Meet the Team

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I am excited to be working with the Center for Student Counseling and our amazing team. Counseling is my passion, and I spend most of my time teaching in the counselor education master’s program here at Purdue Fort Wayne. I teach both school counseling and mental-health counseling classes, including Essential Counseling Skills, Practicum and Internship, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Addiction and Trauma Counseling, School Counseling Leadership, Multicultural Counseling, and Counseling Theory. In my role as interim associate vice chancellor for student wellness, I work with the Division of Enrollment Management and the Student Experience to oversee the center, as well as the Office of Student Conduct and Care, Disability Access Center, and Wellness and Recreation. I know that college is both an incredible and stressful time in life, whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, traditional, nontraditional, or international student. My goal for the center is that we will work hard to help all students thrive, both academically and personally. We want to assist you in creating a life that feels intentional and meaningful, while also promoting your overall wellness and happiness. I supervise our therapists and help with training, consultation, and walk-in counseling services, but do not take scheduled student appointments at this time. When I am not on campus, I love spending time with my family and friends (and my very klutzy standard poodle), being outside, swimming, kayaking, reading, watching movies, and traveling.

Education

• University of Toledo, Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision
• Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, M.S. in Counseling
• The College of William and Mary, B.S. in Psychology

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I am a Fort Wayne native and a graduate of Purdue Fort Wayne. I have been practicing since 2019 and am a licensed couples and family therapist. I have training in motivational interviewing, emotionally focused couples therapy, solution-focused techniques, and think within a systems lens. I use an eclectic, strength-based, student-centered treatment approach. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, compassion, and patience. I recognize that each student holds unique identities that inform their experiences. I am committed to growing in cultural humility, antiracism, and support for those experiencing marginalization. By providing a safe, nonjudgmental space, I hope to support you in your mental wellness journey. I look forward to collaborating with you to gain insight into your life and create positive change so that the world will seem brighter, and you will feel ready to tackle life’s obstacles.

In my spare time, I enjoy being in green spaces, running, spending time with my family, listening to podcasts, and am always ready for a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Education

• Purdue Fort Wayne, M.S.Ed., Counselor Education
• Michigan State University, Ph.D., Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Couples and Family Therapy

Professional Interests

• Intergenerational and complex trauma
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation
• Depression
• Stress and anxiety
• Social justice issues
• Attachment and relationship issues
• Student-athletes
• Women’s health
• Crisis intervention

Pronouns: he/him/his

I am a graduate of the Purdue Fort Wayne counselor education program and have been a practicing therapist since 2021. I am a licensed mental health counselor and have experience using acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapies. I come from a person-centered perspective, which allows me to focus fully on your strengths, values, and needs. In therapy, I continually work to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where trust, understanding, and self-exploration can develop, while also being mindful of and continuing to learn about your cultural concerns and practices. I believe that collaborating is an essential aspect of therapy. We will work together to help you understand the unexpected and unwanted life changes you may be experiencing, take steps toward healing, and grow the skills that will move you toward positive, rewarding change. While building community with everyone on campus, I am devoted to continuing to learn about, engage with, and advocate for those who are marginalized, displaced, and/or discriminated against. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and sharing a table with others.

Education

• Purdue Fort Wayne, M.S.Ed., Counselor Education  

Professional Interests

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Addictions
• Trauma
• Adjusting to life’s changes
• Self-care

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hello! My name is Drake Turner. If you are reading this, I am happy you are considering mental health counseling. My approach to counseling considers the individual, the relational, and the cultural aspects of being human. I believe that in order for us to heal and grow, we need spaces in which we can experience authentic, genuine connection with others, without fear of shame or judgment. I strive to create spaces where people believe that if they show up as their authentic self, they will be accepted. I'd like to join you on your journey at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I look forward to sharing space with you, hearing your story, and finding ways to connect with one another that help you achieve your goals in counseling. When I’m not working, I love to exercise, hike, read, play video games, and enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee.

Education

• Purdue Fort Wayne, B.S., Human Services
• Purdue Fort Wayne, M.S.Ed., Counselor Education 

Professional Interests

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Gender
• Sexuality
• Cultural
• Inclusivity and anti-oppression
• Loneliness and belonging
• Trauma

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

I am a first-generation college student, so I have a unique perspective of what it is like to experience the stress of pursuing a degree and feeling as though no one really knows what you are going through. Having this experience has drawn me to wanting to work with college students and to support you with your mental health needs.  

My hope is that I can offer you the space to feel safe and supported while you navigate the challenges and changes you are experiencing. You are the expert of your own life; my job is to be by your side to help you move through things and achieve a greater sense of well-being. I like to use experiential therapy techniques such as mindfulness and art therapy to enhance the counseling experience and help you process things in a different way.  

I know that it takes courage to seek help and that step is vital to claiming the life you want for yourself. Let's explore what makes you who you are and how the strengths you have can help you achieve the life you want. 

Education:  

• Purdue Fort Wayne, B.A., General Studies with Minors in Psychology and Sociology
• Purdue Fort Wayne, M.S.Ed., Counselor Education  

Professional Interests: 

• Anxiety
• Career
• Depression
• Gender and Sexuality
• Grief
• Inclusivity and anti-oppression
• Relationships and interpersonal concerns
• Substance use
• Stress management
• Trauma 

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I am in the final year of my graduate program, finishing up my mental health counseling degree at PFW. As a college student myself, I know how important support, wellness, and community is while completing schooling. My approach to counseling is derived from an Adlerian perspective with a focus on social relationships, goal setting, and encouragement. I believe that counseling is most beneficial with empathy and patience integrated throughout the process. I hope to provide a space where students can be open, present, and authentic while providing support for their goals and wellness journey.

I look forward to exploring with each student their strengths, challenges, and unique backgrounds. From an Adlerian perspective, I hold a focus on lifestyle and how we are all impacted by our childhood, relationships, and thought patterns. Part of my approach to counseling is understanding the purpose behind someone’s thoughts and choices and then exploring with students’ alternative ways to meet needs and improve wellness. I am committed to continuing education with diversity, inclusion, cultural awareness, and anti-oppression. I believe a safe space should be shown through actions, in addition to words.

In my free time, I enjoy gardening, walking my pups, listening to records, spending time with family and friends, watching true crime shows, and reading.

Education

• University of Saint Francis, B.A., Psychology
• Purdue Fort Wayne, M.S.Ed., Counselor Education (Expected May 2026)

Professional Interests:

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Grief
• Inclusivity and anti-oppression
• Attachment and relationship issues
• Life adjustments 

Pronouns: she/they

I am a student right alongside you all, as I am currently in the second year of the counseling program at PFW. I am a child of immigrants and a first-generation student. My approach to counseling is holistic, as I consider not only the client’s presenting problem but also the context in which they live. I believe that who we are relationally and culturally is a major component in how our mental health and wellbeing manifests. I believe that healing often lies in our connections with others, as well as in our connection with ourselves. I also believe that healing is an ongoing, continuous process throughout our lives. I am ready to meet you where you are and collaborate with you to aid you in reaching your goals. When I am not at work or school, I enjoy painting, practicing guitar, playing video games, and hanging out with my loved ones.

I do not take scheduled appointments at this time, however I am available for walk-in appointments.

Education

• Purdue Fort Wayne, B.A., Psychology, and a minor in Women's Studies
• Purdue Fort Wayne, M.S.Ed., Counselor Education (expected May 2027)

Professional Interests

• Immigrants/Refugees
• First Generation Students
• Inclusivity/Anti-Oppression
• Gender & Sexuality
• Anxiety & Depression
• Trauma