Counseling Center Staff

DIRECTOR

Dr. Linh Luu

Linh P. Luu, Ph.D., HSP
Director, Student Health and Counseling Services
lluu1@memphis.edu

Dr. Linh Luu is a licensed psychologist – Health Service Provider, PSYPACT Credentialed, and serves as the Director of Student Health and Counseling Services. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Lehigh University APA-Accredited program. Her scholarly interests include advocacy, issues of equity and health disparities, and multicultural competency in clinical supervision. Clinically, she has special interests in working with clients with trauma and grief, multicultural issues, identity development issues, and LGBTQ+ clients. With a strong background and a great passion for community and college mental health, Dr. Luu leads Student Health and Counseling Services from a place of compassion, with a culturally responsive and data-driven approach. Currently serving on editorial boards of the Journal of College Counseling, the Asian American Journal of Psychology, and The Counseling Psychologist, Dr. Luu has been recognized by the American Psychological Association - Society of Counseling Psychology and Society for the Psychology of Women for her scholarship, leadership, and service. She is President-Elect of the Society for the Psychology of Women.

Counseling Center Staff

Carl Gilleylen, PsyD, HSP
Associate Director
cgillyln@memphis.edu

Dr. Carl Gilleylen is a licensed psychologist and graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychological from West Chester University in West Chester, PA, and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. He has over 30 years of experience working in a variety of settings which include residential treatment, psychiatric hospital, community hospital psychiatric unit, community mental health, university counseling centers and private practice. His theoretical foundations are rooted in family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, transtheoretical, psycho-dynamic, person-centered and mindfulness approaches. In practice, he strives to deliver culturally sensitive interventions and treatment that recognize, respect, and incorporate the client’s cultural background. He specializes in treating client problems like depression, anxiety, family issues, relationship issues, social problems, low self-esteem, grief and loss and adjustment.

Chris Carden, Ph.D.
Associate Director
dccarden@memphis.edu

Dr. Chris Carden is a Health Services Provider-Psychologist, who received his Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University in Psychology, and received his Ph.D. from Auburn University’s APA-Accredited Counseling Psychology training program in 2009. Dr. Carden completed an APA-Accredited Doctoral Psychology Internship at Appalachian State University’s Counseling Center in Boone, NC. Dr. Carden has worked as a Senior Staff Psychologist at Appalachian State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services and at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Counseling and Psychological Services. He was also a Psychologist and the Training Director for the APA-Accredited Doctoral Psychology Internship at North Carolina State University’s Counseling Center in Raleigh, NC for 8 years, where he created the Doctoral Psychology Internship Program. His scholarly interests include relational cultural theory, supervision and training, psychotherapy impacts on the brain, intentional use of theory to guide psychotherapy treatment, and liberation psychology approaches to conflict management. His theoretical approach to treating psychological distress is Time Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (gentle and authentic interrupting of unhelpful patterns in thought process and interpersonal interactions, so that the client has a different experience of themselves and others) with the integration of relational cultural theory so that culturally sensitive care is tailored to and provided to each client. Dr. Carden has specific interests in working with clients who are experiencing trauma, relationship distress (romantic, familial, friendship, professional, and academic relationships), suicidality, depression, anxiety, identity concerns, low self-esteem, low self-compassion, grief and loss, and Dr. Carden also provides couples therapy. With over 15 years of Counseling Center experience, Dr. Carden is happy to join the Counseling Center at the University of Memphis.

Victoria Jones, LCSW
Staff Mental Health Counselor | Outreach Coordinator
vmaher@memphis.edu

Victoria is an Illinois native of the greater Chicagoland area but has lived in Memphis for over 10 years. She earned her B.A in psychology, minoring in sociology, and her MSW with a concentration in advanced practice with children, youth, & families both from the University of Memphis. She is an LCSW with over 8 years of clinical experience ranging from a variety of settings including university counseling centers, behavioral health hospitals, integrated behavioral health clinics, and private practice. In her role as the Outreach Coordinator for SHCS, she oversees all of the department’s programming, prevention, and training efforts for the campus community including the Relaxation Zone/Oasis Room program and the undergraduate internship program. Victoria is an EMDR trained therapist, TF-CBT trained, QPR certified trainer, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certified, and Suicide to Hope Certified. Her areas of interest and expertise include trauma, grief and loss, sports psychology and performance, identity and self esteem issues, social justice, suicide prevention, and mindfulness.

Artice Carter, LCSW
Staff Mental Health Counselor
acarter@memphis.edu

Artice Carter is a licensed clinical social worker and serves as a Mental Health Counselor in the department of Student Health and Counseling Services. She earned her M.S.W. in Social Work and B.P.S. in Nonprofit Development and Administration, both from the University of Memphis (Go Tigers!). She has a combined 6 years of experience working in community mental health, hospital, and university settings. She is certified in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for trauma treatment with additional clinical interests of faith-based counseling and crisis intervention. She truly enjoys her work with students as they navigate the complex demands of life and attaining mental wellness, alongside their academic pursuits.

David Deason, PhD., HSP
Staff Psychologist
ddeason1@memphis.edu

Dr. Deason is one of the staff psychologists at the University of Memphis Counseling Center. Dr. Deason earned his B.S. in psychology from the University of Alabama and his M.S. and Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Deason has experience in residential treatment, private practice, teaching, and counseling in a university setting. His specialties include assessment, ADHD, personality disorders, suicide prevention, trauma and anxiety disorders. Dr. Deason provides counseling to students, supervises doctoral interns, and provides outreach to the university community.

Andre Austell, Psy.D
Staff Psychologist
a.austell@memphis.edu

Dr. Austell is a Staff Psychologist with Student Health and Counseling Services. Dr. Austell received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Missouri, MS.Ed. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and his PsyD. in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University’s APA-Accredited program. His clinical focus areas include Clinical Sport Psychology (including performance enhancement and mental skills training), multicultural issues, ADHD, learning disabilities, psychological assessment, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal challenges/dynamics.

Tiffany Burks-Sanders, LMSW
Wellness and Engagement Counselor
tiffany.b@memphis.edu

Tiffany Burks-Sanders is a Licensed Master Social Worker and serves as the Wellness and Engagement Counselor in the department of Student Health and Counseling Services. She earned her B.P.S. in Health Services Administration and her MSW with a concentration in advanced practice with children, youth, & families both from the University of Memphis (Go Tigers!). She has over 10 years of healthcare experience and is a health educator with certifications as a CDC Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach, Living Well with Chronic Disease Facilitator, and Diabetes Self-Management Education/Support (DSMES) educator. Tiffany is Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certified, a trained QPR Gatekeeper, and Certified Men’s Health Educator. She is a native Memphian who truly enjoys helping people.

Erin Cox, LPC
Part Time Therapist
emcox@memphis.edu

Erin Marie Cox is a Licensed Professional Counselor serving as a mental health counselor at the University of Memphis Counseling Center. She earned her MA in Counseling from Liberty University in 2013. She has 9 years of experience providing services to individuals and families. Her primary area of focus includes depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, adoption/foster care, relationship conflict, domestic violence, and navigating major life transitions. Erin believes growth flourishes in an environment of compassion, acceptance, and understanding.

Tiffany France, LPC-MHSP
Part Time Therapist
tiffany.france@memphis.edu

Tiffany France serves as a mental health counselor in the University of Memphis Counseling Center. She earned her MA in Counseling from Harding School of Theology in 2016 where her training dually focused on professional counseling and marriage and family therapy. She has 6 years of experience providing counseling services to adolescents and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance use disorders, and family conflict. Tiffany’s clinical interests include autism and ADHD, relationships and communication, gender and sexuality, and navigating major life transitions.

Ricci A. Hellman, EdD, LPC, BC-TMH
Part Time Therapist
rhellman@memphis.edu

Ricci Hellman (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Telemental Health provider. She serves as a mental health counselor in the University of Memphis Counseling Center. Ricci earned her BA in Anthropology/Sociology at Rhodes College. She earned her MS in Counseling and EdD in Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research at the University of Memphis (Go Tigers Go!). Ricci has over 30 years of experience providing counseling services to an eclectic clientele. Ricci is a member of the LGBTQIA population. She has experience helping individuals with mood disorders, body image, addiction and substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma, family of origin concerns, and gender identity needs. Ricci believes that healing and growth are possible – we are all on our own journeys through life. Ricci is ready to help you with your journey.

Kelsey Hoover, B.A.
Administrative Assistant
kstwart5@memphis.edu

Kelsey Hoover is an administrative assistant for Student Health and Counseling Services. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Memphis and has almost five years of experience working at the University. Kelsey provides administrative support to the Counseling Center staff and assists with monitoring the departmental budget. She is one of the first points of contact at the Counseling Center and helps students with getting set up for services.

Shatari Smith, B.A.
Adminstrative Assistant
Slsmth34@memphis.edu

Shatari Smith serves as the Administrator Assistant for the Student Health and Counseling Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis (Go Tigers!). Shatari provides support to students and staff with varies of duties around the department. Her passion for helping students is what makes a positive impact on the Counseling Center and work environment.

Jameice DeCoster-Edmunds, MA, MPH
Psychology Intern

Jameice is a fifth-year doctoral intern at the University of Memphis Counseling Center. She earned her B.S. in psychology from Virginia Tech, her MPH from Thomas Jefferson University, and her MA from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC where she is also earning her PsyD in clinical psychology. Her previous experiences include working at a college counseling center, private practice, and neuropsychology testing center. She enjoys working with student-athletes, historically underrepresented college students, and couples. Her professional interests include multiculturalism, adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, and social justice.

Ce'Ne Harris, M.S.
Psychology Intern

Ce’Ne Harris is a doctoral Psychology Intern from Jackson State University. She is a native of New Orleans, LA. She completed her B.S. in psychology at Louisiana State University and Master of Science in clinical psychology at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Ce’Ne has clinical experience working with veterans, college students, and adults. Her areas of clinical interest include trauma, crisis, resilience, social justice. She hopes to continue her training through obtaining certifications in CPT, EMDR, and TF-CBT. Ce'Ne's research interests are poverty, trauma, and resilience, specifically how the intersection of the three illustrate potential PTSD symptomatology in impoverished communities.

Stephanie Sarkodie, M.S.
Psychology Intern

Stephanie Sarkodie is one of the psychology interns at the University of Memphis Counseling Center. She earned her B.A. in psychology from Lycoming College and received an M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy and in General Psychology from Albizu University. She is a registered marriage and family intern with the state of Florida. She is currently a 5th year student at Albizu University within the APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology program (Psy.D). Stephanie has experience working with varying age groups within residential treatment facilities, outpatient home-based services, university counseling centers, community mental health centers and hospitals. Her areas of interest include assessment, ADHD/SLD, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, identity confusion, self-esteem concerns, interpersonal issues and adjustment disorders.

Whitney Wyatt, M.Ed.
Psychology Intern

Whitney is a doctoral candidate at Tennessee State University in the Counseling Psychology program and she serves as a Psychology Resident at the counseling center at University of Memphis. Whitney received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and her Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Whitney has been practicing mental health counseling for 10 years and has provided therapy for children, adolescents, families, adults, and college students. She has experience in suicide prevention and has been a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention gatekeeper trainer. She also has worked with intimate partner violence survivors, sexual assault survivors, childhood trauma, substance use, crisis intervention, and treatment of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Whitney has worked with community agencies providing intensive outpatient groups for eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse in teens. She has a vast range of interests from psychological testing to advocacy for marginalized people. She is an advocate for Black women’s mental health and has research interests in understanding how sociopolitical factors impact the psychological wellbeing of Black women.