Meet the Counseling Center Staff

College is a time of considerable growth for students. It can be both fulfilling and challenging. Counseling can be an opportunity for students to engage in self-exploration and problem-solving, especially when things feel difficult and overwhelming. Each student is unique, arriving at CMU with their own life experiences. I will honor your individuality throughout the counseling experience and tailor my interventions to meet your needs. Openness and trust are the heart of the counseling relationship and I will work hard to build that trust with each student. I have been in practice since 1997 and working as a CMU counselor since 2004. I have experience with a variety of concerns experienced by students and provide both individual and group counseling. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Michigan State University and my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University. In 2017 I transitioned into the role of Counseling Center director. It is my honor to oversee the center and the support provided to CMU students in order to promote their emotional well-being and academic success.

Kristie Miner, MA, LPC
Associate Director

I believe that 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, while making sure that each session addresses the needs of the client. It's important that sessions are collaborative as well as interactive so that clients can focus on identifying and making progress toward their goals. During our sessions, you will find that identifying best coping strategies, strengthening problem-solving skills, and exploring different perspectives are common themes.  In addition to my role at the CMU Counseling Center, I am a child sexual abuse treatment therapist at Listening Ear Crisis Center in Mt. Pleasant.  This work has allowed me to gain a strong understanding about trauma as well as best practices for treatment. I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University.  

Kyleigh Ayala, MA, LLC

I strive to help individuals navigate the complexities of their emotions and lived experiences. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where students can feel seen, heard, and validated because life can be difficult and overwhelming. 

I believe that our past experiences can be valuable tools for understanding why we engage in certain patterns of behavior and thought processes. By fostering self-awareness and exploring lived experiences we can adopt an acceptance and commitment mindset that leads to personal growth and meaningful change. 

I encourage students to acknowledge their emotions and experiences without judgement. This acceptance lays the foundation for a forward-thinking mindset, where individuals can commit to taking proactive steps toward achieving their goals. I place an emphasis on setting small achievable goals that can add up to significant change over time. 

I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University with a minor in Criminal Justice. I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Central Michigan University. 

Cecily Barnaud, MSW, LMSW
Student Athlete Dedicated Counselor

I’m passionate about helping individuals level up and find balance, both on and off the field. I specialize in working with student-athletes, guiding them through the unique challenges that come with sports and everyday life. Whether you're dealing with performance pressure, injuries, stress, or the mental game of balancing school, family, and relationships, I’m here to support you. Just like in sports, overcoming obstacles takes strategy, practice, and the right mindset. Together, we’ll tackle these challenges and build the skills you need to be ready for whatever comes your way.

Counseling is a journey built on trust, purpose, and collaboration. My role is to help you identify your strengths, sharpen your skills, and stay focused on personal growth, empowering you to reach your full potential as an individual. Progress comes through commitment, intention, reflection, and support. I strive to create a safe and encouraging space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts while equipping you with the tools and strategies to navigate life’s challenges and continue moving forward, whatever direction that may be.
“Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s self-preservation” -Lebron James

I graduated from Arizona State University with my Masters of Social Work after attaining my undergrad in Behavioral Psychology from Dakota Wesleyan University in South Dakota. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in both South Dakota and Michigan in addition to being a member of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports. 

I am honored to meet with you to help you succeed at CMU. I will strive to create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable sharing what is important to you. In the spirit of trust, respect and accountability, we will work together to understand your concerns, foster your well-being, and meet your goals. I believe in your capacity for growth and will draw upon your strengths, values and beliefs to identify helpful strategies to face your challenges. 

I have a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo Ontario, Canada. I specialized in working with trauma issues within the Canadian mental health field prior to coming to the CMU Counseling Center in 2001.

Cheryl Danner, MA, LLP

As a counselor at CMU, it is my goal to help you navigate the challenges you encounter during this exciting, and often stressful, time in your life. Your mental health is an important component of your college success. I hope to provide support and guidance needed when life gets overwhelming. Within a safe, relaxed and inclusive environment, I strive to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Utilizing a client-centered/cognitive-behavior approach, we will explore concerns, build on strengths and develop effective coping skills to tackle life's challenges. 

I have had the privilege of working with all age groups in a variety of mental health settings as a Master's Level Psychologist and School Psychologist for the past 30 years. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, substance abuse and identity concerns, with special interest and training in Autism and Personality Disorders. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and my Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from St. Mary's University. 

Julie Fortino Shurtliff, MA, LPC

As a counselor, I believe that change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. I understand that our past has influenced our present but it need not dictate our future. Our life experiences, positive or negative, are building blocks for who we are today and can be effective tools in creating who we aspire to be tomorrow. My main focus as a counselor is to create a safe space for you to explore your feelings and create coping skills to face life's challenges. I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Evergreen State College with a major in Latin American History and Spanish Language. I earned a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University.

Anna Grajek, MA, LPC

Choosing to pursue counseling can be a big decision. I believe engaging in the counseling process is brave and an opportunity to pursue growth and change. As a counselor, I aim to create a comfortable environment to partner with students in building a therapeutic relationship, trust and engaging in the collaborative counseling process. In sessions you can expect to utilize different approaches to address an individual’s concerns, building on their strengths to promote growth and healing. I hope students will gain a better understanding of themselves, their strengths and values as well as resources, strategies and tools that are helpful moving forward. I have had the privilege of working with students in a variety of roles and am passionate about meeting students where they are and approaching the counseling process from a holistic perspective. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services (Psychology, Social Work, & Substance Abuse Counseling) from Lake Superior State University, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University, and a Post-Master’s certificate in Sports Counseling from California University of Pennsylvania.

Aileen Guerra-Morales, MA, LPC
Assistant Director for Sexual Aggression Services
Sexual Aggression Dedicated Counselor

As the Sexual Aggression Dedicated Counselor, it is my goal to create a safe and welcoming environment for students to feel comfortable working through healing from trauma. In my years of experience, I have witnessed how trauma can significantly impact an individual's life. Therefore, as a counselor my objective is to help students heal from trauma and guide them to be empowered in their own lives. Additionally, I work on educating students about how trauma affects their mind and body. Together we work on coping strategies to manage/decrease trauma reaction symptoms. 

In treatment, I utilize a strengths-based approach, and I also include cognitive behavioral modalities as well as mindfulness-based strategies. I provide individual and group counseling for students impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and/or harassment. 

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor. I obtained my Master of Arts in Counseling at Central Michigan University and my Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico.

Elizabeth Husbands, MA, LLP, CCTP
Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity Dedicated Counselor

As the dedicated counselor at the Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity, my primary role is to provide direct mental health counseling to students who have been marginalized and are traditionally underserved or underrepresented. I can also provide consultation to the Center for Inclusion and Diversity personnel and create educational programming. For me, working to support and empower students' mental health and wellness within all aspects of their lives is a major goal. I dedicated my professional career to working with underserved, marginalized, and underrepresented populations by developing the tools and skills to provide the best service I possibly can. 

I believe counseling is a collaborative process that involves us both. I value the therapeutic relationship and make every effort to understand who you are as an individual and learn about your life experiences. I strive to create a caring, comfortable, and trusting environment where you feel safe to share your story with me. Honest communication is an important part of the counseling process. Together we determine appropriate interventions to aid you in meeting your goals for making therapy a powerful life-changing experience. I look forward to helping you on your journey to wholeness. 

I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, with minors in Psychology, Behavioral Sciences and Reading, from Andrew's University. My Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, specializing in trauma and childhood disorders was earned at Western Michigan University. Most recently, before joining the counseling staff at CMU, I served families impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault as the Program Manager at RISE Advocacy Inc. I also serve community members who have experienced trauma as a private practice clinician. Serving my community is a strongly held value. I have lived this out in every community in which I have resided by doing things like volunteering and participating in community organizations such as the Mt. Pleasant Human Rights Committee.