Meet Our Students
Graduating Class of 2022 |
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Kinsey Baughman Hello, my name is Kinsey Baughman, and I'm from Summerville, SC. I went to Clemson University where I received my B.S. in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology. After my undergrad degree I worked in a group home of the rehabilitation of juvenile sex offenders for a little under a year. I have always been interested in the field of Psychology. I chose Valdosta State to continue my studies because of their appreciation for diversity, as well as their focus on hands on learning in the clinic. Upon completion of this program, I hope to become a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and maybe pursue a Ph.D. |
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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. It was while attending GSU that I realized my career's work consists 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. |
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Hello, My name 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 was 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 Ththerapy program. |
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Hello! My name is Violeta and 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 and following my graduation, we received orders to Moody AFB. Having the desire to continue my educational and personal growth, I found that the VSU MFT program was the best fit for me. What attracted me to the program was the strong emphasis on diversity and hands-on experience in the FamilyWorks Clinic. I believe learning a new approach to counseling would 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. |
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Katelyn Noles |
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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 we eventually ended up back in Madison. I graduated Saint Leo University with a BS in Psychology in May of 2017. I have always had the passion of being willing to help another out; 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 the VSU MFT program because it will help me enhance my skills on helping others and teach me the different theories and techniques needed to assist someone. The program offers hands on training in the therapy room and heavily educates students on the ethical ways of working with clients. Within this program, my objective is to gain an understanding on how to perform therapeutic assistance 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 upmost assistance on working with others. I look forward to my journey on becoming an MFT. |
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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. |
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Glenn Veal Hello, my name is Glenn “GG” Veal. I am from Hampton, GA and received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology from Valdosta State University. After looking into other programs, schools, and career opportunities, I decided the VSU MFT program would help me grow the most. I appreciate that the program has an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and provides hands-on training with clients. The students and professors are very accepting anyone who walks in the clinic. I have a love for working with others and hope to gain the skills needed to become a licensed MFT here in Georgia. I am excited to be on this journey and cannot wait to see what the future hold in the VSU MFT program! |
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Graduating Class of 2023 |
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Elizabeth Cherry Hello, my name is Elizabeth Cherry, and I am from Atlanta, GA. I graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.S in psychology. Although I knew I wanted to be a mental health counselor at the age of 15, I had to take a break after graduation to research graduate programs. I chose to continue my education at VSU because of the emphasis on community outreach and the support that facility gives students to succeed in the program. My goal is to help anyone struggling in life with marital/relationship conflicts and mental health. I have no doubt that VSU’s MFT program will help me reach that goal. |
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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. |
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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.
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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 wish to become a sex therapist as well. 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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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 to 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! |
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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. |
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Rendi Harrison Hello, my name is Rendi Harrison. I am originally from Bainbridge, GA. I graduated from VSU with a bachelor’s in sociology and minor in psychology. When thinking of a master’s program, I wanted to find something where I could help people, including children. I then heard about the MFT Program and was completely intrigued. I hope to one day open up my own practice down the road! |
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Kali Hendricks Hi! My name is Kali Hendricks and 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 in anxiety and depression disorders, however life happened. I decided to stay here in Valdosta to be with my family and took the 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 did not know that the program existed or what it was about. I made the decision to pursue therapy for my mental health issues and stumbled upon the Family Works 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 for the program arose, I did and got accepted. I have always known that I wanted to help people through therapy. I thought that the only way was through a clinical psychological 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 that 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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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. |
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Olivia Johnson Hi, my name is Olivia Johnson. I was born in Brooklyn, New York but moved to Stockbridge, Georgia, which has become home ever since. I received my B.S in psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of West Georgia. Throughout my whole life, I have always seen myself doing therapy, helping people help themselves for the better. Valdosta State's MFT Program resonated with me because it values inclusion and offers a hands-on curriculum. I know this program will help me be the best therapist I can be, and it will help expand my mind to understand how to further heal the world. I am excited to be on this journey to fulfill the needs of those who need my help, become a licensed marriage and family therapist, and build my practice. |
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Faith Jones Hello, my name is Faith Jones, I am originally from Buffalo, New York. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in women's studies at the University of West Georgia this past summer of 2021. Fresh out of undergrad, I started the MFT program because I was drawn to its nurturing environment. This program offers the flexibility, patience, and care aspiring therapists need to start out in the field. My goal is to graduate and help minority families obtain therapy and promote healthy relationships within households. I want to be able to break generational curses that families can't always do on their own. I am excited for the knowledge and growth I will obtain through VSU. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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Johnathon Voss Hello, my name is Johnathon Voss, and I'm from Cartersville, GA. I went to Georgia Southern University where I received my B.S. in justice studies. After my undergrad degree, I worked in business and law enforcement. I am currently a licensed realtor with six years of experience. The ability to serve others began my walk toward becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. I decided on Valdosta State University to continue my studies because the program is accredited (COAMFTE), and because we are able to gain experience at the FamilyWorks Clinic. Upon completion of this program, I plan to become a licensed marriage and family therapist and write at least two books. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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 that 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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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. |
Derrielle Brown
Amber Carrington
Meylon Clark
Taylor Dasher
Asia Evans
Jasmine Golden
Rebecca Haas
Rebecca Knutson
Violeta Lucas
Andre Morgan Jr.
Nija Proctor
Andrea Scott
Kelly Sheaks
Danielle Sloan
- 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