About Us
mission
Counseling & Psychological Services offers a wide range of services designed to support the personal growth, academic success, and emotional health of currently enrolled UNCG students, as well as services and programs to promote positive well-being throughout the university community. The services include group therapy, support groups, individual therapy, workshops, crisis intervention, psychiatry services, consultation, and outreach activities. We work collaboratively with students to identify goals and determine the most effective treatment options.
Counseling & Psychological Services and its providers are committed to the intersection between mental health and social justice. We recognize the impact that prejudice, racism, stereotyping, violence, economic inequality and discrimination have on mental health and well-being and strive to create space that is affirming, inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and the larger campus community.
location
Counseling & Psychological Services Center
2nd Floor, Gove Student Health Center
107 Gray Drive, Greensboro, NC 27412
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 Ph.D., 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 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 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!
Graduate Trainees
Graduate Trainee
Trin Dixon (They/Them)
Hello! I am a second-year student in the Master’s of Clinical Mental Health program here at UNCG. As a counselor, I utilize a feminist, existential, and solution-focused approach, which means I take into account and honor all identities to help my clients explore what matters most in life while working together to build solutions to the ebbs and flows of life. I welcome all identities into the counseling space such as race, gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and immigration status, knowing that oppression as a result of these identities can be harmful to our mental health. As a Black non-binary lesbian, I know firsthand how impactful these systems of oppression can be.
I speak Spanish at an advanced level and have worked with both monolingual and bilingual Spanish speakers in a research setting. I also worked for a labor union helping predominately Black workers experiencing extreme poverty. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, singing, and writing poetry. As a counselor, it would be an honor to accompany you on your healing journey. I look forward to working together!
Graduate Trainee
Courtney C. Pate, M.Ed. (She/Her/Hers)
No matter your age, major, or personal circumstances, your time here at UNCG is filled with transitions! Small or large, simple or complex, these experiences often bring mixed emotions, and I want you to know that your feelings are entirely valid! Seeking support through your journey is a courageous step towards empowerment and self-fulfillment. I aim to create an open, supportive, affirming space that gives you the freedom to authentically share without fear of judgment. My approach is strengths-based, person-centered, and collaborative, allowing you to explore what is important to you. People describe me as encouraging and a good listener, and I love helping others discover what makes them truly happy. I am excited and honored to partner with you in navigating all that life has in store during your time here at the G!
I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from George Mason University and an M.Ed. in Learning and Behavioral Disorders from the University of Lynchburg. I have extensive experience supporting students with neurodivergence, as well as those with learning and emotional challenges. I am a second-year student in the Joint Master of Social Work (JMSW) program at UNCG and NCA&T, graduating in Spring 2025. I hope to begin a PhD program in Social Work in Fall 2025. In my spare time, I enjoy thrifting with my family and playing with my pets. Additionally, I am an avid potter with ADD who happily bounces from one artistic obsession to the next.
Graduate Trainee
Emmy Soll (She/her/hers)
Hi! I am a second-year graduate student in UNCG’s Clinical Mental Health Master’s Program. I have a BA in Psychology and French from Oberlin College.
My counseling interests lie in helping students tackle concerns related to self-care, communication, self-awareness, interpersonal dynamics, stress management, and social justice. My ultimate goal is to help students understand their life experiences and find meaning in them. In my free time, I love reading, writing, and hanging out with my puppy.
Graduate Trainee
Quentin Watkins (He/Him)
As an experienced Mental Health Clinician joining the Counseling & Psychological Services team at UNC Greensboro, I bring over a decade of experience serving diverse populations, including individuals, families, and adolescents. My expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing underpins my commitment to delivering high-quality, ethical care to the UNCG community.
My approach emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and empathetic communication. I focus on developing personalized treatment plans, developing strong therapeutic bonds with my clients, and providing crisis intervention, in an effort to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
Passionate about therapeutic mentorship and behavior management, I strive to create a safe, confidential space where students can explore challenges and work towards personal growth. As a clinical trainee in my final year of the Joint Masters in Clinical Social Work program at UNCG and NC A&T, I am eager to further develop my clinical skillset and contribute to the multicultural clinical practice at CAPS.
I look forward to supporting the well-being of UNCG students and helping them unlock their full potential through our therapeutic relationships
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Counseling Center Office Manager
Josh Mosher (he, him, his)
Hello! I began work at UNCG’s Psychological and Counseling Services in October 2023. Before working at the UNCG Counseling Center, I graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2022. When I moved to Greensboro, I knew that UNCG was where I wanted to be. Being a part of a team with many strengths and areas of expertise was my focus when searching for a career, and I am happy to say that I found that here! In my free time I enjoy playing sports, watching TV, and being around family and friends. Go Spartans!
Administrative Assistant
Joanne Wilkinson
Administrative Assistant
Carolyn Richardson
counseling & psychological services
ADDRESS:
2nd Floor, Gove Student Health Services
107 Gray Drive, Greensboro, NC 27412
PHONE: 336.334.5874
quick links
social media
@uncg_counselingservices