Meet Our Clinicians and Staff

Nicole Dovel, LPC, Associate Dean for Student Wellbeing

Sarah Magnant, LPC

Sarah Magnant (She/Her) is an LPC who received her B.A in psychology at James Madison University, and completed her Master’s of Science in clinical mental health counseling at Radford University. Sarah is originally from Frederick, Maryland, but moved to Virginia to start her college career. She fell in love with Virginia, and has been here since! Sarah has worked in a variety of therapeutic spaces, including crisis centers, hospitals, and outpatient therapy offices working primarily with college students.  She has a true passion in this field, and loves to be a core support and safe space for anyone in need. She welcomes individuals with a wide variety of needs, including members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, those struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, couples counseling, etc.
Sarah relies on a humanistic approach for counseling, as she enjoys treating individuals holistically and empathetically. Methods used also include a basis from CBT, person-centered techniques, and trauma work. Her techniques are ever changing, and adaptable to individuals!

Annalise Livingston, LPC

Annalise (she/her/hers) is a Resident in Counseling who obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology at James Madison University, and completed her graduate studies in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University. Annalise was born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia and fell in love with the Harrisonburg area on her JMU college tour. She has worked in various healthcare and crisis stabilization settings, including VCU Health Systems and Region Ten Community Services Board, and her love for supporting and caring for others has only grown throughout her experiences in the field. She believes in the importance of meeting people where they are, wherever that may be. She is passionate about helping individuals with anxiety, depression, interpersonal skills, and emotional regulation. She takes a Person Centered and Existential approach and actively integrates tenets of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Annalise enjoys spending her free time hiking, reading, attempting to learn how to cook, and spending time with loved ones.  

Jess McLaughlin, MS.Ed, Resident in Counseling

Jess earned her Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Alabama. Jess specializes in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. Her approach is trauma-informed and rooted in psychodynamic therapy, with a focus on understanding patterns and relational dynamics that shape a person’s inner world and connections with others. She values the integration of emotional, relational, and spiritual growth in her work with clients and offers teletherapy sessions tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. In her free time, Jess enjoys spending time with family, painting, gardening, and horseback riding.

Kendall Abell, Doctoral Intern

Kendall Abell, M.P.S. (she/her/hers), is a doctoral student in James Madison University’s Clinical and School Psychology program. She earned her BA in Psychology and her Master’s in Clinical Psychological Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. Kendall developed a passion for college student mental health during her time at UMD, where she served as an executive function coach for college students with ADHD. Kendall is cultivating a clinical focus around academic stress, relationships, LGBTQ+ topics, anxiety, depression, body image/eating concerns, and self-esteem. Her therapeutic approach integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and an attachment-based framework, grounded in humanistic values. She aims to support clients in understanding patterns, building insight, and fostering meaningful, values-aligned change. Originally from Baltimore, MD, Kendall enjoys spending time with her rescue chihuahua Wilson, going for runs, and making candles.

Chioma Isiadinso, Doctoral Intern

Chioma Isiadinso, M.Ed. (she/her), holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at James Madison University, where she provides therapy and assessments for students struggling with anxiety, depression, attention issues,
identity concerns, and more. She has also led workshops on managing anxiety, relationships, and cultural understanding. Chioma uses a client-focused and attachment-based approach in her therapy, incorporating a trauma-informed perspective to help clients heal. Chioma enjoys creating safe and supportive spaces for individuals and groups to explore their emotions, develop
healthy coping skills, and enhance their well-being. As a mother of two teenagers, she values spending quality time with her family.

Kaitlyn English, Graduate Intern

Kaitlyn is a current graduate student in JMU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She grew up outside of Richmond, VA, and after completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at JMU, she found a passion for hearing the untold stories and helping others through tough times.  Kaitlyn is a former D1 cheerleader and has a passion for providing mental health services to collegiate athletes. She prefers a strength-based approach to counseling and enjoys empowering individuals to make the progress they are looking for. Kaitlyn has a special interest in disordered eating, body image dissatisfaction, and improving overall well-being and life satisfaction. In her free time, Kaitlyn can be found immersed in a good book, discovering new coffee shops, or cheering on the dukes at sporting events.

Kylie Garrety, Graduate Intern

Katherine Gardenier, Graduate Practicum Student  

Katherine (she/her) is a graduate student at West Virginia University Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Katherine graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2022. She grew up in McLean, Virginia and has lived in Harrisonburg since beginning her undergraduate program in 2018. Katherine has worked as a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager since graduating in 2022 and is dedicated to helping those seeking treatment and support with their mental health. Her therapeutic approach is drawn from Person-Centered, Strength-Based and Humanistic, allowing clients to have a safe environment to explore their thoughts and emotions. She has an holistic approach to treatment with an understanding that there are multiple different components that make up an individual. Katherine is passionate about working with adolescents and young adults, and is interested in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. In her free time, Katherine enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling.

Briana Bunner, M.S., JMU Sports Psych Doctoral Practicum Student  

Briana (she/her/hers) is a first-year doctoral student in the Clinical and School Psychology PsyD Program at James Madison University in addition to being a graduate assistant in the Challace J. McMillin Center for Sport Psychology at JMU. She graduated from Robert Morris University near Pittsburgh, PA, where she received her B.S. in Clinical and Sport Psychology and M.S. in Counseling Psychology. While at RMU, Briana was a student-athlete and member of the Division I Softball team for four years. As a former Division I student-athlete, she understands the unique set of challenges, demands, and expectations of student-athletes as well as the stigma that can sometimes be attached to seeking mental health support. Briana is passionate about working with student-athletes who want to seek assistance for their overall well-being or any mental health concerns, who experience injuries or trauma, and who want to optimize their sport performance by learning about their well-being. She wants to advocate for student-athletes’ psychological needs as well as to bridge the gap for mental health support. Briana previously worked at Washington & Jefferson College (DIII) where she counseled students on mental health issues including depression, anxiety, disordered eating, drug and alcohol use, grief, relationship issues, performance issues, trauma, perfectionism, and academic issues. Briana views counseling as a collaborative process and tends to take a person-centered and holistic approach. She has an integrative and eclectic theoretical orientation, knowing that no two individuals or situations are alike. Briana actively integrates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into counseling. Briana looks forward to working with EMU students!

Rachel Farrell

Rachel Farrell is the Office Coordinator for Counseling Services.  She graduated from EMU in 2007, and is grateful for the opportunity to welcome and support current students.  When she’s not at her desk, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out with her goats/chickens/cows/cat/foster pets/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!