MISSION STATEMENT: We provide mental health services for currently enrolled Augusta University students in a safe and inclusive environment to promote and preserve student wellness.
We pursue our mission by delivering direct clinical care to students. In addition to brief therapy for individuals and couples, group counseling, and crisis services, we also offer consultation, prevention and outreach initiatives, and advocacy. Our graduate-level training program prepares future mental health professionals and supports AU's academic mission. We provide these services through the highest standards of practice, as guided by our professional and ethical codes of conduct.
We help students better understand themselves, others, and the world around them so that they can make intentional and informed choices that facilitate wellness.
KEVIN ASMANN, MS
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Joined Staff: 2018
About Me: Kevin (he/him) grew up in the Augusta until leaving for Charleston, SC to play soccer and earn degrees at The College of Charleston. After college Kevin lived, worked, and traveled in different parts of the country and world before returning to Augusta and eventually returning to education to earn his M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Augusta University. Kevin worked briefly in private practice before joining SCAPS as a clinician.
Therapeutic Style: Kevin takes an eclectic, client-centered approach to psychotherapy. He believes that each student presents with a unique life history and therefore requires an individualized approach that may span the many different modalities psychotherapy has to offer. Most importantly, Kevin believes in the positive quality of the relationship between therapist and client, as this is one of the most consistent indicators of successful outcomes in psychotherapy. Kevin has a specialty in working with adolescents who present with symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, anger, stress, and adjustment difficulties.
Fun Facts: Outside of being a therapist Kevin spends time with family, on a soccer field, working with wood, and growing food. He very much enjoys escaping to the mountains to get lost in the woods and play in rivers.
Nolie Burns, M.Ed.
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Joined Staff: 2022
About Me: Nolie (she/her) is a graduate of University of West Georgia where she earned a B.S. in Criminology and minor in Sociology. After undergrad, she worked with Department of Family & Children Services to aid in sustaining families and later provided services to juvenile offenders while working for Department of Juvenile Justice for five years. It was during her time at DJJ that she discovered a passion for empowering and encouraging others and decided to return to graduate school at Georgia Southern University to obtain a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Following graduation, Nolie provided clinical services to K-12 students, college students, and adults of all ages. Her experiences both professionally and personally have impacted her desire to empower anyone needing guidance through challenging times and unfortunate life events. However, she is specifically passionate about working with students dealing with anxiety, depression, familial concerns, adjustment concerns, and identity formation (e.g. professional, personal, spiritual, and educational identities).
Therapeutic Style: Nolie believes that a collaborative therapeutic relationship between her and the client is the foundation of progressive therapy. Trust must be established through a nonjudgmental environment that is created from the start of the first session. Nolie takes an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and any other techniques, as needed.
Fun Facts: Nolie enjoys shopping trips, deep belly laughs, Thai cuisine, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Ana Ciriaco
About Me: Ana (she/her) was born and raised in Conyers, GA. She moved to Augusta in the Fall of 2019 and is currently completing a Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a Masters degree. Ana has also been involved as an Orientation Leader at AU and enjoys serving as a peer mentor and helping her fellow Jags.
Fun facts: Ana loves Nintendo games, karaoke, driving, as well as hanging out and finding new
restaurants with her friends.
Bria Ellerbe
About Me: Bria (she/her) was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Augusta University. During her freshman year, she did a First-Year Study Abroad trip to Costa Rica. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Education program for Clinical Mental Health here at Augusta University. She loves to work with children and hopes to continue to work with them in the future.
Fun Fact: When Bria is not working or going to classes, she enjoys baking, shopping, traveling, and reading books. She likes to try new food and restaurants with her friends and family. Bria used to dance pre-professionally for 15 years and she currently dances with the Pom and Dance Association here at Augusta University.
Kelsey Foster, BA
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Joined Staff: 2023
About Me: Kelsey (She/her) was born in Central Arkansas and moved to Augusta GA in 2016. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in philosophy at the University of Central in Arkansas, where her primary studies included environmental philosophy and stoicism. Motivated by her studies, Kelsey worked two years at organic vegetable farms cultivating a deeper understanding of her relationship to nature. She now wishes to pursue her interest in psychology, and is excited to be a part of the SCAPS team at Augusta University.
Fun Facts: When not working, Kelsey enjoys spending her time with her three nephews. Her favorite hobbies include: listening to music, baking, and cooking. Her favorite place to go is local coffee shops, and her favorite smell is a smoky campfire!
WILLIAM (BILL) HIGHT, PHD
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Joined Staff: 2015
About Me: Originally from North Carolina, Bill (he/him) completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his doctoral internship at the University of Florida. He is licensed as a Psychologist in Georgia and North Carolina. Bill’s professional areas of interest are anxiety, health behavior change and LGBTQ issues. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior.
Therapeutic Style: Bill believes that giving oneself permission to find and follow one’s authentic passions is an important first step in living a vital, engaged and fulfilling life. His approach to counseling and psychotherapy draws from cognitive behavioral, interpersonal and mindfulness theories
Fun Facts: Bill enjoys playing guitar, travel, and laughter with friends and family. His favorite word is ''imagine”.
ADEBAYO ONABULE, EDS, CPCS
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Joined Staff: 2019
About Me: After working in social work for about 5 years, Bayo (he/him) returned for graduate studies at University of West Georgia, terminating in a specialist degree in Counseling and Supervision. In totality, Bayo has amassed over 15 years of experience serving students, families and their communities through clinical mental health work focused on improving functioning and fostering healthy development. He has worked with children, teenagers and adult populations and has integrated his multiple languages into his clinical work (Yoruba, West African Pidgin & English). Bayo’s treatment philosophy focuses on the principle that all people at their core, crave balance: Therapy and mental health treatment aims to broaden resilience and deepen self-understanding through insights and active learning.
Therapeutic Style: Bayo’s preferred treatment modalities are an integration of a humanistic orientation, creativity-based approaches and cognitive behavioral and solution-focused ACTIVE interventions. He has worked with clients on mood management (anxiety, depression, anger, etc.), existential concerns (spirituality, mortality, purpose/meaning exploration, etc.), cultural difficulties (discrimination, integration, exploration, etc.), trauma (neglect, abuse, injury, etc.) and relational transitions (grief, breakups, other conflict, etc.).
Fun Facts: When Bayo is not doing clinical work, he is finding ways to laugh deeply with friends and family, exploring geek/fan interests, walking or gardening.
ELENA PETROVA, PHD
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Joined Staff: 2015
About Me: Elena (she/her) was born in North Macedonia (former Yugoslavia) and came to the US as an international student in 1999. She obtained a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University, MA in Clinical-Adult Psychology from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and BA in Psychology from Graceland University. Elena’s experiences as an international student and immigrant have had a significant impact on her personal and professional interest in human resilience and intercultural adaptation. She became the Director of Student Counseling and Psychological Services (SCAPS) in 2018. Elena’s areas of professional and clinical interest include: women’s health, feminist psychotherapy, multicultural organizational development, multicultural personal development, the relationship between mental and physical health, and the impact of oppression and discrimination on human development and health.
Therapeutic Style: As a clinician, Elena is a generalist, however, she is specifically interested in working with clients with mood and anxiety disorders. She focuses on creating a collaborative and supportive relationship with the client and on empowering the client to discover and create resources and personal strengths to solve problems, make new meanings out of life circumstances and events, as well as advocate for self in difficult situations. Elena is a bi-lingual therapist. She can fluently speak in English and Macedonian. While she is not as fluent in Serbian, Croatian and Bulgarian, she can clearly understand individuals who speak these languages and would more easily express themselves in these languages in the counseling session. As the Director of SCAPS, Elena is passionate about working for the SCAPS team and for the AU students. Her biggest passion is advocating for mental health resources for students, reducing mental health stigma, and advocating for a nurturing and supportive work environment for mental health clinicians.
Fun Facts: Elena’s personal interests and hobbies include travel, listening to electronic music, taking long walks, and learning about gemstones and jewelry making. She finds it very important to have good communication with and to support her immediate family members who live in North Macedonia.
Sabrina Pierre, BS
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Joined Staff: 2019
About Me: Sabrina (she/her) was born here in the Central Savannah River Area and is a native of Lincolnton, Georgia. Even though she graduated from Voorhees College with a Bachelors of Sociology degree, she has always had a passion for Customer service. This led her to her current position within S.C.A.P.S. She has worked in Mental Health for well over 12 years and has experience on both sides of the counter, from being a paraprofessional and helping clients in the field to being behind the desk and assisting in other ways, she has done it all.
Fun Facts: When not at the office, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her awesome husband and they just celebrated 14 successful years of marriage in June 2021. She and her husband have two amazing children, whom they affectionately call “miracles” because doctors said they would not have children, but God! Her husband is her best friend and there is nothing they can’t achieve together. When not with her family, she enjoys thrifting, organizing, bowling, and singing.
YAMIL SANTANA, MS
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Joined Staff: 2019
About Me: Yamil (he/him) was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and moved to Augusta, GA in 2010. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in Psychology from Augusta University (GoJags!). Yamil is currently working on becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. His clinical interests include anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, existential concerns (purpose, spirituality, values, etc.), adjustment stress and grief. As a Latino staff counselor, Yamil is fluent in Spanish and enjoys working with Latino students at Augusta University. As the coordinator for virtual services, Yamil is interested in the use of technology to deliver comprehensive psychological care and community outreach presentations.
Therapeutic Style: Yamil’s approach to counseling is one that embraces acceptance and self-compassion. His approach is grounded in the belief that through intentionality, creativity, and collaboration one can find inner balance in moments of emotional pain. His preferred treatment modalities include a blend of acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and creativity-based interventions.
Fun Facts: Before becoming a full-time counselor, Yamil enjoyed practicing photography. His favorite hobbies today include watching movies, photography, and spending time with his family. Yamil also enjoys teaching psychology. His favorite season of the year is fall.
JAQUOY SOWELL, BS
About Me: Jaquoy (he/him) was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., and grew up in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area until he moved to Charleston, S.C. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Experimental Psychology from University of South Carolina-Upstate in Spartanburg, S.C. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Education program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Augusta University. Jaquoy’s clinical interests are anxiety, depression, and individuals in LGBTQ+ and other minoritized communities. He is a Registered Behavior Technician that uses applied behavior analysis (ABA) with children who have autism. Jaquoy is a graduate assistant in the First- and Second-Year Experiences office as well!
Fun Fact: Jaquoy is very competitive because of his involvement in sports throughout childhood. Jaquoy loves plants, food, meditation, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. As much as he loves to cook, he also loves to try new/different restaurants and foods. Jaquoy’s favorite season is fall (autumn) because of the weather, fashion, and holidays!
TRACI WESTIN, M.Ed.
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Joined Staff: 2015
About Me: Traci (she/her) became a staff counselor on the Health Sciences Campus after completing Augusta University’s counselor education program in 2017. Before pursuing her master’s degree and joyously transitioning to collegiate mental health, Traci edited daily newspapers in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. As a journalist, Traci helped tell peoples’ stories to engage and educate readers. As a college counselor, Traci empowers students to write – and rewrite – their own stories through therapy. She is passionate about destigmatizing mental health care and helping students take better care of themselves. As SCAPS' coordinator of diversity initiatives, Traci has particular interest in racial and LGBTQ+ concerns. She engages in anti-racism work personally and professionally by seeking continued education, facilitating structured staff conversations about race, and championing Our Voices Matter, SCAPS’ peer support community for Black & Brown students. She also strives to be a strong LGBTQ+ ally.
Therapeutic Style: Traci is an encourager who believes relationships have the power to effect positive change. Her holistic, strengths-based approach to counseling honors students’ cultural experiences and values. She celebrates the diversity of AU’s student body, and strives to establish warm, trusting, and equal relationships with her clients.
Fun Facts: As a former college softball player, Traci has experienced some of the unique challenges that student-athletes face, and she seeks ways to support Jaguars athletics. She loves playing tennis, going to live concerts, laughing with friends, and walking with her husband and their rescue dogs.
Vision Statement
We aspire to be a safe place that welcomes open communication, vulnerability, and fairness, and respects the dignity of all persons. We endeavor to be a model for social justice by providing equitable and compassionate treatment of all individuals. We strive to be self-aware and reflective, and to engage in continual assessment of ourselves, our center, and the services we provide.
Commitment to Diversity
Consistent with our professional codes of ethics, we oppose discrimination based on age, culture, ability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/partnership status, language preference, socioeconomic status, and immigration status. We seek to understand the many factors that form individual identity and unique worldviews, and we are committed to serving a diverse student body.
