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.
Courtney Glenn, LCSW (she/her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Associate Director for Clinical Case Management
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.
Amara Chukwunenye, Psy.D. (she/her)
Licensed 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
Licensed 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
Licensed 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
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 Psychologist
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 Clincian
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.
Lisa Fagan
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.
