Meet Our Students

Graduating Class of 2022

 DERRIELLE BROWN

Greetings! My name is Derrielle Monet’ Brown. I was born in Tallahassee, Florida, and raised in south Georgia. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Spanish, from Georgia Southern University in May 2019. While attending GSU, I realized my career goals consist of becoming a collegiate level educator and researcher, as well as an agent for change and relational freedom within underserved communities. After researching the various educational paths that would be most beneficial to my goals, I settled on the MFT program. I fell in love with the program’s emphasis on diversity, their relational/systemic theoretical orientation, as well as the opportunities the MFT staff provides for hands-on-training. This degree will not only yield me greater understanding, experience, and a licensure in the therapy profession, it will also prepare me for my doctoral studies.

 AMBER CARRINGTON

Hello, My name is Amber Carrington. I am originally from Loganville Georgia, and I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Valdosta State University. I always knew growing up that I wanted to help people in some way for my career. I decided in high school I wanted to pursue a career in psychology. While earning my undergraduate degree, I researched different career paths that interested me. I was very intrigued by marriage and family therapy. My senior year of my undergraduate degree, I got accepted to complete an internship at the Marriage and Family Therapy program here at VSU. I am blown away by the welcoming environment, the hands-on clinical opportunities, and the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge in therapeutic ideals, and how to apply them to my career. I hope one day to open my private practice and to work with children and families. I cannot wait for the opportunity to learn and grow in this Marriage and Family Therapy program.   

 MEYLON CLARK

 TAYLOR DASHER

ASIA EVANS

Hello. My name is Asia Evans. I am from Bronx, New York. I graduated from Valdosta State University  in 2019 with a B.S. in Sociology and Anthropology. VSU's MFT program intersted me because I knew I wanted to become a therapist and the university is closer to home than other schools. I noticed how friendly and open the students and professors are and how we are encouraged to get to know each other in case we ever need help. I have always felt the need to help people and that is why I have remained in the field of human services. I am excited about what VSU's program has planned for me. I look forward to delving into therapy.

JASMINE GOLDEN

Hello, everyone! My name is Jasmine Golden. I am from Columbus, GA. I received my Bacherlor's in Psychology with a minor in African American Studies from Valdosta State University in May 2020. I interned for VSU's MFT program during my senior year since I knew I wanted to be a therapist. When I interned, I saw how friendly the faculty are and how much hands-on experience I would get as a student. As I researched other schools and programs, VSU's stood out the most. I have a passion for helping others, especially children. I know this program will enhance my learning and lead me to be the best therapist I can be. I hope to have my own practice one day so that I can give back to my community. I am so glad I chose the VSU program and am excited about this new journey. 

 REBECCA HAAS

 REBECCA KNUTSON

 Helo. My name is Rebecca Knutson. I am from Columbus, GA. After graduation, I want to work for the government, serving military families, possibly through the Veterans Association or another avenue. Previously, I worked as in intern in the program and fell in love with it. The professors are amazing and highly communicative. They really want you to succeed. While the program is not easy, the end is worth it.

VIOLETA LUCAS

Hello! My name is Violeta. I am originally from Bulgaria. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, I decided to move to the United Kingdom to gain life experience and continue my education. In 2017 I completed my postgraduate diploma in Counseling and Psychotherapy from Leeds Beckett University. While I studied, I held two internships where I acquired valuable experience in working with survivors of sexual abuse and mental health. During this time, I met my husband who was stationed in England. Following my graduation, we received orders for Moody Air force Base. Having the desire to continue my educational and personal growth, I found VSU's MFT program to be the best fit for me. What attracted me to the program is the strong emphasis on diversity and hands-on experience in the FamilyWorks Clinic. I believe learning a new approach to counseling will strengthen my knowledge, and develop my therapeutic skills. After graduating, I would like to work with diverse and foreign families offering bilingual therapy. I also would like to continue working with survivals of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

 ANDRE MORGAN JR.

 KATELYN NOLES

Hi there! My name is Katelyn Noles. I am from Valdosta and received my bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Florida in 2019 (Go Gators!). I was drawn to the MFT program after taking a gap year after undergrad. As cliché as it sounds, I knew I wanted to help people. However, I didn't quite know how I wanted to do that until I connected with the MFT program here at VSU. I was immediately drawn in by the care, wisdom, and openness of the professors and students and knew this program was the perfect fit for me! I have always had a passion for working with children, and am very much looking forward to honing my active listening skills to not only help the child, but the family as well. I am ecstatic about this field already, and am looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead!  

NIJA PROCTOR

Greetings. My name is Nija Proctor. I was born in Georgia, but raised in a small town called Madison, FL. My family and I moved to Crystal River, FL for a few years but eventually ended up in Madison again. I graduated from Saint Leo University with a B.S. in Psychology in May of 2017. I have always had the passion to help others; to me your problem becomes my problem. Therefore, I chose to attain more education on understanding, helping, listening and being a supporter to another.

I chose VSU's MFT program because it will help me enhance my skills to help others. It will teach me the different theories and techniques needed to assist someone. The program offers hands on training in therapy and heavily focuses on the ethics in working with clients. Within this program, my objective is to gain an understanding of how to perform therapy and learn methods of working with diverse clients. I know the program's training will only advance the skills that I think are naturally embedded in me.

With this training, I will provide utmost assistance while working with others. I look forward to my journey on becoming an MFT.

 ANDREA SCOTT

KELLY SHEAKS

My name is Kelly M. Sheaks. I am from South Carolina. After serving ten years in the Air Force, I received my Associate of Science Degree in Psychology from Georgia Military College. I followed up by attending Valdosta State University and obtaining my Undergraduate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I chose Interdisciplinary Studies because it allowed me to work in a primary area of study, in conjunction with two Secondary areas of study. This afforded me the opportunity to explore all three of my major interests. After earning my Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a primary focus on Sociology, and a secondary focus on psychology, and Women and Gender Studies, I was attracted to the warm learning environment I witnessed while touring VSU’s Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program. I know after serving people on a much larger scale in the Air Force, I now want to serve people on a much more personal level, and I am excited to start this new chapter of my life.

DANIELLE SLOAN

 GLENN VEAL

Graduating Class of 2023

  DEKEDRA BROWN

Hi! My name is Dekedra Brown, but I go by Mia. I am from a small town called Sandersville, Georgia. I started off at Savannah State majoring in social work, but I eventually transferred. I obtained my BS in sociology and anthropology right here on the campus of Valdosta State University in May of 2021.  I always had a passion to become a helper when people weren’t really able to help themselves or just needed help in general. It wasn’t until I saw a movie, a lady was working hard to become an MFT, that I somehow knew that was going to be my way of helping people. I was only in the 7th grade at the time. I had family members who went to VSU, so I started my research on the school early and knew that I would end up there somehow. Now I am here at VSU’s MFT Program coming right out of undergrad. I am so excited to be here and to be a part of such a diverse group of individuals. I’m really excited about the hands-on aspect of the program and learning new things that will better me for my clients in my future career as a LMFT. I can’t wait to see what this program has in store! 

 MARKIA CARR

Hey y’all, my name is Markia. I was born and raised in Decatur, Georgia. In May 2021, I received a Bachelor's of Arts in psychology from Agnes Scott College. I always knew that I wanted to work with kids in some capacity, so initially I thought that I would become a school counselor or a school psychologist. However, it wasn't until after researching and learning about the high prevalence of domestic violence in often overlooked and marginalized communities, that I became passionate about finding ways to advocate and help domestic violence survivors, which led me to want to work with couples and families. I decided to attend Valdosta State University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program, because of the program's hands-on training and the program’s mission statement which showed me that the program is dedicated to community service and diversity. I believe this aligns with my personal goals to serve clients from diverse backgrounds. In the future, I hope to open up my own practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist.

  YOVANI CARRANZA

Hello, my name is Yovani. I am from Moultrie, GA. I recently graduated from Valdosta State University with a B.S. in psychology in May 2020. I took a gap year after graduation and was working at the Migrant Farmworkers Clinic in Lake Park. I came across the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at VSU because of the yearly health fair event that is held for farmworkers. I had the opportunity to observe how therapists interacted with the clients and suddenly, I was intrigued. My goal in the future is to become licensed in Georgia and open a private practice in my hometown. I aspire to help anyone so that everyone can live a healthy and stable life.

 KIARA CARSON

Greetings! My name is Kiara Carson and I am from Orangeburg, South Carolina. I am a recent graduate of Brevard College with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice, and a minor in pre-law. I came across Valdosta State University's Marriage and Family Therapy Program during my sophomore year in high school. It was the experiential learning through the student-run clinic that drew me into this program. I have a passion for the inner workings of relationships and talking with people. In pursuing my studies, I hope that this approach will strengthen my knowledge of the family dynamic. I am excited to see how this program challenges and prepares me before pursuing a law degree and molds me for my career as a family court judge. 

 MARGARET COSPER

Hi. My name is Margaret Cosper and I was born and raised right here in Valdosta, GA. I recently earned my BFA in dance at Valdosta State and I am thrilled to work towards my Master’s of Science in marriage and family therapy at VSU, too. It was through teaching dance that I discovered my love of working with children and my calling of becoming a marriage and family therapist. After researching the program here and learning of its hands-on training approach and emphasis on diversity and inclusion, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I am so excited to implement my passion for helping others into my work throughout this program and I look forward to the journey ahead. 

 LAURELLE DAVIS

Hello! My name is Laurelle Davis. I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Jacksonville, Florida. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in criminal justice, from the illustrious Florida Memorial University in May 2018. I continued my studies by earning a Master of Arts degree in forensic psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in February 2020. During my time at FDU, I had an internship that allowed me to teach social-emotional skills to grade school children. This internship made me realize that I wanted to connect with my patients more than the forensic field allowed. COVID-19 forced me to slow down for a year and allowed me to reevaluate what I wanted to do in my career moving forward. I realized that I love working with not only children but the nuclear family as a whole. I chose Valdosta State University to pursue this path because of their commitment to diverse thinking and hands-on training. Upon completion of this program, I hope to become a licensed therapist working with children and their families, both clinically and forensically. 

 TERRI FUNK

Hello. My name is Terri Funk. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1991 with a B.S. in home economics. Shortly after graduation, my husband and I moved to Tifton, GA to help with his family’s pizza restaurant. The restaurant is now 47 years old and belongs to my husband. I like to say that I married him for his garlic bread. It is that good! Since moving here, I have worked in the interior design field and the restaurant business. I chose to leave the workforce when I had children. I have homeschooled my three children since 2006, but now this has come to an end as my last child has graduated. Presently, my children are either out of college, in college, or considering college. While they believe that I taught them, the truth is that they taught me. I was challenged to always know a bit more than they knew. These three inquisitive, thought-provoking children/students shaped me into someone who enjoys learning. I especially enjoy hearing new ideas that have the potential to stretch me beyond my comfort zone. I have found that teenagers are quite qualified to do this. Becoming a marriage and family therapist is a goal I have had since the early 2000’s. I am thrilled to be a part of VSU’s MFT Program. As I sit in class and as I am working as a GA, I find myself saying quietly, "I can’t believe I am here. This is a good day."

 CAROLINA GLEATON

Hi there! My name is Carolina Gleaton! I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, and this past spring, I graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's in psychology and a minor in child development. All of my life, friends, family, and sometimes even strangers would lean on me for advice or support through their hardships. So, when I was looking into future careers, therapy was a natural choice! I had no idea that the realm of marriage and family therapy existed until I sat down with one of my professors during undergrad and he encouraged me to do some research of my own about it. From that point forward, I knew that this was exactly what I wanted to pursue! When applying to different programs, VSU was the only program that felt like home rather than a place to get an education and leave. I also knew that all of the opportunities for hands-on learning and application would help shape and refine my skills in a way that other programs could not. My goal is to eventually become a licensed MFT and start my own practice. In the meantime, my aspirations are to simply allow others to be heard and to enjoy every moment of my time here at VSU!

 DREW GUTIERREZ

Hello! My name is Drew Gutierrez. I am from the far away land of Salt Lake City, Utah. I recently graduated from Utah State University with a B.S. in human development and family studies and a minor in mental health awareness & advocacy. Over the course of my undergraduate degree, I interviewed many mental health professionals, trying to discover what career would be right for me. During this time, I worked with teenage boys at a local residential treatment center. These boys primarily struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues. Through the clinical experiences I was able to have with these boys, I felt that pursuing a degree in marriage and family therapy was right for me. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be studying out-of-state here at VSU! I was drawn to this program because of the heavy focus that is placed on systemic thinking and the development of clinical skills. My interests outside of academics include hiking, backpacking, traveling, trying new foods, and above all, spending time with my incredible wife.

 KALI HENDRICKS

Hi! My name is Kali Hendricks. I was born and raised here in Valdosta, GA. I graduated from Valdosta State university in 2016 with my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a Spanish for Professionals Certificate. My original plan for graduate school was to pursue my doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus on anxiety and depression disorders. However, life happened. I decided to stay here in Valdosta to be with my family. I took time to think about what I wanted to do with my B.A.

I first heard about the Marriage and Family Therapy program through my older brother who also attended the program. I had not known the program existed or what it was about. I made the decision to pursue therapy for my own mental health and stumbled upon the FamilyWorks Clinic. I fell in love with the way the budding therapists talked to me, listened to my problems, and helped me arrive at possible solutions. When the chance to apply to the program arose, I did and was accepted.

I have always known that I wanted to help people through therapy. I thought the only way was through a clinical phsychological approach, e.g. through medication, CBT, etc. Looking at the background of the MFT program and its systemic approach, as well as experiencing the therapy firsthand, I now know there are multiple ways to approach a problem and assist others in solving problems. I am excited to learn more about the theories and history behind marriage and family therapy so that I can be a well-read, well-taught therapist and live my dream of serving those who need it.

 CAROLINE HUGHES

Hello! My name is Caroline Hughes. I am from Valdosta, GA, and I attended Auburn University for my undergraduate program and received a B.A. in psychology. During my time at Auburn, I got to experience both the research and practitioner sides of the field of psychology, and I found that I have a passion for working with people directly. I feel that VSU’s MFT Program will best prepare me to work with diverse populations. My goal is to become a licensed MFT, to work in the Lowndes County area, and be able to give back to my community. 

 NOLAN KING

Hi, my name is Nolan King. I am from Thomasville, GA. After high school, I spent two years doing service work in several countries in South America. I developed a love of different cultures and people. After returning home, I studied history at Valdosta State. While at Valdosta State, I became fascinated with world religions, philosophies, and unique viewpoints. After graduating, I worked in my family's business for 10 years. During that time, I helped support my wife through undergraduate and graduate programs. We also homeschooled our 4 children. Although I was not in a formal academic setting during those years, I continued to explore new ideas in history, science, and religion from home. My wife is now a teacher at the school that my children attend, and I have the privilege of returning to college. I chose to pursue marriage and family therapy because I have found that the most fulfilling aspect of my life has been to make deep connections with people. 

 MORGAN NAUMAN

Hello! My name is Morgan Nauman. I am from Reno, Nevada, where I got my bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. I am very passionate about people and knew from a very young age that I wanted to do something that allowed me to help people in some capacity. It wasn't until I was in high school that I realized I could do that through counseling. I found the idea of counseling very interesting because I often found myself asking a lot of "why" questions about people. Why do people act how they do? Why does society perceive people in different ways? This line of questioning is what ultimately led me down the path of psychology and led to the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Valdosta State. I hope to own a private practice one day, providing counseling to struggling families, particularly children. 

 GABRIELLE PEREZ

Hello! My name is Gabrielle Perez (I go by Gabbie). I am originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, although I’ve lived in Atlanta for the past 15 years. I received a BA in psychology from Emory University in 2009, and recently completed a master’s in humanistic and transpersonal psychology at the University of West Georgia in 2020. In the ten years or so between undergrad and my first master’s, although I knew I wanted to go into the field of counseling, I really grappled with how I could participate in the field in a way that felt both true and authentic to who I am as a person, and true to the values I hold dear in therapeutic relationships with clients. My first master’s was a theoretical/academic degree that did not lead to clinical licensure, however, it exposed me to ideas and perspectives in counseling that draw on human strengths, taking a positive and non-pathologizing approach to working with clients that deeply resonates with me. Several of my classmates mentioned Valdosta State’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program as one that shared many of the same therapeutic perspectives, so I decided to look into VSU’s program, and I instantly fell in love with it. I love that I can receive a clinical education in an environment where professors and students alike are truly kind, supportive, and collaborative, and that we receive hands-on training in our clinic from day one. The emphasis on diversity and the training in systemic thinking we receive allows us to work with clients holistically, which I think is truly beautiful, in addition to being the only truly ethical way to engage in therapy. My ultimate goal is to work in private practice in Atlanta, using the knowledge I’ve gained from both of my master’s degrees to offer therapy that integrates spiritual and contemplative modalities such as mindfulness with my clinical training.

 OLIVIA ROSE

Hello, my name is Olivia Rose and I am from St. Mary's, Georgia. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in sociology, and now I am currently a graduate student in VSU's Marriage and Family Therapy Program. I was drawn to the program through the internship I did with them during undergrad - this is where I realized that the style of teaching and the therapeutic techniques used in the classroom and clinic resonated with me. Further, the students and faculty are remarkable, and I couldn't be happier to join them on this journey. I hope to one day learn the art of marriage and family therapy and use it to positively impact as many people as I can. I can't wait to see how this next chapter in my life unfolds!

 BIANCA SIMMONS

Hi everyone! My name is Bianca Simmons, and I am from Leavenworth, KS. I graduated from University of Kansas and received a BGS in psychology with a minor in sociology in 2020. My journey to MFT has been anything but traditional. I have known since high school that I wanted to be a therapist. I have always had deep empathy for the folks around me who were struggling and needed a listening ear. When I began college, I attended Oklahoma State University and majored in studio art with the goal to become an art therapist. By the end of the year, I switched gears and decided to move back to Kansas, transfer to KU and change my major to psychology. I learned more about marriage and family therapy through my best friend Kimberlee Fields who graduated from VSU’s MFT Program in 2017. After she informed me about how supportive, diverse, and hands-on the program was, I decided after extensive research that this program was a perfect fit for me. After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a Psy.D. in marriage and family therapy or clinical psychology. My research interests include body image and eating disorders, improving mental health treatment accessibility in Black communities and healing from racial trauma. I want my life’s work as a therapist to consist of destigmatizing mental illness and advocating for populations that deserve the resources necessary to heal and thrive. 

 BRANDON TURNER

My name is Brandon Turner, I am a 33-year-old Canadian/American from Toronto Canada. I moved to North Carolina in 1996. I am both a northerner and southerner, having lived in the far north and south, as well as having American parents from both northern and southern states. I am an introvert and at times can be a little shy. I am also an avid reader and I prefer to sit and read in quiet rather than watch T.V. or play with my phone. I am very passionate about meditation and yoga and have been practicing the two since childhood, for almost 25 years. I have always been fascinated with ancient civilizations, culture, religion, philosophy, and human history. I did my undergraduate program at Valdosta State University and received a B.A. in philosophy and religious studies with a final GPA of 3.49. My overall goal with my education is to be a licensed clinical therapist specializing in at risk youths and their families. 

 SHEA WALKER

As a life-long resident of Valdosta, attending VSU for my undergraduate studies was a natural choice. In 2002, I finished my four years; however, in 2017 I went back to get a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies.  

I’ve been a local entrepreneur, owning a small one-woman business in the real estate community.  Helping people, through guiding them with possibly their largest financial purchase, has been rewarding.  When considering a career change, I felt led to marriage and family therapy.  VSU offers so much for the budding therapist, and I feel honored to be a part of this program.  

Once fully licensed, my hope is to ultimately own my own practice, using the MFT training to specifically work with addiction, children’s behavioral conduct, and couples counseling.

 MACKENZIE WATERS

Hello, my name is Mackenzie Waters, and I am from Newnan, Georgia. I received my Bachelor of Science in sociology from the University of West Georgia. I wanted to be a therapist since I was young, but I was not sure what type of therapy I wanted to go into. I found my love for families during undergrad and decided on marriage and family therapy. I love how involved the program is at Valdosta State University, and that is why I decided to apply here. I am very excited about these next two years and the prospect of becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in the future!

 TY'KERIA WHITE

I am Ty'Keria White, a first year Marriage & Family Intern. I was born and raised in Valdosta, GA. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in psychology at Valdosta State University, and figured there was no other place than home to continue my education. I am the first generation in my immediate family to be obtaining my master's. I believe that therapy is a part of my purpose, and hope that I can fulfill this by being a part of this program. I am extremely excited to be beginning this new venture, and hope to find an immense amount of success, not only with the program but in life. 

 ETHAN WILLIAMS

Hello, hello! My name is Ethan Williams, and I am from Newnan, GA, "The City of Homes." I realized during high school that I wanted to do something in the field of therapy or mental health. I received my B.S. in psychology from the University of West GA, and during those years, I came to realize the importance of relationships in mental health. I realized that I desired to go into an MFT program. In my search, I came across VSU’s MFT Program. The program’s practicum, where students simultaneously learn and serve the community through FamilyWorks, made VSU a top choice. On top of that, the systems approach fell wonderfully in line with my desire to do therapy using an approach that values the influence of all relationships on mental health. I look forward to expanding not only my knowledge and skill set, but, most importantly, my ability to be with others in a way that is personal and helpful.