Meet the CHWS Team

In this section

Counseling, Health & Wellness Services group photo

Kelly Brown, PhD: Director of Counseling, Health & Wellness Services

(she/her)

Kelly Brown is a licensed psychologist who received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College in 2005. She completed her clinical internship at the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology at Boston Medical Center. Prior to completing her graduate work, Kelly graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Wellesley College in 1990, and received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College in 1993. Kelly has always enjoyed working with college students and is thrilled to be able to be of service here at the University of Puget Sound. Her goal as the Director is to ensure that the Puget Sound community, and students specifically, are positively impacted by the work that CHWS does regardless of whether or not they ever step through the clinic's doors. Clinically, Kelly has a special interest in working with individuals who are struggling with concerns related to interpersonal relationships, dealing with multicultural and sexual identity/orientation related issues, and working with students who have experienced trauma in the past. Using an integrative strength based approach; she specializes in working with students who are recovering from trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Kelly recognizes that we live in a 24-hour rapidly changing society and works to help students slow down enough to really engage with life. Keeping this in mind, Kelly enjoys playing card and board games with her family and any friend who can be roped in, spending time by the ocean with a good science fantasy novel, and a warm cup of tea.

Amy Andersen, ARNP

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner

(she/her)

Amy became a nurse in 2006 and worked in immunization research while continuing in school to become a nurse practitioner. Since then she has worked at Seattle Children's Hospital in several roles before starting at University of Puget Sound in the Fall of 2023. Initially she worked in a hospital setting and after a few years transitioned to working in a pediatric community health clinic and a school based health center in a high school in Seattle. She enjoys working with people of all ages and in particular loves working with adolescents and young adults. She values working with people to help them achieve their health goals and empowering them to make healthy lifestyle choices. Amy's interests include but are not limited to: the connection between physical and mental health, promotion of self-care, reproductive and sexual health, and gender affirming care. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and baking, exploring the beauty of the PNW with her family, listening to music, and exploring new restaurants.

Libby Baldwin, ARNP

Medical Director/Associate Director

(she/her)

Libby graduated from her nursing program at the University of Michigan in 2002 then worked as an ICU nurse in NYC before completing her nurse practitioner program at the University of Washington in 2005. As a family nurse practitioner, she has worked in urban and rural settings caring for people throughout the lifespan. She volunteered and practiced medicine in Thailand for 2 years with the Akha hill tribe people. There she fell in love with the culture and people, studied the language, and enjoyed the rich culture (and food!) of the hill tribe and Thai people. Over the past 10+ years, she has found the joy of working with college students, encouraging personal growth and self-care during these formative years. Body positivity, gender alignment, and health advocacy are core values in Libby's practice as well as promoting natural medicine and empowering students to make healthy lifestyle choices. Libby loves the outdoors, enjoys cold water swimming and spending time with family and friends. She enjoys time in her garden and saving seeds to plant for next year.

Nat Bricker, MS

Doctoral Intern

(they/them)

Nat is a doctoral intern in the process of earning their PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in LGBTQ Psychology from Palo Alto University. Prior to coming to CHWS, Nat earned their BA in Psychology from Lake Forest College and their MS in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. Nat has experience providing short-term therapy, long-term therapy, crisis intervention, group therapy, and outreach in college counseling centers and community mental health clinics. Nat works from a trauma-informed intersectional feminist therapy foundation. Their work is client-centered, integrating tools tailored to each client's individual needs with an underlying focus on challenging oppressive systems. This might look like relational work, processing emotions, learning ACT and DBT skills, or finding other creative ways to meet clients’ needs. Nat operates from a decolonizing, queer-affirming, sex positive, neurodivergent-affirming, fat liberation, and disability-advocating framework. Nat has particular experience and interest in working with folx who fall under the trans, queer, neurodivergent, alterhuman, and plural umbrellas. In their free time, Nat enjoys playing video games and board games; watching anime, fantasy shows, and horror movies; and planning their next tattoos.

Danielle Bus, RN

Wellness Education & Prevention Specialist

(she/her)

Danielle holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Arizona, a masters of arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a bachelor of science in nursing from Northern Arizona University. She has taught students in the Tucson Unified School District, at Pima Community College, the University of Oregon, Qatar University, and Northern Arizona University. After a fun and rewarding decade or so of teaching, she returned to school to become a registered nurse. Locally, she worked at St. Joseph’s Medical Center prior to beginning her work at CHWS in November of 2020. When she’s not at work, you might see her around the campus walking her two sweet rescue pups, Bernie and Flo!

Debra Grady, RN-BSN, MA

Registered Nurse

(she/her)

Debra received her BSN from the University of Washington and has over 30 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse in various settings. She began her career at the Childbirth Center at Northwest Hospital in Seattle. After a break to stay at home when her children were small, she worked for 13 years at North Seattle Pediatrics. She also worked for 2 years at Bloodworks Northwest's Cord Blood and Stem Cell Therapies. In 2012, Debra earned her Master of Arts in Psychology – Systems Counseling from LIOS Graduate College of Saybrook University. She completed a 12-month internship at the Center for Human Services in Shoreline, WA, and went on to work in private practice for a few years. She also volunteered as a therapist for Victim Support Services in a pilot program sponsored by United Way, working with victims of crime. On a personal note, Debra is a proud mother and grandmother, and lives with 2 adorable maltipoos. She enjoys reading, birdwatching, arts and cultural events, cinema, and watching football and baseball. She is a volunteer for Citizens' Climate Lobby.

Sarah Ignacio, ARNP

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner

(she/her/hers)

Sarah graduated from Seattle University with her Bachelors Degree in Nursing in 2012. She worked in hospital nursing for a number of years at the University of Washington and Johns Hopkins. She then decided she wanted to work on preventing so many of the health conditions that she encountered in the hospital setting, so she obtained her Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. After working in infection control for a handful of years she decided to go back to school to become a family nurse practitioner to work one on one with patients. She graduated from the University of Portland in 2022 and practiced in family medicine before taking this opportunity in campus health at the University of Puget Sound. She is excited to use both her public health and clinical skills to care for students and the campus community. Her care philosophy focuses on partnering with patients and communities to meet their health goals. She wants to provide health education to empower her patients to make their own health decisions. Lastly, she wants to honor each of her patient's unique life experiences and individualize their care accordingly. When Sarah is not at work, she enjoys time outside in the beautiful PNW, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Soren Kloepfer

Office Manager

(he/him)

Soren is originally from Boulder, Colorado. He moved to Tacoma for undergraduate studies in 2018. He graduated in 2022 with a B.A. in Communication Studies and a minor in Politics and Government. He has been working in the Division of Student Affairs since graduating. In his free time he enjoys running, golfing and trying new restaurants. He is passionate about assisting our students to excel during their time here.

Pam Kupsak

Bookkeeper & Medical Record Specialist

(she/her)

Pam started work in the medical field providing emergency care as one of a handful of the first female paramedics in Los Angeles County. The work was exciting and rewarding and she is thankful for the opportunity to have served others in their emergent need during the early years of the paramedic program. Since that time, she has moved over to the administrative side of healthcare with decades of experience including a physician office, a small, rural hospital and a large, urban hospital. Upon her recent move to the beautiful PNW, her passion for assisting others has taken on a new capacity in a rewarding position at CHWS and also as a volunteer for the Point Defiance Park program. She appreciates the energy of the students here on campus, and looks forward to the years ahead. She hopes to see you on the trails!

Gabriella Luther, M.S.

Doctoral Intern

(she/her)

Gabriella Luther is originally from Portland, Oregon and is in the final year of her Ph.D. at University of Oregon. Gabriella uses Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients better understand how relationships and societal forces impact their mental health, while helping them gain concrete coping tools to regulate emotions. Gabriella operates from a social justice lens of therapy and strives to be aware of, and reduce, biases she may hold and works with all clients to understand how issues of inequity and power dynamics show up in their lives and in the therapy room. Clients can expect an environment that is supportive, collaborative, and casual. As a queer, neurodiverse, woman of color, Gabriella has lived experience with both the joys and difficulties of holding minoritized identities and enjoys supporting clients who are navigating these experiences. Additionally, she loves working with clients and concerns of all kinds, and always tailors the therapy experience for each individual. In her free time, Gabriella enjoys reading all the fantasy books she can get her hands on, repeatedly picking up heavy things, and playing board games.

Megan Martinez, PhD

Licensed Psychologist & Prevention Specialist

(she/her)

Megan Martinez is a former doctoral intern at CHWS. After working at a private practice in Colorado for a few years post internship, she is excited to return to CHWS in the role of Prevention Specialist. Megan completed her doctorate in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Statistics and Research at the University of Northern Colorado. The majority of Megan's counseling experience has been in college counseling centers and private practice settings, working with individuals who are dealing with a wide range of concerns. Megan's clinical interests are varied. She enjoys working with students who are struggling with interpersonal relationships, identity development, first-generation college students, and individuals who are struggling with disordered eating or body image concerns. Megan utilizes an integrated theoretical approach, often using Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and some Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches. Megan focuses on building a collaborative and safe relationship with her clients. Megan enjoys being outside and is an avid hiker and runner. She also enjoys playing soccer and can be (slightly) competitive. Megan enjoys trying new restaurants and spending time with the people (and pets) she loves.

Naji Nafiz-Gocke

Doctoral Intern

(she/her)

Najia Nafiz is a clinical psychology doctoral intern from California School of Professional Psychology, Sacramento. Prior to pursuing her doctorate, Najia completed her master’s degree in psychology from California State University, Sacramento. Najia’s research interests include disordered eating, rural healthcare, and utilization of telehealth in expanding healthcare access. In her clinical work, Najia uses an integrative approach to therapy including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), interpersonal approaches, and relational psychotherapy. When not in the office, Najia enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling.

erin potts, psy.d.

Licensed Psychologist & Director of Training

(they/them/theirs)

erin is originally from Philadelphia, PA where they received their psy.d. in clinical psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (pcom). erin traveled across the country with their cat, soot, to complete their doctoral internship at University of Puget Sound during the 2015 - 16 academic year. erin returned to CHWS several times since their doctoral internship, and accepted a full-time position with CHWS in 2019. erin is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy; however, they incorporate a variety of therapeutic tools and techniques into their clinical work. Clinical interests include, but are not limited to: supporting clients in navigating queer identities; providing gender affirming care for trans and non-binary individuals; helping clients explore thoughts and emotions through art and other creative mediums; engaging in horticulture therapy techniques of grounding and connecting with nature. When erin is not in CHWS, they are likely knitting, crocheting, listening to audiobooks, spending time on their small farm, or hanging out with their chickens (sometimes, all at the same time).

Abby Rees

Practicum Counselor

(she/her)

Abby Rees was born and raised in Salt Lake City Utah, until she moved to Tacoma in 2016 to attend the University of Puget Sound. She graduated with a major in Religious Studies in the class of 2020. Following her undergraduate studies she worked at an inpatient mental health facility for adolescents and found a lot of purpose and meaning in working closely with those struggling with their mental health. She then returned to Puget Sound to continue her studies and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling. Abby's therapeutic method integrates a person centered approach as well as existential and narrative therapy modalities to help clients work through challenges in their lives. She is passionate about creating a strong and supportive therapeutic alliance that can serve as a powerful base for change, growth and self actualization. When Abby is not working as a practicum counselor or attending class, she enjoys spending time connecting with nature by going camping, hiking and swimming. She also loves arts and crafts of all kinds, reading, and her cat.

Jake Roberts

Doctoral Pre-Intern

(he/him)

Jake Roberts is a doctoral student from the Antioch University-Seattle, Psy.D program completing his first pre-internship at CHWS. Jake received his BA in Psychology from Chapman University in 2019 and began his education at Antioch University-Seattle in 2021. Jake has a strong interest in individual psychotherapy and is excited to be working to assist and support the students at UPS during this transitional period in their life. Jake employs a strong humanistic approach to psychotherapy, focusing on building a strong and supportive relationship in therapy and seeing the client as the expert on their own experiences. Jake believes each person is doing the best they can with the resources they have and views on psychotherapy is a collaborative process that can help facilitate the change an individual wants to see in themselves to lead a more fulfilling life. Outside of his work at CHWS, Jake is an avid runner and spends as much time as he can outdoors.

Cherlynn Taylor, CMA

Medical Assistant & Clinic Assistant Supervisor

(she/her)

Cherlynn graduated from Broadview University in Provo, UT with an associates degree in Health Science. She went to work for the state of Utah working with individuals with mental illness. She moved to Washington in 1989. She taught Medical Assisting at Everest College then went back to school to complete her bachelor's degree in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University and graduated in 2020. She has been working in CHWS at Puget Sound since 2017.

Sean Whalen

Doctoral Intern

(he/him/his)

Sean Whalen is a doctoral intern working toward his PsyD in counseling psychology through Alaska Pacific University. A lifelong Washingtonian, he has worked in community and school mental health systems in the Tacoma area for nearly thirty years. In addition to anxiety and depression, Sean has special interests in gender-affirming care, sexual and gender development, and regulating executive function. Sean’s approach to therapy is to understand the client’s worldview and tailor interventions to best suit the client’s way of thinking and feeling. He believes that human beings, like all living things, grow and heal when they find balance with their world. We might use ACT, DBT, solution-focused, or interpersonal strategies along the way. When not at CHWS you might find him in his office downtown, on a walk with his dog (Koda), or enjoying the beauty of the area with his wife and two children. There are also two cats that let us share their house most of the time.