Auburn University, 2016
Joined Emory: 2023

A licensed psychologist, Tenille earned her PhD in counseling psychology at Auburn University, master’s degree in clinical psychology at Georgia Southern University, and bachelor’s in psychology at Winston-Salem State University. Tenille’s career spans more than a decade of student-oriented leadership and clinical experience in higher education. Prior to joining Emory, she served in a dual role as interim director of Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and director of Counseling Services at Michigan State University.

Under Tenille’s leadership, Emory CAPS continues to evolve its clinical service delivery methods to remain innovative and flexible in the dynamic field of university counseling services. She employs quantitative and qualitative data to establish and implement strategic goals for CAPS, while remaining deeply engaged in the university community. As a member of Campus Life’s health and well-being leadership team, she serves as an integral advisor for university responses to crises.

As a first-generation college graduate, Tenille understands the importance of community. She continually seeks new ways to be in community with all students, destigmatize mental health care, and foster inclusivity, belonging, and equity.

Tenille values her leisure time with family, including her significant other and their dog. She also enjoys traveling, catching a great movie (“popcorn is a must"), and participating in volunteer community service as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated.

Ohio State University, 1991
Joined Emory: 1993

Cynthia received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Spelman College, and her masters and doctorate degrees in psychology from The Ohio State University. She began her career at Emory as the Director of the Emory Student Helpline and developed and coordinated the CAPS Eating Disorders Program, which included coordinating Body Acceptance Week, for 12 years. She assumed the role of Associate Director of Clinical Services in 2007.

Cynthia’s clinical interests include: identity development, self-esteem and self-image; eating disorders, cultural diversity, women’s issues, and grief and loss. She works from an interpersonal theoretical frame and believes in “showing up” as an authentic person when providing psychotherapy.

On a personal note, while she grew up in Fresno, California, she has southern roots and greatly values being a southerner living in metro Atlanta. She enjoys listening to books on tape and spending time with her partner/spouse doing new and interesting things as empty nesters. They have two wonderful sons who attended college on full academic scholarships.

Marywood University, 2021
Joined Emory: 2022

Amara obtained her bachelor's degree from Howard University and her master’s in psychology from Marywood University. Amara also obtained her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) Degree from Marywood University as well. Before joining Emory, Amara completed her post doctorate fellowship at the FAU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) center in Florida and her doctoral internship at Michigan State University’s CAPS center.

Amara is passionate about working with POC (persons of color) clients and has a detailed interest in servicing the African-American/Black woman population. While she is a generalist, clinical areas of interest include working with those who deal with body (dis)satisfaction, advocating for mental health to historically marginalized populations, and processing anxiety, stress, depression, and self-esteem concerns.

Her therapeutic approach involves an integrated framework, utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, combined with Interpersonal and Psychodynamic theories. Amara’s goal is to provide a collaborative and welcoming environment for clients to process their presenting concerns. When not working, she enjoys baking/trying out new food spots and recipes, watching k-dramas, hanging out with friends, dancing, and doing DIY projects.

Irene earned her Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in Clinical and Community Psychology from Georgia State University, and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Miami. She completed her doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Georgia Tech Counseling Center and worked there as a staff psychologist and Peer Coaching Program coordinator prior to joining Emory CAPS.

As a therapist, Irene’s focus is on helping clients feel empowered and tap into their own strengths, by providing an unconditionally supportive and safe space, and working collaboratively to identify potential changes and solutions. Her approach to therapy is informed by a variety of theoretical orientations, including interpersonal and 3rd-wave cognitive behavioral therapies (such as ACT and DBT).

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she is passionate about social justice issues, and working with traditionally underserved and marginalized groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, international students, and LGBTQIA students. Her professional interests also include identity and relationship concerns, couples counseling, human sexuality, life transitions, grief, anger, and trauma. Irene also offers therapy services in Spanish.

When she is not working, Irene enjoys reading, cooking and baking, trying out new restaurants and cuisines, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

State University of New York at Albany, 2002

University of Georgia, 2021

Onoriode is originally from the Albany, New York area and has lived in Atlanta since 2004. He received his Ph.D in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Georgia and his Masters of Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. Onoriode, called “Ono” for short, has worked in higher education, K-12 education, juvenile & family courts, and therapeutic foster care.

Therapeutically, Ono employs an integrative approach that draws heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Systems Theory, and is influenced by social justice frameworks. Professionally his interests include: racially marginalized students, developmental concerns, family of origin concerns, relationship concerns, stress/anxiety induced academic performance issues, men’s issues, and imposter syndrome/sense of belonging. 

Outside of work, Ono considers himself a “Blerd”. He is a serious movie buff, with an extensive collection of movies. He is also a fan of Sci-Fi/fantasy (movies, tv, books, etc). He also enjoys community service and cultural events.

University of Georgia, 2004
Joined Emory: 2016

Courtney earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (1997) and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia (2004). Prior to joining CAPS, she worked in a specialized program within the public school system for students with severe emotional and behavioral issues. She enjoys working with students in an educational setting and believes that mental health is just as important as physical health in creating success.

Courtney’s professional interests include: students living with disabilities, depression and anxiety, identity exploration, chronic mental illness, and crisis intervention. She uses an integrative approach drawing from psychodynamic, interpersonal, developmental, cognitive behavioral and attachment theories. She believes in creating a positive, collaborative, therapeutic relationship with each student.

Outside of CAPS, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and being the mother of two rambunctiously fun boys.

University of St. Thomas, 2019
Joined Emory: 2023

Dr. Gabrielle Woodard obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from The University of Alabama and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Rochester (NY). She received her Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota where her research focused on utilizing narrative therapy techniques to address implicit bias. She completed an APA accredited doctoral internship at the University of Florida’s Counseling and Wellness Center.

Dr. Woodard’s approach to therapy integrates Family Systems and Relational Cultural theories infused with techniques and interventions from CBT and DBT. Family systems works to understand the client within the context of the family and explore patterns that may be perpetuated through friendships, romantic relationships, or others. The integration of the relational cultural lens allows her to view the client within their cultural context and explore the ways in which they are feeling connected to and/or disconnected from their communities and other communities. She views the therapeutic relationship as an essential component of therapy and works to build a strongly attuned relationship through mutual empathy, connecting through humor and ensuring that her client feels seen, valued, and heard.

Dr. Woodard is particularly interested and passionate about promoting wellness in historically marginalized and underserved populations. Her professional interests include couples therapy, multicultural concerns, LGBTQ+ concerns, depression, anxiety, family and group dynamics and identity concerns. Her approach to wellness includes art, music, connecting with family and friends and spirituality. She enjoys painting, singing, playing instruments, yoga, and dancing (formerly a certified Zumba instructor!).

Auburn University, 2016
Joined Emory: 2017

Romero is originally from Chicago, IL. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University, M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana State University, and B.A. in Psychology from Denison University. He completed his APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Northwestern University.

Romero is extremely passionate about university counseling and being able to support students. He recognizes that pursuing an academic degree can be an exciting experience but acknowledges that challenges can arise along the way. Romero values being able to assist clients with navigating various difficulties and helping them to achieve their goals. In addition, he enjoys working with faculty and staff through outreach opportunities to promote mental and physical health on campus.

Clinically, Romero approaches therapy from an integrative perspective that is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He strongly values creating a collaborative, supportive, genuine, and trusting environment for clients of all backgrounds. Also, he uses his passion for multiculturalism and social justice to help assess the needs of his clients while developing treatment plans that are sensitive to their needs. Romero’s clinical and professional interests include: anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, stress management, adjustment concerns, family of origin concerns, relationship concerns, interpersonal concerns, men’s issues, student athlete issues, military veterans issues, multicultural and multiracial identity issues, mental health stigma, and suicide prevention.

On a personal note, Romero enjoys family time with his wife and son, playing basketball, watching Chicago sports (Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs), watching movies, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods!

Pacific University, 2021
Joined Emory: 2022

Cayla received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stony Brook University, and doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University. She completed her doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University’s Counseling Center.

As a therapist, Cayla strives to honor clients’ unique identities and collaborate with them in exploring how their backgrounds may impact their wellness. She aims to collaborate with clients to foster an affirming, safe, and genuine relationship. Cayla is integrative in her therapeutic approach, primarily leaning on dialectical-behavioral and relational interventions within multicultural and feminist framework. She works with clients on identifying areas in their life they’d like to accept and areas they would like to change while providing the support and skills to do so. Her clinical interests include relationship concerns, family of origin concerns, adjustment difficulties, identity exploration, and mood concerns.

Cayla is a psychologist who identifies as a Chinese-American woman. She prioritizes recognizing the intersectional identities of each client so that they can exist authentically while understanding sociocultural systems of privilege and oppression. In her free time, Cayla enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, trying new restaurants, and cycling.

Oklahoma State University
Joined Emory: 2023

Pronouns: she/her/hers

RaiNesha received her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University and completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Florida’s Counseling and Wellness Center. She has served clients in various community mental health and university counseling settings emphasizing the equitable delivery of services to underserved communities.

RaiNesha's professional interests include understanding the ways in which one’s sociocultural context impacts their identity formation, world navigation, and mental health. Specifically, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Intersectionality, Black Feminist Thought, and Internal Family Systems to examine the impact of possessing multiple marginalized identities on an individual’s experiences of depression, anxiety, suicidality, and relational conflict. It is important that each of her clients feel seen, heard, accepted, and supported when working with her. RaiNesha's style of therapy spotlights honesty, transparency, empathy, and mutuality as she works to ensure that the therapeutic space does not become a microcosm of oppression for any of her clients.

Rai's consistent self-care routine includes spending time with friends and family, cooking foods that reflect her southern roots, enjoying a good laugh or two, and creating a soft life for her fur-baby, November (Novi) Rain.

University of Georgia, 2014
Joined Emory: 2018

Elizabeth has a Masters of Social Work from University of Georgia, a Masters of Public Health from Emory University, and a B.A. in anthropology from Drew University. Before joining CAPS, she worked at Metropolitan Counseling Services, a nonprofit that provides affordable and long-term psychotherapy to adults in metro-Atlanta. She also worked at Kennesaw State University's (KSU) counseling center providing therapy and case management for students. She is an advocate for social justice and was given the opportunity at KSU to work with students who were homeless or in foster care to overcome barriers to college completion. She is passionate about evaluating best practices in the prevention and treatment of mental illness. Prior to receiving her degree in social work, she worked for five years as a researcher and evaluator of prevention programs addressing chronic disease and health disparities. Her experiences in public health and social work inspired her to approach counseling holistically and recognize the intrinsic connection between the mind and body.

Elizabeth believes that people are wired for connection. She recognizes that each person’s biology and personality interact with society and culture to uniquely shape how they form connections. Through her clinical practice, she aims to strengthen clients’ connections to themselves, others, and the world. By walking with each client on their own unique journey, she hopes to help clients create purposeful and meaningful lives. Theoretically, she draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, trauma-informed approaches, social justice frameworks, systems theory, and attachment-based approaches. She enjoys teaching mindfulness and using creative and experiential techniques during therapy. Her clinical interests include working with people who have experienced trauma, chronic disease, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, and life transitions.

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys painting, pottery making, musical theater, hiking, gardening, and pretending with her kids.

Georgia School of Professional Psychology, 2014
Joined Emory: 2016

Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN; master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology; and completed pre-doctoral internship at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX. Following internship, Katie worked as a staff psychologist at Auburn University. Upon joining Emory CAPS, Katie served as the Biofeedback/Stress Clinic Coordinator before becoming the Associate Director for Training. Katie’s approach to counseling is collaborative and affirming. She primarily works from interpersonal, psychodynamic, and relational models of therapy. Social justice and multiculturalism are central to her approach to clinical work.

Katie’s clinical interests include sexuality and gender, women’s issues, identity, life transitions, relationships, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She is also passionate about group and couples therapy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, pets, and friends, trying new food, and traveling.