Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling Students
Can you imagine yourself here?
Get to know these students!
Doctoral Student Profiles:
Third Year Cohort (2009-2012)
Steve Moody, Rebecca Pender, Rebecca Tadlock Marlo, Amanda Minor, Melanie Person (Meridian)
Amanda Minor
Hi folks! My name is Amanda and I starting my last year in the doctoral program at Idaho State University (that’s right, we are in and out in 3 years!) I came to Idaho after finishing a Masters Degree in Couples and Family Counseling at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. In Idaho, I am working on my doctorate in Mental Health Counseling and have interests in supervision, diversity, the communication and relationships within systems, and loss. I also like most things creative and experiential. The experiences I am having in Idaho are personally, academically, and professionally challenging and amazing. The mentorship I have received while in the doctoral program comes in a very holistic package from the professors and wonderful department staff, those who have previously been in my shoes, and even those who are taking the journey with me. The sense of community I have felt while being a part of the doctoral cohort at ISU has allowed me to take risks both personally and professionally. It is my belief that these opportunities are helping me learn to be a confident counselor educator.
If you are thinking about a career in Counseling or Counselor Education and challenge, mentorship, self growth, and friendship are important to you, the Counseling Department at Idaho State University might be just the fit.
If you have questions about our department or my experiences, please feel free to contact me via email. 8/2010
Steve Moody
Welcome to Idaho State University’s Department of Counseling. I hope you will be able to find the information you are looking for as you review our website. My name is Steve Moody and I am a third year doctoral candidate. I graduated from this program with my Masters of Counseling in 2007. I have enjoyed my time at ISU and look forward to the upcoming year. I am looking forward to teaching counseling at the university level when I graduate.
My focus has been on mental health counseling throughout my doctoral work and my area of emphasis in the masters program was marital, couple, and family counseling. I have enjoyed expanding my skills and increasing my knowledge of mental health work, while maintaining a firm foundational knowledge of systems and relationships. My professional interests include instructional practices, counseling research, and spirituality in counseling and counselor education. My personal interests revolve around spending time with my family in the great Idaho outdoors. Please feel free to send me an e-mail if you have any questions regarding this program and I will do my best to answer your questions.
Rebecca Pender
Hello and welcome to the ISU Department of Counseling! I’m Rebecca P, a third-year doctoral candidate from Johnston City, Illinois. Although leaving southern Illinois and all my friends and family was difficult, the faculty, staff, and students here at ISU have really helped me to feel at home in Pocatello and I have really enjoyed my time here. I graduated with my Masters of Science in Education with a specialization in marriage, couple and family counseling from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2008. After practicing full time at a local agency in southern Illinois providing individual, group, couple and family counseling services, I decided to embark on the journey of becoming a counselor educator. While at ISU I continue to specialize in marital, couple and family counseling. My educational interests include supervision, group work, reflecting teams, domestic violence, crisis counseling and well I could keep going, but I won’t. Doctoral work at ISU provides the opportunity to be part of many professional organizations as well as presenting at local, state, regional and national conferences. While the doctoral program is rigorous and time consuming, there are many things to do here in Pocatello outside of the university. There are many beautiful national parks and local trails that are waiting to be explored.
The counseling program here offers a lot to students both at the master’s and doctoral levels. As a doctoral student you have the unique opportunity to be part of a small cohort, as well as, a larger system of doctoral students. If you have any questions regarding the masters or doctoral counseling programs please feel free to contact me.
Melanie Person
Hey, my name is Melanie Person. I am currently a third year doctoral candidate at Idaho State University (ISU-Meridian)campus. As I enter my third year in this program, I cannot begin to express how much I have learned and grown through just the first year alone. I graduated from Idaho State University with my Master of Counseling degree. I have been working for a local mental health agency as a mental health counselor since this time. Although I love my job as a counselor, I love my job as a student and future counselor educator more. While counseling can be a very rewarding experience, there is something more for me in counselor education and supervision. Going through this program is a meaningful process and I look forward to my future job prospects in counselor education as a result of attending this program. The support that I receive from the faculty is amazing and I am able to develop essential skills for future teaching positions. The cohort model used by ISU is also a huge benefit in this program. Through working closely with peers in different areas of research, I am building professional relationships that will continue to provide me support through this process and beyond. If you have any questions about this program, please feel free to contact me. 8/2010
Rebecca Tadlock Marlo
So, if you're reading this site, you've obviously stumbled across the wrong page--I'm not certain why anyone would voluntarily read biographies of Ph.D. students... Of course all the other descriptions discuss how great it is to conduct research and come to school out here in Idaho--it’s too cold and the air is too thin to enjoy the surrounding nature (just a warning)!
Ok, so perhaps we've gotten off on the wrong foot. Three years ago I packed up my life and sanity to move from Southern Illinois to the great area of Pocatello. My heart has been stolen away by both the scenery and the program; I am now happy to call this area home. I have a great passion for my career and am deeply devoted toward earning my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. I earned my MSEd from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Educational Psychology. Much of my experience has given me the honor of working as a counselor with children in schools.
My research interests include assessment, multiculturalism, school counseling, and I LOVE statistics (seriously--I do…). Outside of school, I enjoy martial arts, hunting, fishing, running, and just enjoying life. I am excited about the road ahead; with the help of my family, close friends, and beloved dog, I continue to teeter on the brink of sanity as I pursue my dreams. ISU has much to offer and I am privileged to be a part of such a wonderful supporting program. Feel free to contact me with any questions. 8/2010
Second Year Cohort (2010-2013)
Jessica Berry (Meridian), Rick Boyes (Meridian), Megan Michalak, Jared Thiemann, Cristen McClure
Jessica Berry
Hello and welcome to the Department of Counseling website! My name is Jessica Berry and I am a second year doctoral student in the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling program at Idaho State University in Meridian. I am excited to be a part of the ISU family while remaining here in the Boise area. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Boise State University and a master’s degree in Counselor Education with an emphasis in School Counseling from The University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. I returned to Boise three years ago and am presently working as a part time School Counselor. I am also seeking state licensure as an LPC and anticipate beginning to work in the mental health field within the year.
While living in Montana I worked as a Professional School Counselor in a small town on a reservation, which has sparked my professional interest in multicultural counseling, particularly as it applies to Native American populations. My professional interests also include counseling with student-athletes, school counseling, supervision, and group work. Outside of school I spend as much time as possible hiking, backpacking, boating, cross country skiing, snowboarding, and fishing with my partner, Tevis and our chocolate lab, Dunn.
The Counseling Department faculty provides a challenging yet supportive environment which allows students to develop both personally as well as professionally. I am excited to continue the adventure of becoming a Counselor Educator! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my experiences at the ISU-Meridian campus or any other questions about the program. 9/2010
Rick Boyes
Hello and Welcome! My name is Rick Boyes and I am happily returning to Idaho State University to pursue a doctoral degree in counseling and counselor education after many years in private practice. My master’s degree in counseling is also from ISU and I am looking forward to learning once again from some of my original professors as well as those who have subsequently come on board.
I am a Boise native although I’ve spent a great deal of time traveling and studying overseas. My professional interests are in the area of mental health counseling and clinical hypnotherapy with a special emphasis in the treatment of adult survivors of childhood trauma. I also spent several years working in law enforcement and served as a major crimes detective in charge of domestic violence investigations. I sometimes miss my foray into that adventurous world but life as a professional counselor is much more conducive to family life with my wife Karen, also a counselor in private practice, and our 10-year-old son, Daniel. In what little free time remains, I teach classes in a traditional martial art called Karatedo Doshinkan.
I am excited to continue my doctoral studies in such an excellent and respected program. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance. 8/2010
Cristen McClure
"Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement." ~ Golda Meir
My name is Cristen McClure and I’m a 2nd year doctoral student in ISU’s Counselor Education program. I’m also a southerner, (watch out for me on the roads in the winter), love the Arkansas Razorback football team (Woo Pig Sooie!), and enjoy waterfalls and all types of dance and yoga.
I was born and raised in Texarkana, AR, went to college at Ouachita Baptist University, got my Master’s degree at Baylor University in Waco, TX, and have worked primarily with college students, trauma survivors, and single parents in advising career development and counseling roles.
As a future Counselor Educator I have developed interests in wellness for counselors, spirituality in counselor development, neuroscience and counseling, and creative techniques in supervision and instruction.
ISU has been a wonderful home for me as I work towards my future career- full of academic and personal growth, opportunities to become a scholar, lots of laughs and support, and an atmosphere conducive for superior training and future success. The professors here are supportive and trusting of doctoral students and there are opportunities to work on numerous projects, gain multiple teaching experiences, and to be a part of a community dedicated to the training of high quality professional counselors.
I love to talk and I have a fun accent (or so they tell me), send me an email if you have any questions about our program. Pocatello is close to beautiful places, the cost of living is low, and there is a great Indian restaurant…. What more could you want? Have a great day!
"I want to keep walking away from the person I was a moment ago, because a mind was made to figure things out, not to read the same page recurrently." — Donald Miller
Megan Michalak
Hi everybody! My name is Megan Michalak and I am one of the second year doctoral students. I am very excited to be a part of a program with such a great reputation. In our department I have been challenged, supported, and provided with the opportunity to discover who I am as a counselor educator. And I get to do it with such a great view! Although not always the most outdoorsy person I have been enjoying the opportunity to go on hikes and appreciate the mountains and sunshine with my partner Jesse. I received my Masters in Community Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh) so moving to Idaho was quite the adventure, but it has been an exciting transition as we make Pocatello our new home.
My scholarly interests include prevention and treatment for individuals who experience sexual and/or domestic violence; primary prevention; supervision; post traumatic stress disorder; group work; and creativity in both counseling and education. I was co-president of IUP’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota and I am looking forward to being involved in Chi Sig here at ISU as well. In addition to scholarly pursuits, I enjoy being silly with my brother and sister, watching movies, and playing with our two guinea pigs. 8/2010
Jared Thiemann
Hello and welcome to the Department of Counseling at Idaho State University. My name is Jared Thiemann and I received my Master of Counseling degree in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling at Idaho State University in May of 2009 and am now beginning my second year as a doctoral student. I look forward to continuing my education in a strong CACREP accredited program that has a longstanding reputation of turning out excellent counselors and counselor educators.
As a Master of Counseling student I enjoyed the supportive environment provided throughout my training. My experiences in the department have instilled a strong sense of professional identity and have given me the necessary skills needed to thrive in a variety of practical and academic settings. I look forward to continuing to be involved in the intensive learning environment provided at ISU and to continue to grow as a professional and as a person. I hope that you can get a glimpse of the excellent programs provided here and see how they will fit with your professional and academic aspirations.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you might have about the program and the experiences provided. I look forward to hearing from you. 8/2010
First Year Cohort (2011-2014)
Pam Wells, Alex Kerwin (Meridan), Holly Bolton, Matt Niece (Meridan), Alyse Anekstein, Maurice Pittman
Pam Wells
My name is Pam Wells and I am a member of the first year cohort. I came to Pocatello after graduating with a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Plymouth State University and a Masters degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University. I knew Idaho State was the right “fit” for me when I saw how I could blend my two passions-college student affairs and mental health counseling. I worked in college student affairs for fourteen years, primarily in residential life, Greek life, leadership development and I also worked as a Residence Director on a Semester at Sea voyage. I have also taught an undergraduate course in career exploration. I recently completed my mental health counseling internship at a college counseling center in New Hampshire.
I am from New Hampshire and while moving to Pocatello, Idaho has been a big change, it has been well worth it. The support I have received from my cohort members and other doctoral students has been incredible. I feel blessed to be a part of such an encouraging and supportive community.
My research interests include college student development, gatekeeping and technology in counselor education.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about the program or what it is like to live in Pocatello.
Alex Kerwin
Hey ya’ll! I have moved up here from Mississippi to join the Counselor Education program. I decided to come here to further my education after working as a children’s counselor in community mental health for 3 years. I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi. So far in my career, I have interests in motivational interviewing, adventure counseling, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, the use of music in counseling, and supervision in general to name a few. I’m currently seeking state licensure as an LPC and hope to be working in the field soon.
Since moving to Idaho, I’ve come to love the weather and the views. I am looking forward to learning how to snowboard in the winter and have already been able to float down the Boise River and hike up to Table Rock in the 3 weeks that I have been here. I also enjoy traveling, adventures, movies, live entertainment, and being silly with my friends and family. Although I struggled with leaving my friends and family in the South, I look forward to what this new adventure has in store for me.
"What is that feeling when you're driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? - it's the too-huge world vaulting us, and it's good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies."
— Jack Kerouac (On the Road)
If you have any questions regarding counseling, the program, or Idaho in general, shoot me an email. Good luck with your adventures in life.
Holly Bolton
Hi Everyone! I’m Holly. Welcome to our page! I am entering the Counselor Education Doctoral program here at Idaho State University with much excitement and anticipation. Originally from Southeastern Louisiana, I have lived, been educated, and worked in Bozeman, Montana for the better part of the past decade. In 2006, I graduated from Montana State University with an M.Ed. in School Counseling, and worked in the field as a Professional School Counselor for the subsequent three years. In 2009, I returned to MSU Bozeman as an Adjunct Instructor in the Counseling Master’s program, and eventually fulfilled the role of School Counseling Program Leader. Throughout my time in the field, I realized that I enjoyed working with students at a variety of developmental levels. Whether I was teaching at the Kindergarten or Master’s level, I discovered my true passion for education and the process of learning along this broad continuum of development and life stages. My areas of interest and future research include prevention, parent education, child and adolescent development, and counselor development. I am specifically interested in the transfer and application of pre-practicum skills to the practicum environment, especially within the school setting. I am looking forward to making Pocatello my home for the next three years, and enjoying the company of the wonderful people in the program here at ISU. After much thought and contemplation, I am thrilled to finally be pursuing my doctorate and continuing in the counseling field. I know that I have made the best decision possible for my personal and professional development. The excellence of the Counseling Department at ISU is apparent, along with the fact that it is indeed a very special place to be. Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have about the program!
Matt Niece
Hello and welcome to the Department of Counseling website! My name is Matt Niece and I am a first year doctoral student in the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling program at Idaho State University in Meridian. I am excited to reunite with the wonderful ISU family while remaining here in the Boise area. I have a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Boise State University and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. I am presently working as a counselor at Boise State University, developing a mental health branch at Unity Health Center in Meridian, maintaining a private practice, and bar tending part time at a local pub.
I have worked in the University environment for over three years now both as an instructor and counselor. It has been the wonderful experiences here that have lead me to pursue this doctoral degree. My professional interests include working with those who struggle with anxiety and depressive issues especially in regards to relationships and major life transitions, counseling student-athletes, and group therapy. When not at school or work one might find me taking advantage of the endless outdoor activities that the Boise Valley has to offer, or traveling with my fiance', friends, and family.
The Counseling Department faculty provides a challenging yet supportive environment which allows students to develop both personally as well as professionally. I am excited to begin the adventure of becoming a Counselor Educator! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my experiences at the ISU-Meridian campus or any other questions about the program. 9/2011
Alyse Anekstein
Hello everyone and welcome to the Idaho State University Department of Counseling! My name is Alyse Michelle Anekstein and I am a first year doctoral student originally from Long Island, New York. I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada about three years ago and am now a resident of Pocatello, Idaho. As a native New Yorker, with a brief stop in Las Vegas, the move to Idaho has been an interesting change. I have enjoyed meeting many friendly people and really value the cohort model of this program. This has definitely helped to create a smooth transition to life in Pocatello and I am excited to embark on the next part of this wonderful journey! I received my undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Albany. I majored in Psychology with a dual minor in theatre and education. I received my Masters degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a dual concentration in professional school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor and I am currently seeking state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Idaho.
My scholarly interests include the use of creative interventions, Sandtray therapy, transpersonal psychology, and counseling from a holistic perspective. I have conducted research examining the use of traditional eastern philosophies in western-based counseling, the use of creative counseling interventions with adolescents, and the use of Sandtray therapy in clinical supervision. I have an interest in leadership and mentorship and have been a board member of the Nevada Counseling Association and a graduate student committee member for the Association for Creativity in Counseling. I was also the school counseling liaison and ritual committee co-chair of the Omega Alpha chapter of Chi Sigma Iota and I am starting to get involved with the Phi Omicron Chi chapter at Idaho State University.
My hobbies include: theatre, dance, yoga, counted-cross stitch, knitting, swimming, playing tennis, watching romantic comedies, creating home videos of vacations, and spending time with family and friends. I love to travel and I am always ready to visit new places. My favorite place to be is at the beach!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding this amazing department or my experiences.
Maurice Pittman
Greetings and salutations and welcome to the Department of Counseling webpage. My name is Maurice Pittman and I am one of the new doctoral students in Counseling and Counselor Education Program at Idaho State University. I am excited about starting a new adventure at Idaho State University. I am originally from Los Angeles, California but relocated to Bakersfield, California to pursue my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Communications from California State University Bakersfield. After graduation I worked for about ten years for the County of Kern in Human Services as a Social Service Worker and then worked for Kern County Mental Health as a Recovery Specialist. Due to the unfortunate circumstances with the budget of California I was laid off and decided to go back to school and pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling with an emphasis in Student Affairs and School Counseling.
In my spare time I truly enjoy performing on stage. I was involved in local community theatre for years performing musicals, dramas, comedies but my passion is sketch comedy. While in Bakersfield I was a member of the prestigious Royal Association of Thespians where we pushed the boundaries of comedy. As a Master’s in Educational Counseling student I was very involved with the Educational Counseling Association and held office as the Social Chair. I was also involved with Chi Sigma Iota. If I could describe myself I would liken myself to a sponge soaking up all the knowledge that I could and ringing myself out and spreading the knowledge all over the place. Some of my professional interests include student development, student retention, and using the performing arts as some kind of therapy.
I look forward to the up-coming year getting to know what caliber of a person I am in academe at this point in my life, bonding and learning from my cohort, the great professors and staff and influencing others to greatness. I want to continue to grow and change and be a mentor to others and to motivate you to reach your full potential.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me. I will share my experiences with you personally. I look forward to hearing from you. I leave you with this quote from my mentor Dr. Nancy Bringman, “Stay organized, take the occasional deep breath and have fun!”