About Us

The University of Memphis Student Health and Counseling Services is here to help students be the best version of themselves by providing prevention, outreach, intervention, and postvention services to the campus community. Our comprehensive and holistic student academic success agency is committed to student learning as well as assisting students in actualizing their maximum potential. We are committed to the overall development of University of Memphis students.

Our staff works to provide personalized health and psychological services in addition to outreach, engagement and prevention efforts to address all areas of wellness. There is no problem too small or too big to bring to the Counseling Center or to the Student Health Center. We have diverse staff and trainees that work to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and multiculturally sensitive to all students. 

Student Health and Counseling Services is also a professionally staffed practicum and doctoral internship training facility for graduate students in counseling, counseling psychology, clinical psychology and social work. Services are accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS), and the doctoral internship in health service psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Student Health and Counseling Services Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Linh P. Luu, Ph.D., HSP
Executive 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 Executive 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 the 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., HSP 
Associate Director and Training Director
dccarden@memphis.edu  

Dr. Chris Carden is an Associate Director and is the Training Director at Student Health and Counseling Services here at The University of Memphis.  Dr. Carden is a Health Service Psychologist and received his Ph.D. from Auburn University’s APA-Accredited Counseling Psychology training program in 2009. Dr. Carden also completed an APA-Accredited Doctoral Psychology Internship from 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 be working with trainees and students at Student Health and Counseling Services at The University of Memphis.

Victoria Jones, LCSW
Assistant Director of Outreach and Prevention
vmaher@memphis.edu 

Victoria is a licensed clinical social worker and 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 Assistant Director for Outreach and Prevention 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, couples therapy, and mindfulness. 

Len Getz, DNP-PMH, MSN, FNP-BC
Medical Director and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Len Nobert Getz is a board-certified nurse practitioner in family medicine and psychiatric/mental health.  Dr. Getz serves as the Medical Director of the Student Health and Counseling Services Center at the University of Memphis.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Union University and the Baptist School of Nursing.  Dr. Getz received her Master of Science in Nursing Practice in 1998 and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a concentration in psychiatry and mental health from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences in Memphis in 2013.  Dr. Getz currently serves on the Advisory Board of the American Nursing Credentialing Center and has served as its chairman during 2023.  After completing her Doctorate in 2013, Dr. Getz opened her own practice to holistically treat the whole person for both internal medicine and mental health needs.

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 in faith-based counseling and crisis intervention. She truly enjoys her work with students as they navigate the complex demands of life and attain 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 a trained QPR Gatekeeper and Certified Men’s Health Educator. She is a native Memphian who truly enjoys helping people.

Jameice DeCoster-Edmunds, PsyD, MA, MPH
Staff Psychologist 
jtdcster@memphis.edu

Jameice is a psychologist 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 also earned 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 to help them develop and maintain mental skills techniques and optimize their performance. She also enjoys working with historically underrepresented college students, and couples. Her professional interests include the connection between the mind and body and how it can impact your life, multiculturalism, adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, and social justice. In her free time, she loves to rest and watch her favorite sitcoms: Martin, King of Queens, and Black-ish and her favorite food is pizza.  

Ce'Ne Harris, Ph.D., M.S.
Staff Psychologist 
cnhrris8@memphis.edu

Ce’Ne Harris earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Jackson State University – APA accredited program and completed her pre-doctoral internship training with the University of Memphis Counseling Center. She is a native of New Orleans, LA. She completed her B.S. in psychology at Louisiana State University and her Master of Science in clinical psychology at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Dr. Harris has clinical experience working with veterans, college students, and adults. Her areas of clinical interest include trauma, crisis, resilience, and social justice. She hopes to continue her training by obtaining certifications in CPT, EMDR, and TF-CBT. Her research interests are poverty, trauma, crisis, and resilience, specifically how the intersection of the three illustrates potential PTSD symptomatology in impoverished communities. Additionally, Dr. Harris has also worked with the United States Corps of Engineers – Coastal Hydraulics Laboratory and the University of Alabama to conduct research regarding the psychological impacts of coastal and compound flooding.    

Madison Neel-Nicely, LMSW
Case Manager and Staff Therapist
mbneel@memphis.edu

Madison Neel-Nicely (She/Her/Hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker serving as the Counseling Center's Case Manager and Therapist. She earned her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a particular interest in Art Therapy. Madison earned an MSW from the University of Memphis School of Social Work. Madison is currently collecting hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. As a Case Manager, Madison is passionate about helping Counseling Center clients obtain the care that may need outside of the University. This could mean problem-solving with students about the level of mental health support that meets their needs and navigating insurance coverage/lack of insurance coverage. As a Therapist, Madison's clinical focus includes but is not limited to, trauma, maternal mental health concerns, neurodivergent clients(ADHD/ASD), generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. Madison especially enjoys working with college students, as college is often the time for redefining values and identity. Madison is motivated by the continual effort needed to promote multiculturalism and to foster LGBTQIA+-affirming space for the U of M community and beyond.

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.

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

Kelsey Hoover is an administrative associate 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. 
Administrative 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 various duties around the department. Her passion for helping students is what makes a positive impact on the Counseling Center and work environment. 

Courtland Douglas, M.A.
Psychology Intern

Courtland Douglas (he/him/his) is a Counseling Psychology doctoral intern from Howard University. He received his Master of Arts in Community-Clinical Psychology from Texas Southern University and his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University. His previous experiences include providing psychotherapy and conducting psychological assessments in various settings, including university counseling centers, private practices, and an outpatient mental health clinic. Courtland’s clinical interests include multiculturalism (e.g., ethnic identity, sexual and romantic orientation, gender identity, etc.), psychological assessment, depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, ADHD, interpersonal issues, and relationship patterns.

Abigail Gala, M.A.
Psychology Intern

Abigail Gala is a doctoral psychology intern at the University of Memphis Student Health and Counseling Center. She completed her B.S. in psychology at the University of Memphis and a Master of Arts in psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she is also completing her Ph.D. in counseling psychology. Abigail has experience working at a college counseling center, a university medical center, and a residential treatment facility. She has experience working with a myriad of presenting concerns, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. Abigail’s clinical interests include social justice, burnout, chronic health conditions, mood disorders, and trauma.

Jennifer Paige, M.A.
Psychology Intern

Jennifer Paige is a doctoral intern at the University of Memphis Student Health and Counseling Center. She earned her B.A. from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. She earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, where she will also receive her doctoral degree next spring. Jennifer’s prior work experience includes university counseling, private practice, integrated behavioral health, and psychological testing. She practices through an interpersonal, person-centered, and psychodynamic lens while continually striving for cultural sensitivity in her practice. She has clinical experience working with college students, adults, couples, and children. Her clinical interests include identity development, life transitions, self-esteem, stress management, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal relationship difficulties, and women’s issues.  

Wadzie Chikungwa, M.A.
Psychology Intern

Wadzie Chikungwa is a 5th-year student earning her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Biola University. She received her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding University and her B.A. in Psychology from Hendrix College. Wadzie is from Zimbabwe, and she has lived in Memphis, TN, Los Angeles, CA, and Conway, AR. In therapy, Wadzie is particularly curious about the individual or couple’s cultural context, resources, and current needs. Her areas of interest include interpersonal difficulties, spiritual trauma, cross-cultural adjustment, career counseling, and identity development issues. Wadzie’s research interests include gender dynamics and racial dynamics in various communities, existential anxiety, and social connectedness. She is an advocate for international students, immigrants, and other Third Culture Kids.

Health Center Staff

Aprille Abston-Turns, APN, MSN, RN
Nurse Practitioner
Associate Director, Health Center
Aprille.A@memphis.edu 

Aprille is a Memphis native and University of Memphis alumni. Aprille is a certified Advanced Practice Nurse, specializing in Family Practice. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Memphis in 1998.  She then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University in 2002. She maintains certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Before coming to the University of Memphis Student Health Center in 2017, she practiced in Family and Internal Medicine for five years, followed by 10 years of practice working in the specialty of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.  She enjoys working with the college health population and is happy to be back at her alma mater. 

Chelsea Schmidt, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
cschmdt2@memphis.edu 

Chelsea Schmidt is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013. She then worked as a Registered Nurse in critical care and perioperative services. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Texas Woman’s University in 2017 and worked in primary care for 3 years. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2021 from Murray State University. She joined the team at Student Health Services at the University of Memphis in 2019.

Karen Berry, MLT, ASCP
Medical Laboratory and X-Ray Technician
krberry@memphis.edu 

Karen Berry Is a Medical Laboratory Technician / Radiology Tech with 17 years of service in a medical office setting at U of M.  She has earned a BA in Sociology from the University of Memphis and is dedicated to the student.  Karen has 30 years of experience in medical laboratories, all in Memphis area hospitals and physicians’ medical offices.    

Debbie Widman, BPS, MBA, MPS 
Administrative Associate II
dwidman@memphis.edu 

Over the past 19 years, Debbie Widman has been committed to assisting students with a vast array of healthcare and health-related registration issues.  Ms. Widman is an alumnus of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Professional Studies in Human Resource Leadership.  An advocate of lifelong learning, Ms. Widman earned her Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from the University of Texas and utilizes her skills to support the strategic mission of the University of Memphis and the Student Health Center.   

 Andrella Maclin
Certified Medical Assistant
Laboratory Assistant
lmaclin2@memphis.edu 

Andrella Maclin earned her Certification from Concorde Career Institute and serves as a Certified Medical Assistant, lab technician, triage(nursing), front office, and dispensary professional at the Student Health Center. In this role, she conducts lab screening tests including COVID testing, clerical, pharmacy dispensary, and nursing. She has over 23 years of experience in the medical field from medical assisting, x-ray, phlebotomy, triage, EKG, and medical office. 

Brittney Smith-Jones, LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse
bnsmith3@memphis.edu 

Brittney Smith-Jones is a Licensed Practical Nurse. She earned her degree from South Arkansas Community College. She has experience in acute care, long-term care, and home health.

Michelle Wilmer, LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse
mdwilmer@memphis.edu 

Michelle is a Licensed Practical Nurse and graduated from Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria Louisiana in 1987. She has worked in healthcare for 30+ years and has experience in OB/GYN and Research. Michelle has been on the health care medical staff at the UofM for the past 9 years.

Deven Katherine, CPHT
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Medical Office Assistant
Dkthrne1@memphis.edu  

Deven Katherine is a Certified Pharmacy Technician and Medical Office Assistant at the Student Health Center.  She brings over 20 years of experience in Microsoft Office applications, Medical Terminology, Pharmacy Calculations, HIPPA, and Pharmacy Law.  She also has experience in Retail Pharmacy, Mail Order Pharmacy, and Hospice Pharmacy settings. Deven is also a strong advocate for providing all students, patients, and customers with equal quality care.

Nila Lawson
Part-Time Certified Nurse Practitioner
nlawson@memphis.edu 

Bio: Coming soon!

Nita Virdure
Part-Time Licensed Professional Nurse
mvirdure@memphis.edu 

Bio: Coming soon!