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
COUNSELING STAFF
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.
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!
For over 28 years, I’ve helped people work through a variety of struggles, and one thing I’ve learned is that there is no single path to healing. That’s why I tailor therapy to fit you, your story, your goals, and what works best for your life.
I bring warmth, authenticity, humor, and compassion into each session, creating a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel understood, supported, and encouraged to discover their own strengths.
My approach to therapy is creative and engaging. Whether it’s through practical strategies, between-session exercises, identifying sources of hope, or simply creating a welcoming environment with aromatherapy, stress-relieving toys, and a touch of comfort, I aim to make the therapeutic process both meaningful and effective.
My background as a ballet dancer gives me a deep appreciation for the discipline, dedication, and resilience required of performing artists. I have a special passion for working with performers as they manage the challenges of training, performance, perfectionism, and life beyond the stage.
Outside the office, you’ll often find me exploring new destinations with my husband and finding inspiration through travel.
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.
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!
staff counselor
Jerrica Royal, MS, LCMHC
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”-Dr. Maya Angelou
I look forward to providing counseling support to students during this exciting and at times stressful period of their lives. I joined the Counseling & Psychological Services team in June 2025 as a mental health counselor. I completed my graduate studies at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and my undergraduate studies at UNC-Greensboro. My therapeutic approach is to first create a supportive, affirming space where students feel valued and empowered to be their authentic selves. My style of counseling is person centered and rooted in the belief that every student has the capacity for growth & resilience. In my free time, I enjoy going on nature walks, traveling, eating new foods, and spending time with family and friends.
staff counselor
Vanessa Fox, MA, LCMHC (she/her/hers)
Hi there. I joined Counseling and Psychological Services as a therapist in September 2024. Attending therapy can be rewarding but it can also be scary and exhausting. It’s my job to help you feel safe and understood as you work through moments of struggle and suffering. In therapy sessions I invite students to compassionately explore one’s inner world to better understand and adjust old behaviors that have previously helped one survive. I often encourage homework assignments between sessions to experiment with new ways of thinking and functioning. When I’m not at work, I enjoy hiking and playing pickleball.
staff counselor
Sophia Cross, MA, LCMHCA, NCC (she/her/hers)
Choosing to seek support is an act of courage. I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Sophia, and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. I completed my Master of Arts at Appalachian State University, along with a certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy, and joined UNCG Counseling and Psychological Services in January 2026. I believe that healing happens in supportive and compassionate relationships, and I’m here to walk alongside you through whatever challenges you’re facing. Together, we’ll explore ways to build self-compassion, strengthen your inner resilience, and move toward the life you desire. It’s an honor to be part of your journey, and I’m committed to showing up with cultural humility, authenticity, and deep care. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, adventuring outside with my loved ones, cooking, and spending time with my dog!
Staff Social Worker
Erin M. Dickerson, MSW, LCSW (she/her/hers)
My name is Erin Dickerson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Brainspotting Therapist. I completed my Master of Social Work through the Joint Social Work Program with UNCG and A&T in 2021 and joined UNCG Counseling and Psychological Services in February 2026. I also attended UNCG for my Bachelor’s in Social Work. Historically, I have worked in many environments such as Facility Based Crisis, Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, and Outpatient therapy.
My approach to counseling is a combination of many theoretical approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting and Narrative therapy, depending on what you’re facing. It is my goal for YOU to be the leader within the therapy room and for me to walk alongside you. I work with individuals with a wide range of issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, stress management, obsessive compulsive disorder, low self-esteem, and transition related struggles. I am eager to embark on this journey of empowerment with you!
Outside of my professional role, I enjoy making pottery, spending time with my family and dog, as well as traveling.
graduate trainees
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Administrative support specialist
Ilysia Pitzer (she/her/hers)
Thank you for being here! I joined UNCG’s Mental Health & Well-Being team in June 2026, providing support to various departments within Student Health Services. I love creating spaces where people feel heard, seen, and valued – don’t be afraid to do so too! I attended UNC Charlotte for my dual Bachelor’s in English and Writing, Rhetoric, & Digital Studies. In my free time, I’m often writing poetry, enjoying the company of my dogs, or reading a good book in a cozy space.
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