Melissa Hutchinson, MA, LPC, NCC
Executive Director of Counseling Services
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 have provided clinical supervision for trainees and limited licensed counselors for 8 years. 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.
Michelle Bigard, MSW, LMSW
Associate Director
I am honored to meet with you to help you succeed at CMU. I will strive to create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable to share what is important to you. In the spirit of trust, respect and accountability, we will work together to understand your concerns, foster your wellbeing, 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 coming to the CMU Counseling Center in 2001.
Brooke E. Bechtel, MA, LPC, NCC
Student Athlete Dedicated Counselor
As the student athlete dedicated counselor, my role is to support your mental wellness not only within your sport, but within your life. I will work to create a comfortable and trusting environment where you will feel safe to share your experiences and thoughts with me. I will work to understand your current life position and implement approaches that are meaningful to you. I believe everyone has the power within themselves to make positive changes in their life; my role is to help you draw on your strengths, support your healing and development, and give you tools to handle life's stressors along the way.
I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Arts in Professional Counseling Degree from Central Michigan University.
Amy Campbell, MA, LPC, CAADC
As a counselor I strive to provide people with the tools and resources to allow them to grow and heal mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I have experience working with such issues as anxiety, depression, substance use/addiction, trauma, grief and loss, domestic violence, self-harm, relationships, and basic life-skills. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Family Studies and Psychology in 2007 and my Masters in Professional Counseling in 2009 both from CMU. I came to work at CMU with the hopes of supporting students as they navigate their way through life’s transitions. I believe college has the potential to be one of life’s greatest experiences and opportunities for growth and I have a passion for helping students achieve that experience. I value the therapeutic relationship and building off of students strengths as well as connecting them with resources so they may have the best chance at success and healing.
Atefeh E. Jenrow, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC
I received a master’s degree in counseling with a post master’s specialization in mental health counseling from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan in 1999. I am a fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP) in the State of Michigan. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
I have worked as a therapist in different settings, including Harbor Oaks Hospital, New Baltimore, Michigan, Pioneer Counseling in Clinton Township, Michigan, Northland Clinics in Farmington Hills and Rochester, Michigan and The Guidance Center in Southgate, Michigan. My experience has been working with people facing various acute, emerging and/or ongoing mental health challenges. My internship in mental health counseling at Oakland University Counseling Center included working with students and community members on mental health and career counseling, using psychological testing and assessments when necessary.
In my professional life I have worked with adults and families, but have specially enjoyed working with college students both as newly independent adults and members of the university family facing their own unique trials and allowing me to be a member of their support team as they navigate potential career options, mental health issues and life stages.
Kristie Miner, MA, LPC
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.
Megan Varner MA, LPC, NCC
Associate Director Sexual Aggression Services
Sexual Aggression Dedicated Counselor
It is my belief that providing an environment of trust and a sense of safety are of vital importance to a developing a successful counselor- client relationship. No two people share the exact same experiences, and I welcome the opportunity to work with each individual as they work along their own chosen path. My experience with sexual aggression began and expanded during my eight years working with Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates (SAPA). Throughout my time in the field of sexual aggression, I worked to improve the advocacy services provided and worked within the campus community to build better connections and unified survivor-centered approaches. I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University.
Ashley Watters, MA, LPC, NCC
As a counselor, I strive to create an environment that is safe, interactive and purposeful. Counseling is a collaborative process that involves you and me. I believe that counseling can lead to a person’s ability to grow and develop in several areas and I believe in your journey to creating positive change in your life. I place a high value in the therapeutic relationship and I will make every effort to understand who you are as an individual and learn about your life experiences. My primary role is to support your healing and growth, explore your strengths, and provide you with intentional resources to handle life’s challenges and stressors. I am a licensed professional counselor within the State of Michigan. My educational background includes a Bachelor in Social Work and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling Degree from Central Michigan University. I have experience working at two different university counseling centers, before coming back "home" to work at CMU!
Peggy Clerc
Executive Secretary
I began my career with Central Michigan University in 2007 as an Office Professional in the Physician Assistant Program. I then joined the Counseling Center in 2010 as the Administrative Secretary. I provide assistance and direction to the Counseling Center faculty and staff in the day-to-day operations. I also bring over fifteen years of professional experience in the management of educational and medical office settings.
Melissa Schalk, BS
Administrative Secretary
I graduated in 2003 from CMU with a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in social work. That same year I started working for Listening Ear. For 16 years I provided care for developmentally disabled individuals while also managing a residential program. I strived in maintaining a safe and loving environment for the individuals that were in our care. In 2019 I started a new career path and joined the Counseling Center as an office professional. In this role I hope to provide a welcoming atmosphere for everyone that enters the center.