What are the qualifications of the Lupine Wellness Center's supervisory staff?
Dr. Savannah Cormier is an Assistant Professor in the Mental Health Counseling program at Arkansas State University as well as the director of the A-State Play Therapy Education and Research Center and coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy. Dr. Cormier earned her Masters of Science degree from the University of Louisiana and her Doctorate degree in Counselor Educational and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (Colorado) and a Registered Play Therapist. Her clinical focus is on children, adolescents, parents, and families—specifically through play therapy, expressive arts, and creative counseling modalities. However, she also works with individuals, couples, and groups. Her research interests include neuroscience in counseling, teaching, and supervision; play therapy; and creativity.
Dr. Yun-Ru Huang is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Arkansas State University. She completed her master’s degree at the Pennsylvania State University and her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at University of North Texas. Dr. Huang is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor–Associate (LPC-A) in the state of Texas. Her clinical and research focus involves complex trauma and substance use.
Dr. Patrice Parkinson is a Counselor Educator and Assistant Professor at Arkansas State University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She currently serves as a clinical supervisor at Lupine Wellness Cente holding certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She earned her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and went on to complete her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision and Play Therapy specialization from the University of Wyoming. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, and groups regarding a variety of issues. She has provided both group and individual supervision to master’s level clinical mental health and school counseling students in a university clinic setting. Her research interests focus on disability identity and advocacy (specifically invisible/non-apparent), international concerns, leadership, multiculturalism, and trauma.
Dr. Asher Pimpleton-Gray is a Counselor Educator and Associate Professor at Arkansas State University in the Department of Psychology and Counseling. She also serves as Chair of the Department of Psychology and Counseling. She earned her Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University and went on to complete her doctoral degree in Educational Psychology, with an emphasis in Counselor Education and Clinical Mental Health, from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arkansas. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals, couples, families and groups regarding a variety of issues. Her research interests include sexual health and decision-making and issues surrounding cultural competence and social justice. She has presented on these topics at the state, regional and national levels and has served on various committees within the Counseling profession.
Dr. Blake Sandusky is an Associate Professor in the Mental Health Counseling program at Arkansas State University. He is also licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist in the state of Arkansas and coordinates the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. He earned a doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from Auburn University and a specialist’s degree in mental health counseling from Arkansas State University. His clinical experience consists of two years practicing with middle and high school aged clients and their families in a public-school setting. Additionally, he has one year of supervised experience practicing with adults in an inpatient setting. He has provided both group and individual supervision to master’s level clinical mental health and school counseling students in private practice, community mental health agency, public school, and university settings.
Dr. Ashley Williams-Whitley (Pronouns: She, Her, Hers) is an Assistant Professor at Arkansas State University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She currently serves as Education and Professional Development Director at Lupine Wellness Center. Professionally, Dr. Ashley holds certifications as Licensed Professional Counselor (GA), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and Clinical Supervisor at Lupine Wellness Center. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University, a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Clark Atlanta University, and a BA in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas. She has ample research interest and counseling experience that focuses on anxiety, relationship issues, major life adjustments, multiculturalism, and sexual trauma.