Counseling Center Staff
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Linh P. Luu, Ph.D., HSP
Executive Director, Student Health and Counseling Services
lluu1@memphis.edu
Dr. Linh Luu is a licensed psychologist – Health Service Provider, PSYPACT Credentialed, and serves as the Executive Director of Student Health and Counseling Services. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Lehigh University APA-Accredited program. Her scholarly interests include advocacy, issues of equity and health disparities, and multicultural competency in clinical supervision. Clinically, she has special interests in working with clients with trauma and grief, multicultural issues, identity development issues, and LGBTQ+ clients. With a strong background and a great passion for community and college mental health, Dr. Luu leads Student Health and Counseling Services from a place of compassion, with a culturally responsive and data-driven approach. Currently serving on editorial boards of the Journal of College Counseling, the Asian American Journal of Psychology, and The Counseling Psychologist, Dr. Luu has been recognized by the American Psychological Association - Society of Counseling Psychology and Society for the Psychology of Women for her scholarship, leadership, and service. She is the President-Elect of the Society for the Psychology of Women.
Counseling Center Staff
Carl Gilleylen, PsyD, HSP
Associate Director
cgillyln@memphis.edu
Dr. Carl Gilleylen is a licensed psychologist and graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychological from West Chester University in West Chester, PA, and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. He has over 30 years of experience working in a variety of settings which include residential treatment, psychiatric hospital, community hospital psychiatric unit, community mental health, university counseling centers, and private practice. His theoretical foundations are rooted in family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, transtheoretical, psycho-dynamic, person-centered and mindfulness approaches. In practice, he strives to deliver culturally sensitive interventions and treatment that recognize, respect, and incorporate the client’s cultural background. He specializes in treating client problems like depression, anxiety, family issues, relationship issues, social problems, low self-esteem, grief and loss, and adjustment.
Victoria Jones, LCSW
Assistant Director of Outreach and Prevention
vmaher@memphis.edu
Victoria is a licensed clinical social worker and earned her B.A. in psychology, minoring
in sociology, and her MSW with a concentration in advanced practice with children,
youth, & families both from the University of Memphis. She is an LCSW with over 8
years of clinical experience ranging from a variety of settings including university
counseling centers, behavioral health hospitals, integrated behavioral health clinics,
and private practice. In her role as the Assistant Director for Outreach and Prevention,
she oversees all of the department’s programming, prevention, and training efforts
for the campus community including the Relaxation Zone/Oasis Room program and the
undergraduate internship program. Victoria is an EMDR-trained therapist, TF-CBT trained,
QPR-certified trainer, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certified,
and Suicide to Hope Certified. Her areas of interest and expertise include trauma,
grief and loss, sports psychology and performance, identity and self-esteem issues,
social justice, suicide prevention, couples therapy, and mindfulness.
Len Getz, DNP-PMH, MSN, FNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Len Nobert Getz is a board-certified nurse practitioner in family medicine and
psychiatric/mental health. Dr. Getz serves as the Medical Director of the Student
Health and Counseling Services Center at the University of Memphis. She received
her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Union University and the Baptist School
of Nursing. Dr. Getz received her Master of Science in Nursing Practice in 1998 and
her Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a concentration in psychiatry and mental health
from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences in Memphis in 2013.
Dr. Getz currently serves on the Advisory Board of the American Nursing Credentialing
Center and has served as its chairman during 2023. After completing her Doctorate
in 2013, Dr. Getz opened her own practice to holistically treat the whole person for
both internal medicine and mental health needs.
Artice Carter, LCSW
Staff Mental Health Counselor
acarter@memphis.edu
Artice Carter is a licensed clinical social worker and serves as a Mental Health Counselor
in the Department of Student Health and Counseling Services. She earned her M.S.W.
in Social Work and B.P.S. in Nonprofit Development and Administration, both from the
University of Memphis (Go Tigers!). She has a combined 6 years of experience working
in community mental health, hospital, and university settings. She is certified in
Prolonged Exposure Therapy for trauma treatment with additional clinical interests
in faith-based counseling and crisis intervention. She truly enjoys her work with
students as they navigate the complex demands of life and obtain mental wellness,
alongside their academic pursuits.
David Deason, PhD., HSP
Staff Psychologist
ddeason1@memphis.edu
Dr. Deason is one of the staff psychologists at the University of Memphis Counseling
Center. Dr. Deason earned his B.S. in psychology from the University of Alabama and
his M.S. and Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Dr. Deason has experience in residential treatment, private practice, teaching, and
counseling in a university setting. His specialties include assessment, ADHD, personality
disorders, suicide prevention, trauma and anxiety disorders. Dr. Deason provides
counseling to students, supervises doctoral interns, and provides outreach to the
university community.
Tiffany Burks-Sanders, LMSW
Wellness and Engagement Counselor
tiffany.b@memphis.edu
Tiffany Burks-Sanders is a Licensed Master Social Worker and serves as the Wellness
and Engagement Counselor in the Department of Student Health and Counseling Services.
She earned her B.P.S. in Health Services Administration and her MSW with a concentration
in advanced practice with children, youth, & families both from the University of
Memphis (Go Tigers!). She has over 10 years of healthcare experience and is a health
educator with certifications as a CDC Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach, Living
Well with Chronic Disease Facilitator, and Diabetes Self-Management Education/Support
(DSMES) educator. Tiffany is Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Certified, a QPR Gatekeeper trainer, a Mental Health First Aide Facilitator, and a
Certified Men’s Health Educator. She is a native Memphian who truly enjoys helping
people.
Jameice DeCoster-Edmunds, PsyD, MA, MPHStaff Psychologist
jtdcster@memphis.edu
Jameice is a psychologist at the University of Memphis Counseling Center. She earned her B.S. in psychology from Virginia Tech, her MPH from Thomas Jefferson University, and her MA from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC where she also earned her PsyD in clinical psychology. Her previous experiences include working at a college counseling center, private practice, and neuropsychology testing center. She enjoys working with student-athletes to help them develop and maintain mental skills techniques and optimize their performance. She also enjoys working with historically underrepresented college students, and couples. Her professional interests include the connection between the mind and body and how it can impact your life, multiculturalism, adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, and social justice. In her free time, she loves to rest and watch her favorite sitcoms: Martin, King of Queens, and Black-ish and her favorite food is pizza.
Madison Neel-Nicely, LMSW
Case Manager and Staff Therapist
mbneel@memphis.edu
Madison Neel-Nicely (She/Her/Hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker serving as the
Counseling Center's Case Manager and Therapist. She earned her BFA from the School
of the Art Institute of Chicago with a particular interest in Art Therapy. Madison
earned an MSW from the University of Memphis School of Social Work. Madison is currently
collecting hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. As a Case Manager, Madison
is passionate about helping Counseling Center clients obtain the care that may need
outside of the University. This could mean problem-solving with students about the
level of mental health support that meets their needs and navigating insurance coverage/lack
of insurance coverage. As a Therapist, Madison's clinical focus includes but is not
limited to, trauma, maternal mental health concerns, neurodivergent clients(ADHD/ASD),
generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. Madison especially enjoys working
with college students, as college is often the time for redefining values and identity.
Madison is motivated by the continual effort needed to promote multiculturalism and
to foster LGBTQIA+-affirming space for the U of M community and beyond
Erin Cox, LPC
Part-Time Therapist
emcox@memphis.edu
Erin Marie Cox is a Licensed Professional Counselor serving as a mental health counselor
at the University of Memphis Counseling Center. She earned her MA in Counseling from
Liberty University in 2013. She has 9 years of experience providing services to individuals
and families. Her primary area of focus includes depression, anxiety, mood disorders,
trauma, adoption/foster care, relationship conflict, domestic violence, and navigating
major life transitions. Erin believes growth flourishes in an environment of compassion,
acceptance, and understanding.
Tiffany France, LPC-MHSP
Part-Time Therapist
tiffany.france@memphis.edu
Tiffany France serves as a mental health counselor in the University of Memphis Counseling Center. She earned her MA in Counseling from Harding School of Theology in 2016 where her training dually focused on professional counseling and marriage and family therapy. She has 6 years of experience providing counseling services to adolescents and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance use disorders, and family conflict. Tiffany’s clinical interests include autism and ADHD, relationships and communication, gender and sexuality, and navigating major life transitions.
Kelsey Hoover, B.A.
Administrative Associate
kstwart5@memphis.edu
Kelsey Hoover is an Administrative Associate for Student Health and Counseling Services. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Memphis and has almost five years of experience working at the University. Kelsey provides administrative support to the Counseling Center staff and assists with monitoring the departmental budget. She is one of the first points of contact at the Counseling Center and helps students with getting set up for services.
Shatari Smith, B.A.
Administrative Assistant
Slsmth34@memphis.edu
Shatari Smith serves as the Administrator Assistant for the Student Health and Counseling Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis (Go Tigers!). Shatari provides support to students and staff with various duties around the department. Her passion for helping students is what makes a positive impact on the Counseling Center and work environment.
Gabe Alfaro, M.A.
Psychology Intern
Gabe Alfaro (he/him/his) is a Counseling Psychology doctoral student from the University of Memphis. He received his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His prior experiences include providing individual and group therapy in university counseling centers and community health centers. He is also experienced in providing psychological and personality testing for university students. Gabe’s clinical interests include identity and cultural development, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, processing trauma, and working alongside survivors of interpersonal violence. Gabe works primarily from a relational-cultural orientation and has experience with DBT and CBT.
Montaya Dawkins-Parham, M.A.
Psychology Intern
Montaya Parham (she/her/hers) is a Counseling Psychology doctoral intern from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Chatham University. Her clinical experiences include providing psychotherapy in university counseling and community mental health settings, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care, multiculturalism, and risk assessments. Her primary clinical interests include trauma recovery, anxiety, emotion-regulation, and navigating issues and strengths related to culture and identity. Montaya works from a DBT and CBT theoretical orientation along with a trauma-informed perspective.
Deep Patel, M.A.
Psychology Intern
Coming Soon...
Donald Walker, M.A.
Psychology Intern
DJ Walker (he/him/his) is a Counseling Psychology doctoral intern from Cleveland State University. He received his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Cleveland State University and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University. His previous experiences include providing psychotherapy and conducting psychological assessments in university counseling centers and community mental health settings. DJ’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, financial stress, relationship problems, adjustment, etc. DJ operates from a humanistic and multicultural orientation