Meet Your Counselors

Alicia Abbott, LPC-C she/her

Mental Health Specialist

HSC Student Counseling Services

My name is Alicia Abbott, and I am an LPC Candidate. I started my life as an accountant and transitioned to counseling in 2016. I have a Masters in Counseling from Oklahoma State and a Masters in Experimental Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma. During my training I have had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients ranging from preteens to retired adults but have spent the largest part of my time working with young adults from middle school through college aged. I have had the privilege to help a wide variety of people working through anxiety, depression, ADHD, learning disabilities, trauma, and identity and relationship issues. I believe that the relationship between a client and therapists is the most important part of the journey towards improved mental health and I work with all my clients to make sure they are heard and feel understood in a non-judgmental setting. My goal is to create a space where my clients can be open and constructively explore ideas that would give them trouble in their daily lives away from any source of criticism.

Parker Benson, M.S.

Counseling Intern

HSC Student Counseling Services

Hello! My name is Parker, and I am a pre-doctoral intern working towards my PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University—PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium. I have been passionate about working with students since volunteering at the counseling center at the University of Colorado Boulder. I am honored to now be working with students from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. I can empathize with the various dynamics of being a student, and I look forward to working with you through the stress and other difficulties in this phase of your life. I primarily utilize Narrative Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while providing other tools and interventions based on your needs. I do whatever I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to share. Outside of work I can be found staying active with climbing or hanging out and playing some video games!

Talia Brown-Wiebelt, Ph.D. she/her

Postdoctoral Fellow

HSC Student Counseling Services

Hi, I’m Talia, I am a post-doctoral fellow, with my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University and I have been working with clients since 2018. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and love visiting during football season (GO IRISH). I enjoy working with the student population, as I can relate to some of the unique stressors in higher education. I primarily practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and also utilize Relational Cultural Theory in my work. When I am not seeing clients, you can find me on a yoga mat practicing hot yoga or pilates, with my spoiled rescue pups Oliver and Lilly, or on a plane heading to the beach!

Linda Chempanal, M.S. she/her

Practicum Student

Student Counseling Services

Hi there! My name is Linda, and I am a Doctoral Practicum student currently in the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program at Oklahoma City University (OCU). I completed my bachelor’s from the University of Houston in 2014 and my master’s degree from Walden University in 2016 in General Psychology. I also have additional experiences while spending two years in the Caribbean for medical school, prior to changing my career path towards realms of clinical psychology. During my training, I provided assessments to adolescents serving within the juvenile system and have spent most of my time working with adults and the student population within college counseling centers. My clinical interests include cultural and contextual factors that contribute to interpersonal difficulties, attachment, relationship issues, family systems, and patterns of traumatic experiences. I engage in an integrative approach to therapy, which entails interpersonal, emotion-focused, and brief psychodynamic intervention styles. In my free time, I love finding amazing food spots, traveling, enjoying good music, and spending quality time with my family. I hope to inspire all my clients to feel valuable, seen, and capable for better and beautiful self-growth!

Craig Cruzan, Ph.D. he/him

Director

HSC Student Counseling Services

While the science of psychology and counseling has been my primary focus, I also have specialized experience in crisis management, relationship counseling, and supervision/training (particularly from an ACT or interpersonal process perspective). My current endeavors for the HSC and OU-Tulsa campuses include developing the mental health services offered to students (via individual, group, and couples counseling, psychological assessment, wellness programming, and TAO) and collaborating with the colleges to continue to foster an atmosphere of wellness and student support on campus. I am passionate about working closely with students and I am happy to meet with students interested in engaging in the ongoing mental wellness needs of the student body. I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oklahoma in 2016. Prior to taking on the role of Director at Student Counseling Services, I served as a staff counselor to the students on the Norman campus at the Goddard Counseling Center. My first experience with the HSC campus was during my time as a psychology intern in 2014 and I feel blessed to be able to return and serve the student body here once again!

Bracey Dangerfield, M.S.

Counseling Intern

HSC Student Counseling Services

Hello! I am delighted to introduce myself as the newest psychological intern. I have pursued my passion for understanding the human mind and behavior by obtaining a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Mid-America Christian University. Upon completion, I began working as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the community and previously here at OUHSC. While at OUHSC, I decided to pursue a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma City University and subsequently return to OUHSC to complete my doctoral training. As a counseling intern, I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients where they can freely express their thoughts and feelings. My primary theory is much aligned with Person-Centered Therapy with an aim to allow individuals to lead a more authentic and genuine lifestyle. I look forward to working with you over the next year. “Not everything in life can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” James Baldwin

Carmon Drumm, M.Ed., LPC she/hers

Assistant Director

HSC Student Counseling Services

I am deeply honored to work as a licensed professional counselor and have great respect for the therapeutic relationship. I find it meaningful that though a lot of pain occurs in the context of relationships we can also find growth and healing in relationship. I have counseled people throughout the stages of life and very much enjoy working with the student population at OU Health Sciences. Before becoming a counselor, I taught English as a second language and worked for an educational online platform. I find the skills I developed in these previous places of employment helpful in my current position as assistant director. I overlook the wellness program for the health science campuses and regularly give presentations teaching a range of skills to support wellbeing. I value being genuine and seek to support and empower clients during their journey. Thank you for considering inviting me to be a part of yours.

Nate Jensen, M.S.

Counseling Intern

HSC Student Counseling Services

Hi, I’m Nate, a pre-doctoral intern from Georgia Southern University. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development at University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, and I achieved a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. While I enjoy working with a variety of presenting concerns, I have specific interests in assessment with ADHD and learning disorders, along with clinical interests in anxiety and trauma. In my clinical work, I generally integrate principles and techniques from narrative therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This integrative approach encourages clients to harness their strengths, become more empowered in who they are and who they want to be, and foster meaningful changes that better align with their values and goals.

Allison McCarter, M.A.

Counseling Intern

HSC Student Counseling Services

I attained my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 2019 and am currently pursuing my Ph.D. at Texas Woman’s University. My clinical training includes working with individuals impacted by anxiety, depression, eating disorders, low self-esteem, interpersonal trauma, and religious trauma. Professionally, I have a variety of experience serving individuals in inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, college counseling centers, and private practice. When working with clients, I utilize an integrative approach that allows me to select evidence-based interventions for clients based on their specific needs and identities. I work collaboratively with clients to foster connection, empowerment, and lasting change. It is an honor to walk alongside clients as they navigate life, and I believe the therapeutic relationship can be a powerful vessel to heal. In my free time, I enjoy playing pickleball, spending time with my partner, and traveling!

Camille Montano she/her

Administrative Support Specialist

HSC Student Counseling Services

It’s nice to meet you, I am the Counseling team’s Administrative Support Specialist and I help students on their wellness journey by scheduling them for counseling and handling any questions or requests they have. After graduating from Flagler College with a bachelor’s in Sociology I worked for the Continuing Medical Education department at Memorial Healthcare System. This experience gave me a love of helping others and of education administration so I’m happy to be of service to you while you work with the HSC Counselors! I know this process can be daunting, but I hope to be a person of safety and warmth that can make this journey a little easier for you.

Courtney Porter, M.A.

Counseling Intern

HSC Student Counseling Services

I view it as an incredible privilege to be a part of someone's journey toward growth, increased self-awareness, and healing. We will work together to co-create a space that is grounded in authenticity, warmth, and connection. I will approach our work from a framework that values your unique lived experiences and identities - all of you is welcome. I am committed to utilizing my professional and personal experiences to build safety and compassionate support within our relationship. A few things about me: I am in the process of completing a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman's University. I love being in nature, enjoying musical theater, trying new restaurants, and connecting with my community. I'm looking forward to sharing space with you!

Garrett Prather, M.Ed., LPC-S he/him

Counselor

HSC Student Counseling Services

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me and my role as a staff counselor here at OUHSC. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma and would go on to Auburn University to receive my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling where I would be taught evidenced based treatments which would shape the foundation of my counseling approach. My primary approach is structured in Cognitive Behavioral Theory or CBT but I also incorporate the philosophy of a Rogerian/Client Centered approach. These two structure allow me to provide the structure for therapy while providing a safe, non-judgmental, positive environment in the counseling office. A quote that both reflects this approach and wraps off this paragraph about me is “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness, that is life.” ― Jean-Luc Picard (Star Trek: The Next Generation).

Nika Saffarian-Toussi, M.S. she/her

Practicum Student

Student Counseling Services

Catherine Tufariello, M.A., LPC she/her

Counselor

HSC Student Counseling Services

Hello, HSC students! My name is Catherine Tufariello, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I grew up in Buffalo, New York, where I acquired a permanent Western New York accent, a love of chicken wings with blue cheese dressing, and the indomitable hope of a Bills fan. In 2020 I earned an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Valparaiso University in Indiana, and I have worked as a full-time staff counselor at OUHSC since the spring of 2021. I love my job and feel very lucky to serve the needs of the student population here. Before becoming a counselor, I worked as a college literature and writing teacher (Ph.D. in English, Cornell University) and as an inpatient mental health nurse (ABSN, Valparaiso University). I integrate techniques and interventions from diverse counseling approaches in my work, depending on individual client needs. In general, my orientation is humanistic, relational, and existential. Common themes in my work with clients include building confidence and self-compassion, working through grief or trauma, honestly confronting obstacles to change, and moving toward a life of greater freedom and authenticity. One of my favorite therapy quotes is from Carl Rogers: "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."