Our staff members are professionals trained in psychology and other mental health fields. We are interested in students and college student development. We may be seen on the campus in a variety of settings including conducting workshops in the residence halls and teaching classes.

Donelda A. Cook, Ph.D., director
In addition to directing the Counseling Center, Donnie serves as associate vice president for student development, overseeing the student health services, the alcohol and drug education and support services, disability support services, and the Women's Center. She received her doctorate in counseling psychology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. A licensed psychologist, Donnie's research publications are in the areas of multicultural psychotherapy and supervision and the integration of spirituality and psychology in African American mental health. Although she does not provide individual counseling for students, she enjoys working with various student groups, talking with students about their experiences, and mentoring them through their college years.

Pamela P. Griffin-Smith, Psy.D., associate director for clinical services
Pam received her doctorate in clinical psychology from George Mason University. She is a licensed psychologist and has a background working with children, adolescents, and adults. A member of the Association for the Coordination of Counseling Center Clinical Services, Pam oversees the clinical services at the Center as well as providing individual and group counseling and supervision to Post-doctoral fellows.  Pam still enjoys many interests that she developed during her college years: the performing arts, travel, languages, and art. She is also interested in multicultural/international student issues (having lived and traveled in Europe and Africa). She is a founding member of Loyola's campus chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), an international leadership organization for creating inclusive environments.  In addition to the arts and travel, Pam enjoys hiking, reading and attending her Zumba class.

Kimberly M. Ewing, Ph.D., psychologist
Kim received her doctorate in counseling psychology from the Ohio State University. She is a licensed psychologist with special interests and experience in multicultural and women's issues, empowerment, supervision and training. Kim coordinates the training programs for post-doctoral fellows and externs. Kim loves to experience other cultures (she has enjoyed trips to Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe), enjoys making jewelry, Latin and jazz music, swimming, and dancing.

Jason A. Parcover, Ph.D., associate director for public health, research, and information systems
Jason completed his doctorate in counseling psychology at Southern Illinois University.  Jason enjoys working with relationship difficulties (including relationship with self), family concerns, men's issues (and women's issues too!), and grief and loss.  He has specialized training working with those who have experienced trauma, therapy groups, and enjoys outreach presentations, supervision, and teaching. Jason is an ally of ALANA Services and Spectrum and is committed to providing culturally sensitive services and to issues of social justice.  His clinical and supervisory approaches draw from psychodynamic, interpersonal, and feminist/multicultural theories, and mindfulness techniques.  On a personal level, Jason enjoys playing piano, reading almost anything, working out, spending time outdoors, and playing with his family.

Thomas J. Fillion, Ph.D., senior psychologist
Tom is a part-time staff member. He was educated at Johns Hopkins and Yale, and served on the staff at Sheppard Pratt for seven years before joining us. He has special expertise working with students experiencing anxiety and depression, and also with issues of self-esteem and relationships. His outside interests include hiking, art, and cooking. He has a private practice in Towson.

Nicole Nieset, Ph.D., psychologist and coordinator for training programs
Nikki moved to Maryland from Tempe, Arizona, where she had earned doctorate in counseling psychology at Arizona State University.  Having made several major moves across the country, Nikki has a particular appreciation for the excitement and the challenges associated with making big life transitions such as being away from home for the first time, acclimating to new environments, and maintaining family and social relationships across long distances.  Because of her experience starting over in many places, Nikki also maintains interests in the many dimensions of personal identity and how people build support networks.  In counseling students, Nikki enjoys helping students overcome anxiety; improve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, alcohol or substances; and supporting our multicultural and LGBTQ students.  As someone who loves her work, she is passionate about helping others with vocational discernment whether on Sophomore Initiatives’ RoadTrip, teaching graduate career courses, or providing supervision to counselors in training.

Jennifer Stevens, LCSW-C, student care coordinator
Jennifer received her masters of social work degree from Salisbury University. She completed clinical internships at the Life Crisis Center of Salisbury, Md. and Salisbury University Student Counseling Services. Jennifer also has experience in community mental health and has special interest in the areas of trauma, women's issues, and relationship concerns. As Student Care Coordinator, she assists students in connecting with off-campus providers, in addition to providing individual and group counseling. Through her background in sociology and social work, she has developed a passion for social justice, seeking the expansion of choice and opportunity for all cultural groups. Outside interests include spending time with friends and family, reading, and playing with her dog, Stella.

Sally Mays, Ph.D., psychologist
Sally received her doctorate in clinical psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.  She completed her internship at James Madison University’s counseling center.  Sally’s interests include the treatment of anxiety of all kinds, sexual assault and trauma, depression, and interpersonal concerns.  She has had training in a variety of clinical settings with diverse clients, including children and families and those struggling with substance dependence.  Sally’s research interests include examining risk and protective factors for the development of substance-related concerns and how prevention programs can best be targeted to different cultural groups.  As a counselor, Sally focuses on building a personal relationship to support students in identifying and trying out new behaviors and solutions.  She enjoys reading, cooking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

Claudette Williamson-Taylor, Ph.D., psychologist and coordinator of cultural alliance
Claudette received her doctorate in counseling psychology from Lehigh University. She has clinical experiences in community mental health, psychiatric hospital, and college settings. Her interests include women’s trauma, loss, cultural identity development, supervision, and mentoring. Her background includes conducting program evaluations and research and providing presentations on multiculturalism. She loves writing, dancing, and traveling. In her own words: “I just try to be myself in counseling and support you where you are in your situation as we work together for healing and answers.”

Alexis Melville, Psy.D., postdoctoral fellow
Alexis received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology program from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Her previous clinical experience includes treatment of clients with substance use, health and lifestyle concerns, along with providing assessments and individual therapy to inner-city-at risk youth.  Her professional interests include at-risk and protective factors within the college population, multicultural and identity concerns, and mindfulness. Alexis enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, cooking, and enjoying music from around the world.

Helena (Mimi) Martin, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow
Mimi received her doctorate in counseling psychology at University of Maryland College Park. She has clinical experience in a variety of settings with people across the lifespan. Mimi's clinical interests includes the treatment of interpersonal difficulties, emotion-regulation challenges, and promoting personal growth and development. Mimi is also interested in broader prevention efforts, positive psychology, and research regarding psychotherapeutic interventions. During her free time, Mimi enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and cat, reading, watching movies, and running outside.

Martha H. Haile, M.D., psychiatrist
Martha is a board certified psychiatrist, having completed medical school and residency in psychiatry at UCLA. She has worked in community mental health and outpatient clinics as well as in private practice, with special interests in women's issues, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. Martha enjoys running, biking, hiking, traveling, cooking, theater, art, and music.

Becky Cassell, program coordinator
Becky graduated from Loyola in 2009 with a B.A. in Comparative Cultural and Literary Studies; and she is very happy to return to the Loyola community as a member of the Counseling Center team.  Becky enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys, reading, and traveling.

Linda Kraft, office assistant/receptionist
Linda answers the phones, sets up appointments, and greets people who visit the Counseling Center. Linda enjoys walking, reading, and activities with her family.