Staff
Tenille R. Gaines, PhD (she/her)
Executive Director
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.
Warren B. Wright, PhD (He/Him)
Associate Director, Clinical Services
PhD, LPC-S (TX), LPC (GA), ACS, NCC
Georgia Southern University: 2016, 2018
Sam Houston State University: 2023
Dr. Wright is a licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, an approved clinical supervisor, and a national board-certified counselor. Dr. Wright obtained both his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and Master of Education (M.Ed.) in clinical mental health counseling from Georgia Southern University, making him a Double Eagle. He also obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision from Sam Houston State University. He has a decade of experience where he has served in various roles such as college counselor, assistant residential director, and conference manager in higher education. Before joining Emory University, Dr. Wright served as a behavioral health consultant for workplace wellness and Clinic Director for the Community Counseling Center at St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX.
Dr. Wright is a first-generation college student with family roots in both South Carolina and Georgia. He grew up in a military family which influenced his love for travel and experiencing different cultures. Dr. Wright identifies as an architect for healing and transformation. Although trained as a humanistic counselor, his approach to counseling is both collaborative and liberation focused. Dr. Wright’s clinical interest includes addressing racial trauma, identity development, men’s health, and wellness. He is passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential while maintaining their emotional and mental health.
Amara Chukwunenye, Psy.D. (she/her)
Staff Psychologist
amarachukwu.chukwunenye@emory.edu
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.
Gabrielle Woodard, Psy.D
Staff Psychologist, Embedded Clinician for School of Nursing
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!).
Alexandra Scott, PsyD
Staff Psychologist
Dr. Scott was born and raised in southern California. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Georgetown University, where she was a Division 1 athlete. She then went on to complete her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. Prior to joining CAPS, Dr. Scott worked in a variety of clinical settings with an emphasis on providing trauma informed and culturally responsive care to marginalized communities.
Dr. Scott’s primary clinical interests include life transitions, grief, trauma, anxiety, spiritual/religious concerns, self-compassion, and healing done in community. She uses an integrative approach, drawing primarily from Narrative therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Liberation, Black psychology, and creative arts. Her practice is grounded in the belief that we all deserve spaces to feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. She approaches therapy from a collaborative, strength-based, and empowering space to help her clients work towards their therapeutic goals. Dr. Scott is trained in EMDR therapy, a certified Sawubona Healing Circle facilitator, and is in constant pursuit of more liberated ways of healing.
Outside of CAPS, she enjoys finding the beauty in the little things, reading a good book, creating, and spending time with family and friends.
Helen Fessahaye, LCSW (she/her)
Staff Therapist
helen.zerom.fessahaye@emory.edu
Janet Adams, LCSW
Staff Therapist
janet.lorraine.adams@emory.edu
RaiNesha L. Miller, Ph.D., LP (she/her)
Staff Psychologist
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.
Chesmore Montique, Ph.D
Staff Psychologist
Dr. Chesmore Montique is a pre-licensed psychologist dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that supports the emotional well-being of students. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky in 2023, following his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in 2015 and a master’s degree from American University in 2017. He joined Emory University in 2025 and is proud to be part of a community that prioritizes holistic student support and mental health.
Dr. Montique brings a broad range of clinical experience from college counseling centers, telehealth services, and private practice. His areas of specialization include couples and relationship concerns, identity development, minority mental health, emerging adulthood, and working with athletes. He is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and culturally responsive therapeutic space.
His approach to therapy is integrative and tailored to each individual’s needs, drawing from feminist therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MB-CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal process therapy.
Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Montique enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, and cooking.
Romero Huffstead, PhD
Staff Therapist
Auburn University, 2016
Joined Emory: 2017
Romero received his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Auburn University, his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Indiana State University, and his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Denison University. He completed his American Psychological Association (APA) accredited doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Northwestern University Counseling and Psychological Services. Romero originally joined Emory in 2017 and served the community until 2024. After nearly two years away from the university, he returned in December 2025!
Romero is extremely passionate about university counseling and being able to support students of all backgrounds. He recognizes that pursuing an academic degree can be an exciting experience but acknowledges that personal and academic challenges can arise along the way. Therefore, he values creating a therapeutic space where clients can share their experiences, feel heard, feel validated, and receive effective strategies to help achieve their goals. He acknowledges that seeking help is not always easy which is why he emphasizes quality care, authenticity, and a trusting relationship with his clients. In addition, he enjoys working with faculty and staff through outreach opportunities to help promote mental and physical health on campus.
Clinically, Romero approaches therapy from an integrative perspective that is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Romero values creating a genuine and supportive therapeutic environment for clients of all backgrounds and tailoring treatment plans sensitive to their needs. He is passionate about empowering clients to overcome their presenting concerns while also equipping them with new skills. Romero’s clinical and professional interests include: anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, anger management, adjustment concerns, family concerns, relationship concerns, interpersonal concerns, academic concerns, career concerns, spiritual/religious concerns, men’s issues, multicultural concerns, mental health stigma, and suicide prevention. In addition, Romero specializes in work with athletes and military veterans.
On a personal note, Romero enjoys family time with his wife and two sons, playing basketball, watching Chicago sports (Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs), watching movies, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods!
Katharine Buechner, LMSW
Staff Therapist
Kate’s professional interests include trauma treatment, neurodivergence, chronic illness and disability, and supporting queer, trans, and gender-expansive students. Her therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, relational, holistic, and anti-oppressive, integrating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. She views mental and physical health as deeply interconnected and emphasizes mindfulness and self-compassion as foundations for healing and growth.
Kate strives to create an affirming space where clients can explore identity, navigate challenges, and build meaningful, fulfilling lives grounded in connection—to self, others, and community.
Outside of CAPS, Kate enjoys reading and expanding her home library, collecting houseplants, thrifting for vintage treasures, and cooking for friends and family.
Jennifer Lee Kim, LCSW
Staff Therapist
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emory University and her Master of Social work from Boston College. She has worked within different nonprofit organizations, community mental health, and private practice while also providing clinical services in education settings of all levels. She is excited to be a part of CAPS to promote student wellness at her own alma mater.
Jennifer brings her own identity and passions to her work, and specializes in trauma processing, family dynamics, immigrant/acculturation issues, and anxiety. She considers therapy to be a powerful and vulnerable step, and values the partnership between therapist and client. Jennifer employs Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative therapy in her work, and uses Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to build a trauma informed space. She views cultural competency and supporting intersectionality as her responsibility as a clinician, and the opportunity to hear clients’ stories a privilege.
When not working, Jennifer enjoys time with her husband and dogs. She can often be found reading or practicing yoga, but spends much of her time tackling craft projects to limited success.
Tricia Lawrence Savané
Staff Therapist; Embedded Clinician, School of Medicine
tricia.lawrence.savane@emory.edu
Afshan Lakhani, LPC, NCC
Staff Clinician
Northwestern University: 2022
Joined Emory: 2026
Afshan Lakhani is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience providing clinical care and developing mental health programs across university, community, nonprofit, and global settings. Her professional background has included work in college mental health, trauma-informed care, youth and adolescent mental health, mental health equity, and global mental health. These experiences have shaped her commitment to understanding mental health not only at the individual level, but also within the cultural, relational, and systemic contexts that influence wellbeing.
Afshan’s approach to therapy is relational, psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, while integrating interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral strategies based on each student’s needs. She believes therapy can provide a space to slow down, become curious about patterns and experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of oneself. Central to her approach is building an authentic therapeutic relationship where students feel seen, heard, and comfortable bringing all parts of themselves into the room. She approaches her work with warmth, curiosity, humor, and respect, and values working collaboratively with students to identify both the insight and practical tools that can support meaningful change.
Afshan has a particular passion for multicultural counseling and supporting students who are navigating the intersections of culture, family, faith, identity, and expectations. She also enjoys working with students who may be new to therapy or come from families or communities where conversations about mental health have historically been difficult or stigmatized.
Outside of her clinical work, Afshan is passionate about expanding access to culturally responsive mental health care and has worked on community and global mental health initiatives focused on mental health equity, youth wellbeing, and strengthening systems of care. Her own approach to wellness centers on meaningful relationships, community, reflection, humor, and finding opportunities for joy and connection. Personally, Afshan enjoys playing the piano, reading, doing puzzles, baking, and spending time with her family.
Areas of specialty: Anxiety, trauma, relationship and family concerns, identity development, belonging, and life transitions.
Lisa Fagan, MBA
Office Manager
Mercer University, 2018
Joined Emory: 2025
Lisa earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a minor in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University, followed by an MBA from the Stetson-Hatcher School of Business at Mercer University in Atlanta. She has a richly varied professional background, having served as a photographer in the United States Air Force before transitioning to the travel industry. Lisa worked as a senior travel advisor with American Express Travel and as an operations manager for a prominent travel company in Atlanta. In addition to her professional achievements, Lisa also embraced the role of a stay-at-home mom, further enriching her life experiences and patience.
Prior to joining CAPS, Lisa was the Director of Business and HR Operations for the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), where she managed the business and human resources operations. Through her varied career and personal endeavors, Lisa has developed a unique perspective on problem-solving and team dynamics - where she continuously seeks ways to enhance efficiency and foster a positive and productive work environment.
