3rd Year Doctoral Cohort
Renyi Huang, Cade Kirkhart, Nicolette (Alex) Green, Erin Burgess, Madison Burton, Ananda Lettner
Renyi Huang (she/her) is a doctoral candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Idaho State University. Her research focuses on the assessment of basic counseling skills and international issues in counseling. She is passionate about supporting emerging counselors in discovering their unique strengths and potential through teaching and supervision. Renyi earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and currently serves as co-president of ISU’s Chi Sigma Iota chapter. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing and spending time outdoors.
My name is Erin Burgess (they/she). I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Idaho and a second-year doctoral student at ISU on the Meridian campus. I completed my MS in Professional Mental Health Counseling--Addictions at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR, but I’m originally from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, so I’ve always been comfortable out on the water. After leaving home but before landing in Portland, I lived in both Boston and Los Angeles while completing my undergraduate degree, and on the road in a converted ’89 Dodge Ram van after that (so please ask me about my favorite state and national parks, okay, I’m on the edge of my seat). I am passionate about advocacy and activism. Clinically, I work with individual adults, couples, and clients with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, much of my clinical experience has centered around developing group curriculums and running groups with youth in both residential and PHP settings. Additionally, I regularly incorporate elements of Eco-wellness and Eco-therapeutic interventions across all of these areas. My research interests include how to best prepare beginning counselors to help clients explore sexuality and perceptions of beginning counselors when working with clients with SUDs. If you have any questions or just want suggestions for fun things to do in the Boise metro area, drop me a line at erinburgess@isu.edu.
My name is Maddie Burton (she/her/hers), and I am excited to be a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at ISU. I am from the Midwest, where I grew up in Indiana and received my B.S. in Psychology from Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!) before moving across the country to Spokane, Washington to complete my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gonzaga University! Now, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Idaho and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Indiana. Before coming to ISU, I have experience working with kids, teens, young adults, and families in K-12 settings both as a clinical mental health counselor and as a school counselor. I primarily love utilizing creative interventions such as art, play, and sand tray techniques. My professional research interests include school counselor identity, advocacy and collaboration in school counseling, persons with disabilities in counselor education and intersectionality with disability identity.
In my free time I enjoy reading, thrifting (you can find me often at your local half price books or vintage clothing stores), crocheting, and spending time with my cat Bean! Please reach out if you have any questions: madisonburton@isu.edu.
Ananda Lettner, M.S., LCPC-S, NCC (she/her) is a third year doctoral student in Counselor Education and Counseling. She earned her undergraduate degree from Luther College in Decorah, IA, with a double major in Psychology and Environmental Policy and her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Substance Abuse Counseling at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. During her Master's degree, she worked as a parent educator for Child Protective Services and as a personal trainer, granting her a wide range of perspectives on health and mental health. Ananda relocated to Pocatello, ID with her husband and two dogs following her Master's graduation. She chose Idaho for its mountains and trails, as well as the opportunity to work as a counselor in rural integrated behavioral health. She continues to enjoy part-time work as a trauma-informed generalist counselor with diverse clients. As part of her doctoral program, she enjoys educating, supervising, and mentoring Master's of Counseling students. She also pursues research in environmental/climate justice, place-based education, social determinants of health/mental health, best teaching practices, and trauma-informed care. Contact: anandalettner@isu.edu.
2nd Year Doctoral Cohort
Bella Colson, Adriana Zarate, Adenike Adedapo, Monique Woodson, Laura Campbell, Franchesca Anderson
Hi! My name is Bella Colson (she/her). I’m a first-year doctoral student on the Meridian campus and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Idaho. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boise State University and my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Idaho State University. I’m excited to continue my educational journey at ISU! Before becoming a counselor, I worked, volunteered, and conducted research within the mental health field; particularly focusing on crisis, suicide, and eating disorders. Clinically, these topics have remained some of my favorites to work with. My professional research interests include best practices for eating disorder treatment/assessment, crisis management, and the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in supervision of counselors.
Adriana C. Zarate (she/ella) is a bilingual Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. She has been practicing in Utah for three years, providing therapeutic services to children, teens, and adults. Academically, Adriana is honored to be pursuing her Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision. She considers it an immense responsibility to hold space and pave the way for BIPOC in education. Her research focuses on Latine mental health, aiming to make therapy more inclusive and accessible for the Latine population. Adriana believes that representation matters and hopes to mentor and inspire others as she has been by those who came before her. More than a clinician, Adriana aspires to be a "healer," or as known by her people, "una curandera." This role involves not only addressing mental health issues through clinical methods but also integrating holistic and culturally rooted practices to foster overall well-being and connection. As a healer, Adriana aims to honor the cultural traditions and wisdom of her heritage while providing comprehensive mental health care.
Adenike Ololade Adedapo is a second-year Counselor Education and Counseling doctoral student at Idaho State University. I’m from Nigeria, where I had my Masters degree in Guidance Counseling from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. I’ve been a high school tutor for ten years, and my interactions with students, guardians, and parents were what spurred my interest in
maternal mental health and adolescent mental health. Her research interests focus on maternal and adolescent mental health. She is committed to advancing research, advocacy, and clinical practice that supports the mental and emotional well-being of mothers and young people, and addressing critical gaps in mental health services and education. She strives to integrate culturally responsive practices into counseling, teaching, and research.
Monique Woodson, M.S., LPC is a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Counseling program at Idaho State University. She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jackson State University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College. Monique’s professional interests include multicultural counseling, advocacy for Black students in higher education, and the exploration of cultural narratives such as the Strong Black Woman schema. Her work centers on elevating underrepresented voices, and she uses research as a tool for empowerment and systemic change. In addition to her academic and clinical work, Monique has a deep love for music and finds joy in traveling and exploring new cultures. She believes in the power of creativity, connection, and lived experience—both inside and outside the counseling room.
Laura Campbell: As well as a doctoral student, I also serve as the Clinical Director for Center for Change in Boise, ID. As a third culture kid I grew up in Colombia and Mexico and came to the United States for college where I earned a BA in Art and Spanish from Taylor University and Master of Science and Education Specialist degrees in Counseling and Counselor Education from Indiana University. My clinical experience has focused on addiction recovery, dual diagnosis treatment, group processes and more recently, eating disorder recovery and program management. I am passionate about quality supervision and professional counselor development.
1st Year Doctoral Cohort
Cassandra Bills, Madison Paulsen, Marcus Sappington, Joshua Noe, Angelina Mensah, Spencer Heindel
My name is Joshua Noe, LPC and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor from the state of Illinois. I grew up in a small town called Henry, IL before moving to Illinois State University where I earned a B.S. in Psychology. After that, I started my masters’ program at Eastern Illinois University where I received dual licensure as a clinical mental health counselor and a school counselor. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and have enjoyed gaining experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. I enjoy incorportating play therapy and sand tray therapy into my sessions when working with clients. My research interests include the effects of mentoring on students and individuals, play therapy, and counseling in rural communities. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, staying active, playing or watching sports, and spending time with my nieces and nephew. I am very excited to be heading west and attending ISU!
Spencer Heindel, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Idaho State University. His clinical work focuses on children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, trauma, and behavioral disorders. He draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, and play-based interventions to provide a trauma-informed, evidence based counseling experience. Spencer earned his Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University and his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University–Idaho. He is an active member of the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, and the International Society for Anthrozoology. His current research with ISU’s ROAR Lab explores the ethical use of animals in therapeutic settings and culturally responsive care, including services provided to Indigenous populations. Outside of professional work, Spencer enjoys all things nerdy, exploring nature with his wife and children, and reading. He strives to create a counseling environment that is compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in each client’s values and story.