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Meet the Staff

Crystal Henson

Crystal Henson, PsyD, HSP, LPC-MHSP

Dr. Crystal Henson is the Director of the Student Health and Counseling Center. She is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology from Western Kentucky University. She completed her internship and postdoctoral residency at Western State Hospital. She has a background in community mental health, school based services, crisis intervention, and adult inpatient care. Dr. Henson has treated individuals across the lifespan, but has a passion for working with young adults as they transition through college and into their careers. She is an alumnus of Austin Peay State University and is excited to be back at her Alma Mater. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, and is always up for an adventure.

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Emily Rhoads, MS, LPC-MHSP (Staff Therapist)

Emily is a proud graduate of Austin Peay having received her undergraduate degree in Social Work in 2010 and her graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2020. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Emily feels that the therapeutic experience is a journey and she enjoys being present as she walks alongside her clients on that journey - always letting them lead the way. Emily has a passion for mental health awareness and destigmatizing the seeking of mental health treatment. Her therapeutic passions include ADHD in women, perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, and depression with a particular focus on the LGBTQ+ and poly communities. Emily uses a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, journaling, Narrative Therapy, mindfulness, and Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy. In her downtime, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crafting, and watching terrible reality television.

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JoAnna Lewis, MS, LPC (Staff Therapist)

JoAnna is a proud Austin Peay alum, earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from APSU. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tennessee. While in therapy, JoAnna feels it is best to focus on the needs of the client and tries to do this by using a person-centered approach and providing a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to work on identifying and meeting their needs and goals. She specializes in working with young adults on a broad range of issues including but not limited to: Depression and Anxiety disorders, Life changes and Adjustment problems, Stress management, Family and relationship issues, and Self-esteem difficulties. In her free time JoAnna enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and binge-watching TV.

Sara

Sara Whisler (Administrative Assistant)

Sara is a proud APSU graduate with a Bachelor of Science in English Literature. She moved to Clarksville in 2004 and fell in love with Tennessee. A diverse work background gives her a well-rounded world view and the ability to appreciate the views of others. She believes that communication is the key to building a bridge to a positive, uplifting change for all people. A lifelong student, Sara enjoys reading, creative writing, photography, getting together with friends, and cuddling with her shih-tzu.

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Kari Barnes, LPC-MHSP, Intern

Kari Barnes, LPC-MHSP, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her master’s degree from Marquette University. Kari is currently working toward her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology with a focus in the area of working with military service members as well as neurodivergence and issues pertaining to children and families.

Kari has worked in a wide variety of treatment settings including private practice, outpatient mental health clinics, school, universities, and in-home. In these settings, she has been fortunate to work with clients of diverse backgrounds and widely varying needs. Her work has included working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. She has done a significant amount of work with autistic individuals and believes strongly in the importance of neurodiversity affirming practices. She has worked on interdisciplinary teams and served as a consultant for clients struggling with school issues or other challenges.

Her areas of interest include trauma, attachment, children and families, school based-issues, ADHD, neurodiversity, sport and performance psychology, and challenges faced by military families.

Kari believes in meeting clients where they are and walking through their journey with them. She is passionate about her work and sees it as an honor to be let into the most personal challenges being faced by clients. She works to help clients gain insight and become empowered to make positive changes in their life. Kari believes people are doing the best they can with where they are and sometimes need a little help getting unstuck or out of a rut. Her treatment often utilizes strength based, solution focused techniques to help clients make the changes they desire with the most efficient use of time. Kari believes that the clients are the true experts on themselves and works to help them see their strengths and successes and all that they bring to the table while working through challenges.

Kari enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, being outside, and traveling.

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Madison Harris, Intern

Madison (she/her) is currently working on her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is fulfilling her practicum under clinical supervision here at Austin Peay State University’s counseling center. In 2022, she earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology at APSU. Her goal when working with individuals is to provide them with a safe space where they feel heard and understood. She strives to foster a healing relationship with her clients and move towards positive client directed change. While Madison may pull techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, she overall utilizes a person-centered approach. When Madison is not counseling or studying, she enjoys spending time with her two lovely cats, family, and boyfriend.

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Ken Eason, Intern

Ken is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at APSU. I am drawn to working with individuals who are apart of the LGBT+ community. I approach therapy from a client-centered approach that combines components of Feminist Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In session, clients can expect a caring, calming, collaborative, nonjudgmental environment. Clients are responsible for putting in the work, but I will walk alongside them in their journey toward mental wellness.

In my spare time, I like to spend time with my partner and my friends. I also enjoy watching TV, listening to music, and exploring nature.