Genuine care inspired by a sense of hope, healing, and resiliency through life struggles into human flourishing, leading to a more deeply enriched community.
A UD alumna, Mary is happy to help you with most questions about the UDCC and the OSA. While she wears several different hats, she maintains confidentiality and privacy for all students who may or may not be involved at the UDCC and the Health Clinic.
Feel free to stop by and say hello!
Alphabetically
Merlyn Anton, LPC graduated from Texas Christian University with a BS in Psychology, and UT Southwestern with a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She has provided counseling services within schools, non-profit agencies, and hospitals. She works with a wide range of struggles. She has experience serving individuals, couples, and families, employing the use of behavioral relaxation training, family-systems, and person-centered techniques, depending on the needs of the client. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Hello, my name is Vanessa Garcia and I am so happy you’re here. I know there’s a lot of unknown things going on but I am here for you. Seeking a counseling professional takes a lot of courage and I am honored that you are considering me to help you in this process. I am thankful for every person I get to meet and help seek a healthy mental life. My goal is to provide a comfortable, safe environment, to listen and to help you process and understand your feelings. Your journey to healing is my priority.
Susan Ghalibaf, LCSW, a graduate of the University of Texas system with a Bachelor’s in Sociology in 1991 and a Master’s of Social Work in1998. Her clinical experience includes inpatient psychiatric at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, as well as private and outpatient therapy. She specializes in providing therapy services to adolescents, young adults, families and couples. She strives to provide culturally relevant and sensitive treatment in a safe and inclusive manner. In addition, she is fluent in three languages as a result of living in various countries. She cherishes her time with her husband and her two college-aged children.
Tamyra Ware Lawson, MSW, LCSW graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2011. She received her undergraduate degree from Nicholls State University in 2007. She has worked in various fields such as Child Protective Services, Inpatient and Outpatient psychiatry, Law Enforcement Emergency crisis intervention, outpatient medical clinics, hospitals and schools. She has experience with Crisis Intervention, suicide, depression, domestic violence and anxiety. She specializes in providing services to adolescents, adults and couples. She is a wife and a mother who enjoys helping others get through uncertain times.
Jennise Ramos, MSW, LCSW graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore in 2007. She received her undergraduate degree from University of Maryland Baltimore County in 2005. She has worked in various fields to include inpatient psychiatric hospitals, Child Protective Services, suicide and crisis positions, sex offenders and federal inmates, immigration, community medical clinics and hospitals, schools and outpatient services in private practice settings. Jennise is fluent in English and Spanish. She enjoys working with a variety of presenting issues. She has a passion for counseling, psychology and helping others. She strongly believes “it’s a beautiful thing when a passion and a career come together.”
Tommy, graduated from Sam Houston State with his clinical degrees, studied engineering as an undergraduate, earned a graduate degree in Montessori Studies, served in the military, and spent a year in seminary. He enjoys spending time with his wife, reading, and making pilgrimages. As a counselor, Tommy is passionate about the central role that relationships play in helping us lead fulfilled lives and sees issues primarily through a relational lens. He is excited for this opportunity to serve the UD community and looks forward to meeting with you.
Supervised by Johnathan M. Sumpter, MBA, MA, LPC-S
I am Rebecca Dance, currently a graduate student at UD pursuing a Master of Psychology degree with a Clinical Concentration. I have an MA from UD also in psychology which has helped enrich my understanding of psychology and now I want to put what I know into practice to help you. I believe that we are all on a journey of constantly trying to better understand ourselves and others and that therapy is a tool to help us accomplish just that.
Christopher is currently a graduate student at Divine Mercy University. He is a native of Dallas, TX, and received his undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University in 2018. He has extensive experience working with those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and has a great ability to work with people who are facing psychological problems, including children, adolescents, pre-marriage/married couples, and older adults. Christopher has a strong passion to help others on their healing journey. In his free time, Christopher enjoys hiking, weight lifting, video games, and training dogs.
Emily graduated from Texas Christian University with a BA in Psychology and an MS in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. She is pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling from Divine Mercy University. From a young age, Emily was fascinated by behavior change, motivation, and meeting the individual where they are in their healing and growth journey. Her professional career has followed these passions and interests, evolving from providing applied behavior analysis services to individuals with autism to a special education teacher for middle and high school students focusing on the job training and independent living, and then a Training Director at Chick-fil-A. In her personal life, Emily finds great joy in spending time with her husband and two children. They love to travel, hike, and cook. As a therapist, Emily believes that each individual is a whole person worthy of healing, growth, and flourishing. She is excited to meet with you and walk alongside you no matter where you are on your journey.
Cesar Herrera graduated from University of Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in Business Leadership and history. He is completing his masters in Family and Marriage from Lamar University. From his many years working at Catholic Charities, he has gained much experience in assisting people through financial hardships and adapting to new environments. He also has experience working with people who are coping with loss and grief. He wants to provide an environment where anyone can feel seen, heard and supported, no matter what they are struggling with, because he believes that every person has value and deserves happiness.