Meet the CAPS Staff

DIRECTOR

With more than two decades of experience as a licensed social worker, Leigh is a skilled clinician, leader, facilitator, and writer. She is certified by the American Association of Suicidology as a College and University Suicide Prevention Specialist. She is also a certified yoga instructor and biofeedback practitioner, with a strong commitment to holistic health and wellbeing. Leigh received her MSW from Tulane University and has experience working with students in higher education, secondary schools, and outpatient clinical settings. She specializes in cognitive therapies, including CBT, CBT-e, ACT, and DBT, and she primarily works with anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder. She is the author of Parenting Through Illness: Help for Families when a Parent is Seriously Ill (2016, Hohm Press).

Something about Leigh: "In my free time, I enjoy hiking, yoga, and playing with my two dogs."

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

A Saint-Andrew's-Sewanee School and University of the South graduate, Elise returned to the Mountain in 2020 after completing a 2-year Post-Master's Clinical Fellowship at NC State University Counseling Center. Prior to her fellowship, Elise earned her master's degree in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration from the University of Chicago. Her areas of interest include anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, identity exploration (particularly with the LGBTQIA+ community), grief, and self-esteem. Drawing from mindfulness-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Elise cultivates a person-centered, eclectic therapeutic approach. She is committed to creating spaces that are strengths-based, inclusive, and trauma-informed. Elise has extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She has also completed EMDR Basic Training. In addition to her clinical practice as a therapist, she is passionate about suicide prevention and positive systemic change.

Something about Elise: "I enjoy long walks on campus, spending time with my family and friends, and cuddling with my 3-legged cat, Bobo, named after Abbo's Alley in Sewanee."

STAFF CLINICIAN

Hannah began as a Counselor-in-Training at CAPS and has now joined the team as a Staff Clinician. She received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her Ed.S in Professional Counseling from Middle Tennessee State University. Hannah is passionate about working with emerging adults and connecting with students in creative ways. Her topics of interest in counseling include managing life transitions, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, interpersonal issues, and identity exploration. She utilizes a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective, and enjoys implementing expressive arts and play therapy techniques in her work. 

Something about Hannah: “In my free time, I love visiting my local bookshop, exploring Chattanooga, and having  craft nights with my friends.” 

STAFF CLINICIAN

Kevin joined CAPS as a Staff Clinician in the summer of 2022 after fours years in community mental health and two semesters as a CAPS Contract Clinician. Journalist-turned-therapist, Kevin worked for 16 years across five states in newspaper roles such as editor, publisher, and reporter. After deciding to leave journalism, he earned his MSW from Middle Tennessee State University. His undergraduate degree concentrations are in psychology and sociology. Kevin is trained in Eye-Movement, Desensitization, and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and has significant interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as psychodrama and mindfulness.

Something about Kevin: "Growing up in Georgia, I continue to be a big fan of all Atlanta sports teams. I am also co-founder of Sewanee Spoken Word, fancy myself a writer, and practice admiration for poetry and good stories."

STAFF CLINICIAN

Molly's experience in sexual assault prevention and crisis intervention, as well as her background working in a psychiatric hospital setting, inform her strengths-based clinical approach. Molly received her BSW from East Tennessee State University and her MSW from Fordham University. Her professional interests include trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, autism, and family dynamics. She is also passionate about issues unique to international students and is deeply involved with International Social Work Solutions, a global nonprofit that works to advance social justice and cultural understanding.

Something about Molly: "In my free time, I enjoy cooking new recipes, being in nature, singing, and listening to music."

Fran Speer graduated from Lander University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a Counseling Emphasis and obtained her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Appalachian State University. She is committed to meeting clients where they are, and uses evidence-based interventions and psychoeducation to create stability and well-being. Fran believes in teaching clients how to access and utilize their strengths to help them thrive in a world where most struggle to survive and believes in the importance of being person-centered, supportive, and inclusive. She specializes in cognitive therapies, such as CBT and TF-CBT and has expertise in treating anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma, and depression.

Something about Fran: I am an avid book reader and enjoy spending time with my family, participating in ballet class, yoga, and being surrounded by nature.

FRONT OFFICE COORDINATOR

Sophia is a University of the South graduate (C'23) with a degree in anthropology. She is excited for the opportunity to connect and grow with the Sewanee campus community she fell in love with as a student.

Something about Sophia: "When I am not welcoming students to CAPS with a cup of tea, I love to embroider and draw."