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New Mexico State University
Counseling Center

Our Staff

Karen Schaefer Karen Schaefer, Ph.D., Interim Director and Training Coordinator

Karen received her Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has a strong interest in the training & supervision of trainees in counseling; clinical interests in working with individuals who have childhood histories of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect), other forms of trauma, grief & loss issues, offenders of abuse, animal abuse (offenders and victims who witnessed such abuse), & the provision of animal-assisted therapy.

Corey Vas Corey Vas, Ph.D., Psychologist

Corey’s primary professional interests include biofeedback, hypnosis, LGBT issues, anxiety disorders and early childhood intervention. Much of his practice includes career planning, counselor training and supervision, and group therapy for men and for LGBT individuals.

Erin Tower

María P. Arizaga, Ph.D., Associate Training Director

María received her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from New Mexico State University.  Her major interests are in counselor training and supervision; working with clients with issues related to domestic violence, sexual abuse and other forms of trauma, acculturation, and grief & loss.  Working with LGBTQ clients is another area of strong interest.

Erin Tower Erin Towner, Psy.D., Psychology Resident

Erin received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in Phoenix. She has a concentration in Sport-Exercise Psychology, and especially enjoys working with student-athletes to enhance their performance while balancing the demands of academic and social responsibilities. Working with LGBTQ clients, training future psychologists, and implementing suicide prevention efforts are also areas of strong interest.

Mike Waldo Mike Waldo, Ph.D., Psychologist

Mike is currently a professor with the Counseling and Educational Psychology Department at New Mexico State University. His practice and research interests include design and evaluation of preventive interventions that employ group work to improve interpersonal relations.

Debra Darmata

Debra Darmata, WAVE Program Coordinator

Debra is originally from Chicago and has a Master's Degree in Psychology. Her life work and passion has been in the field of Psychology with extensive experience working with women who suffer from eating disorders, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Eileen Winfree Eileen Winfree, LPC, Career Counselor

Eileen has a MA in Counseling and Educational Psychology.  During her 14 years as a Career Counselor, she has helped many students find their career direction and choose a major. In addition to teaching classes in Freshman Year Experience (UNIV 150) & Career Planning & Development (AS 102), she gives classroom presentations, participates in New Student Orientations, & acts as a liaison between the Career Exploration Center & other student services offices.

Brandy Smith Brandy Smith, Counseling Psychologist

Brandy (originally from Olive Branch, MS) has received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the Univ. of Memphis in Memphis, TN & completed her internship at the Univ. of Oregon in Eugene, OR. Brandy enjoys working with college students & has particular areas of interest in multiculturalism (including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, body size, religion, spirituality, age, gender, ability level); developmental & relationship issues; social justice & advocacy; & supervision.

Erin Tower Erin Towner, Psy.D., Psychology Resident

Erin received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in Phoenix. She has a concentration in Sport-Exercise Psychology, and especially enjoys working with student-athletes to enhance their performance while balancing the demands of academic and social responsibilities. Working with LGBTQ clients, training future psychologists, and implementing suicide prevention efforts are also areas of strong interest.

Timika Edwards Timika Edwards, M.A. Predoctoral Psychology Intern

Timika is a predoctoral inten, who recieved bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri, her master's degree in Counseling from Saint Louis University in Missouri and is currently completing her doctorate in Counseling Psychology at The University of Georgia. Timika enjoys working with college students, underserved and diverse populations. Her interests include multicultural and diversity issues, familial influences, and relational patterns.

Sandy Newsome Sandy Newsome, M.S., Predoctoral Psychology Intern

Sandy is a pre-doctoral psychology intern at NMSU. She has a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Montana State University and is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of New Mexico. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, and groups of diverse backgrounds. Her areas of interest and training include mindfulness, stress reduction, self-compassion, addictions, sexual and gender diversity, and managing chronic illness

Marina Shafran Marina Shafran, M. A., Predoctoral Psychology Intern

Marina is a predoctoral intern in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Marina received her B.A. degrees in Psychology and Philosophy from Southern Illinois University. Marina enjoys working with college students and is interested in working with international students and ethnic minorities. Marina’s broad interests include acculturation and ethnic identity, working with immigrants, and survivors.

Jonathan Spitz Jonathan Spitz, M.A., Predoctoral Psychology Intern

Jonathan is a predoctoral intern from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  Jonathan enjoys working with college students and exploring this dynamic time in life.  Some of his interests include multicultural issues, the impact of stigma on mental illness and mental health treatment, relational issues, social justice, and the use of music to experience and express emotion. 

Jordan Bergey Jordan Bergey, M.S. Psychology Intern

Jordan is a psychology intern at the Counseling Center for the 2008-2009 academic year. Traveling to NMSU from New England, she received training at Antioch University New England. Her primary clinical interests include implications of social technology on development, attachment, and relational patterns.

Angela Heads Angela Heads, M.A. Psychology Intern

Angela is a doctoral intern in Counseling Psychology from Texas A & M University in College Station, TX.  Angela enjoys working with college students and has interests and experience in multicultural issues including acculturation and ethnic identity, working with individuals with anxiety disorders, self esteem enhancement and psychological testing

Patricia Dorr Patricia Dorr, M.S. Psychology Intern

Patricia has a master's degree in Christian Counseling from Philadelpha Biblical Univ. & is completing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Immaculata University. Pat is interested in how to discern & work with the multiple influences of moods. Her clinical interests include how spiritual & religious development affects relationships & mental health; & the role that prosocial orientation & altruistic behaviors has in building friendships, developing a sense of belonging & value, etc.

Theresa Demock

Theresa Demock, Administrative Secretary III

Theresa has worked in the Counseling Center since 1999.   She was the Records Tech I until May 2007, and then she was promoted to the Administrative Secretary III.

Leisha Lane

Leisha Lane, Records Tech/Receptionist

Leisha answers the telephone, schedules appointments for the Counseling Center and handles the front desk area.

Leslie Sanchez Leslie Sanchez, Records Tech

Bio will be posted later.