Counseling Team
Meet the Student Health and Well-Being Counseling Team at Lincoln University
Our dedicated team provides confidential mental health support, including individual counseling, group therapy, and crisis intervention. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment to help students thrive academically and personally. Explore our services and discover how we can support your journey towards well-being at Lincoln University.
Chrystala Smith, assistant director
Chrystala Smith, M.Ed., LPC-S
Chrystala J. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lincoln University in 1995 and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling in 2014. She began her career in mental health as a CPRC supervisor at Burrell Behavioral Health in 2015, addressing various mental health concerns. After passing the National Counselor Examination in 2017, she worked as a provisional licensed professional counselor at Preferred Family Healthcare, focusing on adolescents struggling with substance use and mental health challenges. She became a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in 2019.
From 2019 to June 2022, Smith served as a mental health counselor at Lincoln University, where she managed the Partners in Prevention program while also working in private practice at Right Road Counseling. From July 2022 to November 2024, she worked as an outpatient behavioral health therapist at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City, Missouri, where she published two mental health articles.
On Nov. 18, 2024, Smith returned to Lincoln University as the assistant director of counseling services and an LPC supervisor (LPC-S). She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma.
Smith is currently pursuing a doctorate in counselor education and supervision at Grand Canyon University. Her research focuses on Black women doctoral students' experiences and the influence of faculty-advisor relationships on their academic journey.
Dr. Ayanna Shivers, provisionally licensed counselor
Dr. Ayanna Shivers, PLPC
Dr. Ayanna Shivers, PLPC, has more than 20 years of counseling experience. She is an assistant professor in the School of Education, teaching in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Dr. Shivers holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Education in counseling from The Citadel, and a Doctor of Philosophy in education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She utilizes a humanistic approach and is passionate about helping individuals recognize and achieve their full potential.
Dr. Shivers is under the supervison of Dr. Rhonda Wood (license no. 2008001532).
Diana Cauldwell, counselor-in-training
Diana Cauldwell
Diana Cauldwell is a counselor-in-training with a strong commitment to helping individuals of all ages. Through core coursework, she has received comprehensive training in individual and group counseling for children, adolescents, and adults.
Cauldwell has a strong interest in addressing a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, substance abuse, and psychological adjustment challenges. She uses a variety of therapeutic techniques and approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs, with a focus on promoting wellness and emotional resilience. She is passionate about supporting clients in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal growth.
Cauldwell is under the supervision of Chrystala Smith (license no. 2017042232).
Anita Cole, counselor-in-training
Anita Cole
Anita Cole is a counselor-in-training at Lincoln University of Missouri’s Thompkins Student Health Center and Counseling Services. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for healing and personal growth.
As a candidate for a master’s degree in community counseling, Cole is gaining expertise in theory-based approaches to counseling. Her areas of interest include trauma, depression, anxiety, stress management, anger management, and career and life planning. She is committed to ongoing professional development and strives to assist clients in becoming the best version of themselves.
Cole is under the supervision of Chrystala Smith (license no. 2017042232).
Jeromia Riley, counselor-in-training
Jeromia Riley
Jeromia Riley is currently pursuing a Master of Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is in the process of becoming a licensed counselor. With a deep passion for supporting individuals through life’s challenges, Riley provides a compassionate, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space for clients.
Throughout training, Riley has gained hands-on experience working with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and student-athletes. Riley has been developing skills in cognitive-behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy and is committed to helping individuals build resilience, build healthy coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change.
In addition to academic work, Riley is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continually seeks opportunities to grow and refine a therapeutic approach.
Riley is under the supervision of Chrystala Smith (license no. 2017042232).
TeleHelp
Please view the list of counselors available through TeleHelp 24/7 below.Shandra Ross
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Shandra Ross is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, licensed clinical addiction specialist and a certified hypnotherapist in private practice. She is an intensively trained Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) clinician, offering individual therapy, group therapy, DBT skills training classes and hypnotherapy in a private practice setting for adults with mental illness and addictions
Shanice Stephenson
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Shanice Stephenson is a licensed clinical mental health and substance use counselor with a demonstrated history in the mental health care industry. She is skilled in Microsoft Word, flexibility, situational leadership, creative problem-solving and analytics. She holds a Master of Arts in mental health counseling from North Carolina Central Universit
Quentin Powell
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Quentin Powell is an experienced mental health specialist with a demonstrated history in the hospital and health care industry. Skilled in nonprofit organizations, hospitals, mental health, health care and Microsoft Office, Powell is a strong operations professional. Powell graduated from Mars Hill University with a Bachelor of Social Work and from Johnson C. Smith University with a Master of Social Work. Powell holds an LCSWA, LCASA and is a notary public. Powell is also a Charlotte Area AHEC Scholar for 2022-2024.
Bonita Graham
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Bonita Graham is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve their full potential. Believing that every person can tap into their inner strength and resilience to overcome obstacles and create a fulfilling life, Graham’s approach is rooted in spirituality, empathy, non-judgment and collaboration. Graham provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions, learn coping strategies and develop new perspectives. Committed to providing personalized care, Graham addresses each person’s unique needs and goals.
Lakeisha Ford
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Lakeisha Ford has been practicing therapy as a licensed professional for five years. Specializing in mental health counseling, addictions counseling and group counseling, Ford utilizes an eclectic approach that includes solution-focused techniques and motivational interviewing. Ford has worked with females of all ages experiencing addiction, domestic violence, trauma and loss/grief. The focus is on providing individuals with healthy tools to overcome their problems and utilizing case management when needed.
Ruth Ware
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Ruth Ware is a telehealth contract therapist providing individual and group services via face-to-face telehealth sessions and text message check-ins. Responsibilities include assessment, treatment planning and documentation. Ware performs all functions related to counseling substance use disorder clientele and their families.
Rosemarie McDonald
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Rosemarie McDonald is a tele-mental health provider with the experience and passion to build and maintain beneficial relationships toward achieving desired goals. McDonald provides ongoing, optimal therapeutic services and support to individuals, couples and families in need by expanding their cognition and insight on personal strengths, unveiling their courage and empowering them to heal.
Shawnae Dike
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Shawnae Dike is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor ready to help. A perceptive leader, lifelong learner and relationship builder, Dike is always pursuing excellence and committed to providing effective support.
Erricker Lee
In-Person Mental Health Provider
Erricker Lee is an in-person mental health provider offering outstanding therapeutic support to adolescents, couples, individuals and families. Believing that each individual is capable of functioning at their highest level, Lee understands that life’s challenges can sometimes seem overwhelming. However, Lee emphasizes the importance of how one chooses to move forward and is dedicated to helping others "move forward, encourage and strengthen."
Katherine Long
In-Person Mental Health Provider
Katherine Long is an in-person mental health provider passionate about helping clients build resilience and quiet negative thoughts that hinder their potential. Believing that life can be challenging, Long emphasizes the importance of the right tools and a helpful listener to make it easier. Once clients can rationalize through their negative thoughts, they are able to change their behavior.
Jacquelin Townes
In-Person and Tele-Mental Health Provider
Jacqueline Townes is a marriage and family therapist specializing in building healthy relationships. With 20 years of experience in counseling, including almost 15 years as a school counselor and 5 years in private practice, Townes has helped thousands build healthier relationships. She is a graduate of Virginia Union University and relates to a diverse clientele, including those attending or graduating from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Townes is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Sherri Tull
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Sherri Tull is a top-performing criminal justice and counseling professional with a proven history of successful leadership and service in public and academic organizations. With versatile skills in training, education, counseling and community relations, Tull aims to transition her work experience into a school counselor or counseling position. Specializing in children’s issues, women’s life challenges and mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and grief, Tull is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Kristle Williams Manuel
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Kristle Williams Manuel is a resourceful social worker with over 18 years of broad expertise in cultivating supportive relationships with cross-functional stakeholders to solve problems with strong clinical judgment. A goal-oriented team leader and self-directed team player, Manuel remains calm in crisis situations. As a client advocate, she drives innovative solutions for the best outcomes with compassion.
Jonathan Cameron
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Jonathan Cameron specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults, with over 20 years of experience working with youth, particularly those in the juvenile justice system, who face severe behavioral and social issues. Cameron uses a person-centered, goal-oriented approach to counseling combined with mindfulness techniques. His focus is to help individuals assess their needs and commitment to developing coping skills to improve their situations. Cameron also offers mentoring services for adolescent boys through his website. He is the author of The Five Pillars of Leadership for Black Boys Parent Guide and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Jenai Hackett
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Jenai Hackett is a dedicated and experienced professional with a diverse background, bringing extensive knowledge and skills to her role as a middle school counselor. With over 7 years of experience in the counseling field, Hackett has demonstrated a commitment to supporting individuals dealing with ADHD, depression, and anxiety. In addition to her work in middle school counseling, Hackett has ventured into private practice, further emphasizing her dedication to helping people navigate mental health challenges.
Tera Reid
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Tera Reid is a servant-hearted professional with over 20 years of experience in the helping profession. Specializing in anxiety, depression, family issues and life stressors, Reid is a licensed clinical social worker. Her therapeutic approaches vary based on client needs, but she generally uses cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. Reid is committed to helping clients reshape their thinking around life issues and stressors, while finding practical solutions to those challenges.
Andrea Brown
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Andrea Brown recognizes the power of simple questions, such as "How are you doing?" While this may seem like an easy question, many people ask it without fully understanding the depth of the response. Brown encourages clients to be truthful about how they are feeling, and she values empathy, support, patience, helpfulness and trust in her approach. She is committed to providing a compassionate and responsive environment for those seeking help.
Nancy Gonzales
Nancy Gonzales is a bilingual psychotherapist with extensive experience working with adolescents, families, couples and individuals. She is trained in the family systems and psychodynamic approaches and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, MAP and Child-Parent Psychotherapy. Gonzales has strong cultural competency skills and has worked in various settings, including outpatient, residential and school-based environments. With extensive training in helping clients suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression and mood disorders, she is committed to working together with clients to help them heal.
Lisa Mann
Lisa Mann is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice and a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor. Her experience includes working in outpatient substance abuse services with individuals who have co-occurring substance and mental health disorders. Mann has worked with individuals, families and in group settings, as well as in both inpatient mental health and correctional-based settings.
Ryan McNamara
Ryan McNamara is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in therapeutic counseling, crisis intervention and community outreach, skilled in both in-person and telehealth modalities. His career is marked by success in clinical assessment, individual and group therapy and program management in diverse environments. Committed to holistic client care, McNamara excels in developing and implementing tailored treatment plans, fostering meaningful client relationships and contributing to multidisciplinary teams. He aims to leverage his expertise in mental health and social services to enhance the well-being and resilience of individuals and communities.
Dayna Lei
Dayna Lei is a mental health therapist with a licensed master of social work (LMSW) and a concentration in mental health, as well as a Bachelor of Science in psychology. She is looking to apply her experience in clinical interactions and exposure to individuals with mental health conditions to provide clinical therapy services for clients in need.
JaQuante Whitaker
Tele-Mental Health Provider
JaQuante Whitaker is a dedicated therapist from Richmond, Virginia, with a Master of Science in clinical mental health from Jacksonville State University. His passion lies in providing compassionate, solution-focused therapy to individuals navigating life’s challenges. With specialized training in anger management and extensive experience in individual counseling, Whitaker is committed to helping clients achieve personal growth, develop coping strategies and improve their overall well-being. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Jerome Wright
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Jerome Wright is a dedicated licensed therapist and social worker providing compassionate and affirming talk therapy to adults, with a special focus on students, minorities and LGBTQIA individuals. His practice is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a supportive space to explore their unique challenges, cultivate resilience and foster personal growth.
Chresencia Alicea
Tele-Mental Health Provider
Chresencia Alicea is an experienced behavioral counselor with demonstrated motivational and leadership skills in both nonprofit and for-profit mental health environments. She has the ability to develop and implement programs to address issues within the LGBTQ community. Alicea is seeking a challenging position to apply her behavioral and counseling skills to the growth of an organization.
Karla Fleshman
Karla Fleshman is a licensed clinical social worker and ordained clergy who serves LGBTQ+ youth and the adults who support them.
Emily Larson
Emily Larson has developed a passion for empowering and supporting others through her work in social work. She strives to create impactful opportunities that inspire and elevate those around her through the love of Jesus.
Rebecca Barach
Rebecca Barach provides individual therapy services to adolescents in inpatient treatment for eating disorders, including services related to self-harming behavior, trauma and suicidal ideation. She also provides group services and participates in family day activities.
Richard Stephens
Richard Stephens has experience helping individuals from varied cultural and socio-economic backgrounds struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma, substance abuse and social skills difficulties. He uses a client-centered approach with a variety of modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing and psychodynamic therapy, to provide insight into how environmental, mental, emotional and health-related factors can influence an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors.