Meet the Staff
Marcie C. Wiseman, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Director
Dr. Marcie Wiseman graduated from the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Florida in 2009. Prior to joining the staff at the College of Charleston, she held appointments as the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Aurora University, and as a Staff Psychologist at both the University of Central Florida and Valdosta State University. Her professional interests include working with survivors of interpersonal trauma, supervision of clinical trainees, group therapy, and working with first-generation college students. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, oil painting, spending time outdoors, and DIY home renovation/interior design.
Andrew R. Alkis, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Medical University of South Carolina
Psychiatrist, College of Charleston
Andrew Alkis, MD graduated from Clemson University in 2007, completing a bachelor's degree in psychology. During his time at Clemson, he became a member of the Psi Chi honor society in psychology as well as the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society. He earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he is now a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences as well as assistant psychiatry clerkship director for third year medical students. He completed residency at the University of Virginia Health System, where he also served as chief resident. He is board-certified in Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, having completed his C-L training at George Washington University/Inova Fairfax Hospital. His dedication to compassionate patient care has been recognized by peers through selection to the Gold Humanism Honor Society and being honored as a Humanitarianism Award recipient by the University of Virginia Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences. His teaching accolades include two MUSC Psychiatry Golden Apple Awards for outstanding medical student didactic teaching by a faculty member. He has also been recognized by the Clemson University Department of Psychology as a Distinguished Early Career Achievement award recipient. Dr. Alkis has extensive direct clinical experience working with patients with on-going serious medical illness. His career interests also include collaborative care in medicine, telepsychiatry, and student mental health.
Elizabeth J. Dixon, M.A., LPC/S
Training Coordinator/Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor/Supervisor
Elizabeth holds a Master's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling from The Citadel. As an alum of the College of Charleston, Elizabeth understands the unique needs and experiences of college students, making her exceptionally well-suited to support and guide this demographic. Her interests include anxiety, depression, family of origin concerns, and adjustment issues.
She also serves as the Coordinator of the Training Program at the Counseling Center, where she overlooks the professional development of student interns while working in the Counseling Center.
Outside of her professional life, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and being in the outdoors. She also enjoys reading (especially audiobooks) and riding her e-bike.
Susana Sharpley, M.Ed, M.A., LPC
Clinical Director / Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
Susana earned her Master's degrees in Community Counseling and Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. She brings with her over ten years of clinical experience in various other settings, and is able to provide counseling services in English, Spanish or Spanglish. She was recently promoted to the role of Clinical Director and is passionate about supporting college students as they navigate the complexities of the modern-day college experience. Her warm and empathic approach helps students feel heard and understood, fostering an environment where they can build upon strengths and overcome barriers to success. In her personal time, she enjoys the simple pleasures of being outdoors, listening to live music, and embarking on playful adventures with her children and their loyal canine companion, Stella.
Randall Geddings, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker/Counselor
Randall Geddings is a Licensed Master Social Worker and alum of the College of Charleston. Their journey into counseling began as a peer counselor with Students 4 Support where they fostered their passion for helping others. Graduating from the University of South Carolina's School of Social Work in 2021, Randall has worked in the field of private practice before returning to their roots at the College. Randall's area of interest encompasses anxiety, neurodiversity, religious trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues. Outside of his professional role, Randall is a sci-fi enthusiast who enjoys creative writing projects, collecting gemstones, and rocking out to symphonic metal.
Patrick Ramsay
Office Manager
Phone: 843.953.5640
Email: counseling@cofc.edu
Patrick Ramsay is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Counseling at Wake Forest University. Having worked at the college for over five years, Patrick has become drawn to helping college students on a deeper level and giving them the tools to finding success in everyday life. This inspired Patrick to want to get his foot in the door at the Counseling Center, and serve as the Office Manager while getting his masters. He hopes that once he is starts working with clients, he can focus in areas such as toxic masculinity, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, LGBTQ support, and pornography addiction. For fun, Patrick likes to garden, take his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Charlie) to the beach, and read fictional book series. His office is inspired by the Gryffindor Common Room in the Harry Potter series.
Constance Nelson-Gilbert
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 843.953.5640
Email: counseling@cofc.edu
Constance serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Counseling Center. She has worked in the Counseling Center for 3 years, and has worked at the College for 18 years. For fun, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren on the weekends.
Katie Drees, M.A., LPC/S
Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
Katie earned a Master's degree in Counseling from Southwestern Seminary and is an alum of the University of South Carolina. After 13 years of clinical work with children, adolescents, and families in various settings across Texas, she ventured back to her home state of South Carolina to work with college students. Katie uses a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused approach to provide clients with evidence -based, practical strategies for anxiety, depression, stress management, and more. She has a passion for working with people on the Autism Spectrum and the special needs community. In her free time, she enjoys all things outdoors, eating good food, relaxing with a good book or tv series, and exploring new places with her rescue hound mix, Humphrey.
Elise Hussey, LPCA
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Elise is an alumna of the college, and recently graduated from The Citadel, obtaining her Master's in Clinical Counseling. During her time in the CofC counseling center as a practicum student, Elise fell in love with working with college students, finding it a unique and impactful time for young adults to benefit from therapy. Elise primarily uses Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) in her practice, and focuses on values identification, self-worth, and energy management. In her spare time, Elise loves to bake, travel, read, and explore with her two daughters.
Anne Gutshall, PhD, LPCA
Faculty Fellow
Anne Gutshall is a school psychologist and licensed professional counselor-associate (LPC-A). A professor in the School of Education, Anne has been faculty member for 17 years at the College of Charleston teaching both undergraduate and graduate level psychology courses. Currently, Anne is the Mental Health Faculty Fellow to the Counseling Center where in addition to providing counseling services to students she also provides outreach and support to faculty who have questions about how best to support students' mental health and wellbeing. In her free time, Anne enjoys walking her two poodles, Rodney and Perla, at the beach, reading nerdy books and cooking food for friends and family.
Lynn Smith, LPCA
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Lynn Smith holds an MA in Psychology from The Citadel and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. Her experience includes PTSD assessment and treatment at MUSC, where she was also a research coordinator in Pediatric Epidemiology. Lynn interned at a SC inpatient substance use disorder center and has been volunteering as a community health worker for over 10 years. She is currently obtaining advanced certification in grief support. Before entering health care, Lynn was a high school English teacher who discovered that she preferred being in a helping/listening role for students over talking about grammar. In her practice, Lynn uses an integrative approach that depends on the needs of each client but may include Mindfulness, meditation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment (ACT). She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. Lynn's personal time is spent writing fiction, reading, hanging out with Thomas the bunny, and traveling with her family.
Rainie Gordon, LPCA, NCC
Counselor
Rainie attended the University of South Carolina (USC) where she graduated from the Counselor Education program with a focus on marriage and family therapy. During her practicum and internship, Rainie worked as a counselor trainee in the Counseling and Psychiatry department at USC where she explored her interest in working with college students. During her time at the Counseling Center, Rainie held a deep commitment to addressing barriers that can often impact students of color and their willingness to seek mental health services. Some of these barriers may include lack of representation and cultural competency, financial concerns, and mistrust in clinical treatment and practices. Currently, Rainie is working at the Counseling Center and serving as an embedded counselor at the Multicultural Center to continue her work in uplifting and empowering marginalized voices. She is dedicated to advocating for the creation of supportive environments for all students to improve their mental health and well-being within the college community, including student populations that have been historically underserved and underrepresented. In her free time, Rainie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching sci-fi tv series, and trying out local restaurants.
Erin Benson, LPCA
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Erin Benson holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling and Communication Studies. She is passionate about empowering young people and, since 2014, has worked closely with thousands of students as a counselor, an adjunct professor, and a mentor to youth advocates for a nonprofit organization she founded to advance treatment for pediatric cancer. She believes self-awareness and self-compassion are the key to mental wellness and feels honored to help individuals navigate challenging experiences. On the weekends, Erin spends time reading fantasy series, writing personal essays and memoir, and spending time with her twin daughters and husband.
Brittaney Maples
Graduate Intern, The Citadel
Brittaney Maples is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counseling at The Citadel's Graduate College. After teaching high school for 7 years, she has gained a passion for working with young adults during their academic and personal journeys. Her therapy philosophy is to meet each client where they are to collaboratively build a plan and her interests include anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ support, substance use, and interpersonal/intrapersonal concerns. Brittaney loves spending her free time reading, watching historical fiction dramas, and running.
Jessie Luttrell
Graduate Intern, Wake Forest University
Jessie Luttrell is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counseling at Wake Forest University. Despite being born and raised in the North, Jessie often refers to herself as a "misplaced southerner at heart," after falling in love with the city of Charleston. She is passionate about empowering and supporting college students in this complex chapter of life. Her areas of interest in counseling include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, family conflict, and relationship issues. For fun, Jessie likes to try out new recipes, binge Netflix series, get lost in a good book on the beach, and volunteer at her local church.
Amanda Spivey
Graduate Intern, Wake Forest University
Amanda Spivey is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counseling at Wake Forest University. She also holds a Master of Science in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas. She has devoted her professional life to a local therapeutic riding center where she continues to share her passion for horses with children and adults with disabilities. Amanda aspires to empower clients to recognize, embrace, and develop their individual strengths. Areas of interest in counseling include depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, family conflict, and substance use. In her free time, Amanda enjoys riding horses, reading, watching baseball, and spending time with her family.
Zach Ho
Graduate Intern, University of South Carolina
Zach is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Counseling and Rehabilitation at University of South Carolina. He received an undergraduate degree in psychology during which he established his interest in counseling. He is interested in helping empower students to strive to reach their intended goals. His areas of interests include depression, anxiety, family of origin issues, and adjustment. For fun, he likes to watch television, hang out with his friends, and cuddle with his cat Paprika!
Katie Turano
Graduate Intern, Capella University
Katie is an alumna of the college pursuing her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University. Katie has nannied for 10 years, allowing her to work with varying age groups. She is eager to help college students discover their ability for personal growth. Her areas of interest include family conflict, life transitions, and interpersonal relationships. Katie uses a systemic lens to approach each client's needs. She implores the use of Mindfulness and Structural therapy. For fun, Katie likes to travel, spend time at the beach, and read.
Rachael Harter
Triage Counselor
Rachael is currently pursuing her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and has worked for several years in the field of psychology. She is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and retired activity therapist. With varying interest in art, music, spirituality, and philosophy, Rachael is inspired by the complexity of humanity and feels drawn to the field of counseling for this very reason. Concentration and specializations include anxiety/panic, OCD, self-esteem & identity, LGBTQ+ issues and advocacy, and relationships. Other things she specializes in: Khraungbin, cats, Charlie's subs, gouache paint, and Thich Nhat Hahn.
Amanda Cosby, LPCA
Triage Counselor
Amanda focuses on highlighting the strengths and skills that an individual already encompasses as well as holding a space to process deep emotions. Amanda's collaborative approach allows the client to be in the driver's seat of their therapeutic journey while she is there for guidance along the way. In her free time, Amanda loves to travel to new places with her fiancé and relax on the beach.
Andrea Meier, LPC, LAC
Triage Counselor
Andrea earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Vermont in 2006. She has been dually licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) for over 16 years and has served in multiple roles in academia, private practice, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization settings. Her professional passions include supporting individuals with anxiety, trauma and addictions, as well as couples and families. In her personal time, she enjoys experiencing all that the Lowcountry has to offer with her family and three rescue dogs.
Samantha Chambers, LMSW
Triage Counselor
In 2017, Samantha graduated from Wilson College in Pennsylvania with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While at Wilson she held leadership roles in the Psychology Club; was involved in research projects (Exercise & Parental Stress, Influences of Racial Identity on campus); and worked in direct care roles (psychiatric hospitals, adult group home, work with adults with developmental disabilities). After graduating, she worked for two years as an advocate providing empowerment counseling to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence. Her work as an advocate sparked Samantha’s passion for pursuing a degree in social work. In 2022, Samantha graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore with a Master of Social Work. While in graduate school, Samantha completed internships with mobile crisis (2020-2021) as well as an outpatient mental health clinic (2021-2022). Since moving to the Lowcountry in 2022 and subsequently receiving her LMSW, Samantha has worked in substance abuse treatment, medical social work, and inpatient psychiatric care. Samantha’s career interests are substance abuse, anxiety, depression, interpersonal violence, relationship issues, suicide prevention, stress management, LGBTQ+ support, life transitions, and trauma. Samantha is currently working toward her LISW-CP. Outside of her career, she enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, going to the beach, walking, hiking, going to museums and cultural events, listening to live music, and relaxing by the fire pit.