Meet Our Staff
Meet Our Staff
CAPS provides training opportunities for postdoctoral psychology fellows seeking licensure and advanced students in psychology, counseling and social work. These early career professionals and trainees provide counseling to clients and practice under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Personal Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Title: Director of Counseling and Psychiatric Services
My Pronouns: He/Him/His
Favorite Quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: Being with family, being outdoors, and giving back to my community.
Associate Director of Clinical Services, Psychologist, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) University Health Center
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dr. Arial Treankler joined the CAPS staff in 2013 and is the associate director of clinical services for CAPS. She earned a double BA in Psychology and Sociology: Law, Crime, and Deviance, a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. In addition to these educational activities, she also has various experiences at NAIA and Division I levels in applied sport psychology – an internship at Wichita State University and a post-doctoral residency at the University of California – Davis. Dr. Treankler (Dr. T.) is a Clinical Sport Psychologist trained as a clinical generalist, who also offers specialty clinical and performance enhancement services at regional, conference, and national levels. Other areas of interest include identity development, the challenges of adjustment, trauma, interpersonal concerns, men’s and women’s issues, anger, disordered eating, and stress management. She utilizes a variety of techniques in order to help students reach their maximum potential in a variety of areas, i.e. academic, athletic, personal.
Title: Associate Director of Clinical Services
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: I am happiest being around family, friends, and puppies! I gain energy from being active, enjoying nature and supporting others.
What I do for Self-Care: Strange, I know, but yardwork is my self-care. There’s something satisfying about working hard and seeing beautiful results, plus I get to be outside with my pup.
Associate Director of Outreach and Collaboration, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) University Health Center
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Jennifer Hester is a licensed clinical social worker who joined the CAPS staff as the lead mental health professional in 2015. She earned a BA in Psychology, with a minor in Family Studies, from Berry College and a Master’s of Social Work from UGA. She has a pre-doctorate certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally, she is certified in QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Mrs. Hester has previous experience in psychiatric hospitals, emergency rooms, and private practice working with adults experiencing couples/marital concerns as well as experience in crisis stabilization programs for children/adolescents and outpatient/community mental health treatment for adults with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance-related disorders. Her areas of interest include marriage/couples/relationship issues, family of origin, spiritual concerns, trauma, and crisis intervention.
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dr. Sandrine Bosshardt is a licensed psychologist and joined the CAPS staff in 2012. Originally from the Netherlands, she received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Dr. Bosshardt’s areas of interest include family-of-origin, developmental/identity issues, LGBTQ, interpersonal/relationship concerns, training and supervision, and social justice. Safe Space Ally
Title: Psychologist
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Favorite Quote: “There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask ‘What if I fall?’ Oh but my darling, What if you fly?” ~e.h
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: Spending time with friends and family makes me happiest. My family is far away, so when I spend time in The Netherlands, I make sure it’s all quality time! I also love the smell, sound, and feel of the ocean. I love to travel. Music (listening to and making music) is super important to me. And last, but certainly not least, animals are the healers of all souls!
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dr. Shannon M. Bowles has been a licensed psychologist in the state of Georgia since 2009 and has been a staff psychologist with CAPS since fall 2010. She serves as the Coordinator of Gender and Sexuality Services and is the CAPS liaison to the university’s Pride Center. Dr. Bowles holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Virginia and an MEd in Counselor Education with an emphasis in student affairs practice in higher education also from the University of Virginia. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology at West Virginia University. Dr. Bowles completed her pre-doctoral internship at Appalachian State University’s Counseling & Psychological Services Center and her post-doctoral fellowship at Georgia State University’s Counseling & Testing Center. Dr. Bowles’ areas of interest include student affairs administration, the first-generation college student experience, psychotherapy for family of origin concerns, working with gender diverse individuals, and alcohol and other drug assessment, treatment, and recovery in the college student population. Safe Space Ally
Title: Psychologist
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What Led Me to Become a Therapist: My process definitely was not linear. A combination of personal and academic experiences over time led me to the pursuit of a career as a psychologist.
What I do for Self-Care: My partner and I schedule periodic road trips.
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Elizabeth Cheely is a Licensed Clinical Social worker who joined the CAPS staff in 2012. She earned a BS degree in Psychology and MSW from the University of Georgia. Ms. Cheely has past experience in working with clients with developmental disabilities, child welfare, and trauma survivors. Ms. Cheely’s approach is to create a compassionate and client centered environment that encourages personal growth and positive change. Her special areas of interest include self-esteem, adjustment, trauma, and family of origin and relationship issues. Safe Space Ally
Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Vet Met Counselor
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What I Like Most About UGA and the Surrounding Community: I love that Athens is a small town but also has so many opportunities. Athens has good food, music, sports, outdoor activities, etc. so I can always find something interesting and exciting to do. As a UGA graduate I have lived in Athens for quite a while now and feel lucky to call it home!
What I do for Self-Care: For self-care I enjoy reading, crocheting, baking, being with my family and friends, and Georgia football (Go Dawgs!)
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Personal Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dr. Al Clarke has been with the health center since September 1996. He received his PhD from Georgia State University. Dr. Clarke is Training Director of the postdoctoral fellowship program and practicum training, and his current clinical interests include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), supervision, stress disorders, relationship issues, substance abuse, and mindfulness.
Title: Psychologist
My Pronouns: He/Him/His
Favorite Quote: In my mindfulness work with students, I appreciate the words of Ram Dass to “Be Here Now” and the initial words of the Serenity Prayer written by Dr. Reinhold Niebur, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: When not working at CAPS, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and outdoor activities including hiking, bicycling, running, swimming and playing golf.
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Personal Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Tricia Coghlan is a licensed clinical social worker and joined the CAPS staff in 2010. She is the MSW Training Coordinator. Ms. Coghlan earned a BS in sociology with an emphasis in social services from Georgia Southern, and a MSW from University of Georgia. Her specialty areas include working with trauma, students with eating disorders, and women’s issues. Ms. Coghlan has extensive experience working with college students who have experienced sexual assault. She also enjoys working with family concerns, adjustment to college, and religious concerns. She utilizes a feminist approach when working with clients. Safe Space Ally
Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Favorite Quote: “We can do hard things.” – Glennon Doyle
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: I love spending time with my family and friends when I’m not at work. I also enjoy being outdoors, reading, and playing with my dog.
Behavioral Health Care Manager for the Blue Clinic, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) University Health Center
Work 55 Carlton Street Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Hannah Craswell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who joined the CAPS staff in 2019. She earned a BS degree in Psychology and MSW from the University of Georgia. Hannah serves as a Behavioral Health Care Manager within the medical clinics, collaborating with other providers to offer comprehensive mental health care. She has prior experience in college mental health and in community nonprofit, working with adults and families experiencing housing instability and chronic disease. Hannah utilizes a variety of approaches: cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment, mindfulness, and solution-focused.
Title: Behavioral Health Care Manager, Blue Clinic
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: My happiest moments are spending time with my husband and daughter, watching my daughter experience new things for the first time and enjoy her life (she’s one and a half!).
What I do for Self-Care: My self-care involves routine and being present for each of those activities: coffee in the morning, walks with my family in the neighborhood, taking care of all the flowering plants in my yard.
Behavioral Health Care Manager for the Green Clinic, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) University Health Center
Work 55 Carlton Street Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Title: Behavioral Health Care Manager, Green Clinic
My Pronouns: He/Him/His
Favorite Quote: “No matter where you go, there you are.” – Buckaroo Banzai
What I do for Self-Care: Martial Arts Training (Krav Maga, Filipino Kyusho); Reading – mostly things that are NOT related to therapy or self-improvement because that gets overwhelming; Artwork- iron-on T-shirt stuff, glue gun projects, and random fabulous things; Exercise in general, including lifting weights, calisthenics, very slow jogging (trudging); Numismatics and exonumia; and Cooking.
Work 55 Carlton Street Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Title: Office Coordinator
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Favorite Quotes: “Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination.” – Roy M. Goodman and “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: I am happiest when I am spending time with my kids and family. We enjoy playing family board games, going for walks, playing outside, and being creative. I also enjoy the moments where I can appreciate the quietness of outside and read a book, do yoga, and spend time with friends.
Work 55 Carlton Street Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Title: Psychologist
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Personal Motto: Be honest, be kind, and be true to yourself.
Favorite Quotes: It’s hard to pick one. Here’s two of my favorite quotes that I think pair well together. The first I learned about through a former client; the quote is by Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” The second is by Brené Brown, “Perfection is not the same thing as striving to be our best. Perfectionism is not about healthy achievement and growth; it’s a shield.”
Work 55 Carlton Street Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Maggie Gibbs is a Licensed Master Social Worker who joined the CAPS staff in 2019. She earned her Bachelors & Masters degrees in Social Work from UGA and holds a pre-professional certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Maggie presently works as a Case Manager at CAPS. In this role, she provides collaborative support in connecting students to resources on campus and in the community. In her clinical work, Maggie practices from a narrative therapeutic approach, and her primary interests include identity work, exploration of gender & sexuality, trauma, multiculturalism, and disordered eating concerns.
Title: Case Manager
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Favorite Quote: “We rise by lifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: I am most content when I’m holding a cat or tending to my small garden of plants. I’m still lacking the ever elusive “green thumb,” but I enjoy the process nonetheless.
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Personal Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dawn Healy joined the CAPS staff in 2013. She earned her MSW and BFA from the University of Georgia. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Before joining CAPS she worked in community mental health at Advantage Behavioral Health and more recently at Granville Health Systems. She utilizes a variety of approaches; cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, expressive art techniques, Mindfulness or supportive therapy depending on the needs of the person. She will work to build upon the strengths the client already possesses as well as learning new coping skills, new ways of communicating with friends and family and interrupting old behaviors that no longer foster wellbeing. Her areas of interest focus on relationships and personal growth to adjustment into college life and managing the challenges of graduate school. As a generalist she also works with individuals on depression, anxiety, trauma, family of origin, self esteem and assertiveness. Ms. Healy also enjoys spending time taking her dogs hiking, meditation/yoga, and creating pottery. Safe Space Ally
Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Favorite Quote: “Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” – Brené Brown
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: Spending time with my friends, my pets, and my family. Whenever possible being outside or doing something creative brings me the most joy.
Work 55 Carlton Street Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Favorite Quote: “Things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.” – Pema Chodron
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: When I’m not working, I’m happiest being outside, playing with my dogs, and catching up with friends and family who live far away. I’m almost always working on a creative project of some kind, usually with mixed results. And I love working on puzzles. Puzzles are so underrated.
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dr. Erin Higgenbotham joined the CAPS staff in 2018. She holds a BS in Psychology from Wofford College and an MA in Counseling from Ball State University. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology at West Virginia University. Dr. Higgenbotham completed her pre-doctoral internship at West Virginia University’s Carruth Center for Psychological and Psychiatric Services and a clinical fellowship at Ohio State University’s Counseling and Consultation Service. Her areas of interest include developmental/identity concerns, social justice, adjustment and stress management, interpersonal/relationship concerns, mindfulness, working with students who identify as LGBTQ, family-of-origin concerns, outreach, and training/supervision.
Title: Psychologist
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Favorite Quote: While I have many, I love this one – “For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
What I do for Self-Care: Self-care is a very important part of my life and I engage in several ways. I spend time with friends and family. I bake. I hike with my dog. I meditate and take time to intentionally unwind. I listen to music and can often be found dancing around my house. And I spend time near and/or in water. Growing up near a lake, I find that one of the most restorative things I can do.
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dr. Ellen House is a board certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist at CAPS and is an Assistant Professor at the AU/UGA Medical Partnership. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees at Yale University and then completed her adult and child psychiatry training at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospitals where she was affiliated with Harvard Medical School. She joins CAPS after being on faculty at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine where she was the Department of Psychiatry’s Master Clinical Teacher.
Title: Staff Psychiatrist
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Personal Motto: “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” – Fred Rogers
Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Work 55 Carlton Street Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dr. Jessica (Jessi) Langley is a Staff Clinician with CAPS. She holds a BS in Experimental Psychology from The University of South Carolina Upstate and a MA in Clinical Psychology from The Georgia School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. Dr. Langley completed her pre-doctoral internship in Health Service Psychology at Florida State University in the University Counseling Center. She earned her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed her Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Psychology at The University of Georgia in CAPS. Dr. Langley’s professional areas of interest include (1) adjustment for traditional age, undergraduate students, (2) social anxiety, (3) family-of-origin concerns, (4) group therapy, (5) outreach, and (6) training/supervision.
Work 55 Carlton Street Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Title: Clinical Nurse Specialist
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Personal Motto: “Have courage, and be kind.”
What Led me to Become a Psychiatric Nurse: I became a psychiatrist nurse to help bring quality of life to someone that is suffering.
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: I love spending time with my family and pets.
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dr. Lauren Pucci joined the health center staff in 2017. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. She completed a Pre-doctoral Internship at Virginia Commonwealth University’s University Counseling Services and a Post-doctoral Fellowship at the University of Georgia (CAPS). Her areas of interest include interpersonal/relationship concerns, sexuality/sexual health, identity work, multiculturalism, trauma, and concerns related to relationship with food and body image. She is also passionate about training/supervision and group therapy. Safe Space Ally
Title: Psychologist
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: Well, since it’s pretty much my life dream to be a mermaid, I am happiest when I am by and/or in a body of water. On hot summer (heck, even spring and fall) weekends, you can regularly find me either at the pool or Lake Hartwell. It’s no Lake Michigan, but it does the trick.
What I do for Self-Care: I practice self-care in a variety of ways. Sometimes it’s being intentional with how I schedule things, setting boundaries and saying “no” (this is a big one!), spending quality time with friends, or going outside to get some fresh air and sunshine. Letting loose on a dance floor every now and then is also pretty necessary for me. But I never forget about the basics – regular meals, hydration, and 8 hours of sleep does the mind/body good.
Work 55 Carlton Street Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Title: Case Manager
My Pronouns: He/Him/His
Favorite Quote: “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that, within me, there lay an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work: When I’m not working, I am happiest spending time outdoors with my family.
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Dr. Austin Shedden joined the CAPS staff in 2011. He earned a BS in counseling and an MA in marriage and family therapy/family counseling from Johnson Bible College in Tennessee. He continued his studies at Argosy University in Atlanta where he earned a MA and PsyD in clinical psychology. His practicum experience includes working in college counseling centers, in private practice and at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital. He completed a predoctoral internship at The College of William and Mary Counseling Center in Williamsburg, VA. He also worked at an alcohol and drug treatment facility. Dr. Shedden’s areas of interest include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family of origin issues, substance use issues, training/supervision and multicultural issues.
Title: Psychologist
My Pronouns: He/Him/His
Personal Motto: Be purposeful in what you do and remember to show yourself kindness and compassion along the way.
What I do for Self-Care: I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I value relationships and meaningful connection with others. I’m also a huge sports fan and enjoy attending sporting events.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) University Health Center
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Title: Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Practitioner
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Favorite Quote:
What I am Happiest Doing Outside of Work:
Licensed Professional Counselor, Vet Med Coordinator, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) University Health Center
Work 55 Carlton Street 55 Carlton Street GA Athens GA 30602 work Work Phone : 706-542-2273 work Work Email : [email protected] INTERNET
Biographical Info
Stevie Stigler, LPC, NCC is a board certified Licensed Professional Counselor who joined CAPS in 2013. Her education and professional background give her a unique and effective approach to counseling. She works to provide clients with tailored treatment plans that can be integrated into their daily lives. She has experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with diverse backgrounds and a variety of concerns. Stevie has training in integrative, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness therapy. Her clinical interests include, stress management, depression, adjustment disorders, anxiety, interpersonal problems, self-esteem, LGBT, career development, life planning, and issues related to cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity. Stevie’s approach to counseling is compassionate and non-judgmental; she strives to create an environment where you feel supported and empowered.
Stevie serves as a part-time embedded therapist at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and is currently the Coordinator of the CAPS/Vet Med Counseling Services. She also serves as a Committee Lead over program development with the AAVMC’s Veterinary Mental Health Professionals (VMHP); a specialized group focused on vet med wellbeing.
In addition to her license, she holds a premier certification as a board certified member of the National Board of Certified Counselors and is a member of the American Counseling Association.
Title: Licensed Professional Counselor, Vet Met Coordinator
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Personal Motto: Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you’ve always imaged.
Favorite Quote: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis