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University Counseling Center

Our Staff

  

Dr. ValaRay J. Irvin, Executive Director and Licensed Psychologist

ValaRay J Irvin, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with 32 years of experience in the field of College Mental Health. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern University at Baton Rouge, and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She became Director of SUBR-UCC in 1998 after re-developing it after a ten-year absence. Her clinical orientation is influenced by Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and System’s therapies. And, her interests are psychotherapy, couples therapy, multicultural counseling and training, women and depression, grief and loss, and trauma issues.

Fun Fact: Dr. Irvin enjoys traveling, and sampling local/regional/world foods, and new adventures. She spent nine-weeks working with staff members of Counseling Services at the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast Ghana, West Africa.

Ms. Charnel Jackson, Associate Director and Clinical Supervisor

Charnel Jackson, MA, LPC-S, is a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1999 and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2005, both from Southern University and A&M College. Her desire to give and help others has allowed her to work with some very specialized and unique populations. Those populations include, but are not limited to, juveniles in a corrections setting, survivors of sexual abuse and/or assault, children and families in the foster care system, and perpetrators of sexual abuse and/or assault within a forensic setting. With over 20 years of experience in the counseling field, Ms. Jackson’s therapeutic approach is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Her areas of expertise include mood disorders, anxiety, coping with life-changing events, and supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse.

Fun Fact: Ms. Jackson enjoys crafting, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Dr. F. Gregory Harris, Contractual Psychiatrist

F. Gregory Harris, MD is a licensed medical doctor whose specialty is Psychiatry. He is a Baton Rouge native and a second-generation physician. He did his undergraduate work at Louisiana State University and his medical schooling at Meharry University. He has been with the UCC for ten years as a consulting psychiatrist.

Fun Fact: Dr. Harris enjoys traveling.

Mrs. Angela Colson, Executive Assistant

Angela Colson is the executive assistant at the University Counseling Center. She earned her Associates Degree in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix. Her professionalism in the Healthcare and Customer Service Industry has allowed her to maintain over 30 years of work experience. The experience she obtained in the fast paced environments developed her understanding of learning to manage several different roles in Business and Health Administration. Majority of the time, Angela is the first point of contact for clients at the center. She is responsible for assisting in the organization and smooth operations of the center. She also is responsible for providing all functions specific to managing issues of clients' confidentiality.

Fun Fact: Angela enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Mrs. Andrea Travis-Durriseau, Mental Health Therapist

Andrea Travis-Durriseau, MS, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor. She graduated from Southern University at Baton Rouge with a Bachelor's in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies in 2010. She completed a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in 2015. Her experience includes Psychiatric Inpatient and Community Outpatient Therapy. Mrs. Travis-Durriseau's theoretical approaches are CBT and Reality Therapy.  She is a Certified Peer Educator which focuses on prevention and mental health in Higher Education. Her clinical interests are depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, relationships, and childhood trauma.

Fun Fact: Mrs. Travis-Durriseau enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, cooking, and creating art.

Ms. Ariana Hollins, Mental Health Therapist

Ariana Hollins, MS, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Southern University at New Orleans and earned her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. Her theoretical approaches to counseling are humanistic, integrative, and art therapy. She also has a certification in Brainspotting Phase 1, a form of mind-body therapy. She has experience working in psychiatric hospitals, community-based therapy, substance abuse treatment centers, and intensive outpatient programs. Her areas of expertise consist of working with individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, stress management, low self-esteem, and persons of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Fun Fact: Ms. Hollins enjoys playing video games, visiting art museums, and hiking.

Mrs. Stephenne Brady Calhoun, Mental Health Therapist

Stephenne Brady Calhoun, MA, LPC-S, is a licensed professional counselor supervisor.  She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern University at Baton Rouge.  She has worked in the areas of Community-Based Therapy, Psychiatric Inpatient Therapy, and Intensive Outpatient Therapy for substance abuse.  Mrs. Calhoun has an eclectic approach that includes cognitive behavioral, person-centered, and strength-based techniques. Some focused areas are depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges. 

Fun Fact: Mrs. Calhoun enjoys traveling, baking, and crafting.  She loves to make cake pops!

Mrs. Porshe Hitchens-Moses, Mental Health Therapist

Porshe Hitchens-Moses, MA, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor. Mrs. Hitchens-Moses earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Southern University A&M College. Throughout her career, she has gained experience in various roles, such as community-based services, substance abuse treatment, and her current position at the collegiate level. Mrs. Hitchens-Moses' theoretical approach is person-centered. Her area of expertise includes working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and grief.

Fun Fact: Mrs. Hichens-Moses enjoys reading and watching true crime shows. 

Mr. Talmadge Gray, Mental Health Therapist

Talmadge Gray, MA, LPC is a licensed professional counselor.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (Fall 2003) and his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling (Summer 2009) from Southern University and A&M College.  He was an educator for nine years in Baton Rouge before transitioning to the mental health field full time.  Mr. Gray has over 12 years of experience working in the mental health field.  He has worked with at-risk youth and young adults as an educator and a counselor since 2001. Mr. Gray’s therapeutic approach is centered primarily around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered therapy.  His areas of expertise include helping clients to navigate anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, trauma, anger management, grief, and relationship issues. 

Fun Fact: Mr. Gray enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and watching sports.

Pre-Doctoral Interns (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology@Xavier of Louisiana):

2018-2019:

Ms. Shaely Cheramie, M.A.

Mr. Seth Savoie, M.S.

2019-2020:

Ms. Devin Leivo, M.S., M.A., NCC

Mr. Joshua Lieberman, M.A.

2021-2022:

Mrs. Jeanette Williams, M.A. 

2022-2023:

Ms. Kennedy Crutchfield, B.S.

 

Phone: 225.771.2480