About Us

See Also: Office Hours and Location and Services

Mission Statement

As the mental health resource for the University of St. Thomas, Personal Counseling provides comprehensive psychological services to the St. Thomas community.

The staff of Personal Counseling supports the university mission in its commitment to the total development of the student.

We work to create a learning environment where our clients feel safe, respected and valued. We facilitate the process developing a balanced, healthy lifestyle, including care for self and others.

Staff

Sarah K. Armstrong, M.B.A., Psy.D., L.P.
Director of Training / Group Coordinator
(M.B.A. University of St. Thomas, 1986; Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, 1994)

Sarah's professional interests include training, working with clients who experience depression, anxiety and stress, as well as issues with self-esteem, spirituality, and family-of-origin.

Timothy J. Beyer, Ph.D., L.P.
Psychologist
(Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, 1999)

Tim's therapeutic approach with clients integrates developmental, experiential, psychodynamic and cognitive theories. He provides short-term, goal-oriented therapy. Tim is also available for consultation and outreach on the Minneapolis Campus.

Debra Broderick, Psy. D., L.P.
Psychologist
(Counseling Psychology, University of St. Thomas, 2005)

Deb integrates developmental, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral theory in her approach to counseling. Her professional interests include eating disorders, grief and loss, trauma, sexual identity development, and clinical supervision.

Steve Maurer, Ph.D., L.P.
Psychologist/Practicum Coordinator
(Counseling Psychology, University of Minnesota, 1997)

Steve's professional interests include faith and spirituality, wellness and life balance, career issues, ethics and academic psychology.

Michael Merabella, M.A.
Testing Coordinator
(M.A., Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology, University of Minnesota; M.A., Kinesiology, University of Minnesota)

Mike is responsible for ensuring all tests and inventories students take are handled in an efficient and confidential manner.

Vanessa Rempel, Ph.D.
Psychologist
(Counseling Psychology, University of North Dakota, 2007)

Vanessa operates from an integrative stance, drawing upon theory and techniques ranging from Interpersonal and Existential to Cognitive-Behavioral. Vanessa works collaboratively with clients to find the therapeutic course most effective for their unique situation. Her professional interests include: performance anxiety, existential concerns, developing healthy interpersonal relationships, and attaining/maintaining a healthy work/life/school balance. She is available for consultation and outreach.

Geraldine Rockett, Ph.D., L.P.
Director of Personal Counseling/Consultation Coordinator
(Counseling Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 1988)

Jeri has a second master's degree in community health and is interested in wellness issues. She is also a certified sex counselor. Her interests include ethics, sexual violence, women's issues, student development and spirituality.

Pre-doctoral Interns

Joni Downs, M.A.
Predoctoral Intern

Joni is currently finishing her Ph.D. in Counseling at Marquette University.

Kathy Scholljegerdes, M.A.
Predoctoral Intern

Kathy is currently finishing her Psy.D. in Counseling at the University of St. Thomas.

Tom Tiegs
Predoctoral Intern

Tom is currently finishing his Ph.D. in Counseling at the University of Florida.

Consultants

Henry Emmons, M.D.
Psychiatric Consultant
(Iowa Medical School)

Peter Zelles, Ph.D., L.P.
Consultant
(Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology)

Support Staff

Chad Kluck
Technical Process Analyst

Jean Larsen
Department Coordinator

Suzy Merkling
Career Office Coordinator