Staff

John Ward, Ph.D.

Dr. John Ward began serving as the Director of Student Counseling Service in March, 2018 approximately 15 years after he joined Miami University. Prior to overseeing the SCS's committed and talented team of mental health professionals, he served as Coordinator of Men’s Services, Assistant Director for Clinical Services, and Associate Director. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Comparative Religion from Miami University and a Master of Arts in Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Ward is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Ward’s clinical and professional expertise are in diversity and inclusion, psychological supervision and training, gatekeeper training, as well as establishing campus and community mental health partnerships.

Joshua Abraham, Ph.D.

Joshua Abraham is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Coordinator of Multicultural Services. He received his BA in Psychology from Temple University, his Masters in Clinical Mental Health from West Chester University, and his doctorate in Counselor Education from Old Dominion University. Josh approaches therapy from an integrative perspective combining elements from humanistic-existential therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relational-cultural therapy. His areas of interest include multicultural and diversity issues, gender and sexual identity, mood disorders, relationship issues, and adjustment. In his free time, Josh enjoys music, tv, reading, eating, and podcasts.  

Jennifer Bell, LISW-S

Jennifer Bell is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and staff clinician. She received her MSW from University of Michigan. She practices from a person-centered, integrated approach; using Cognitive Behavioral and Positive Psychology techniques and considering the role of culture in the formation of identity and values. Her clinical interests include working with people with depression, anxiety, identity and family and interpersonal relationship issues. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys cooking, family time and the outdoors. 

Nick Brausch, LISW-S

Nick is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and staff clinician. He uses a variety of treatment methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.  Nick's areas of interest include adjustment, communication, decision making, family conflict, and social challenges.

Maria Carrubba-Whetstine, Ph.D.

Maria is a Licensed Psychologist and the Associate Director for Training Programs. She serves as the Training Director for the APA Accredited Health Service Psychology Doctoral Internship Program and for graduate level training at the practicum level. Maria received her PhD from the University of Missouri-Columbia and she completed her internship at the University of Florida. Maria approaches therapy from a multicultural, relational, and psychodynamic perspective. Her clinical interests include issues of marginalization (especially related to sexual orientation and gender identity), relationship concerns, depression, and self-injury. In her personal time Maria enjoys spending time with her wife, their 4 kids and 5 cats, and a wide variety of artistic endeavors including learning the guitar, knitting, paper crafts, scrapbooking, and sewing.

Josh Demakovsky, Psy.D.

Josh is a Licensed Psychologist. He received his doctorate from Marshall University. He approaches therapy from a Cognitive-Behavioral orientation. Josh's clinical interests include depression, anxiety, and identity development. In his free time, Josh enjoys playing with his dog, cooking and traveling. 

Sami Goodpaster, LPCC

Sami Goodpaster is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She approaches therapy from an eclectic perspective combining elements from feminist theory, person- centered, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and multicultural therapy. Her areas of interest include multicultural and diversity issues, gender and sexual identity, anxiety, depression, and adjustment.

Nicole Parish, LPCC

Nicole Parish is a staff clinician and a licensed professional clinical counselor. She utilizes a collaborative and supportive approach to therapy, highlighting one’s personal values, strengths, emotions, and relationships. Her clinical interests include anxiety disorders (specifically social anxiety), interpersonal stress, adjustment and life transition concerns, and exploring existential questions. She enjoys utilizing art to explore a client’s mental health, and holds a strong value in supporting the LGBTQ+ community as well. In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with friends, trying new food, reading, creating art, and journaling.

Kristen Reser, Ph.D.**

Kristen is a Licensed Psychologist in Counseling Psychology. She received her doctorate from Ball State University, and completed her doctoral internship at Ohio University Counseling and Psychological Services. Her therapy approach integrates cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and feminist approaches. Her clinical interests include trauma, anxiety and affective disorders, and identity concerns, though she enjoys working with a wide range of people and presenting concerns. In her personal time, Kristen enjoys reading, creative writing, and gardening. 

Saúl Rivera, Ph.D.

Saúl is a Licensed Psychologist and our Associate Director for Clinical Services and Technology. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Andrews University and completed his doctoral internship at The Ohio State University Counseling and Consultation Service. He also holds a masters degree in Theology, a second masters in Community Counseling. Saúl approaches therapy from an integrative perspective combining culturally responsive elements from cognitive-behavioral and humanistic-existential therapy. His areas of interest include multicultural and diversity issues, social justice issues, suicide prevention, integration of spirituality and religious issues in psychotherapy, group therapy, and supervision. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling, camping, and vacationing. 

Nancy Roane, MSW, LSW

Nancy is a Licensed Social Worker and the Care Coordinator for Student Counseling Service. She manages community referrals and assures continuity of care for students. Nancy received her Master of Social Work from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Nancy approaches therapy and clinical case management from a relational, psychodynamic, and humanistic perspective. Her clinical interests include grief, chronic pain, work stress, despair, and issues arising from social marginalization. In her free time, Nancy enjoys reading, creative writing, and hiking.  

Meg Rose, MSS, LISW

Meg Rose is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and staff clinician. Meg received her Master of Social Service from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and completed her clinical fellowship at University of Cincinnati Counseling and Psychological Services. Meg approaches therapy from a trauma-informed, relational and psychodynamic orientation, is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), utilizes a liberation psychology lens and also incorporates mindfulness and ACT techniques. Her clinical interests include Queer and Trans identities, interpersonal concerns, anxiety, trauma, and group therapy. In her free time, Meg enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing board games and going on bird walks.

Rebecca Stone, Ph.D.**

Rebecca is a Licensed Psychologist and coordinator of Group therapy. She received her doctorate from Ball State University. Rebecca approaches therapy from an interpersonal, multicultural, and systems perspective. Her clinical interests include issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, concerns related to trauma, and general identity concerns. 

Aroosa Syed, Psy.D. 

Aroosa Syed is a Staff Clinician. She approaches therapy from an integrative perspective emphasizing cognitive behavioral, feminist, multicultural, interpersonal process and psychodynamic perspective. Her clinical interests include trauma, anxiety, depression, multicultural identity formation and adjustment struggles (especially related to international students). Aroosa also provides therapy in Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi.

Katherine Tylinski, Psy.D.

Katherine Tylinski is a licensed psychologist and the Coordinator of Clinical Services for Student Athletes. She approaches therapy from a cognitive-behavioral perspective and integrates other interventions as needed. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationship concerns, injury recovery, athletic adjustment, burnout, and working with student athletes.

Melanie Rose Y. Uy, Psy.D.

Melanie is a Licensed Psychologist and the Associate Director for Multicultural Initiatives, as well as coordinator of the dog therapy program. She received her doctorate from Xavier University and completed her doctoral internship at Clemson University Counseling and Psychological Services. Melanie approaches therapy from a cognitive-behavioral orientation, is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), utilizes a multicultural lens and also incorporates techniques from ACT, interpersonal, and solution-focused therapy. Her clinical interests include anxiety, adjustment, interpersonal concerns, identity and cultural issues or exploration, skill-building, and outreach/consultation. In her personal time, Melanie enjoys all things food related (e.g. baking, cooking, and finding new restaurants), spending time with her therapy dog (Poppy), friends, family and her dog clients.  

Laura Wonsik, M.A., PCC-S

Laura is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a supervisory designation and is the Coordinator of Gatekeeper Programs. She received her Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Xavier University in 2009 and her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Hispanic Studies from Earlham College in 2005. Laura approaches therapy from a systemic and existential perspective and utilizes humanistic psychology and psychoeducation to empower clients to wellness. She has a special clinical interest in OCD, anxiety disorders and relationship challenges. In her personal time, Laura enjoys crafting and spending time with her family and friends.

Jennifer Young, Ph.D.**

Jennifer is a Licensed Psychologist and the Associate Director for Community Engagement. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron. Her clinical interests include adjustment to college; relationship concerns; identity issues; social justice; working with survivors of interpersonal violence and trauma; supervision/training of mental health professionals; and consultation issues. Jennifer uses a variety of approaches in therapy including feminist, cognitive-behavioral, multicultural, interpersonal, and trauma-based interventions including EMDR. In her personal time, Jennifer enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with family, friends, and any type of animal!

Current Interns

Kellen Crager, M.S.

Kellen Crager is a Psychology Intern. He practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Exposure and Response Prevention for clients with primarily OCD related concerns. His clinical interests include OCD, chronic pain/illness, eating concerns, and anxiety. In his free time, he enjoys practicing Muay Thai, annoying his wife, chilling with his dog and three cats, reading, and watching YouTube. 

Britney Flowers, M.A.

Britney Flowers is a Psychology Intern. She approaches therapy from an integrated perspective with a focus on cognitive, interpersonal, and humanistic approaches. Her clinical interests include trauma, interpersonal difficulties, identity development, mood disorders, substance use, and existential concerns. In her free time, Britney enjoys hanging out with Peanut (dog), hiking and reading books. 

Lilliona Iddings, Psy.M.

Lilliona Iddings is a Psychology Intern. She approaches therapy from an integrative perspective emphasizing cognitive behavioral theory and interpersonal process. Her clinical interests include mood and anxiety disorders, OCD and related disorders, relationship issues, communication and boundary issues, adjustment struggles (especially related to first generation college students), and concerns related to religion/spirituality. In her free time, Lilliona enjoys reading, watching movies, and hanging out with family, friends, and her two dogs. 

Jack Seelye, M.A.

Jack Seelye is a Psychology Intern. He approaches therapy from an interpersonal and multicultural perspective. His clinical interests include mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, imposterism, relationship concerns, issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation, and men's mental health. In his free time, Jack enjoys playing D&D, hanging out with Beef (cat) and Kylo (dog) and cross stitching. 

Support Staff

Tonia Farthing

Tonia is the SCS Administrative Assistant, and has been at Miami since 2007. Outside of work, she is dedicated to her husband, children and her four grandchildren. Tonia enjoys spending time with her family, and likes being outside and reading.

Andrea Batdorf

Andrea is the SCS Program Associate, she has been at Miami since 2000. Andrea is an Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and moonlights at Oxford Urgent Care. She enjoys her family & pets, outdoor activities & arts and crafts.

Kellee Avery

Kellee is the SCS Program Associate. She has been with Miami since 2014. Kellee is a graduate of Miami University ’12 with a Baccalaureate in Integrative Studies and minors in Gerontology and Criminology. Kellee is also pursuing a graduate degree in Educational Psychology. She enjoys spending time with her two children, grandson and and two dogs Chloe & Remi.