Meet Our Students
Graduating Class of 2021 |
Hello, my name is Prentiss Bacon, and I come from the oh so beautiful Savannah, Georgia. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Ever since I was a freshman in high school, I always knew I had a passion for counseling. However, it wasn’t until I began my undergraduate career that I learned of VSU’s prestigious Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program. After learning of the dynamic and hands on curriculum, I knew this program would be perfect for me. I am prepared to gain the much needed knowledge through this program to ultimately become a licensed therapist to better family and marital relations. |
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. |
Hello, my name is Jessica Cid. I’m originally from Tifton, Georgia. I recently graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Valdosta State University. As I was exploring my options for graduate programs, the Marriage and Family Therapy program here at VSU aligned best with my views on therapy. I admire the program’s emphasis on diversity, and I feel confident that the program will mold me into a conscious and competent therapist. I’m excited to get hands-on training in the student-run clinic, and to be able to refine my counseling skills. |
Hi! My name is Chyna Doughty and I am from Wilmington, NC. I graduated from East Carolina University in May of 2018 with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in sociology. ECU is where I found my love for MFT. After graduating, I decided to take a year off to work and build a little more experience before applying to a graduate program. I ended up working for Coastal Horizons Outdoor Adventure, which is an outdoor ropes course that gives teams, families, friends, students, etc. a series of challenges that are designed to help them understand the importance of things such as communication, trust, teamwork, and decision-making. This strengthened my desire to further my education in a form of counseling that focused on family and togetherness. I was drawn to Valdosta State University after reading about their emphasis on diversity. I have always been really big on diversity, open-mindedness, and the acceptance of everyone, so I knew this was the program for me! After completing this program, I hope to obtain a license in counseling and work as a marriage and family therapist, as well as a counselor for at-risk youth in different communities. |
Hi my name is Asia Dukes and I am from Whigham, GA. I recently graduated from Columbus State University with a Bachelors in Psychology. I was interested in Marriage and Family Therapy because I wanted bring families together, as well as marriages, and help make someone's life better by solving important issues. I was interested in going to Valdosta State University because it is closer to home, and I heard great things about VSU from family and friends who have attended and currently attend the school. I am excited to get clinical training as well as define my own style of doing therapy. |
Hello all! My name is Armani Duffie and I am from Decatur, GA. I am a recent graduate of Valdosta State with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice. I also have an Associate's Degree in Networking Systems Administration from DeVry University. I have always been interested in pursuing counseling since high school, but when I started doing research on Military life and suicide rates, it showed me that it affected their families just as much and did not get as much attention as it deserves. These findings showed me that the Marriage and Family Therapy program was the best fit for me. I want to be able to use the knowledge I receive to help find techniques that will work for me, as well as have a life-long positive impact on my future clients’ lives. I chose to stay at Valdosta State because I love being a Blazer, so making the decision to continue my education here felt like the best choice. I am eager to enhance my knowledge of understanding in this field and make personal connections with my peers and professors, while personally molding myself for this career. |
Hi, my name is Alden Gillespie. I was born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia. I graduated with my B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Valdosta State University. After I graduated, I worked at a domestic violence shelter for women as a Victim's Advocate for a few months before realizing that was not my calling. I decided on the MFT Master's program because of the strong belief in diversity, and the hands-on approach to teaching students. I would love to work with children after graduating. My belief is that you never know what child will remember you 15 years from now, so helping them and being a positive role model now is incredibly important and impactful! I'm thrilled to begin the next step of my career. |
Hello, my name is Tommy Hampton IV, and I'm from Valdosta, GA. I graduated from Kennesaw State University in the spring of 2019 with my B.S in Psychology and a minor in Military Leadership. I stumbled upon Marriage and Family Therapy during the summer before my senior year of high school. I was asked to work with troubled youth between the ages of 10-16 years of age at Peace Way Counseling and Mediation Services, Inc. Through that one summer experience I found a passion and purpose to continue volunteering for the next four summers. My experience at Peace Way propelled me to pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and research some programs, which led me to Valdosta State University. The realness between the students and faculty intrigued me so much that I could envision myself being a part of the learning environment. In addition, the student run clinic and hands on experience were two things I looked for when choosing a school and program, and from the faculty to the students I can truly say they have exceeded my expectations. I am extremely thankful to be in this position to see how this program will strengthen my therapeutic voice, and provide me with the opportunity to grow with other enlightened minds. Upon graduation, I plan on working with all ages and backgrounds while striving for a doctoral degree, and maybe one day open my own private practice. |
Hello! My name is Ashley Heflin. I graduated from University of West Georgia with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Studio Art. My studies were primarily in Humanistic Psychology which views people as more than the sum of their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual parts. This has especially hit home for me as I was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s/HFA. I’ve struggled my whole life and felt so relieved to finally put a name to it. Regardless of my relief, there is still a lot of stigma around those that are on the spectrum. I hope that in pursuing my studies and becoming licensed, I will be able to help break down stigmas as well as be able to help neuro-diverse couples and families relate to one another. |
Hello, my name is Kasie Johnson and I am from Patterson, Georgia. I was very blessed to accept the opportunity to play college softball at Valdosta State University during my undergrad degree. I obtained my bachelors of science degree in psychology at Valdosta State University. I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere at VSU, and realized I wanted to continue my education here for the Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s program. At first I wanted to be a school counselor, but I realized I could impact more lives than my own by counseling in the marriage and family therapy aspect of psychology. I chose MFT because I grew up understanding the difficulties of marriage and families, and I want to be able to open my practice one day to help people create the best relationships they can achieve to obtain healthy relationships in their lives. I am very excited to begin this next step in my life and education. |
Hello, my name is Dillon and I am a student as well as a graduate assistant for the Marriage and Family Therapy program. I completed my bachelor of science degree in Psychology at Valdosta State University. I enrolled into the MFT program because I felt that the education and guidelines offered by the program coincided with my own views of systemic therapy. I believe that by mastering the skills and training associated with the MFT program, I will become a competent therapist that will continue to build upon my knowledge with the experiences I share with my clients. |
Hi There! My name is Marcia Joyner and I am originally from Spring Valley, New York, but I have made Valdosta my home for many years. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education and Development, and now I am super excited to be a part of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Valdosta State University. When I have completed the MFT program at Valdosta State University, my plan is to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that this graduate program will give me the opportunity to reach out to others and help them navigate the issues of life and strengthen their family bonds. I would like to work within the community to help erase the stigma associated with seeking professional counseling to work through issues within the family unit. |
Hello there, my name is Parrish Kent. I am originally from Omaha, Nebraska. I went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and received my Bachelor's degree in Education and Human Science. My major was Child, Youth, and Family, Studies, and I minored in Psychology, Sociology, and Ethnic Studies. I became interested in the field of marriage and family therapy after completing my capstone in a therapy clinic. VSU’s program stood out to me because their students have the opportunity to receive hands on experience, and the faculty members are very supportive of their students. I hope to become a licensed marriage and family therapist, and work with families in the court and child welfare system. |
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. |
I have always been naturally curious about other people. Yet, beyond simply witnessing and observing others, I have a sincere hope for people to have the peace and happiness they want in life. People coming to me with their problems has been a constant in my life, and holding compassionate space for people comes naturally to me. I appreciate the need to be listened to with empathy and understanding without judgment or personal interest. After being in the work force in other roles and participating in the school of life for the past 30 years, I find that my passion is to go back to school to become a therapist to prepare myself to help people ethically and responsibly. I knew I wanted to apply to VSU’s Marriage & Family Therapy program after reading the program’s description that emphasizes “learning about the art and science of change” in a relational, multi-cultural context with a call to stand up for social justice. I was struck by how that statement resonated with me. After taking a tour and experiencing the FamilyWorks student-run clinic, I knew this program was for me. I hope to work with individuals and families, and assist them to achieve their therapeutic goals. |
Hi! My name is Patti Moynihan and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the MFT program at Valdosta State University. I recently graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Masters in Psychology. I loved every class, professor, student and moment of study. Although the experience was a life changing dream come true, the program was not accredited and did not lead to licensure. When I visited VSU, I knew that I had found my next dream. During my visit, I observed a practicum and was impressed by the level of support and respect that I felt between the students and professors, and towards the clients. All of the students I spoke with expressed that they loved the program and felt that they were learning to become competent therapists. The required readings are interesting, intriguing and far from text book boring. The Family Works Clinic on site is an invaluable resource for students and for people in the community. The students expressed that they were encouraged to be themselves, and to find and develop their own unique way of being in the world and working with clients. The atmosphere in the MFT department feels positive, non-pathologizing and respectful to all. I am excited to learn and practice here because I feel that the program is a perfect balance of academic rigor with an openness that allows for the development of each student’s individuality and creativity.
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Hello, my name is Tevonna Nembhard! I'm originally from Connecticut, but, after a couple of moves, I've been in Georgia for quite some time now. I attended Valdosta State University for my undergrad where I earned my Bachelors in Sociology in the Spring of 2017. I always had a passion for helping and comforting people through simply talking to them; however, during my last semester in a Clinical Soc. class I finally realized that the Marriage & Family Therapy program was exactly the route I wanted to take! I would've loved to have started the very next semester, but I had my own bundle of joy 3 days after graduation! So after some time off I'm ready to jump back in and finish on the journey I once started years ago. I'm excited to work with a variety of people, but I have a special connection with children. I'm hoping to one day have my own practice and be a safe haven for any and everyone! |
Hello! My name is Amanda Pierre-Louis and I am from South Florida. I graduated from Florida State University in 2016 and dedicated three years to teaching High School students English. Before knowing I would teach, I knew I wanted to do Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT); however, because it was a Master's program, I knew mentoring teens while educating them (and dancing) would be just as awesome while waiting for the right season to attend Valdosta State's MFT program. The season is here! Being able to be at VSU is so inspiring because of the many opportunities given to impact diverse lives through the clinic that WE as students get to run with professional guidance. That in itself gives us so much preparation for the real world which many other programs do not provide. I've been waiting YEARS for this moment, and I'm proud to say that I am an MFT student at VSU!
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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. |
Hi! My name is Jodi Thomas, and I am from Hinesville, GA. I graduated from Valdosta State University and obtained a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. From the beginning I knew I wanted to major in Psychology but had no idea what I wanted to do with it until I came upon the MFT program at VSU. I am excited to participate in this program and have the opportunity to have hands on experience while also expanding my knowledge about MFT. After graduation, I plan on obtaining my license in MFT and eventually opening my own private practice! |
Hello, my name is K’Nya Trimble and I am from Miami, Florida. I recently graduated from Florida State in August of 2019 with a B.S in Family and Child Science and a minor in Psychology. A gap year was my worst nightmare and I couldn’t imagine waiting a year to pursue my Master’s. I have always loved the family dynamic and the inter-workings of relationships, especially marriages. Since middle school, I have always found myself giving advice on things that I myself had not personally experienced, and was always the go-to for insight and direction amongst friends. It has always been a joy to see changes in people individually and relationally that results from something I truly love to do. However, it wasn’t until college that I figured that I should seek a career in the counseling field. Since it was so natural to me I never considered it. January of 2018 was when I decided that VSU was where I was supposed to be to pursue a M.S in MFT. I had heard so many great things over the years from friends that were in the program. Once I was able to visit and sit in on a mock session, I was sold! I am extremely excited to see how this program challenges, stretches and grows me in areas that I thought I knew, didn’t know, and know. Upon graduating, I plan to obtain licensure in either Florida or somewhere up the east coast and going from there as far as my career. |
Hey everyone! My name is Vasettria Williams and I’m from Kennesaw, GA. I graduated from VSU earning my BS in Psychology and a minor in African American Studies in December of 2018. Post-graduation I was not sure of the next step of my life. I knew I wanted to work with children, but was not sure doing what. After researching, I learned about MFT programs and saw that VSU offers it as well! I fell in love with VSU’s MFT Program because of how personal everything feels, and I instantly felt like I belonged in this program. I’m looking forward to expanding my career with this program! |
Graduating Class of 2022 |
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. |
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 Therapy program. |
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Hi, my name is Jasmine McElroy. I was born and raised in Georgia. I am initially from Stone Mountain, but my family and I recently moved to Oxford within the last few years. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a BS in Psychology in May of 2020. I've always loved the idea of feeling as though I was able to help someone out of a challenging situation; whether it was emotionally or physically, it was the fact that I was making a change within their lives that mattered. When beginning to research postgraduation ideas, the thought of going home and working was considered, but I was unsure of what I would do with my bachelor's degree. So, I began searching for different career choices and ran into the woman I consider a mentor; she told me about this program, and I researched into it. The idea of helping the family dynamic combined with my want to help others and the fact that it did not restrict me to a specified age range, like I felt other fields might have, drew me into the MFT program. Having both options available in the program made it stand out because I knew I would be able to make a change in others' lives. Still, I also knew I would have some, but I knew there would not be a sense of routine because everyone who enters into the office would be joining with some variety in reasoning for coming. I chose VSU MFT because this program had some of the best references given to by others; it offers a great learning atmosphere and a chance for significant growth with one of the best support systems. I am excited to continue this program. Within this program, my goal is to learn how to understand better how to confront conflict in both a therapeutic setting and in life. I believe the program's training will prepare me to work with multiple generations of people within my future practice confidently. I am excited to learn different methods to successfully approach families and individuals from all backgrounds with their concerns. I am looking forward to having my clients assigned to me. I feel that this will help me prepare for my future work as a psychologist. I am happy that I am a student in the VSU MFT program, and I look forward to my future in this program. |
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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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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! |
- 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