted in an integrative, culturally humble, and client-centered approach. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) forms the foundation of her graduate training, she tends to utilize techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This flexibility allows her to adapt interventions to each client’s unique identity, faith, values, and need, ensuring holistic and effective care. Her research focuses on developing culturally responsive strategies to address mental health challenges, with an emphasis on holistic care and stigma reduction. She is also passionate about informing policies that guide the delivery of evidence-based mental health treatments especially to the underserved. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, running, and spending time with family and friends.

Mikeira Spriggs, B.S.

Administrative Assistant I (Old Dominion University)