COUNSELING CENTER - Key Persons
Cameron (he/him/his) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who joined the MSU Counseling Center in 2023. With a master's degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City and a background in private practice, Cameron brings a wealth of knowledge in supporting individuals through various life challenges. Cameron utilizes motivational interviewing, an evidence-based approach that empowers students to make positive changes in their lives. He works collaboratively with students struggling with substance use, anxiety, depression, stress management, relational issues, and other life adjustments.
As the Substance Use Specialist, Cameron also places the utmost importance on the well-being and safety of individuals. He meets students where they are in their journey, promoting informed choices, and minimizing harm associated with substance use. He strives to create a safe and inclusive space where students feel respected, heard, and supported while allowing them to explore their challenges and work towards their desired outcomes.
In his free time, Cameron enjoys playing fantasy baseball, cycling, traveling, and walking his miniature schnauzer, Eddie, on Ozark Greenways Trail.
Chiara (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor and EMDR-trained clinician, who joined the Missouri State University Counseling Center as a full-time mental health clinician in 2019.
Chiara moved to Springfield, MO from Milan, Italy in 2012. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Gerontology from Missouri State University in 2016 while also being part of the MSU Women's golf team. She then completed her Master of Science in Clinical psychology in 2018 at Missouri State University.
Chiara's areas of special interest include LGBTQIA+ support, diversity, adjusting to college and navigating life in the United States as an international student. In her free time, Chiara enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as woodworking with Christie Fletcher.
Divya Thakkar (she/her/hers) completed her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Mumbai, India. She moved to Ohio in 2017 to pursue her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling from Kent State University. After working as a community Mental Health Therapist in Ohio for about 2 years, she joined Missouri State Counseling Center in December 2021.
Divya believes in a person-centered approach while working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance use, identity issues, trauma, and adjustment related issues. Being from a diverse background and an international student herself, Divya is keen on helping people from varied backgrounds/cultures. Divya is trained in EMDR and Motivational interviewing. She just received her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Divya loves dancing, being out in nature, and practicing yoga.
Holly, (she, her, hers) is a Provisionally Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, graduating from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. Holly is also trained in EMDR, Play Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy. After completing her master's degree in 2020, Holly moved to the Springfield area and worked in a private practice. Holly has been with the Counseling Center since 2023 and will complete her full licensure requirements this year.
Holly uses an approach to therapy that allows individuals to author their life. Holly integrates an attachment, brain-based and trauma-informed lens when working with individuals and incorporates emotion regulation and mindfulness techniques into her practice. Holly has experience working with concerns including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and addiction recovery as well as relationship struggles and adjusting to new journeys in life.
Outside of her therapeutic work, Holly enjoys time with her family and animals as well as spending time at the lake, exploring nature, traveling and going to concerts.
Julie Brauch (she/her/hers) is from Independence, Missouri. She has been in Springfield since 2013, where she attended Missouri State University and earned a Bachelors in Psychology, a Masters in Clinical Psychology, and a Specialist degree in Counseling and Assessment. Julie began working at the MSU Counseling Center in 2021 and was promoted as a full-time Mental Health Clinician in 2022. Julie is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) in the state of Missouri and a Certified Trauma Professional. She enjoys making a difference in her clients' lives and has a passion for working with those who have experienced childhood and developmental trauma. Outside of her work, Julie enjoys her role as a mother and loves spending time with friends and family any chance she gets.
Tammy (she/her/hers) is the Counseling Center's Assistant Director and she came to the Missouri State University Counseling Center in 2003 as a Mental Health Clinician following a short career working in therapeutic foster care in Oklahoma. She obtained both of her degrees from Oklahoma State University with her masters being in Counseling and Student Personnel. She has been licensed in the state of Missouri since 2004 and has provided supervision for graduate assistants and provisionally licensed clinicians for the past 17 years. Areas of interest for Tammy include student development, eating concerns, LGBTQ+ support and trauma. Tammy enjoys spending her free time with her family (yes, the dog is considered family), volunteering in the community, reading and enjoying the beauty of the Ozarks.