Meet Our Students
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DARSHI BOSAMIA Hello, my name is Darshi! I am originally from New York, raised in Indiana, and have settled down in Florida. I am pursuing Marriage & Family Therapy because the most fulfilling aspect of my life has been to make genuine connections with people, to be of service, and help others create a life they love through their relationship with themself and others. In 2013, I earned my bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders and went on to work as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) and Developmental Therapist, focusing on Communication (DTC) for 5 years at a pediatric private practice in Indianapolis. I quickly learned that my hidden superpower in working as an SLPA and DTC was providing parents with a listening ear, coaching, and emotional support. It has been an honor to connect with families of varied structure, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, and culture. Each interaction has enriched my life and made my world a little bigger. My relationship with the families taught me that people do not need to be fixed, they need to be supported. Clinical and corporate work experience, honest therapy sessions, and my overall journey enable me to pursue Marriage & Family Therapy with more clarity and confidence than ever before. This program’s strong emphasis on diversity and developing competency in understanding race, privilege, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation is important to me. I look forward to expanding my understanding in these areas because I want my clients from any walk of life to feel seen, heard, understood, and empowered. I feel honored to be here at VSU and look forward to meeting + learning from future clients! |
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AARON FRANCIS Hey everyone, my name is Aaron Francis. I was born in New York then relocated to Georgia. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology here at Valdosta State. I served 5 years active duty in the Navy and now I am back at VSU for the MFT program. I am excited for the opportunity to further my education and learn for the wonderful staff here at Valdosta State University. After serving in the military, I realized the importance of mental health for my fellow sailors and took it upon myself to be in the position to help them from the other side. I plan on opening my own practice to help veterans and their families in the future. |
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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." |
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JANIYA GIBSON Greetings! I am JaNiya Gibson, a member of the Graduating Class of 2024 in Valdosta State University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program. I was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Fisk University (Nashville, Tennessee) in May of 2022. While at Fisk University, I pursued psychology because I wanted to be challenged and learn more about the field. Throughout this time, I witnessed the passion I have for increasing awareness of mental health and advocating for populations which often lack an advocate or representation. I knew a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy would be suitable for my career goals as I desire to work with families and youth to make their lives meaningful and purposeful. I believe we all should be equipped with knowledge and guidance on how to seek out the life we desire to live. Through marriage and family therapy I can learn how to aid in that catalyzing process. Overall, I desire to see people live the life they want, to live in their purpose, and work towards contentment. Valdosta State University is the university which will allow me to explore these possibilities alongside clients and catapult me forward to accomplish my further career and educational goals. |
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NELSON GRAVES Hello, my name is Nelson Graves. I am a San Francisco Bay Area native and a graduateof Morehouse College. I love basketball and SciFi movies. I was an educator by trade and am a researcher at heart. I am grateful for my experiences as they have helped me better understand my passions, strengths, and potential. I’m excited to be part of VSU’s MFT program and the opportunity to further expand my knowledge base and skill set in order to provide quality mental health services for individuals, families, and couples. I am thoroughly impressed with VSU’s commitment to diversity, research, and hands-on training through the FamilyWorks Clinic. My ultimate goal is to one day have my own private practice and I believe the MFT program will equip me with the necessary skills to achieve this. |
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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. |
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SHER'MIRA HARRIS Hello, my name is Sher’mira Harris. I am from Douglasville, GA and graduated from VSU on May 2022 with a BS degree for Psychology. After being able to experience the MFT program from their internship I was immediately interested in starting this pathway. I had given a lot of thought into becoming a therapist but after being able to sit in on sessions and hear different ideas and perspectives, it gave me a better understanding of what I could be doing every day. I am a firm believer in whatever career you want to have in life, it should not feel like a chore to get up and go to. If you must spend most of your life doing something, why not do something you are passionate about. This is what I can see myself doing as a career because when I got to experience the sessions firsthand I had so much fun learning this innovative approach and I was genuinely curious about the clients I got to hear from. My long-term goal is to open my own practice after gaining more experience in this field and continuing to educate myself as I branch off. I cannot wait for this new journey to lead me, but I am so excited for it. |
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SARA HATHAWAY Hello! My name is Sara Hathaway. I’m from Ogden, Utah and graduated with a B.S. in psychology with a minor in Portuguese from Utah State University. My original career goal during my undergraduate degree was to become a clinical psychologist. But some time before it was time to start applying for graduate programs, I began to doubt that it was what I wanted to do. I started researching other options and found Industrial Organizational Psychology. This sounded and felt like a right fit so I decided to pursue a Master’s in I/O here at VSU. After beginning the program, I quickly felt like something was missing as I didn’t feel passionate about it. I didn’t feel that the type of career I could get from I/O would be as rewarding or fulfilling as another might be. Again, I began to explore my options and found Marriage and Family Therapy. I learned about some of the basic theories and approaches that MFT’s take with their clients and it resonated with me deeply. So, I decided to pursue a Master’s in MFT instead of I/O. I specifically appreciate the professors’ approaches to learning, the opportunity for hands-on experiences through the practicum, and the strong focus on diversity. I hope to own a private practice or treatment center with my husband one day. While I/O psychology wasn’t the right fit as a whole, I plan to still find a way to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into my career. |
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GREGINALD JONES Bonjour! My name is Greginald Jones. I was born and raised in Baker County, Georgia. I obtained my bachelors from the Unsinkable Albany State University. During my time there, I pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. After receiving my B.A in psychology in 2017, I worked various jobs in the workforce that serviced the community. I was just looking for anything that gave me a sense of purpose in life. I wanted to do more for the families in my community so I researched an MFT program. Valdosta’s MFT’s program stood out to me because the clinic was ran solely the students in the program. They provided hands on training and I liked that. My goal is to graduate and one day obtain my license so I can have my own practice. It is possible! I am possible! |
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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. |
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CHARLENE KNIGHT Hello, my name is Dr. Charlene Knight, I am a native of Rochester, New York, and I recently became a resident of Valdosta, Georgia. I am currently, a VSU Marriage and Family Therapist Graduate Student, and I wear several hats, such as: Minister, Apostle, Pastoral Counselor, Missionary, Social Worker, Mentor, Public Speaker, Chaplain, Substance Abuse Therapist, Author, Publisher, Playwright, etc. I am also the Executive Director and founder of Brave Diamond Warriors. My education includes the following: Doctor of Ministry Degree, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, 2019, Masters of Divinity, Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Waxahachie, Texas, 2015, Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Masters of Theology, Waxahachie, Tx, 2012, Rochester Institute of Technology, Bachelors of Science, Social Work, Rochester, New York, and Monroe Community College, Associates and Applied Science in Human Services, Rochester, New York, 1986. I am a USAF Veteran, and I attended Non-commissioned Officer Training School, @ Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Tx. I was also a member of the USAF Drill Team, Color Guard and Honor Guard, while serving on active duty, for five years. I was honorably discharged, as Sergeant. I am a member of AAMFT, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Women Veterans Coffee House, Women Veterans Rock, Women in the Military Service for America Memorial and I am also a Blue Star Mother Associate, etc. Career Objective: Upon successful completion of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program, at VSU. I plan to obtain my Marriage and Family Licensure, in the state of Georgia, and further my education, in pursuit of my PHD in Clinical Psychology. I enjoy participating in church, community and volunteer services, spending time with family and friends, meeting new people, listening to music; gospel, classical, country and gospel/smooth jazz, contemporary, west Indian, etc. In my quiet time, I enjoy prayer, reading the word, personal reflection, meditation, and relaxation. I am an International Traveler: Here are a few places that I have visited, London, England, Paris, France, Germany, The Netherlands of Holland, Brussels, France, Switzerland, Vienna, Munich, Salzburg, and Innsbruck Austria, Tel Aviv, Israel, Rome, Italy, and Athens, Greece. |
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CHIKA NWOSU Hello, my name is Chika Nwosu. I was born and raised in Riverdale, Georgia to native Nigerian parents. I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Columbus State University. During my undergraduate years, my aspiration was to become a clinical psychologist, but my aspiration was halted when I received rejection letters from psychology graduate programs that I applied to. I continued my pursuit in mental health and discovered the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Valdosta State University. Instantly, I realized the style of therapy and the populations I wanted to serve was embedded in the Marriage and Family therapy program. I realized training as a marriage and family therapist fulfills my desire to work with women, children, and families. The marriage and family therapy program also fulfills my interest to understand family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, self-esteem issues, childhood mental health, and parent-child relationships. Due to my cultural upbringing as a Nigerian-American, I desire to work with immigrant families to address cultural barriers, cultural disparities, and encourage positive conversations in the family environment. My new aspiration is to become an effective marriage and family therapist and use the systems theory to invite others to consider a different perspective in their healing journey. |
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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. |
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MAKALYN SABELLA Hello everyone, my name is Makalyn Sabella! I am originally from Douglasville, Ga; which is a little bit outside of metro-Atlanta. I graduated in December of 2021 from Valdosta State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people in whatever career choice I made. My senior year of undergrad I received a wonderful opportunity to do my senior internship with the VSU Marriage and Family Therapy program. I was incredibility interested in what marriage and family therapy was and the program that was offered at VSU. I was astonished by how welcoming and hands on the clinic and everyone within were. Being accepted now, I am so excited to gain new opportunities to learn and grow within the Marriage and Family Therapy program! |
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BRENNA SAUNDERS Hello, my name is Brenna Saunders. I was born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky. I moved to Valdosta due to my first duty assignment at Moody AFB while being Active-Duty Air Force. I served four years active as Security Forces and cross trained into Healthcare Administrative Management in the Air Force Reserves where I continue to serve. I earned my Bachelor's of Science degree in Social Psychology at Park University. I also received my Associates in Applied Science Criminal Justice through the Community College of The Air Force. Before my active-duty contract ended I did the Skills Bridge Internship where I interned at Better Mood Clinic here in Valdosta for six months. During that internship I knew becoming a therapist was the right fit for me. My friend is a MFT and encouraged me to look into VSU where I fell in love with the diversity, hands on clinical training, and broad-mindedness of our studies. I am immensely proud to be a part of this program and enduring a profession I am so passionate about. I want to obtain my license after this program and work clinically to serve a diversity of clients of all ages, promoting unity and self-love.
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Hey, my name is Sydney Siddell and I grew up in Thomasville, Ga. I graduated in December 2021 with a bachelor's in psychology. People have come to me for advice since middle school, but I did not consider a career in psychology until I met 5 memorable kids at my current job. I was encouraged to research careers in psychology by a mom who watched me interacting with these kids. Finding myself a little overwhelmed by all the options in the psych field, I was relieved to learn that the MFT program here at VSU (Valdosta State University) upholds principles that I believe to be important. My goal is to work near a body of water or a state park so I can meet people for sessions in nature. I hope to work together with some like-minded people on a program that will provide accessible mental health education and care to people who may not know about their options. |
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Hello everyone! My name is Camryn Studstill, and I am a Valdosta native born and raised. I graduated Magna Cum Laude in December 2021 from Valdosta State University with my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. I first learned about the Marriage and Family Therapy Program when a group of graduate students came to talk about Family Works during one of my undergrad classes. I had a wonderful opportunity to intern with this program during the Summer of 2021 and automatically fell in love with it. I have always had a passion for helping and serving others, which is something the MFT program will allow me to do. I look forward to continuing my journey here at Family Works and cannot wait to see what the future holds! |
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DEBORAH VIZCARRONDO HI! My name is Deborah Vizcarrondo and I have lived in Valdosta since 1987 when I moved here as a junior to complete my B.S. Ed in Spanish. I stayed the following year to continue on and get my M. Ed. In Spanish as well. From then on I taught Spanish in public and private high schools, colleges and even for home school groups. In the summers, I often went to Spanish speaking countries to do volunteer ministry work of different types, ranging from teaching, holding children’s camps, putting floors in homes and providing resources to support local leaders in rural areas. This led me to starting my own non-profit that I ran for 5 years. The common denominator in all of these experiences was engaging in the lives of people directly, using whatever skills and resources I had available to me, to benefit them in some way. Helping others and seeing them thrive has always been my passion. The greatest frustration I had in these prior experiences was not having the therapeutic skills to help as I would’ve liked. So, now that my three children have all finished their schooling and are living independently, it’s time to purse that formal training. I chose VSU’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program because I’ve had a number of personal friends who’ve gone through the program and who all are amazing friends and therapists. The education they received here in the MFT program was exemplary and I am so excited to now have the same opportunity to learn and grow personally and professionally as they did and then use those skills to continue helping others. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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Hey everyone, my name is Kaia Williams, my parents were both in the military so I moved around a lot. I graduated Valdosta State in December 2021 with a Political Science degree. When I was younger I was always to that I was a good listener, and I knew that I wanted to help people who couldn’t speak for their self. I thought a lawyer would fill those shoes, but it just I didn’t feel complete. I was recommended to look more into the Marriage and Family Therapy, and after doing more research I become interested in the program. I hope to be able to help different people, and I hope to help people like me. I am excited to learn how to understand people better, and look forward to diving into the future of therapy |
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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. |
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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. |
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TERRI FUNK
NOLAN KING
GABRIELLE PEREZ
SYDNEY SIDDELL
CAMRYN STUDSTILL
MACKENZIE WATERS
TY'KERIA WHITE
ETHAN WILLIAMS
KAIA WILLIAMS
SHEA WALKER
MARKIA CARR
YOVANI CARRANZA
KIARA CARSON
MARGARET COSPER
LAURELLE DAVIS
CAROLINA GLEATON
DREW GUTIERREZ
KALI HENDRICKS
CAROLINE HUGHES
MORGAN NAUMAN
OLIVIA ROSE
BIANCA SIMMONS- MFT Program
- 229.219.1281
- FamilyWorks
- 229.219.1281
- FamilyWorks Fax
- 229.219.1280
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Campus Address
903 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698 -
Mailing Address
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698