About Student Counseling & Psychological Services Staff

Doug Hankes

Ph.D., Executive Director,
Licensed Psychologist

Doug completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas in 1996. He is a licensed psychologist in Alabama and Tennessee. He holds graduate faculty status in the Department of Psychology, the Department of Kinesiology, and the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling. Doug describes his therapy approach as mindfully eclectic and fosters a collaborative relationship with clients to promote change. He has been actively involved at the national level in sport and exercise psychology and has served on the Executive Boards of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 47 Society for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Doug is Past President of Division 47. He is an AASP Fellow and CMPC Emeriti and is listed on the 2020-2024 United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry and Mental Health Registry. When he’s not at work, you can find him hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Joeleen Cooper-Bhatia

Ph.D., Associate Director,
Licensed Psychologist

Joeleen is originally from northeastern Pennsylvania and completed her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at the University at Albany, SUNY. Prior to joining the staff at SCPS in 2008, she worked with college students in several settings, including during her internship at Virginia Tech’s Cook Counseling Center. Joeleen enjoys providing group therapy, particularly working with students in SCPS’ Understanding Self and Others groups. She is actively involved in the American Group Psychotherapy Association, where she has held a number of leadership roles, and is a Certified Group Psychotherapist. Additionally, Joeleen is passionate about supervision and training and her clinical interests include relationship concerns, trauma, family issues, and working with emotions. She uses a collaborative approach to therapy, focusing on the therapy relationship while incorporating tools to help her clients improve coping. In her time outside of work, Joeleen enjoys reading, long walks, binge-watching TV shows, and spending time with family.

Skylar Couch

DNP, CRNP, Family Nurse Practitioner

Skylar Couch is an Auburn University affiliate at the Student Counseling & Psychological Services office. She joined the East Alabama Psychiatric Service team to provide psychiatric services for the Auburn University students on campus. She graduated from Troy University with a Master of Science degree in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. She has served as faculty in the MSN programs at Auburn University and Troy University. She has been with East Alabama Health for the last 16 years and has worked as a nurse practitioner on Auburn University’s campus since 2013. She is an active member of multiple professional organizations. Her passion and drive are what continue to make her want to serve as nurse/nurse practitioner in the great state of Alabama in countless capacities, working hard to continue paving the way for the future. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded,” is her life motto and the motivation she uses to light the path of her career.

Rena Curvey

Ph.D., ECTT Coordinator, Licensed Psychologist 

Rena earned her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY and is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).  She is originally from Winchester, MA and attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) for her undergraduate education. Rena’s clinical interests include trauma, depression, anxiety, identity development, interpersonal concerns, life transitions, and sport psychology. She has trained in a variety of settings, including university counseling centers, veteran affairs (VA) medical centers, university medical clinics, and university athletic departments. Her treatment approach is integrative, incorporating interpersonal, acceptance and commitment, cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, and mind-body connection techniques. Outside of work, Rena enjoys spending time with her partner and family, watching sports, and playing with her black lab Biscuit.

Julie Dodd

Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

Julie earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1996 and has been a licensed psychologist since 2001. Her clinical experience includes work in hospital and clinic settings, providing services to the general public, veterans, and incarcerated offenders. Julie’s clinical and professional interests include treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress, and helping others manage critical incidents and disaster response. Having trained as a generalist, she has experience addressing a wide variety of clinical concerns. Julie’s therapeutic approach is integrative, incorporating cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness perspectives. She values developing authentic, collaborative relationships with her clients, helping them tap into their own strengths while developing new coping strategies to become their best selves.  Outside of work, Julie enjoys keeping up with the latest tech, researching genealogy, leading her church’s livestream team, and is excited to be a member of the Auburn Family.

MaKayla Gay

MSW, LICSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

MaKayla graduated from Troy University in 2013 with her Bachelor’s in Social Work. She later earned her Master’s in Social Work in 2016 from the University of Alabama. MaKayla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Throughout her career, she gained experience in case management by working with children and families through the Alabama Child Welfare System and with patients and families in hospice and hospital settings. MacKayla has provided clinical services to adolescents and young adults in an inpatient psychiatric unit, as well as grief support therapy in the time with hospice. Her clinical interests include anxiety, self-worth and self-esteem, interpersonal growth, depression, grief support emotion regulation, and navigating relationships. Her training is primarily in cognitive-behavioral therapy, but she also incorporates components of mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her work with clients. In MacKayla’s free time, she enjoys singing/songwriting, baking, and strength-training.

Eve Hauptle

Psy.M., Doctoral Intern 

Eve is originally from Alexandria, Virginia, but she has lived all over the northeast. She is finishing up her doctorate in school psychology at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She is passionate about supporting clients with complex medical needs, such as those experiencing chronic pain, and eating and weight related. Beyond this, Eve utilizes a collaborative approach with her clients to support them through adjusting to changes, managing symptoms of depression or anxiety, and managing relationships. She primarily uses a cognitive-behavioral framework, but also uses integrative techniques to best meet the needs of her clients. In her free time, you can find Eve exercising, reading, baking, or crafting.

Alex Hughes

Ph.D., Assistant Director for Training, Licensed Psychologist

Alex obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he also completed a Master’s degree in Theology. He completed his internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Idaho. Alex’s clinical interests include existential issues, religion/spirituality, identity development, and chronic illness. He uses an integrative approach in therapy, drawing primarily from Humanistic/Existential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal-Process Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. When work slows down, you can find him on a long walk or practicing his drawing skills.

Priscilla Little

Office Supervisor

With a strong background in business, financial, and human resources management, Priscilla serves as the Office Manager for SCPS. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation and management of the counseling center and ensuring the efficient delivery of services to students.  She is committed to supporting the well-being and academic success of students at Auburn University.  Outside of work, Priscilla enjoys outdoor activities, attending music festivals, and exploring various genres of music.

Austin Luker

M.D., Psychiatrist

Dr. Luker recently joined East Alabama Psychiatric Services and is thrilled to be an Auburn University affiliate at the Student Counseling & Psychological Services office. Dr. Luker earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from UAB, where he also completed his general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. Dr. Luker is a proud native of Clay County, Alabama, and is excited to be practicing psychiatry in the East Alabama area. He has known he wanted to be a psychiatrist since he was a teenager, and has clinical interest in ADHD, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, PTSD, and psychotic disorders.  As a child and adult psychiatrist, he has an interest in development across the lifespan and feels privileged to be working with Auburn University students at this unique and exciting stage of their lives. In his spare time, Dr. Luker enjoys running, DIY projects, playing the mandolin and guitar,  Auburn athletics, and spending time with his family.

Jon McEwen

M.Ed., Licensed Professional Counselor

Jon graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Auburn University. He has experience working with people in a psychiatric hospital setting as well as working with people in the community. He takes special interest in the areas of grief, anxiety, relationship issues, and severe mental illness. He incorporates aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Existentialism into his therapeutic approach. He recognizes that each person has complex needs and values the privilege of being able to work with people from many walks of life. When he does not wear the counselor hat, he enjoys any form of sports and exercise, discovering all sorts of music, trying new restaurants, and watching Sci-Fi/Fantasy series and movies.

Carlie McGourty

Psy.D., Practicum Coordinator, Licensed Psychologist

Carlie recently completed her doctoral internship at Auburn SCPS and graduated from Marywood University (Scranton, Pennsylvania) with her doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Carlie is passionate about working with college students and the university community. She recognizes that college can be an exciting and difficult chapter in students’ lives. Her training is primarily in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which assists her in helping clients identify unhelpful behaviors and thoughts. She encourages clients to identify their strengths and values, using these in session as an empowering bridge towards developing balanced thoughts, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of oneself. Carlie’s clinical interests include interpersonal relationships, sexual violence/violations, identity development, and autism spectrum disorder. Outside of work, Carlie is usually watching movies, reading the latest Colleen Hoover novel, or spending time with her cat, Tigger.

Kristy Morgan

Lead Administrative Assistant

Kristy is an Administrative Assistant for Student Counseling & Psychological Services. One of the highlights of her job is assisting her favorite coworkers, Drs. Moose and Nessie. She has an associate degree in Administration and Paralegal and has worked in the field for over fifteen years. Kristy is a native of DeKalb County, Alabama and has resided in Auburn for the past twenty-five years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets. She also enjoys attending church, traveling and baking.

Darby Mortenson

B.S., Doctoral Intern

Darby is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Albizu University in Miami, Florida, with experience treating children and adolescents in residential eating disorder facilities, psychiatric inpatient settings, and intensive outpatient programs. These diverse experiences have deepened Darby’s understanding of attachment theory, identity transitions, and the vital role of creating a safe, nurturing environment for clients to explore and develop their sense of self. Darby’s therapeutic approach is grounded in relational-psychodynamic principles, enriched by object relations, Jungian psychology, and existential feminism. Outside the clinical setting, Darby enjoys expressing creativity through oil painting, finding balance in yoga, and recharging in the sun.

Dr. Nessie

Trained to TDI Certification and AKC Canine Good Citizen Standards

Nessie is a 9-year-old black Labrador Retriever and German Wirehaired Pointer mix. She was trained by Auburn University Canine Performance Sciences as a detection dog. During her time at Canine Performance Sciences, Nessie worked on multiple top secret research projects and was recruited to continue her work at several government agencies. Ultimately, she retired from her detection duties and started her second career as a therapy dog at Student Counseling & Psychological Services. She was trained in collaboration with Canine Performance Services to share her therapy skills with Auburn students. At SCPS, Nessie works alongside her brother from another mother, Moose, with students in individual and group counseling sessions. In addition, Nessie is particularly skilled at outreach events on campus as she has never met a person she doesn’t love. She is truly a mental health ambassador. Nessie’s therapeutic approach includes clinical curiosity, supportive directness, and empathic tail-wagging.

Christina Newberry

Psy.D., College of Veterinary Medicine Embedded Clinician, Licensed Psychologist

Christy is the embedded Licensed Psychologist for Auburn Vet Med, providing therapy and consultation services. She earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Chicago, a master’s in Clinical Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in Professional Psychology from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. Christy incorporates warmth, empathy, and humor into her strengths-based, collaborative approach. Specific clinical interests include compassion fatigue, burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and trauma. Originally from southeast Tennessee, Christy enjoys coffee shops, spending time with her sister, friends, and her sweet rescue pup, Joy.

Dr. Rooster

Trained to TDI Certification and AKC Canine Good Citizen Standards

Rooster is a 8-year-old Black Labrador Retriever. He was trained by Auburn University Canine Performance Sciences as a chemical or biological threat detection dog. During his time at Canine Performance Sciences, Rooster was trained to undergo fMRI scanning to evaluate the dog-human bond based on his interactions with his human partner and their relationship. He was one of the best dogs for the fMRI machine as he easily adapted to it and would even fall asleep in the machine! He was trained in collaboration with Canine Performance Sciences and Student Counseling & Psychological Services to share his therapy skills with Auburn students. At SCPS, Rooster works with students in individual and group counseling sessions. In addition, Rooster likes to spend time at outreach events where he can get some pets and give some tail wags to the Auburn community. Rooster’s therapeutic approach includes calming breaths, leaning into the issue at hand, and sensory exploration through belly rubs. In his free time, Rooster enjoys talking walks in the sunshine, playing with his toys, and meeting new friends.

Melissa Sawyer

M.S., Licensed Professional Counselor

Melissa earned her Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. She has clinical experiences in community mental health, federal adult drug court, an inpatient psychiatric unit, and college counseling centers. Melissa has additional professional experience providing support and crisis intervention to victims/survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Her clinical interests include trauma, identity development, relationship issues, social justice, advocacy, and crisis intervention. Melissa practices from an existential framework and embraces psychodynamic, feminist, and relational concepts.

Olivia Singleton

LMSW, Senior Staff Clinician

Olivia earned both her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies, as well as her Master of Social Work degree from Auburn University. She has gained experience through policy advocacy work, as well as spending time in both a private practice and an intensive outpatient setting. Olivia’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, grief, role strain, and life transitions. When working with clients, she utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and approaches counseling with a Person-centered perspective, focusing on strengths, connection, and collaboration. She is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment for clients to share their unique experiences. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys baking, gardening, true crime podcasts, and spending time with family, friends, and her pets.

Jennifer Smith

M.D., Psychiatrist

Jen Smith is an Auburn University affiliate at the Student Counseling & Psychological Services office. She joins the East Alabama Psychiatric Service team to provide psychiatric services for the Auburn University students on campus. She graduated from University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, AL in 2011 and completed psychiatry residency training at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond, VA in 2015. She worked at a community mental health center before joining East Alabama Psychiatric Services. She was born and raised in the Auburn/Opelika area, is an Auburn football fan, and received her undergraduate degree from Auburn University in 2006. She is excited to be back at Auburn. She hopes to help students get the most out of their time at Auburn and achieve their educational goals by addressing their mental health needs.

Mary Catherine Turner

M.Ed., College of Veterinary Medicine Embedded Clinician, Licensed Professional Counselor

Mary Catherine graduated from Auburn University with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Mary Catherine is the Embedded Counselor at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Mary Catherine provides individual counseling to veterinary students, residents, interns, and graduate students, as well as providing consultation and resources as needed with faculty and staff.  Mary Catherine’s clinical interests include, transition, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and compassion fatigue.  Mary Catherine’s goal is to provide veterinary students with a supportive environment to share their concerns and learn to manage them effectively, while simultaneously becoming a healthy and successful veterinarian. Outside of work Mary Catherine enjoys Lake Martin, spending time with family and friends, and finding the best deals at and thrift stores.

Sydney Waitz-Kudla

M.S., Doctoral Intern

Sydney is currently completing her doctoral internship at Auburn SCPS and her doctoral degree at Auburn University in Clinical Psychology. She is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and received her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University in Psychology and English with a minor in Sociology. Sydney has experience working with college students in a variety of settings including community mental health centers, student counseling centers, and hospitals. Her professional interests include suicide prevention, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, depression, and identity development. Sydney utilizes an integrative approach to treatment, pulling primarily from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but also utilizing dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based treatments. Outside of work, Sydney enjoys crafting, reading, going to Auburn coffee shops, and spending time with her dogs.

Michael Wells

Psy.D., Senior Staff Clinician

Michael is a US Army Veteran who recently obtained his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at John F. Kennedy University. He has experience working in multiple clinical environments: community mental health, outpatient, primary care, department of state hospitals, Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), neuropsychological assessment, and college counseling. Michael’s clinical interests include anxiety, avoidance, grief, self-compassion, mindfulness, relationship concerns, PTSD, and trauma work. He uses an integrative approach in his clinical practice which draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Multicultural Theory. In his own time, he enjoys mentoring clinical doctoral/masters students, teaching classes, volunteering, spending time with family, trying new foods, catching a movie, and playing tabletop boardgames with friends.

Practicum Student Clinicians

2024-2025

Diovanti Serrano, B.A.

Rachel Frietchen, B.S.

Drew Underwood, M.Ed.

Gisela Rosa, B.A.

Angel Perry, M.Ed.