CAPS offers short-term based therapy and psychological services to undergraduate students at the University.
Counseling and Psychological Service Scope of Practice
Please check CAPS FAQs section for the answer. If you still have questions about the CAPS department or about our policies, please feel free to email the department or call the Office Manager at 931.598.1325.
Students who utilize CAPS are required to sign an agreement stating that they accept and consent to these terms of treatment. A copy of these terms can be requested by emailing the CAPS departmental address.
Ashley first joined the Wellness staff in 2016 as a contract clinician; she became a full time staff clinician in 2017 and Director in 2019. She uses an integrative approach to healing, including mindfulness-based-skill-building, somatic therapies and coaching for resilience and resourcing with a foundation in relational psychodynamic theory. She has worked in all levels of care for the treatment of eating disorders, process, and substance addictions. Ashley is EMDR level II trained and training to be a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for the treatment of PTSD and attachment-based trauma. Her other areas of clinical interest included women's issues, body-and sex-positive education, multicultural concerns, the therapist as activist and movement-based therapies for supporting embodiment and relationship with self. Ashley completed her MA in Counseling Psychology at Eastern University and SEP(T) through the Somatic Experiencing Training Institute.
Something about her: "I enjoy reading, learning, exploring the Domain, dance parties with my toddler, and hosting intentional gatherings."
Elise first joined the Wellness staff as a full-time staff clinician in 2020. Although she has completed advanced clinical training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Elise is intentional about tailoring interventions specific to each individual, cultivating an eclectic, client-centered, collaborative approach. Elise is staunchly committed to social justice, always taking into consideration how an individual's identities and social location intersect with one's lived experience and current symptoms. Elise's areas of interest include depression, anxiety, trauma, gender identity, sexuality, and family/relationship issues. Elise received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies from Sewanee. After earning her Master of Social Work (MSW) from The University of Chicago, Elise went on to complete a two-year Post-Master's Fellowship at the NC State University Counseling Center in Raleigh, NC prior to joining the Wellness team in 2020.
Something about her; "I am originally from San Antonio, Texas, but I moved to Sewanee when I was 14 years old and attended SAS and Sewanee prior to moving away for my graduate studies. When I'm not at work, I'm spending time with my partner and my pets, which usually involves cooking, taking long walks on campus, or watching The Bachelor."
Emily first joined the Wellness staff in 2019 as a contract therapist and became a full-time staff clinician in 2020. She uses a client-centered, strengths-based approach, and integrates a variety of therapy techniques based on each client's needs. Emily often draws from Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Theory, and her professional interests include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, grief, and trauma. She has worked in school and community mental health settings in Franklin and Coffee counties prior to her work at the Wellness Center. Emily graduated from Sewanee with a BA in Religious Studies and from the University of Tennessee with a Masters of Science in Social Work. In between undergraduate and graduate school, Emily served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama.
Something about her; "I brought back my dog from Panama, and I enjoy spending time on Sewanee trails with my dog, as well as learning new hobbies, like gardening and canning."
Majonica joined the Wellness staff as a contract therapist in 2020. She became a full-time Staff Clinician in 2021. Majonica uses CBT, DBT, EFT, Positive Psychology, Coaching and Christian Counseling modalities according to each client's needs. Majonica's special interest include life transitions, depression, anxiety, self-care, vocation/purpose, and developing time-management and organization systems. She has been in the counseling field for 15 years. She has experience in various settings including being a Therapist at a private psychiatric clinic, Clinical Director of an addition treatment center, and owner of a private practice and natural mood health education company. Majonica received a Master of Arts degree from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Atlanta. She graduated from Sewanee in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Something about her: "I am from Atlanta, GA. I have one daughter who is a college student. I have a cute and feisty dog, Maggie. I love to go shopping with my daughter, spend time at the lake with my dog, travel, read, and watch documentaries."
Celesta joined the Wellness staff as a full-time clinician in 2021. In her therapeutic work, she utilizes values-based therapy; family systems theory, and cognitive behavioral techniques for improving mood and behavior. Celesta is passionate about empowering clients to take ownership of their mental health as an integral part of wholeness and wellbeing. As a clinician of color, Celesta counsels from a multicultural perspective using culturally appropriate intervention strategies. She began her career in college counseling as the first clinical case manager at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Celesta received a Master's of Clinical Mental Health Counseling with certificates in Trauma Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmond Graduate University in Chattanooga and is working towards licensure as a Mental Health Service Provider in the state of Tennessee.
Something about her; "I grew up right outside of Washington, D.C and learned the beauty and richness in diversity at an early age. In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction books written by international authors through which I can explore the complexities of life in different cultures."
The University Wellness Center's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is pleased to provide an opportunity to assist with the education of future professionals...
