Welcome to our Counseling Center! I support your decision to work on some of your important life issues. The following is a brief background regarding my education and career in an effort to make you more comfortable during this process.
I received my Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University in 1986. Since that time, I have practiced in a variety of public, private, organizational, and health care settings. I am fully licensed to practice clinical social work in the State of Michigan. I began here at CMU in 2005, renewing my passion for academia and enjoying the partnerships cultivated with university students.
I intend to create an atmosphere where you feel safe and comfortable to discuss your fears, hopes, conflicts, and goals freely. I have a style of responding that I hope will allow you to feel challenged and supported without being judged. I approach counseling as a partnership- we work together toward attaining your goals, supporting personal growth, and resolving your concerns.
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.
Ross J. Rapaport, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
I am a generalist counselor and have worked at university student counseling centers for over 39 years. My counseling work incorporates holistic, cognitive behavioral, strength based, and solution focused perspectives. From my perspective, the counselor's role is to help students identify their own goals, build on their strengths, learn from their experiences, and strengthen coping and problem solving skills. I strive to provide a safe non-judgmental space for students to talk about their thoughts and feelings; and encourage open, honest and direct communication. Prior to coming to CMU in 1983, I completed an American Psychological Association (APA) approved pre-doctoral counseling internship at The Ohio State University's Counseling and Consultation Services and worked for three years as a Senior Staff Psychologist at the University of Iowa's University Counseling Services. I have a B.A. in Social Sciences from Michigan State University; and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology (Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a minor in Counseling Psychology) from The Ohio State University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan, National Board Certified Counselor, and served as director of the CMU Counseling Center from 2000 – 2017.
Lisa Sheffert, MA, Ed.S., LPC
Beginning counseling is a significant step toward personal growth, problem-solving, and overall life satisfaction. But taking that first step can often be daunting. I will work to provide a positive, relaxed, respectful, and professional atmosphere where you can begin to identify the ways you want to change, as well as how you can make lasting changes. I have an M.A. and Ed.S. in Counseling Psychology from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA in 1994 and I am a fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan.
I worked in community mental health and private practice in the Mid-Michigan area for 10 years before beginning work at CMU in 2005. I have experience addressing concerns specific to a college environment including stress management, adjustment to college, and career indecision. I also have experience treating various personal concerns, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, domestic violence, emotional, sexual and physical abuse, grief and loss concerns, LGBTQ concerns, and other developmental issues. I will work to create a trusting environment in which you’ll feel safe and respected sharing your thoughts, ideas, and feelings. I welcome the opportunity to work together with you to identify concrete goals and solutions, and to strengthen your problem-solving and coping skills.
Megan Varner MA, LPC
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
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 limited 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!
Margerae Jackson, BA
Graduate Assistant
As a Graduate Assistant for the Counseling Center, I have a zeal for change. My passion is to help individuals reach their full potential by offering hope and life-changing skills. I believe that Individuals must first go on a quest to find their true identity to allow transformation to take place. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Communication with a minor in Marketing from Saginaw Valley State University. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Professional Counseling with a concentration of Clinical Mental Health. I will use my degree to inspire others and instill hope for personal growth.