About Health Sciences Student Affairs

Sam Betty, M.Ed. he/him

Associate Director

Health Sciences Student Affairs

Vanessa Contreras, M.Ed. she/her

Project Manager

Health Sciences Student Affairs

Alex Emery he/him

Maintenance Supervisor

University Village Apartments

Maria Esparza, MSW she/her

Senior Coordinator

Health Sciences Student Affairs

Michael Harrington, MA he/him

Executive Director

Health Sciences Student Affairs

Katherine Larson she/her

Senior Accountant

Health Sciences Student Affairs

Keli Nicks

Administrative Coordinator

Health Sciences Student Affairs

Francis Phan, M.Ed he/him

Communications Specialist

Health Sciences Student Affairs

Joe Schmidt he/him

Assistant Director

Health Sciences Student Affairs

Micayla Smith she/her

Events Coordinator

Health Sciences Student Union

Kate Stanton, MHR she/hers

Associate Vice President

Health Sciences Student Affairs & OU-Tulsa Student Affairs

Jim Weller he/him

Manager

University Village Apartments

Erin Yusko, M.A. she/her

Coordinator

Health Sciences Writing Center

Alex Bonicelli she/her

Practicum Student

HSC Student Counseling Services

My name is Alex and I am a counseling practicum student from the University of Central Oklahoma. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma and throughout my educational career I have worked as a mental health technician and volunteered as a grief group facilitator serving the OKC metro area. As a student clinician, I have had the privilege of helping individuals with anxiety, depression, substance use related problems, and academic stressors. My approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and modalities that fall under the CBT umbrella such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy while being client-centered. I am deeply passionate about the work I do and highly value providing a safe, accepting environment for everyone I work with.

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!

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!

Carmon Drumm, M.Ed., LPC, PMH-C she/hers

Assistant Director

HSC Student Counseling Services

I am deeply honored to work as a licensed professional counselor and hold great respect for the therapeutic relationship. I find it meaningful that, although much pain occurs in relationships, we can also find growth and healing within them. I have counseled individuals across various life stages and particularly enjoy working with the student population at OU Health Sciences. I am trained in therapy approaches such as Interpersonal Therapy and Gottman Relationship Counseling (L2). I also hold certifications in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Perinatal Mental Health Counseling (PMH-C). While I particularly enjoy providing counseling on these topics, I identify as a generalist therapist and am more than happy to support you in every matter. Before becoming a counselor, I taught English as a second language and worked for an educational online platform. The skills I developed in these roles are invaluable in my current position as Assistant Director. I oversee the wellness program for the health science campuses and regularly give presentations on a range of skills to support well-being. I value authenticity and strive to support and empower clients on their journeys. Thank you for considering inviting me to be a part of yours.

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.

Elizabeth Mugisha she/her

Practicum Student

HSC Student Counseling Services

Hello, I'm Elizabeth, a practicum student in the counseling psychology program at UCO. My journey into counseling was inspired by my background in mathematics and engineering, which taught me the value of evidence-based practices like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This analytical foundation helps me assist clients in overcoming challenges related to interpersonal skills, setting boundaries, trauma, anxiety, and depression, among others. My primary goal is to foster a safe, authentic therapeutic relationship where every client feels valued and supported.When I'm not in the counseling room, I love spending time with my partner and our two-year-old daughter, and introducing her to my love of horses. I believe in the power of resilience, and I draw inspiration from the words of Charlie Mackesy: "Sometimes your mind plays tricks on you. It can tell you you’re no good, that it’s all hopeless. But remember this; you are loved, and important, and you bring to this world things that no one else can. So hold on."Together, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Vi Nguyen, MHR, LPC-c

LPC Candidate

HSC Student Counseling Services

Hello! My name is Vi Nguyen and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPC-C). I grew up in Oklahoma City. I have earned my Bachelor’s in Sociology and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Oklahoma. I’m a huge mental health advocate and resource advocate. During my short time in the mental health field, I worked with various age groups including, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem. It has been an honor to participate in the healing journeys of my clients. As a mental health professional, I strive to provide a safe space for all my clients seeking counseling. I believe that it is important to connect and build trust with my clients to foster a genuine and effective therapeutic relationship. I provide therapeutic services from a humanistic approach. Like Carl Rogers, I also believe that everyone has the ability to reach their fullest potential. When we are being seen, understood, and valued, it will give us the chance for growth. My therapeutic goal is to facilitate long-term personal change for my clients. During my free time, I spend it with my fiancé and our puppy. We tend to go out and try new restaurants or frequent our favorite local spots. I’m also a film buff, and I will always say yes to travel when opportunities are presented.

Molly Perkins, M.Ed., LPC she/her

Practicum Student

HSC Student Counseling Services

I am Molly, a doctoral student at Oklahoma City University. I am studying to become a psychologist. I received a Bachelors in Community Counseling from Rogers State University and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Oklahoma State University. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been practicing since 2017. Therapy is my passion! I enjoy helping individuals as well as couples with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, communication, and self-esteem. I have training in EMDR. I utilize primarily CBT modalities in treatment. All are welcome in my office. I consider myself an Ally to LGTBQIA+ and nonmonogamous clients. I am honored to be a member of the OU community. I look forward to assisting students and faculty in accomplishing their therapeutic goals.

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).

Catherine Tufariello, M.A., LPC-S 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."

Madison Wheeler she/her

Practicum Student

HSC Student Counseling Services

Hello there! My name is Madison Wheeler and I am currently a practicum student in the graduate Counseling Psychology program at the University of Central Oklahoma; I also graduated from there with my bachelor’s in Psychology. Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, reading, and traveling as much as possible! I was first drawn to psychology because of how fascinating I found the mind and quickly fell in love with the personal connection that therapy provides. During my brief time in the field, I have worked with individuals overcoming anxiety, depression, substance use, and sexual assault. I approach therapy through a Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) lens while always working to create a client-centered non-judgemental space. I feel honored by the vulnerability shown in every person seeking help for their mental health and in the time you are taking to read about me. A goal of mine is to be a welcoming source of growth and empowerment for my clients and those around me.

Micaela Lupov, PA-C

Physician Associate

Student Health Clinic

Steve Smith, M.D.

Medical Director

Student Health Clinic