Meet Our Clinicians and Staff
Clinicians 2021-2022
Nicole Dovel, Counseling Services Lead Counselor
Nikki Dovel, LPC, obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from James Madison
University, and completed her graduate studies right here at EMU in the MA Counseling Program
in 2013. She has served as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Shenandoah
Valley for the last several years in various settings to include community based services,
crisis response, and clinical leadership and supervision. Nikki is a strengths based
clinician that serves from a person-centered approach with the understanding that
relationship and connection are impactful and transformational. Walking alongside
others in their journey in a way that empowers reflection and self-awareness is a
humbling gift. She works with clients to identify their goals for treatment and promotes
empowerment through use of evidenced based techniques and screening tools. She strives
to provide a safe space where all feel accepted, understood, heard, and to take an
active role in their healing and growth. She enjoys providing clinical supervision
as well and supporting the growth of budding clinicians to bring to the field of counseling
their own expertise, experiences, and unique gifts. Nikki’s personal interests include
time with family, being in the sunshine, art and music, watching sports, and engaging
in
community activities.
Kim Bloom, Graduate Intern
Kim Bloom (she/her/hers) is a graduate intern in the EMU Master of Arts Counseling
department. Kim has a Master of Divinity and worked previously as an educator, pastor,
chaplain, and spiritual director. Kim’s interests include the whole person, mind/body/spirit
connections, and identity development across the lifespan. She has worked with people
in various stages of life transitions. She has deep interest in how life narratives
and identity form during times of change. Kim enjoys the outdoors, walks, Pickleball,
baking, and time with family and friends.
Coral Collins, Graduate Intern
Coral Collins (she/her/hers) is a graduate intern from EMU’s own Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. A Virginia native, Coral grew up in Stuarts Draft, and attended Mary Baldwin University for her Bachelor’s education. Coral uses a person-centered approach in therapy, appreciating the unique qualities in every individual she meets, and works collaboratively to find creative approaches to challenges. She focuses on the powerful change that can occur within the counseling relationship, and believes strongly in the resilience of every person. Coral is grateful for every opportunity to walk beside, witness, and empower individuals as they travel their life paths.
Alicia Harpine, Resident in Counseling
Alicia Harpine (she/her/hers) is a master’s level clinician, currently working as a Resident in Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. Alicia has a Master of Science in professional counseling from Grand Canyon University. Her undergrad degree is from Mary Baldwin University in which she received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Alicia utilizes a variety of theories to aid her clients in addressing their needs and achieving their goals. Alicia enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family, and researching.
Melissa Hinton, Graduate Practicum Student
Melissa (she/her/hers) is a graduate student in the EMU Master of Arts Counseling department. Melissa, raised in New England, moved to Virginia eight years ago. She previously worked in construction before entering the counseling program at EMU. Melissa shifted to counseling, from working in construction, as she is drawn to working alongside individuals as they navigate life experiences. She believes everyone can benefit from counseling as every individual has worth and value. Melissa takes a person centered approach when working with clients and strives to create a safe, empathic and trusting relationship with every client she works with. Melissa spends her free time enjoying the outdoors, walking her dog Elsie, creating art, reading and exploring local eateries with friends.
Sarah Johnson, Doctoral Intern
Sarah Johnson (she/her/hers) is a doctoral intern from JMU’s Doctor of Philosophy Counseling and Supervision program. Sarah has her Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Lynchburg. She uses a mix of cognitive-behavioral therapy, feminist theory, and a humanistic approach. She strives to collaborate with clients in creating a safe space where they can develop and grow in meaningful ways. Sarah’s free time is spent reading for fun, being outdoors, and spending time with loved ones.
Staff
Rachel Farrell
Rachel Farrell is the Front Desk Attendant in Counseling Services. She graduated from EMU in 2007 and benefited greatly from the support of the Counseling Center during her time at the university. Now she is grateful for the opportunity to be in a role that allows her to welcome and support students who will benefit from these services today. When she’s not at her desk, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out with her goats/chickens/cows/cat/etc., supporting her church, and reading when she can squeeze it in. Remember that you’re welcome to stop by Counseling Services for any reason - we weren’t meant to go through life on our own!
