DIVISION OF STUDENT SERVICES |
Health and Counseling Services |
Our Staff: Counseling
Kate Smith, MS, LPC, PMHNP
Director
Kate is the Director of the Health and Counseling Center.
She received her BS in Psychology from Trenton State College, MS in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon, MS in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University, and is currently engaged in doctoral education at OHSU. She is licensed as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and as a professional counselor in Oregon. Kate has worked at the HCC since 2005 and became the Director in 2009.
Paris Schaefer, Psy.D.
Supervising Psychologist
Greetings! I am a clinical psychologist and have been working with college students for over 10 years.
Through the creation of an empathic, safe, and confidential therapeutic environment, students who come to the HCC have the opportunity to examine self-defeating beliefs and patterns of behavior that contribute to psychological discomfort, as well as personal and family dynamics that influence decision making and how we get along with others. I view psychotherapy as an opportunity to work collaboratively with students to gain a greater sense of control over difficult thoughts, feelings, and situations. It is easy to get stuck in habitual patterns of thinking and feeling that lead to personal suffering. My view is that psychotherapy can help broaden the perspective through which we view ourselves and others.
My clinical interests include: relationship issues, attachment and separation anxiety, family and childhood stress, perfectionism, mood disorders, trauma, substance abuse, grief and loss, life transitions, acculturation issues, gender and sexual identity development, college adjustment, and psychotherapy training and supervision.
Other professional interests include: psychotherapist professional development and supervision, laws and ethics pertaining to the practice of psychology, trends in college mental health, higher education administration, organizational psychology, and leadership coaching.
Aaron Krenkel, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Hi. I've been working as a psychiatrist at Reed's Health and Counseling Center since 2010. I received my BA from Williams College, studying the "History of Ideas," and then completed medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin. After moving to Oregon in 2005, I completed a psychiatry residency at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). I've been on faculty at OHSU, in different capacities, since 2009. My clinical approach emphasizes the healing power of relationships (in therapy and otherwise), integrated with the careful use of medications for targeted relief of certain forms of suffering. Areas of particular clinical interest for me currently include attachment theory, the history of psychopharmacology and medical-model diagnosis in psychiatry, and the nexus of the psychiatric and liberal-arts-education paradigms. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, gardening, music, and exploring Portland and surrounding areas.
Sheryl Moren, PMHNP-BC
Staff Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
I have been a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the Health and Counseling Center since 2004. I received a BS in Psychology from Pacific University and my BSN and MSN from Oregon Health & Science University. I am board certified as a family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
I have worked with underserved populations at county mental health agencies and with children and adolescents within community mental health nonprofit agencies, juvenile detention, residential care, day treatment programs, telepsychiatry and inpatient psychiatric hospitals.
My professional interests include psychiatric evaluations, psychotropic medication management, cultural and spiritual issues, solution focused brief therapy, crisis intervention, adjustment, self-care, organization and prioritization, interpersonal relationships, and identity development. My personal interests include home improvement projects, gardening, dancing, sewing, snowboarding, billiards and spending time with family.
Pepita “Pip” Payne, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist
Hi, I am a licensed clinical psychologist, and I’ve been working at the Reed HCC since 2007. I have a doctorate in clinical psychology from the George Washington University in Washington D.C. My theoretical orientation is psychodynamic, and within that framework I draw from a wide range of approaches. As a therapist, my main focus is to meet people where they are, and to help them collaboratively focus on what they are struggling with in a safe, warm environment. I encourage students to use their minds to explore their feelings and to understand how past experiences, relationships, thoughts and behaviors are impacting their lives at this point in time. I have experience working with people with a wide variety of issues, including relationship troubles, homesickness, depression, anxiety and academic struggles. Also about me: I come from Australia and am really enjoying living in Portland!
Marina Valdez, Ph.D.
Staff Psychologist
Originally from Texas, I made my way to Oregon in 2000 to pursue my graduate studies. I received my M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Oregon Counseling Psychology program, completed my pre-doctoral internship at Suffolk University’s Counseling Center in Boston, and am now excited to work with Reed students as a licensed psychologist. Over the course of my doctoral studies, I worked with older adults, children, and families. I also worked at an urban arts college in Chicago and then later as an elementary/middle school teaching assistant in Japan. These experiences broadened my personal and professional interests in multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice, especially in educational settings. Thus, my focus has been on work with adolescents and college students. I am passionate about women's issues, specifically concerns related to women of color. I have taught undergraduate courses on life skills, stress management, as well as an introduction to psychology of women. I appreciate clinical and educational work that is empowerment-focused and strength-based. I believe it is important to understand contextual factors that contribute to our strengths, our challenges, and our growth. I also emphasize the importance of self-care and self-awareness as key contributions to our development. Therefore, I strive to practice my own self-care and awareness. I enjoy yoga, reading, live music, and watching TV and movies. When I have more time, I enjoy exploring Portland area restaurants, taking day trips, and traveling.
Karen Pomerantz, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Janice Coco, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I have a master's degree in social work from Portland State University and have completed internships with the Wraparound Oregon Early Childhood project and at Portland State University’s Student Health and Counseling Center. I have also advocated for survivors of sexual assault. My approach to therapy is psychodynamic with a focus on attachment-separation issues, past trauma, academic difficulties, and blocked creativity. I have a PhD in art history from Cornell and have taught and advised college students for many years. My clinical and creative interests intersect in my writings on psychoanalysis and art.
Connie Nelson
Health Services Assistant - Counseling
Connie has been a part of the Health and Counseling Center since 1982. She worked at San Jose State University Health Services prior to Reed. She attended San Jose City College and Trinity Western College in Canada.
2012-2013 Trainees
Jennifer Kelly, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist Resident
Hello! My approach to therapy is to establish a safe and warm environment where growth, awareness, and healing take place. I view psychotherapy as a valuable opportunity for clients to build upon existing strengths and learn coping strategies to feel better about themselves and interact more effectively with others and the world around them. I understand that starting therapy can be a daunting experience; therefore, I approach my clients non-judgmentally, from a place of respect and validation. Through a collaborative and supportive relationship, our work together will help you explore and give voice to the difficult experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors which may be interfering with you living the meaningful and valuable life that is important to you.
I earned my doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology in 2011 and am currently a Psychologist Resident working towards licensure. In this endeavor, I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with the students and contribute to the community at Reed College. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, jogging, travelling, meditation, going to estate sales, and eating good food!
Cassandra Mitchell, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist Resident
Sean Stanley, MD
Psychiatry Resident
I’m a 4th year psychiatry resident at OHSU, and will be working at the HCC on Wednesdays. I’m originally from San Antonio, Tx, went to undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in American Studies and Film. After college I was a 3rd grade teacher with Teach for America in Baltimore, MD. After my brief concrete jungle East Coast experience, I moved to the beautiful Left Coast and never looked back. I’ve been a resident of the Pacific Northwest for the last 13 years, and consider the lush river valleys and hovering mountains my spiritual home. My personal interests are hiking, music, gardening and spending time with my wife and daughter. My professional interests are psychotherapy, with a modern psychodynamic/psychoanalytic bent, couples and family therapy, interpersonal neurobiology in dynamic systems, and the impact of technology on human interaction. I’m looking forward to working with students at Reed who are going through the exciting and challenging self-exploratory experiences of undergraduate study at a dynamic institution.
Clara Ruiz, MD
Psychiatry Resident
Hi, I'm a 4th year psychiatry resident at OHSU and am thrilled to be a part of the Reed College Health and Counseling Center. I grew up in central Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University with a major in Biology and Women’s Studies. I stayed on to attend OSU College of Medicine. During medical school, I was drawn to psychiatry and I continue to find it to be a truly fulfilling path. Looking to broaden my horizons, I decided to move to Portland for its many opportunities in education, healthcare, and culture. During my training I have gained experience working in psychiatric hospital units as well as community clinics like the Early Assessment and Support Alliance that aim to support young people holistically with emerging symptoms of psychosis. I am interested in individual psychodynamic therapy as a tool for personal development and improvement in quality of life. I am also interested in group therapy and how family roles can be recreated! and deconstructed. I am also interested in how social media affects personal identity and interpersonal relationships. I look forward to working at Reed College in the service of such an inspiring community.
Renata Yang, MD
Psychiatry Resident
Renata is currently a fourth year psychiatry resident at Oregon Health & Science University and will be working at the Health and Counseling Center this academic year (2012-2013). She received her Doctor of Medicine and Master's in Public Health degrees at Oregon Health & Science University in 2009. She went to college at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1997. She is very happy to be a part of the Reed staff this year and is looking forward to working with many students.
Neisha D'Souza, MD
Psychiatry Resident
Reed College offers an exceptional environment for learning and scholarship. I am interested in working with those who feel stressed by their effort to thrive academically while adjusting to the unique social and cultural environment at Reed. By offering a comfortable and safe space to reflect on experiences and emotions, certain feelings of exhaustion, loneliness, and discomfort may be better understood and less painful. At times, the judicious use of medications may be helpful as one recovers from psychological distress.
During my training as a doctor, I have worked with individuals who suffer from anxiety, depression, and/or paranoia. While at Reed, I am particularly interested in meeting with those who feel homesick, intimidated by schoolwork or peers, uneasy about their use of drugs or alcohol, or overwhelmed by their overall adjustment to college life. When I am not working within a profession I so love, I enjoy playing drums, listening to records, and going on adventures with dear friends.
Dani Maier, BS, RN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Intern
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Intern from OHSU completing my final year of training at the Health and Counseling Center. I grew up in Portland and then moved south for college at Stanford University. I received my BA in Human Biology with a minor in Feminist Studies in 2008. After returning to Portland I worked as a sexual assault advocate and at a mental health residential treatment facility for children and adolescents. In 2010 I began training at Oregon Health and Science University, receiving my BS in nursing in 2011 and since have continued on to pursue a masters and doctorate in nursing. I have a particular interest in working with adolescents and young adults, particularly around issues concerning the transitions we make from childhood to adulthood. I have begun training in behavioral therapy, psychiatric assessment and diagnosis, and the administration and management of psychotropic medications, with continued training throughout the next 9 months. I am excited to work with students towards achieving their goals, identity formation, improving interpersonal relationships, and increasing wellbeing.
Outside of work I love to play sports, competitive or recreational, coach high school track and field, watch movies, and spend time with family and friends.
Omyda H. Hernandez, BA
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
Hello! I am a doctoral candidate of Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, currently in my 4th year of training. Drawing from a Psychodynamic background, I believe that psychological symptoms call us to pay attention to potential areas of growth in one’s life. Therapy can be a rich and rewarding experience where individuals examine areas of their life that are currently not working, and make long lasting positive change. I focus on creating a safe and comfortable environment where clients feel free to examine their life and come to solutions. We do this by increasing awareness of patterns and inner conflicts that might exist, strengthening lesser-developed aspects of ourselves, and creating new, positive relational experiences, inside the therapy room and out. While my theoretical orientation is Psychodynamic, in the therapy room I draw from a wide variety of tools, which include Gestalt, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Solution Focused techniques.
My clinical experience includes working with clients with range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse/dependence, trauma, sexual assault, physical & emotional abuse, domestic violence, P.T.S.D, relationship issues, multicultural identity issues, and life transitions.
My areas of clinical and professional interest include: Depth Psychology, indigenous healing practices, eastern medicine, spirituality, immigration, acculturation, social justice, multicultural awareness, and working with adolescents and young adults.
When not in the therapy office, you will find me out on the river whitewater kayaking and river guiding, training Poekoelan Tjmindie Tulen (an Indoensian Kung Fu), teaching women and children’s self defense classes throughout the community, and spending time with my dog Seven!
Ross Bartlett, MS
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
Hello! I am a clinical psychology doctoral student currently in my fourth year of training through Pacific University. I believe therapy provides a framework for people to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their interactions in the world. Sometimes the ways we have learned to interact in the world can be adaptive and beneficial, but sometimes these ways can also leave us feeling stuck. I believe the exploration of past/current concerns, inner conflicts, and relationship patterns in the context of the therapeutic relationship can eventually lead to improved relationships, healthier functioning, and greater overall life satisfaction. In therapy, I try the best I can to embrace a curious and nonjudgmental approach to the therapy relationship to promote a safe and open environment. I have experience working with clients on a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, and life transitions.
I also enjoy a number of different leisure activities whenever possible. I love to exercise (anything sports-related, hiking, etc.), spend time with family and friends, listen to music, and watch movies.
Amanda McCabe, MS
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
Hi! I am a doctoral clinical psychology student, currently in my fourth year at Pacific University. My previous clinical experience includes working in the community at low to no fee clinics and working with teenagers at an Outdoor Therapy Program. I believe that therapy should be a safe and open environment where people can explore their inner thoughts in order to evaluate their experiences and create positive experiences in their lives. As a therapist, my goal is to help people openly discuss their situations and experiences in order to find the best possible positive solutions for their lifestyles. My personal interests also include running, swimming, and sun shine!
Leah Kamin, MS
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
Hi! I am a fourth-year student at Pacific University working toward my doctorate in clinical psychology. I am thrilled to be working as a part of the health and counseling team at Reed College. I practice from a Gestalt therapy orientation, which is an interpersonal, humanistic, and holistic therapy that operates under the belief that people are naturally goal-oriented and self-regulating. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is focused on expanding awareness and creating new opportunities for contact with the environment. My ultimate goal is to help clients increase their ability to be self-aware and get their needs met. I am currently participating in additional training that integrates Gestalt therapy with Buddhist psychology. My experience includes working with a wide-range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, life transitions, gender and sexual identity concerns, academic stress, trauma, and existential interests. I am also fascinated with the modern transition to adulthood. I am currently working on my dissertation, which is examining the relationship between sense of adulthood and attachment styles. In my personal life I enjoy cooking, pilates, travel, spending time with friends and family, and soaking up the Oregon sunshine whenever it is available.