Meet Our Students

Students from all over the world have recognized the outstanding training and excellent value of our program. We have attracted students from 39 US states as well as students from Belize, Brazil, China, Russia, Tunisia, and Bulgaria.

Belize

Brazil

China

Russia

Tunisia

Bulgaria

Ivory Coast

British Virgin Islands

Turkey

Pre-Clinically Active

Angel Facey

Hello! My name is Angel Facey, and I am from Fall River, Massachusetts. I graduated from Norfolk State University in 2026 with my B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Africana Studies. I am passionate about working with underserved communities. My experience working as an RBT (Registered Behavioral Technician) and discovering people who work in the field has cemented my passion and excitement for Marriage and Family Therapy. I chose VSU because it is the number one program, but also because they are very supportive and create a space for you to feel comfortable and secure in the process of becoming licensed. In the future, I will work within the African Diaspora and with other underserved communities to remove the stigma of therapy and working through generational trauma

Blake Taylor

Hello, my name is Blake. I am from Alma, GA. I graduated from VSU in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, I saw my fair share of mental health-related incidents, and from there I decided to take steps after service to be able to help others who may need help. During my undergrad, my wife and I attended premarital counseling, and the counselor was an LMFT. After benefiting so much from therapy, I wanted to do the same for others. My future goal is to find a way to provide services to the veteran community.

Bree Arrow

Hi! My name is Bree Arrow, and I'm originally from St. Petersburg, Fl. I've been living in Valdosta for 20 years now. I graduated from VSU in 2005 with a major in music education and a minor in performance for both French horn and voice. Since I was very young, I've been interested in what makes people tick, and dove into a sort of informal study of people through the lens of entertainment – books, movies, and TV. As with many people, I underwent a rather large change-of-life during the pandemic, which eventually led me to pursue my interest in understanding people in a more formal capacity – and given the quality of the therapists I encountered at VSU, it seemed like the natural choice to continue my education here. I'd love to speak with adults or children who've experienced religious or cult abuse and trauma, creatives who are experiencing blockages, or adults and children who are experiencing gender confusion. It's my sincere desire to help people gain a greater understanding of themselves and I'm excited to learn whatever this program can offer

Brian Clark

Life and relationships are complex, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Greetings, my name is Brian Clark and I believe that every individual and couple possess inherent strengths and the capacity for healing. My experiences have shaped my desire to help individuals, couples, and families from all backgrounds build stronger, healthier relationships. As a therapist of faith driven by respect, empathy, and a belief in restoration, I am committed to helping clients look beyond current challenges, discover actionable steps, and build practical paths toward a resilient future.

Additionally, as a male clinician, I am committed to providing intentional representation for men—and specifically Black men—in the therapeutic community, creating a space where men can safely navigate life's weight, break down stigma, and thrive. “You win some, you lose some, but you live—you live to fight another day!” Let’s fight together!

Britney Booker

Hello everyone! My name is Britney Booker, and I am from Valdosta, Ga. I graduated from Valdosta State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. After completing my degree, I had the opportunity to gain experience working in the mental health and human services field. My decision to pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist was deeply influenced by my career, as well as my lived experiences.

My goal is to become a Marriage and Family Therapist who creates a safe space for individuals and families to feel heard, supported, and understood, while advocating for mental health and helping people recognize that asking for help is a strength.

I am excited for this next chapter and grateful for the opportunity to turn something I am truly passionate about into a career where I can make a difference.

Brittany Reed

My name is Brittany Reed. I am a Valdosta, GA native. I graduated from Valdosta State University with my B.A. in sociology and a minor in Afam and WGST. I served as an intern at Peaceway with Dr. Andrews and his wife. I entered the MFT program because of my passion for helping people. I came back to VSU because it’s my hometown college. Plus, I was able to score a Graduate Assistantship with the Advising Office! I hope to have my own private practice.

Caleb Berrian

Hi! My name is Caleb Berrian, and I am from Valdosta, GA. I graduated from VSU with a major in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. I became interested in psychology because of my family. My mom majored in sociology when she was in college. I became drawn to therapy because people have always opened up to me about their problems, and I love to listen. I chose VSU because it was the best program I could find in Georgia. My career goal is to start counseling with Peaceway Counseling to gain experience before opening my own practice in North Carolina.

Ca'tina Maye

Hello! My name is Ca'Tina Maye, and I'm from the rural town of Bellamy, Alabama. I graduated from Tuskegee University a year early with my B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Creative Writing. I chose the field of MFT because I believe that there's a reason for everything, even if the reason is that there's none at all. I hope to have my own private practice and think about moving onto a doctorate program.

Caden McElroy

Hi! My name is Cayden McElroy. I am from Camden County, GA. I graduated from VSU with a B.S. in Psychology in May of ‘26. In my senior year of high school, I was at a loss for what to do with my life. I had planned to go into Computer Science or a related field, but I discovered that wasn't what I wanted at all. I took an Intro to Psychology class during my senior year and it changed everything. I chose VSU because my parents met here, and my grandparents attended as well. They had a good Psychology department, so it was perfect. Once it was time to choose what to do next, I was at a loss; looking through the programs available at VSU, the MFT drew my eye because of the wide range of careers it opens. It also offered more flexibility for what comes after than a different program would have. I hope to become a school therapist, specifically in Lakeland, if possible, to help kids learn healthy coping mechanisms and how to help themselves.

Derrick Lanois (DL)

What’s up! My name is Derrick Lanois; please call me “DL.” I was born and raised in Memphis, TN. I hold a B.A. in History from the University of Memphis. I have two MAs, completed coursework for an MFA in Documentary Expressions, a graduate certificate in Gender Studies, and a PhD in African American History. I was a professor for many years and decided to jump ship and pursue my passions. Academia has changed, and therapy has been an interest since reading my first self-help book. I am interested in working with Africana people, bridging my earned education with couples therapy, sex therapy, and family therapy. I have created theories surrounding gender, race, sexuality, and other socially constructed ideas, dating/ coupling, and the Black Family. I chose VSU because of its focus on cultural competency and understanding different populations needs different understanding that is rooted in their culture and identity.

Emilia Simpson

Hello! My name is Emilia Simpson. I grew up in Amelia Island, FL, but have recently moved to Douglas, GA. I graduated from Florida State University with my degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and Psychology. I’ve always known I wanted to work with people directly, so I did some internships and volunteering experiences. I was involved in Camp Kesem FSU for 4 years and was a co-director for 2 years. I worked very closely with the families of the campers and really enjoyed supporting them while they sent their kids to camp. I then interned at a school for children with special needs. This is when I realized how important relationships within a family system are. I knew I needed to go into MFT, and I chose VSU because their core values align with my own. I want to be a therapist that understands and supports others. I want to be a resource that anyone can go to. I am so excited to start my journey in the MFT field!

Emily Breedlove

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Breedlove, and I am from Dade County, GA. I graduated from Berry College in 2026 with my B.S. in Psychology and two minors in Women and Gender Studies, as well as Family Studies. My interest in this field comes from my mentor, Brian Jory, and the passion he expressed while teaching! All of the classes were incredibly interesting, and the course material called to me! VSU is around 65 hours from home for me. So, taking this step has been a challenging time. I continuously choose this path because my desire to help others is stronger than the discomfort of change. VSU feels like home already, and I cannot wait to get to work. I hope to have my own private practice eventually. For now, my focus is on making it through the program and learning as much as I can!

Evan Dixon

Hello, my name is Evan Dixon, and I’m from Valdosta, Ga. I graduated from Valdosta State University in 2016 with my BA in Music. Due to being disabled, I have received career, mental health, and mobility counseling, which has greatly impacted my life and made me want to be a counselor. I returned to VSU in order to find a counseling degree and was referred to the FamilyWorks clinic for Marriage and Family Therapy. When I visited the clinic, I was highly impressed by the work they were doing, so I decided on the spot to join them and work towards one day having private practice, while also being a strong advocate for therapy.

Georgia Hall

Hi, I am Georgia Hall, and I am from Valdosta, GA. I earned my bachelor's in psychology from Valdosta State University. During the same time, I did an internship at the FamilyWorks clinic here which only solidified my decision to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy. My passion is to help individuals be the best version of themselves that they can be. I am so excited for this opportunity and Go Blazers!!

Evie Smith

Hi! I’m Evie Smith (pronounced like Chevy), and I am from Columbus, Georgia. I graduated from Columbus State University with my B.S. in Psychology and a minor in English. Since my high school AP Psych class, I’ve been in love with psychology as a field, specifically counseling and therapy. All throughout college, I worked with kids, and I later began volunteering with a local women’s shelter during the summer of my senior year of college. That was when I discovered my passion for working with families. I applied to VSU immediately after learning about their wonderful clinic and program. Their emphasis on growth, accessibility, and preparation for the field drew me in instantly. I hope one day to have my own private practice and serve my community as a therapist. I am so excited to start this journey at VSU!!

Jermarcus Green

Hello, my name is Jermarcus Green, and I am from Valdosta, GA. I graduated from VSU with degrees in Psychology and Spanish. My experiences in these areas fostered my interest in relationships, culture, and working with people from diverse backgrounds. After participating in an internship at the FamilyWorks Clinic, I knew attending the program was the best way to combine all of my goals. I hope one day to have a private practice that serves everyone.

Kathryne Long

Hello! My name is Kathryne Long. I am from Valdosta, GA, and graduated from Valdosta State in 2025 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. I have always wanted to help others, so I chose to work towards a career in therapy. I chose the MFT program because I have seen the impacts that a family can have on one’s mental health. I chose VSU because it is close to home and has a great program. My main career goal is to slowly work my way into trauma therapy. I have seen the effects negative experiences can have. So I believe I can help others to work through their trauma in order to give them hope for the future. If I can help to make at least one person happy with my work, I will be happy.

Reese Kelly

Hello, my name is Reese Kelly, and I'm from Augusta, Georgia. I recently graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, with a B.A. in psychology. I originally heard about Valdosta's Marriage and Family Therapy program from a presentation given at Morehouse. This presentation got me interested in the field, and I looked into the program here at Valdosta.

That same summer, I had an internship at a behavioral health hospital. While there, I saw the importance of families and spouses in a patient's outcome or recovery. When these patients had therapy with family or a spouse, it helped them in the long run to know what they needed to work towards. They felt like they had support and were working through any differences while receiving help. After this realization, I knew I wanted to go into this field and help other families work through their differences.

I believe it is important to have representation within the therapy field. There are times when families, couples, or individuals may not seek help due to not seeing someone who looks like themselves. Going into this field, I want to be that representation that may encourage those who look like me to get therapy and know that it can be beneficial.

I am excited to continue my journey here at Valdosta! I believe this program will prepare me best for the work that needs to be done in the field.

I wanted to go into Marriage and Family Therapy because I want to help families come back together.

Kinaya Sylvester

Hello, my name is Kinaya Sylvester. I am originally from London and moved to Florida about 12 years ago. I graduated with my B.A. in psychology from Valdosta State University in 2024. Over the last 2 years, I have been learning and gaining experience. I worked at a daycare during my undergrad and continued this work when I moved back to Florida. At the end of 2025, I also started working as an RBT and got my certification this year. Currently, I work at a family therapy center as a receptionist. I really enjoyed this work, because I got the chance to work closely with therapists and understand the day-to-day workings at a therapy center. I am really looking forward to this program and expanding my knowledge of counseling.

Krishna Dupaguntla

Hello! My name is Krishna Dupaguntla, and I am from Douglasville, Georgia. I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2025 with my B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Psychology has always intrigued me, which has led me to find a career path in the field. I have also wanted to do a job that would have a positive impact on my community. I understand how beneficial therapy can be, which is what led me to choose MFT. I hope to one day own my own practice and advocate for mental health awareness in the South Asian Community.

Kyla Turks

Hello! My name is Kyla Turks, and I am from Newnan, Georgia. I graduated from Clark Atlanta University in May of 2026. I fell in love with the field of psychology after the COVID pandemic, which inspired me to study it in undergrad. In learning more about the different disciplines of the field, I felt particularly drawn to the world of MFT because of my personal experiences. In the future, I hope to own a private practice that specializes in providing therapy to marginalized communities. I'm extremely excited for the new opportunities that VSU will provide!

Liam Sanderson

My name is Liam Sanderson, and I am from the amazing city of Valdosta, Ga. I graduated from the University of North Florida in 2025 with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology. I found my calling in my Introduction to Counseling class at UNF, and from there I knew I wanted to work in the field of therapy. From there, I found VSU’s marriage and family therapy program, and after a tour, I wanted to join! I hope that after I complete this program, I can own my own private practice in Michigan. I’m so happy to be a part of this program!

Mikey Brown

Hi! My name is Mikey Brown. I am from Valdosta, Georgia. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a B.A. in Psychology. I always knew I wanted to be a therapist; however, I had no idea how I was going to get there. In my Senior year, I had the privilege to undergo the undergraduate internship. I then began to formulate a plan on how I was going to tackle this beast of a career one step at a time. I originally did not know what a therapist was until I met mine at 12! There, I learned new skills to deal with my life, which made me more emotionally intelligent! From that point on, I decided I wanted to help others gain the skills they needed to grow. Follow your dreams, kids!

Myra Phipher

Hey! My name is Myra Phipher, and I am from Montgomery, Alabama. I graduated from VSU with my B.A. in Psychology at 20 years old in May of 2026. Throughout my life, I’ve always been viewed as a therapist to my friends and family. I truly think that's where I fell in love with psychology. I grew up with parents going through a divorce, so I did go to a therapist once, but I felt like she couldn’t relate to me and my experiences, so I decided that there needed to be more people in therapy that look like me. Therefore, I did the internship in this program, and I loved it so much that I decided to enroll in it. I chose VSU because this program allows me to get clinical hours while going through the program. In the future, I hope to open my own private practice in Alabama for a while but also have clients virtually. I look forward to meeting you and learning more. Excited for the future!

Rayne Williams

Hi! My name is Rayne Williams. I am originally from Ohio but have lived in Georgia most of my life. I graduated with my B.S. in Psych in 2026 from VSU. When I graduated high school, I was very lost in terms of what direction I wanted to go in. I knew I wanted to help people, and I started seeing a therapist who was an MFT. She absolutely changed my life, and I knew I wanted to impact people the way she helped me. I am very passionate about mental health, so I started looking into programs. VSU showed me how engaging a program can be. I want to help people navigate through the challenges that life has and provide the most amount of help as I can.

Samantha Michelson

Hello! My name is Samantha Michelson, and I am from Dodgeville, WI. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay with my B.S. in Psychology in 2022. I ended up pursuing my Master's at the University of Wisconsin Superior for a few years before moving to Valdosta. I found myself increasingly interested in MFT over the years and decided to pursue it once I found VSU. I hope to have my own practice in the future and to remain knowledgeable about the field as more information is discovered. I am excited about this journey and seeing what I learned along the way!

Sarah Dodson

Hi! My name is Sarah Dodson, and I am originally from the UK but moved to Marietta, GA in 2018. I graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2026 with my B.S. in Psychology. I chose Valdosta State University because of how warm and welcoming my interview process was, as it was the only interview I had individually, so I felt like I could really see myself here! I chose MFT because I mainly believe that your encouragement affects your mental health greatly. My goal is to be the best therapist. I can be with a safe and friendly environment for all family systems and all cultures as well!

Clinically Active

Briana Beaubrun

My name is Briana Beaubrun I’m originally from Delray Beach, Florida, and I come from a proud Haitian background that has deeply shaped who I am and the work I feel called to do. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Florida State University, with a minor in Child Development. My studies, along with my lived experience, sparked a passion for supporting immigrant communities especially those who often feel unseen or misunderstood in the mental health system.

As a future Marriage and Family Therapist, my goal is to provide culturally sensitive, accessible therapy for immigrants and families navigating the complex challenges of adapting to a new environment while holding on to their roots. I’m especially passionate about helping individuals heal generational trauma, improve communication, and build healthier relationships.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy working out for stress, building legos, and taking nature walks for a clear mind.

Ashanti Benjamin

Hi! My name is Ashanti Benjamin. I grew up in Warner Robins, Ga, and Tampa, FL. I currently live in Valdosta, Ga. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. I want to be a marriage and family therapist because I am passionate about human relationships and their impact on our lives. I believe that the relationships we have with people are important. I also want to help people and bring a positive light into their lives. My goal is to be the best therapist I can be by providing a safe and trusting environment. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be part of this program.

Tucker Burkhalter

Hello! My name is Tucker Burkhalter, and I have lived in Valdosta, GA my whole life. I began my journey toward Marriage and Family Therapy at Georgia Military College, where I enrolled in my first psychology course. I graduated with an Associate of Science in Psychology in 2022. In December 2024, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Valdosta State University. That same year, I married my wonderful wife, Taylor. She, and many wonderful professors, friends, and family have helped me to get here. I am so excited to be continuing my journey at VSU. I see immense value in my own relationships, and I hope to foster meaningful relationships for others.

Catie Cox

Hi, my name is Catie Cox. I am a Valdosta native and have lived here all my life, except for my time in undergrad in Athens, GA at UGA—Go Dawgs! In Athens, I studied Psychology and Human Development and Family Science, which furthered my interest in and resolve to pursue a career in therapy. My classes there led me to the opportunity to interview two therapists and shadow a session.

I want to work with and help a variety of clients, including couples, individuals, and children. A passion of mine, which I hope to learn more about and act on, is advocating for children. I’m excited to be part of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at VSU, where I know I’ll continue to grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to developing my strengths, working through challenges, and ultimately becoming the kind of therapist who can truly make a difference.

Hailey Duek

Hi! My name is Hailey Duek and I'm from Pembroke Pines, Florida. I graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. While at FSU, I had the opportunity to work directly with a diverse group of couples in the Contextual and Automatic Influences in Relationships (CAIR) Lab, and this experience combined with volunteering for the National Suicide Crisis Text Line furthered my passion for assisting those struggling to navigate conflicts. I am excited to help others (and myself) learn to deal with the tough times and revel in the good times. Outside of school, I love baking, movies, old music, hiking, and exploring new places. I also love trying new things, such as surfing and zip-lining. I am ecstatic to continue my education at VSU and grow, both as a human and as a therapist.

Kenzie Garrett

Hi! My name is Kenzie Garrett. I was raised here in Valdosta, Georgia in a military family stationed at Moody AFB. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Valdosta State University in May 2024, where I had the privilege of completing the Family Works Marriage and Family Therapy undergraduate internship. While I have always been passionate about mental health, this internship deepened my appreciation for the structure and support of VSU’s MFT Graduate Program and encouraged my desire to attend.

Following my undergraduate graduation, I took a year off to get married and embrace new life experiences. During that time, I worked as a Community Support Individual with Choices For Life of Georgia, an eye-opening experience where I supported children and families in improving communication, learning coping skills, and accessing necessary resources.

My long-term goal is to establish a private practice that provides a safe and empathetic space for individuals, couples, and families. I am especially passionate about reframing therapy as not only a response to crisis but also as a form of “preventative maintenance,” by providing a comfortable, growth-focused space, encouraging people to better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, and foster greater compassion and understanding throughout communities.

Zay Elize

Hello everyone, my name is Zay Elize, and I am from Orlando, FL. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. My decision to pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist was deeply influenced by my time serving in the Marine Corps. During that time, I witnessed many fellow Marines, some of them close friends, struggle with mental health, relationships, and family challenges. Unfortunately, many were hesitant or even opposed to seeking help, which sometimes led to serious personal and professional consequences. This experience motivated me to become an MFT so I can provide the kind of support that could make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families facing similar struggles. My goal once I complete the program is to one day be able to work within the military community and serve those who serve us.

Alizeta Guira

My name is Alizeta Guira, and I’m from the Acworth/Kennesaw area of Georgia. I earned my undergraduate degree from Kennesaw State University, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Criminology. After completing my degree, I took some time away from school to gain financial stability and try and figure out what I truly wanted to pursue in graduate studies.

While working as a nanny, I began observing the dynamics of different family structures and the behaviors that developed within them. I found myself making meaningful connections between what I had learned in my undergrad and what I was witnessing in real time. These experiences sparked a deep interest in understanding how families function, ultimately leading me to the field of Marriage and Family Therapy.

As a West African Muslim, I’ve seen firsthand how generational, cultural, and religious factors can deeply influence the way families handle conflict and communication. In my community, topics like marital and familial challenges are often neglected and brushed off. I hope to shine a light on these issues and challenge the beliefs that may be holding us back. My goal is to help break harmful cycles and contribute to healthier, more open relationships for generations to come.

Kylie Lewis

Hi, my name is Kylie Lewis. I grew up mostly here in Valdosta Georgia, but after I graduated high school, I left to attend the University of Florida. While at UF I pursued bachelor's degrees in both Psychology and English, which I received in the fall of 2024. After graduating, I took a semester to figure out the next step in my academic career and found the MFT program here at VSU. I think marriage and family therapy particularly stood out to me because of the theoretical background it uses. I am very excited about this program and really appreciate all the different ways it trains us to be impactful clinicians.

I have worked before as a dance instructor mainly teaching children aged 2-7, and this experience definitely led me to take an interest in working therapeutically with children and families. I also took some amazing courses in undergrad focusing on human attraction, which has also led me to be very interested in working with couples.

I am intent on supporting a diversity focused approach when learning how to interact with clients and feel like those goals can be supported here at the Family Works Clinic. I feel like my time here has been and will be invaluable to my development as a therapist and am excited to start this chapter.

Ashton Middleton

My name is Ashton Middleton and I grew up in Alpharetta GA. I got my bachelors in psychology from Lee University in TN. With a college athlete background, I plan on getting licensed and going into the field of sports psychology through a faith based lense and holistic approach as well as specializing in athletes with eating disorders. In my free time I enjoy reading, CrossFit, yoga, exercise, and travelling.

Yoselyn Molina Melendez

I am originally from El Salvador, but I grew up in Atlanta. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Valdosta State University in May 2025. During my undergraduate studies, I explored various graduate programs in the mental health field and discovered Marriage and Family Therapy. This field stood out to me as the best fit for the type of therapist I aspire to become, because it allows me to support individuals and families in finding balance and growth. I want to become a Marriage and Family Therapist because I genuinely enjoy helping others find their direction in life. I believe each person has their unique journey that deserves recognition and care.

I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to be part of something amazing.

Ashley Moss

Hi everyone, my name is Ashley Moss, but you can just call me Ashley! I received my bachelor's degree here at Valdosta State University (VSU). I wanted to learn about multiple fields of studies in my undergrad, therefore a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Psychology, Sociology and English was the best choice for me. As I continue my academic endeavors with VSU's Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy program, I am eager to learn more about myself and understanding how to support individuals, families, couple and specifically children, in a therapeutic way. I have always had a passion for helping others. Being a therapist isn't just a career for me; it is the purpose the God has called me to fulfill. I have had many trials and tribulations and understand that sometimes we just need someone to be there. My hope is to be the light at the end of the tunnel for my clients.

I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Kristen Mulford

Hi there! My name is Kristen Mulford and I am from Thomasville, Georgia. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Valdosta State University in May 2024. Following my undergraduate studies, I had plans to pursue a career in occupational therapy, driven by a desire to support individuals with disabilities. However, through that experience, I became increasingly aware of the profound impact that family dynamics, relationships, and mental health have on an individual’s overall well-being. This systemic perspective ultimately led me to shift my focus and pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, where I can address the broader relational and emotional context surrounding a person’s challenges. I desire to take a holistic approach to care, believing that an individual’s well-being are interconnected and must all be considered to support meaningful change. By utilizing a systemic approach, I aim to provide thoughtful, personalized care that comprehensively considers each factor that influences one’s well-being. As I continue in my education and career, I hope to work with children, couples, and families of all backgrounds, exploring the context that shapes their lives.

Barilule Mtuanwi

Hello, my name is Barilule Mtuanwi, and I am originally from Metro Atlanta. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology here at Valdosta State University, and I am proud to be a double-blazer! I am pursuing a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy because I aspire to work with families and individuals seeking to better their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. I am most passionate about working with children, especially first-generation children of immigrant parents. I look forward to using the skills I gain in this program to make a lasting difference in the lives of the families, individuals, and children I serve.

Rissa Newsum

Hi everyone! My name is Rissa, and my family currently lives in Helen, GA. I graduated from Georgia College & State University in the summer of 2025 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. I have always had a passion for helping families, and for the last year I have had the privilege of being a social emotion coach at a local preschool. It is my goal to become a licensed therapist and work with underserved communities in North Georgia.

Kimmie Nguyen

"Xin chào! I’m Kimmie. I grew up in Vietnam, where family dinners and bustling street food stalls taught me how much love is shared through food. I studied International Business, but life took me on another path. While teaching English online, a student once told me, “Our lessons feel like coaching sessions that lighten my heart.” That moment planted a seed in me, the desire to help people not just with words, but with their hearts.

Guided by my own transformational coach, I began healing old wounds and learning to believe that I was enough. From there, I started supporting other women as a self-love coach. Along the way, I discovered how family histories and cultural patterns shape the way we love and connect.

That realization is what brought me to the MFT program. Now, I’m excited to learn, grow, and contribute alongside the inspiring community here and to one day create bilingual spaces where Asian women can heal, reconnect, and thrive."

Rylie Parham

Hello everyone! My name is Rylie Parham, and I am from Valdosta Georgia. I recently graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in May 2025. I am pursuing MFT because I want to empower people by allowing them to have a voice and to help them navigate daily life circumstances. I look forward to working with a wide range of clients, but I am particularly interested in working with children because they hold a special place in my heart. I am excited and thankful to start this new journey!

Tina Randle

My name is Christene Randle, and I’m from Tifton, Georgia. I graduated from ABAC in 2025 with a B.S. in Rural Community Development (Community Health concentration), and I will begin the M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Valdosta State in Fall 2025.

I’m pursuing MFT because I care deeply about helping people and families work through challenges and grow into their best selves. I have a special interest in serving veterans and military-connected families, while remaining committed to supporting anyone who needs help.

My path has included facilitating a campus grief panel, which affirmed my commitment to compassionate, community-oriented care. I opened the discussion, directed questions to panelists, and kept the conversation moving so attendees felt heard and supported. The experience introduced me to trauma-informed communication and gave me hands-on practice in active listening and real-time moderation—skills I’m eager to bring to clinical practice.

Outside of academics, I enjoy DIY projects—from custom T-shirts to small home upgrades—and gardening. As a mom of four and a veteran spouse, I bring empathy, practicality, and resilience to my clinical work. My long-term goal is to build a private practice while also serving clients through the VA.

Taylor Richards

My name is Taylor Richards and I'm from Atlanta GA. I am an alumna at VSU with my BA Psychology degree. My passion runs deeply in growth, learning, and accomplishing new goals. I am striving to have a government funded program to educate peoples all around the world about therapy. Becoming a therapist has always been a passion of mine since i was a child, and i am fulfilling my path. I graduated as a psychology major, i knew that just being a psychologist was not my niche, i wanted something where i can dive a beep deeper and have a strong communication skill. I did my research on this program 2 yrs ago and wanted to pursue due to having accredited courses and licensure help. Which were my big go too. After doing my internship Fall 23 with the MFT team; i knew this was a program i wanted to get my Masters in.

Caroline Skinner

Hi! My name is Caroline Skinner. I am originally from Birmingham, AL, but travelled consistently in my high school and adult life before finding my way to Valdosta via my husband and Moody AFB. I graduated from the University of Alabama - Birmingham in December of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minoring in Social Work and Communication Management. Through my own life experience, I found that I have a passion to work alongside military families as they experience and engage with the changes and loss that can come from the lifestyle they live. I want to be there for this group of humans and care for them in ways that I did not have, improving upon the narrative on what it means to be a military kid and spouse. Along this line, I would love to eventually work alongside families within the foster care system through reunification therapy. I hope that my professional career is filled with bringing families back together by creating strong foundations. I am so excited to be here and to get started learning, growing, and applying any and all knowledge the program has for me!

Lindsey Sparks

Hi! My name is Lindsey Sparks, and I am originally from Fort Valley, GA, but was raised in Brunswick, GA. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in music from Valdosta State University, where I initially transferred in 2022 to pursue music education. However, I soon discovered my true calling was in the field of psychology and mental health. I am a passionate advocate for mental health and child development.

Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, with plans to continue on to earn a doctorate in child psychology. My ultimate goal is to become a child psychologist working in a hospital setting, supporting children and families facing medical challenges and trauma. I am deeply committed to serving this vulnerable population, providing comfort, guidance, and therapeutic care during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

In addition to clinical work, I have a strong interest in research, particularly in the areas of neurodivergence, the mental health of musicians, and have researched other topics within the field.

Gloria Stanley

Hello, my name is Gloria Stanley, and I am from West Palm Beach, FL but was raised here in Valdosta, GA. I earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Valdosta State University. While completing my undergraduate degree I began working in the correctional department. Seeing so many young men of color in the correctional system doing years and years of time for crimes committed , I finally decided to switch careers after seeing come graphic things inside the prison walls. I then got move careers to working with individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities.

In this current role I noticed how much family played a role in someone’s life no matter their developmental issues and even how much family played a role in my past career choice. So, I began doing research of how I could be of service which led me to begin researching Marriage and Family Therapy.

With this found knowledge I began researcher schools that offer Marriage and Family Therapy for diversity backgrounds. This meant so much to because I have always heard be the change you want to see. After earning my degree, I want to do just that; become the difference in someone’s life that makes them become the difference in their own life.

Madison Williams

My name is Madison Williams (I go by Maddie) and I am from Valdosta, Ga. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a B.S in psychology. I’m pursuing the Marriage and Family therapy because I want a different perspective on the world. I care very deeply about families, and I want families and individuals to thrive in the world. I want to give them tools to strengthen their relationship, not only to their families but to other relationships. I have always wanted to do something in mental health, I want to destigmatize therapy and mental health.

Outside of academics, I love to read. I read anything that is fantasy, thrill rides, and romance. I love to hang out with my family on my free time. My family is everything to me and that is another reason why I am so passionate about families.

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