Our Staff
Core Staff
Lisa Youngling Howard, MD, Associate Dean and Director of Counseling Services
Dr. Lisa Youngling Howard is a Board Certified psychiatrist who has been working in college mental health since 2008. Dr. Lisa attended Swarthmore College where she majored in Biology with a Concentration in Women’s Studies. She received her medical school training at Weill Cornell Medical College and completed her residency training in adult psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School. She also completed a fellowship in psychotherapy at Harvard University Health Services. Dr. Lisa enjoys teaching and clinical supervision and she has a special interest in working with students who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis, mania and severe depression. In her work with students, Dr. Lisa seeks to empower students by developing collaborative relationships that allow students to reflect and create a narrative about their experience and then use that narrative to guide treatment. When she is not working, Dr. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and most things that involve a body of water- swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and boogie boarding. Pronouns: she/her/hers. Email: lh127
Martha Bergeron, LICSW, Assistant Director of Counseling Service & Coordinator of the Clinical Training Program
Martha is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a M.S.W from Simmons School of Social Work, and a B.S.W. from Eastern Nazarene College. Martha previously worked at Becker College to supervise and train the graduate counseling students as well as manage the on-site counseling center for the community. Before venturing into higher education, Martha worked at Riverside Community Care in home–based family therapy, six of those years as Program Director. In her current role at Wellesley, Martha is providing individual counseling, along with consultation and case management, as well as training and supervision the graduate student interns and trainees. Through the use of strength-based, relational, and narrative therapy, along with a background in family systems, Martha brings an integrated therapeutic approach to her work while valuing the importance of creating a growth fostering environment to help facilitate insight and change. As a clinical social worker, Martha works to help individuals address their individual needs based upon the connections in the relationships they have developed throughout their life. As a clinical supervisor, Martha’s training and experience in Reflective Supervision empowers interns to analyze their own strengths and vulnerabilities through open and consistent collaboration. Outside of work, Martha enjoys hiking, cooking & baking, traveling, and spending time with her family & Bernese Mountain Dog. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: mb112
Alex Prior, LICSW, Staff Social Worker
Alex is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a M.S.W. from Simmons School of Social Work and a B.A. in English from Northwestern University. Prior to coming to the Stone Center, she worked in an outpatient trauma clinic with individuals and families. Her experience there included working with children and adults with histories of sexual violence, difficulties with depression, anxiety and substance abuse. In her private practice, Grove Street Counseling in Wellesley, Alex works mostly with young adults and adults in individual and couples therapy. Her primary interests include sexual assault, gay/lesbian issues, parenting, and cross-cultural differences in identity development. Alex enjoys running on the trails in the woods, watching great blue herons soar, robins busily hopping and occasionally, sighting deer. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: aprior
Wendy Huang, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist
Wendy is a licensed psychologist and received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from Occidental College, and her M.S in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon. Prior to coming to the Stone Center, Wendy was at the Counseling Center at the College of the Holy Cross. She has also worked at Cambridge Eating Disorders Center, Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Counseling Center at Arizona State University. Wendy provides individual and group therapy, consultation, and supervision of psychology interns. She works collaboratively with clients to help them feel more empowered and authentic in their relationships and life. Her clinical interests include women's issues, eating disorders, multicultural and feminist therapy. Wendy balances her work life by spending time with her family and friends, and playing bar trivia at least once a week. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: whuang2
TBA, Assistant Director of Group and Outreach Activities
Sandra Acevedo, LICSW, Student Care Coordinator
Sandra came to the USA after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of Puerto Rico. Sandra is an Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and earned a Masters degree in Macro Social Work from Boston University with a concentration in community organizing and human service management. Prior to coming to the Stone Center, Sandra worked for 10 years in the field of emergency crisis intervention for Metrowest Medical Center, Advocates, and the Lipton Center. Sandra also worked as an adoption social worker for Bright Futures Adoption Center with children in the custody of the Department of Children and Families. As the new Student Care Coordinator she hopes to help Wellesley students and their families make smooth transitions between providers and secure additional services as needed. Areas of interest for Sandra are adoption, child welfare and neurobiology. Sandra is open to learn about the cultural experiences of others and to share her own experience as a native Spanish speaker and a woman growing up in Puerto Rico. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, and baking. She is passionate about animal welfare and the preservation of the environment. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: sacevedo
Dericka Canada Cunningham, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Cross-Cultural Specialist
Dr. Dericka Canada Cunningham is a licensed psychologist with 10+ years of clinical training and practice. She completed her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Boston College and earned both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in areas of psychology from the University of Louisville. Dericka’s areas of focus are centered at the intersection of psychotherapy, teaching, training, and community engagement. Her work encompasses various topics relevant to race, culture, and the unique experiences of BIPOC communities—including racial-cultural identity, racial trauma and healing, colorism, intersectionality, and mental health awareness and stigma. In her current role as a staff psychologist and the Cross-Cultural Specialist at the Stone Center, she serves as a liaison to the Office of Intercultural Education and promotes initiatives that cultivate the holistic wellbeing of students from diverse backgrounds. As someone who is committed to challenging systems and working with historically underrepresented communities, she engages in all her work from a social justice perspective and is passionate about decolonizing the field of psychology/mental health and the process of therapy. At the heart of her work, she appreciates joining folks in whatever space they’re in and honoring the multiple aspects of who they are. She believes that empowered people empower people and hopes to inspire students as they amplify their voice and share it with others and the world. She enjoys finding liberation through rest and meditation, watching 90s sitcoms (Martin and Fresh Prince are favorites), and spending quality time with her partner and daughter. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: dc106
Athena Davos, MSN, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Athena Davos is a board certified, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Simmons College and worked as a registered nurse, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago before returning to Boston to pursue her master's degree in psychiatric nursing at Northeastern University. After receiving her graduate degree, she completed a psychiatric nurse practitioner residency program at The Boston VA Healthcare System, where she gained invaluable experience providing care to veterans with severe mental illness, PTSD, and substance abuse issues. In recent years, she has transitioned her clinical focus to working with college students, first as a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Northeastern University Health and Counseling Services and most recently, as the primary psychiatric provider at Optum Student Health Services in Boston (serving Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Massachusetts College of Art). She maintains a clinical interest in the treatment of trauma related disorders, substance related issues, and depression and truly enjoys working in a college mental health setting. She approaches her clinical work with an open and compassionate mind and works to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each client. When away from her work, she enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends, and walking with her sweet dog. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: ad100
Ebele Okpokwasili-Johnson, M.D., MPH, Supervising Psychiatrist
Dr. Ebele Okpokwasili-Johnson is a Child & Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist. She completed her training at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General and Mclean Hospitals’ psychiatry residency and child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology at Columbia University and completed her dual medical and masters of public health degrees at the University of Illinois. Prior to joining Wellesley’s Stone Center Counseling Team, she was medical director of the Behavioral Health Department at the South End Community Health Center. She currently also serves as medical director of the behavioral health center at NEW Health Charlestown, supervises MGH psychiatry residents in psychotherapy and has a private practice in Brookline. She is an alumna of Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood Festival Chorus where she was a soprano for 9 years. She received the 2016 Freedom House Next Generation Award for her work in providing mental health services to youth in the community. Dr. Okpokwasili-Johnson has a special interest in supporting youth through the dynamic transition of adolescence to young adulthood. She is experienced in treating a wide array of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and trauma related disorders. She is particularly excited to help students progress and thrive even in the midst of challenges. She serves as a member of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and has published in the accompanying Journal, JACAAP as well as JAMA Psychiatry. Dr. Okpokwasili-Johnson loves to read fiction and non-fiction alike, hike, canoe, make music, cross country ski and head to any beach with her family and friends in her leisure time. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: eo104
Adjunct Staff
Harita Koya, MSW
Harita Koya, MSW is a clinical social worker who earned her MSW from Smith College, a fellow Seven Sisters institution. She earned her bachelor's degree from New York University, where she concentrated in South Asian Studies. During her graduate training, Harita interned at the Stone Center and at a therapeutic high school. She also volunteered for several years as a medical advocate at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) and currently serves as a resident scholar at Mather House at Harvard College. Harita approaches her work from an intersectional, trauma-informed, and social justice-centric perspective. She draws upon psychodynamic theory, relational and attachment-based approaches, and the liberation health model. She is particulary interested in queer/trans health, disability justice and neurodiversity, immigrant experiences, and identity formation. Outside of work, Harita enjoys reading sci-fi, crafting, playing board games, cycling, and taking walks. Harita is supervised by Alex Prior, LICSW, and Martha Bergeron, LICSW. Pronouns: she/they. Email: hk113
Stone Center Interns & Trainees
Elliette Utset, M.S.
Elliette Utset, M.S. is currently pursuing her doctorate's degree in clinical psychology at William James College. She obtained her master’s degree from Northeastern University in counseling psychology and her bachelor’s in clinical psychology from the University of Central Florida. Her experience expands into both group and individual therapeutic sessions. She strives to build a positive rapport with her clients to promote progress by implementing an array of therapeutic techniques from art to exposure therapy. Throughout her journey, Ellie has had the privilege of learning from her experiences of working with clients from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic status. She also spent several years building on ABA skills working with youth diagnosed across the spectrum. Ellie was raised in Miami, Florida, a city which provides a grand example of a true cultural melting-pot. Such upbringing has fueled her passion to work with those from all different walks of life. When not working, Ellie enjoys reading a good book, attending concerts, and belting musical theater soundtracks. Ellie is supervised by Wendy Huang Ph.D. & Dericka Canada Cunningham, Ph.D. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Email: eu101
Rae Chavies, M.S.
Rae Chavies, M.S., is a second-year Counseling Psychology doctoral (Ph.D.) student at Northeastern University and received their master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T). Before joining the Stone Center, they interned at The Purpose Center @ KKJ Forensic and Psychological Services and Duke University's Counseling and Psychological Services. They are passionate about serving underserved and underrepresented communities with a focus on supporting young adults; their experience spans suicide prevention, alcohol and drug education, and identity development in LGBTQ+ communities. Their doctoral research interests center on Black Queer femmes and religious trauma, exploring coping strategies and maladaptive coping skills. They lead with cultural humility and recognize how oppressive systems have a significant impact on mental health—always keeping in mind intersectionality and a social justice lens to work together to co-create a path to equip clients with the tools necessary to heal through your experiences and develop your most empowered, self-assured, and compassionate self. Outside of clinical work, Rae enjoys thrifting for skirts, collecting unique earrings, celebrating all things spooky, and traveling. Rae is supervised by Dericka Canada Cunningham, Ph.D. & Wendy Huang Ph.D. Pronouns: They/Them. Email: nc111
Carolynn Molleur-Hinteregger
Carolynn Molleur-Hinteregger is a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Simmons University with a focus on trauma. She received her B.A. from Yale University and her M.A. in English from Salem State University. Prior to pursuing an MSW, Carolynn was a high school teacher and a coach to educators for 15 years. Through this work, she discovered her love of working with young adults, particularly in moments of transition and identity exploration. She works to be responsive to each client using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. She brings curiosity, warmth, and thoughtfulness to clients in hopes that sessions are a space for clients to feel emotions without pressure or judgment and to connect authentically with themselves. At home, Carolynn loves to spend time with her partner, her 4-year old, and her best friends. She enjoys woodworking, sewing, reading poetry, and camping. Carolynn is supervised by Alex Prior, LICSW & Martha Bergeron, LICSW. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: cm136
Karley Gutterres, MA, MTS, LMHC
Karley Guterres, MA, MTS, LMHC is a second-year doctoral intern from the Counseling Psychology program at Boston College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology and World Religions from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and continued into graduate training earning master’s degrees in Theology and Mental Health Counseling from Boston College. During her master’s training at BC, Karley became involved as a Sexual Assault Network Advocate serving undergraduate students impacted by sexual violence on campus, and worked as a clinical intern at Lesley University. Prior to beginning her doctoral training, Karley worked as a clinician in community and university settings, in addition to holding a position as a research fellow at the Albert and Jessie Danielsen Institute at Boston University. Karley’s current research interests include the psychotherapy process, sociocultural identity and the therapeutic relationship, as well as global mental health and understanding the connection between psychological suffering and its political sources. She has a deep appreciation for the connection between the psychic and the social, and seeks to work collaboratively with each client to foster a depth-oriented understanding of the self in context through a highly relational and warm approach that blends major treatment styles, and lots of humor. When she isn’t busy with coursework, you can catch Karley enjoying pretty much any outdoor activity, watching quality films and television, creating art, or gabbing over a coffee or tea with a friend. Karley is supervised by Wendy Huang Ph.D. & Alex Prior, LICSW. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: kg126
Pooja Aradhya, LMHC
Pooja Aradhya, LMHC, is a second-generation Asian Indian American psychologist in training. She is a second-year Counseling Psychology doctoral (PhD) student at Boston University, Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. She also received her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Boston College. She is passionate about BIPOC mental health, first and second-generation immigrant experiences, personal and identity development for emerging adults, and championing solidarity and social justice. Pooja draws from the liberation health model, a collaborative, strengths-based, feminist approach, and an intersectional and relational lens. She strives for her clients to realize the limitless possibilities within their lived experiences and extraordinary potential in their journey of self-discovery. In her free time, Pooja enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, playing board games, dancing, and watching TV (especially reality TV). Pooja is supervised by Dericka Canada Cunningham, Ph.D. & Martha Bergeron, LICSW. Pronouns: she/her/hers. Email: pa106
Office Staff
Ivylee Martinez, Office Manager
Ivylee brings well-rounded expertise to Wellesley College with experience in office management within a diverse array of environments. Ivylee earned a bachelor's Degree at Emerson College and went on to work at Filenes, Edward Jones Investments, and Special Needs Law Group. Ivylee invested time in her community, working as a community member on a public school parent council, and as an active member of Natick Families of Color. She has worked with non-profits such as Dignity Matters, collecting menstrual products, bras, and underwear for underserved and unhoused populations. Additionally, Ivylee pushed for the creation of the Gender X Identity Bill. She assisted Senate President Spilka with the press while supporting the bill's advocate in passing it. Raising two kids who are currently in college, Ivylee aims to bring lived experience into her work. Outside of her job, Ivylee enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music and watching the latest streaming series, finding a good lobster roll, and approaching nature on walks outdoors. Pronouns: She/her/hers. Email: im113
