About Us

Director of Counseling & Psychological Services

Jennifer M. Whitney Ph.D., LCMHCS (she,her,hers)

Hello! I am excited that you are here and thinking about, perhaps even prioritizing, your mental health and well-being. I have been working at UNCG’s Counseling & Psychological Services since 2007. I am grateful that students’ provide me with an opportunity to walk with them on their journey to becoming more authentically themselves! I believe that each of us deserves a space to explore who we are, what we want, what we value, and how we want to show up in the world. Counseling can be that space!

Associate Director Counseling & Psychological Services

Randy Patterson Ph.D., HSP-P (she,her,hers)

I joined the UNCG Counseling & Psychological Services staff in 2018. Working with UNCG students is inspiring and energizing, and I would not want to work anywhere else! When I meet with students, my focus is on helping to sort through and quiet down the “noise” around you as you find what makes you flourish, what gets in the way, and what makes your life worth living. I enjoy working with graduate students, with students dealing with disordered eating, mood disorders, and relationship concerns.. Outside of work, I am a movie buff, a music lover, and an animal lover. I get my peace from being outside, or just hanging out with friends and family.

Staff Counselor

Jennifer Bell Brown, LCMHCS (she, her, hers)

I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with you as you face challenges and life transitions! I believe that we all need support at times to live our best lives. I joined the Counseling & Psychological Services team in 2019. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. I received my doctorate in Counseling and Counselor Education from UNCG. I am also a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law, and practiced family law with Legal Aid of North Carolina. I work with the full range of conditions impacting mental health including depression, anxiety, psychosis, grief and loss, career, stress management, self-esteem, and chronic illness. I address the whole person through mindfulness-based interventions, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing. In my spare time, I love to go to the beach, bake, practice yoga, and spend time with my friends, family, and animals.

Assistant Director, Crisis Services & Case Management

Shelby Malize, M.Ed., LCMHCS (she/her/hers)

Since joining UNCG’s Counseling & Psychological Services in 2016, I’ve worked primarily with students in need of crisis services and case management. I support students who experience significant mental health concerns and ensure they are aware of the resources available to them both on and off-campus. Working closely with the Dean of Students Office, I co-coordinate the University’s Crisis Management Process, which offers individualized support to students. This process aims to provide options for academic recovery and improving mental health & wellbeing. Additionally, I oversee the clinical functions of the Campus Violence Response Center (CVRC), supporting survivors of all types of violence. My greatest joys at work are meeting with students and connecting them with the best-fit resources and services. Outside of my roles at UNCG, I enjoy decorating, being adventurous with new recipes, spending time in the sunshine, and visiting with family and friends.

Staff Psychologist

Lori Hinsley, Ph.D., HSP-P (she, her, hers)

I joined the UNCG Counseling & Psychological Services in 2008. I strive to provide a safe and respectful environment in which students from various backgrounds and cultures can explore issues such as relationship conflicts, depression, anxiety, trauma and their reactions to life’s stress. I have a special interest in women issues, diversity, and multicultural issues. I strive to help students identify their core values and strengths and find healthy ways to live out those values. I am the facilitator for a support Group for women of color “Sista Talk” which meets weekly at the Counseling & Psychological Services. When I am not working I enjoy cooking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Staff Social Worker

Kristin Norden, MSW, LCSW ( she, her, hers)

Whatever your struggle may be, you do not have to battle it alone!

I have been a therapist for 24 years and treat a wide variety of issues. Treatment should be as unique as you! Since one size does not fit all I will tailor treatment to fit your specific needs. You will find me warm, funny and authentic, with a deep belief that you possess the power to make the changes you so desire. I believe in a creative approach to healing (my office has aromatherapy, delicious candy, fun kinetic stress toys and a teddy bear, if needed), often encourage homework outside of the therapy session and will challenge you to identify sources of hope. I do have an extensive history in the performing arts as a ballet dancer and am passionate about helping performing artists navigate the rigors of training and the stage. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling the world with my husband.

Staff Social Worker

Thomas Zigo, LCSW (he, him, his)

I joined Counseling & Psychological Services in 2019. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies at Ohio University. I seek to provide services that are responsive to the many different identities and lived experiences of our students. I work with students to enhance understanding of symptoms, paying attention to factors that may be causing distress. My role is to illuminate challenges, especially related to navigating systems of power and privilege. I place importance on building a collaborative and non-judgmental therapeutic bond that celebrates authentic self-relation. My goal is for students to feel truly seen, creating chances for self-exploration. Some of my clinical interests include men’s issues, LGBTQPIA+ concerns, grief & loss, anger, depression, anxiety, issues with porn use, relationships, sexual health & functioning, and stress. I enjoy gardening, playing/watching sports, and connecting with loved ones.

Staff Counselor

Cecilia Gonzalez Barber, MA, LCMHC (she, her, hers)

Hola! I was born in Mexico, and I immigrated to North Carolina over 20 years ago. I received my bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Psychology and a master’s degree in professional counseling. During my clinical internship I had the opportunity to work with families and individuals from all walks of life, including underserved minority populations, immigrants, and people suffering from substance use disorders. I joined the UNCG Counseling & Psychological Services team in May of 2021. I feel honored and excited to provide counseling services to students during their college experience and life transitions. I enjoy working with students from different cultures and I am interested in working with students from minority groups, Latinx community and first-generation students.

Staff Social Worker

Claudio Andrés Cáceres Araya, MSW, LCSW (he, him, his)

I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. I moved to the US in 2009 and I have lived in North Carolina since then. As a Licensed Social Worker I worked with diverse communities and organizations in Chile and in the US. I have practiced clinical Social Work since 2014 and I am very excited to have joined the UNCG Counseling & Psychological Services in June 2021. I want to continue to provide mental health support to the students at UNCG and I am eager to get to know you. As a therapist I consider myself a good listener and I would like to make you feel welcomed. I consider myself a generalist counselor, therefore, I am open to hear what you have to say and happy to help you achieve your personal goals. Regarding myself, I love soccer, outdoor activities and video calling my Chilean family and friends. You can count on me Spartans!

Staff Counselor

Nicole Forrisi, MA, LCMHC, NCC (she, her, hers)

I started as a counselor at the UNCG Counseling & Psychological Services in May 2021. As a member of the LGBTQIAP+ community, I enjoy working with clients that need support in areas of exploration and coming into one’s own identity. I utilize mostly a person centered approach while recognizing the need to challenge maladaptive thought patterns in order to achieve overall wellness. I absolutely love the inspiration that I get from working with college students and the overall environment of UNCG’s campus. In my free time, I like to hang out with my wife and dog, mow grass, garden, play video games, and watch telenovelas.

Staff Counselor

Cranford Burke, MS, LCMHCA (they/them/theirs)

I began working at UNCG Counseling & Psychological Services as a Graduate Trainee in August 2022 and became a full time Staff Counselor beginning in August 2023. I enjoy supporting students with a variety of concerns including adjustment related distress, depression and anxiety, in addition to relational, LGBTQIAP+, and identity concerns. When working together, I hope to support you in approaching your mental health with self-compassion and in new, and empowering ways. In my free time, I’m often outside birding and gardening, and spending time with loved ones, watching baseball and cooking.

AOD Coordinator/Provider

Fumie Abe, MA, NCC, LCMHC, LCAS  (she/her/hers)

I am a bilingual English-Japanese Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Counselor Addiction Specialist. I received a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Addictions Counseling in 2018 at Appalachian State University. Until recently, I worked in a residential substance use treatment facility, as a counselor.

My approach to counseling is based on Person-Centered theory. My goal as a counselor is to support the process of self-discovery and to enrich the lives of others. I work with individuals with a wide range of issues including addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, stress management, identity development, low self-esteem, and relational conflicts. I am very excited to work with college students and to get to know you. I am eager to learn from you as well!

Outside of my professional role, I enjoy running, eating, traveling overseas, and going on road trips within the States. My goal for this year is to complete some half marathons. If I believe in myself, I can do anything I put my mind to. So can you!