Meet the Staff

Professional Counseling Staff

 

Ross J. Rapaport, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
Director

Uses a holistic, cognitive behavioral, strength based and solution focused approach in providing general counseling for college students. Typical concerns addressed include stress and anxiety management, depression, substance abuse, surviving traumatic experiences, life transitions, improving academic performance, career indecision, and strengthening interpersonal (i.e., friends, family & couple) relationships. The counselor's role is to help individuals identify their own goals, build on their strengths, learn from their experiences, and to assist individuals in their personal growth and development of problem solving skills and capabilities. Prior to coming to CMU in 1983 he completed a pre-doctoral internship at the Ohio State University's Counseling and Consultation Services and was employed for three years as a Senior Staff Psychologist at the University of Iowa's Counseling Services. Education: M.A., Ph.D., Psychology (Industrial/Organizational with minor in Counseling Psychology) - The Ohio State University.
 

Michelle Bigard, MSW, LMSW
Assistant Director

Considers it an honor to meet with people to explore how to make their lives more manageable and fulfilling; views each person as unique and considers the various facets of being human when working with someone, i.e., physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, social, intellectual, functional. Education: MSW from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada.

Kristie Birchmeier, MA, LLPC 

Counseling provided to students focusing on internal as well as external issues. Making the decision to seek counseling is one of many first steps in facilitating positive change in a person's life. I tend to take a client centered and cognitive-behavioral approach in counseling, making sure that each session addresses the needs of the client. Education: BS in Psychology and Masters Degree in Professional Counseling both from Central Michigan University.
 

Cory Cole, MSW, LMSW

Counseling provided to focus on personal or academic concerns of students. Has worked in the public and private sectors, in a variety of clinical and supervisory positions. Education: Master of Social Work from Michigan State University.
 

Lisa Donahue-Smith, MA, Ed.S., LPC

Encourages students to solve their problems with caring, support, respect, and accountability. Uses a holistic approach, with emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy, tailoring counseling sessions for the individual needs of each student. Addresses emotional, physical, social, educational, and spiritual concerns. Has experience in both the public and private sectors treating depression, eating disorders, anxiety, sexual and physical abuse, grief and loss, and other developmental issues. Education: Master of Arts and Education Specialist Degrees in Counseling Psychology from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
 

Julie Dill, MA, LLPC

Uses a client-centered approach to provide counseling focused on a personal or academic concerns of students. Also available for debriefing and consultation with CMU Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates. Education: BS in psychology and MA in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University.

Arshia Ebrahimi, PhD, LLP

In 2006, I completed a Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. I selected a university counseling center for my first training site, and I have been committed to working with college students ever since! Counseling work with college students is inspiring because the students are exposed to a wide range of life challenges and campus resources, all of which are optimal for the growth and development process.
I firmly believe that any student can change and enhance their quality of life. The goal of counseling is to work with the client to improve areas of concern. My role as the therapist is to a) identify the core problems that are disrupting or impairing the client's life and to b) change core problems into factors that foster one's growth and happiness. I use a variety of counseling theories and techniques to achieve these goals, depending on the type of client's concern and the stage of our counseling work. The client's role is to be as active, honest, and committed to their counseling as possible.

Melissa M. Hutchinson, MA, LPC

Counseling provided to focus on personal or academic concerns of students. Training was focused on adolescents and their families, but services are not limited to these groups. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University.
 

Gary Silker, Ed.D., LPC

Counseling provided to focus on personal, vocational or academic concerns of students. Within the personal counseling category, issues of personal/social growth and development, relationship improvement/conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and stress management are frequent themes for counseling assistance. Support groups have included adult children of alcoholic or dysfunctional families, relaxation/stress management, and support for concerns of gay and lesbian students. Education: B.S., Psychology, M.S., Student Personnel and Guidance, Ed.D., Student Personnel with emphasis in Counseling Psychology - (all from Oklahoma State University).
 

Sharon Tilmann, MA, LMSW, LPC

Counseling provided to focus on a client-centered, strength-based philosophy. Over 20 years' post-Master's experience working in the counseling field, and over 30 years' experience working with individuals and families in crisis. Education: Master's Degree in Counseling and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, both from Central Michigan University.

Interns

Elizabeth D. Nichols, B.A.

Support Staff

Peggy Clerc, Administrative Secretary

Serena Cram, College Work Study

Julie Wellman, Student Assistant

Jennifer Cashen, Student Assistant