Chia-Chen Tu
Let's Talk session: Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 PM Virtual; Thursdays 2:30PM-4:30PM St. Paul Student Center Room 108 or Virtual
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Assistant Director/Training Director.
Education: Ph.D. Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology, University of Minnesota.
Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin Chinese.
About Me: I believe human beings have the potential to grow and my role is to enhance people’s awareness and foster change through human connections. I strive to work collaboratively with clients to create a trusting and respectful relationship in which they can gain perspectives or develop new skills and confidence to meet life's challenges. I have extensive experience doing psychotherapy at university counseling centers and providing supervision and training to psychology trainees. I have a special interest in understanding the complexities of human connections as well as exploring the personal and social factors that can lead to disconnection. I work closely with International Student and Scholar Services staff to support international students, and I also develop workshops to assist graduate and professional school students in coping with academic stress and enhancing professional skills. I am fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese and experienced in providing bi-lingual counseling and clinical supervision. When I am not working, I enjoy visiting local farmers markets or art fairs, attending performance art events or film festivals, and travel.
Professional Interests: Resilience to shame, relationship distress, anxiety, childhood trauma, cultural adjustment and identity development for international students, common concerns for first generation students or students of color, training and supervision of psychology trainees, mind-body integration.
Carolyn Litzell
Let's Talk session: Mondays, 11:00AM - 1:00PM In person and virtual 105 Lind Hall
Pronouns: She/They
About Me
I am a first-generation college graduate and a passionate advocate for inclusivity, mental health equity, and support for victim-survivors of sexual violence. As a Wellness Support Coordinator, my work focuses on empowering students to navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive academically and personally. My background in Family Social Science and ongoing graduate studies in Social Work and Sexual Health provide me with a holistic and trauma-informed approach to student support.
As a nontraditional student and LGBTQIA+ ally, I bring a deep understanding of how identity, lived experience, and systems intersect. My work is grounded in values of compassion, social justice, and collaboration to ensure students feel seen, valued, and supported in their unique journeys.
Professional Interests
My professional interests include trauma-informed care, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, and supporting first-generation and nontraditional students. I am particularly passionate about helping students navigate interpersonal challenges, build self-advocacy skills, and foster a sense of belonging in their academic and personal lives.
Jake Loeffler
Let's Talk session: Tuesdays 3:00-5:00 PM Rec Well 370D
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Outreach Coordinator, Staff Counselor.
Education: Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Rosemead School of Psychology.
About Me: Sometimes life happens faster than we can adapt to it and often it can be helpful to have someone navigate life during these times. I view caring for one's’ mental health as an ongoing process which requires more work during difficult chapters in life. As a counselor, I help students build resiliency through supporting their strengths and equipping them with skills to make changes to their lives. Each of us are weathering a unique season in our lives and I aim to provide assistance for today’s battles as well as confidence in one’s abilities to effectively build a life for the future. Some of my own personal values include watching and playing sports. I am a MN sports fan. I enjoy woodworking and collaborating with different makers. I cherish sunny days on the lake paddle boarding and nights under the stars. I completed my graduate school at Rosemead School of Psychology in La Mirada, CA and moved back to Minneapolis for the friendly people, nature, and seasons. I am a foodie and enjoy frequenting the great eateries and gathering spaces around the Twin Cities. I value my faith and enjoy sharing life with other members of my faith community.
Professional Interests: Trained as a generalist, I work with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety/stress, mood disorders, trauma, academic skills development, grief, identity development, family and relationship issues, and spirituality. I work from an integrated holistic framework that incorporates person-centered, interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented theories that values individual differences and diversity with the goal of identifying and developing personal strengths that will foster empowerment.
Greg Sawyer
Let's Talk session: Tuesdays 10:00-12:00PM Hubert H. Humphrey room 133
Pronouns: He/His/Him
Counselor/Care Coordinator.
Education: M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy, St. Mary's University.
About Me: I am an African American male, social justice advocate, educator, advisor, and counselor. I am committed to providing advocacy and support to our student population using a student-centered approach as my guidance modality. I am a graduate of the U of M and was born and raised in the Twin Cities. I’m also a father to 3 exceptional daughters.
Professional Interests: I am a strong believer in the systems approach to understanding and learning ways to best navigate our world. I am a proponent of well managed mental health and work to guide and support students in their journey.
Sumitra Madhuri Ramachandran
Lets Talk session: Fridays 1:00-3:00 PM Virtual
Pronouns: She/Her
Education: MS (Scientific & Technical Communication), University of Minnesota, MA (Multicultural College Teaching & Learning), University of Minnesota, M.Ed. (Adult Education), University of Minnesota
About Me: I started at the U as a graduate student, and now, I am working as the Graduate Program Coordinator at the Dept. of Family Social Science, CEHD. My work involves advising and guiding prospective students as they are considering our program and graduate school, and supporting our graduate students from the start of their academic journey through their graduation.
I’ve been in leadership roles in different student groups at the U, and it has helped me understand both the opportunities and challenges students face when navigating the various university systems. I started the Council of International Graduate Students (CIGS) to advocate for the unique needs of the international students on our campus. I’m a trained UMN Mental Health Advocate.
Marnie Andrews
Lets Talk session: Mondays 9:00-11:00 AM CSE Office Lind Hall 105 and Virtual (hybrid)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Assistant Director of Academic Advising
Education: BA in Social Work; Master of Social Work from the University of Denver; Licensed Graduate Social Worker
About Me: I grew up in a small, rural farming community in Iowa. My education took me from Iowa to Colorado for a while, and I made my home here in Minnesota several years ago. Since 2012, I have worked with both undergraduate and graduate students with diverse identities including first-generation, women in STEM, BIPOC, international, former foster youth, and veteran students. As a first-generation student, I personally came to college underprepared for the rigor and expectations of college-level work and struggled to balance various changing life dynamics while acclimating to the culture of a university setting. I didn't know it at the time, but that experience would shape the trajectory of my entire career.
There are few things in life that I have found to be more fulfilling than working collaboratively with students to help them achieve success in their personal and professional lives during college. In my role, I regularly connect students to campus resources and support them in identifying and accomplishing concrete goals using a strengths-based, solution-focused approach. I identify as a first-gen, cis, white woman. In my free time I enjoy cooking new recipes, traveling, and spending time with my 2 children and husband.
Mae Moua
Lets Talk session: Thursdays 1:00-3:00 PM Virtual
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Intake Counselor
Education: Argosy University, M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy
About Me: Hello! My name is Mae Moua (she/her/hers) and I have been at SCS for five years as an intake counselor. One of my goals as a mental health practitioner is to ensure students are aware of their resources and are receiving the support they need to have a successful academic career.
Nina Hernandez Beithon
Let's Talk session: Wednesdays 1:30-3:30 PM in Appleby Hall 135
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Diversity Liaison Counselor
Education: M.S.W. Social Work, University of Minnesota
Additional Languages Spoken: Spanish
About Me: My work is deeply rooted in relationships, as I believe that healing happens in relationship with others and ourselves. I approach therapy with a social justice and anti-oppressive lens which includes a profound understanding of the systems at play that impact students from oppressed communities. My personal and professional work also includes macro-level work to change systems at a larger institutional level in addition to individual and group counseling. As a queer mixed (Mexican/White) person I am committed to serving students from a variety of backgrounds and enjoy co-creating and exploring together in Let's Talk what healing looks like for you. I take a holistic approach to healing as I believe that our mental wellbeing is strongly connected and in balance with other life components including academics, spirituality, politics, relationships, finances and physical health. I provide Let's Talk in English and Spanish. In my free time, I enjoy practicing and performing with our Indigenous Mexica Danza group, reading, and spending time in nature.
Professional Interests: My professional interests include: race-based traumatic stress, student activism, identity-based oppression, Latine populations and issues, oppression fatigue, Indigenous and Students of color populations and issues, LGBTQIA* students, polyamory, traditional indigenous healing practices, interpersonal trauma, inter-generational and/or historical trauma, gender based violence (domestic and sexual violence), self-esteem, body positivity, identity exploration, harm reduction, and cultural adjustment for 1st generation college students.
Siming Xie
Let's Talk session: Mondays, 1:00PM-3:00PM In Person and Virtual ISSS Office (190 Hubert H. Humphrey School), 301 19th Ave S. Room 190B)
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Staff Psychologist- BIPOC/International Students Focus
Education: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, Texas A&M University
Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin Chinese.
About Me: As a psychologist working in a university setting, I'm enthusiastic about assisting students in tackling the diverse personal and developmental challenges they encounter. My primary clinical orientation and approach draw inspiration from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also place a strong emphasis on multiculturalism in counseling, introducing culturally adaptive coping strategies to better serve my clients. I'm dedicated to providing a safe and affirming environment where clients can openly explore their identities, cultures, values, and strengths. I grew up in Tianjin, China, and I'm fluent in Mandarin. As a former international student myself, I'm particularly passionate about working with underrepresented and international students. In my free time, I find fulfillment in various activities. I enjoy traveling, hiking, working out, watching sports and movies, trading, and fishing.
Professional Interests: culturally sensitive treatment; concerns for BIPOC and international students; cross-cultural adjustment; brief therapy; positive psychology; anxiety; grief and loss; relationship concerns; training and supervision
Kevin Xiong
Let's Talk session: Thursdays 9am- 11am In Person Student Union 3rd Floor
Pronouns: He/Him/His
College Readiness Coordinator
Education: MA in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Dan Piñon
Let's Talk session: Tuesdays 2:00PM- 4:00PM In Person and Virtual Appleby Hall-GSC Room 50
Queer Talk
Pronouns: them/them/elle/elles
Staff Counselor with a Focus on Serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Students
About me: I am a multicultural, queer, latine, gender fluid therapist who has worked with a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and presenting concerns. I am both a first generation college student and a second generation child to an immigrant parent. I deeply believe in community and the healing power of relationships. Moreover, I understand that each person is greatly shaped by their community, family, friends, institutions and past experiences. My hope is to consider the whole person, including the cultural context from which they come. This includes being mindful of how my own power and privilege enters the therapy room and impacts our interactions. I welcome direct discussion of systematic/institutional racism, long term impacts of identity discrimination and intergenerational trauma as well as how we can begin constructing our own path to healing, for both ourselves and our communities.
Presenting concerns I specialize in: Over time, I have developed an emphasis in working with BIPOC community members, gender expansive/trans community members, first generation college students, young/emerging adults, multicultural identity development, gender identity/expression development, disordered eating, life transitions, couples/family related concerns, neurodiverse individuals (ADHD, ASD, Complex PTSD, etc), relational distress, sexual health related concerns, grief/loss, trauma (including historical, generational, and institutional trauma), and sexual health. I identify as a neurodivergent affirming provider, which means I approach presenting concerns with a strengths/abilities perspective as opposed to a more pathologizing conceptualization of how the brain works! Lastly, I have knowledge and comfortability attending to the process of seeking out gender affirming care so if this is something you're wondering about, ask away!
Counseling Style: My counseling style is trauma informed, sex-positive, and anti-oppressive with foundations in intersectional feminist theory, neurodivergent affirming framework, relational cultural theory, somatic based therapy, and developmental psychology. Some of my passions lie in working with body image concerns, mixed identity exploration, grief/loss, somatic experiencing of trauma, disordered eating, complex PTSD, burn out and neurodiversity.
Education and Professional Background: I am a licensed, trauma-informed therapist who holds a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the program at the University of St. Thomas. I have completed various practicum experiences in university counseling, community mental health (including intensive outpatient facilities and substance use treatment), and neuropsychological assessment (ADHD & Mild/Major Cognitive Impairment). Lastly, I have additional experience in group counseling, equity, diversity and inclusion focuses, social justice, consultation and case management type work.
Eve Sussman
Let's Talk session: Wednesdays 9:00AM-11:00AM Law School Wellness Room N20A In Person Only
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Staff Psychologist.
Education: Ph.D in Counseling Psychology, University of Denver
About Me: I have spent the majority of my career working in college counseling, and I deeply enjoy and feel honored to support students at all stages of their educational journey. I work with clients from a strengths-based and multicultural orientation that blends exploration, insight development, skill building, and self-compassion. I believe that we heal in relationship to others and so I prioritize my connection with clients and help them feel seen and understood in our work together. I understand how systems of oppression impact our mental health and cause trauma, and how our cultures and communities can be sources of healing and empowerment. As a white, cisgender woman, I am committed to dismantling biases and fighting against systemic racism and other forms of oppression. As a queer woman who only came to understand this part of my identity as an adult, I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ students and those who are exploring, questioning, and seeking understanding of their identities. Therapy can be hard and vulnerable, and I work to ease some of that discomfort with my warmth and genuineness. I also love to laugh with clients and celebrate their successes and joys.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner, friends, and family, watching my favorite TV shows, playing games (video and board), and exploring food and nature in the Twin Cities. In the warmer months, I love being outside in our garden or swimming and kayaking in one of the beautiful Minneapolis lakes.
Professional Interests: When working with clients, I especially enjoy working on self/identity exploration, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship concerns (relationship to self, friends, partner, family). I am trained as a generalist and so I’m happy to work with students on a variety of other concerns, including but not limited to academic concerns, grief, experiences of oppression, and self-esteem. I particularly value supporting and empowering BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students.
Amy Brandt
Let's Talk session: Fridays 12:00PM-2:00PM Virtual Only
Vet Med Students Only
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Embedded Counselor for College of Veterinary Medicine
Education: M.S.W, Social Work, University of St. Thomas/University of St. Catherine
About Me: I work as the Embedded Wellness Counselor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and offer individual counseling for students in this program. I’ve had the honor of working with many students over the years and find it very meaningful to support students on their journey of self-exploration and growth. Life can be very stressful, especially when we are trying to balance many competing demands on our time and energy, such as academics, work, personal relationships and needs in our communities. It’s important to me to normalize “not feeling okay” and reaching out for support when we need it. My counseling style is compassionate, non-judgmental and strengths based. I hope to create a space where we can gently and honestly explore where you are and identify what interventions and resources will support you the best.
In my free time, I enjoy being in nature, spending time with my family and friends, and trying new restaurants.
Professional Interests: I support students with different presenting concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, academic demands and the intersection of race, culture, gender, sexuality, and spirituality. My counseling approach draws from different strategies, such as self-compassion, relaxation training, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills.
Mitch Paradise
Let's Talk session: Day/Time TBD
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Embedded Counselor for Carlson School of Management (CSOM) Graduate Programs
Education: MSW, Social Work, University of Michigan
About Me: As a clinical social worker, I have rooted my counseling approach in anti-oppressive frameworks, acknowledging that we’re all doing our best to live under the weight of large and harmful systems that can impact our individual growth and development. I believe in the power of storytelling and co-creating safe affirming spaces to explore identity and trauma, working with individuals towards a place of radical self-acceptance and healing. I also believe in popular education: we are all educators and learners, prioritizing collaboration to build a meaningful and trusting working relationship with clients that best addresses their concerns. In my clinical practice, I specialize in serving adults, transitional age youth, and those exploring various identities, incorporating elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, relational-cultural therapy, narrative therapy, and expressive arts therapy.
In my free time, I enjoy kayaking and hiking, all things hockey (go Gophers and Wild), catching my favorite bands when they’re in town, and making frequent trips home to Chicago to visit with family and friends.
Professional Interests: identity development and exploration, grief & loss, shame resilience, depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, relationship to self and others, attachment, fat liberation and radical self-love.