Meet the Staff
Professional Counseling Staff
Ross J. Rapaport, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
Director
Uses a holistic, cognitive behavioral, strength based and solution focused approach in providing general counseling for college students. Typical concerns addressed include stress and anxiety management, depression, substance abuse, surviving traumatic experiences, life transitions, improving academic performance, career indecision, and strengthening interpersonal (i.e., friends, family & couple) relationships. The counselor's role is to help individuals identify their own goals, build on their strengths, learn from their experiences, and to assist individuals in their personal growth and development of problem solving skills and capabilities. Prior to coming to CMU in 1983 he completed a pre-doctoral internship at the Ohio State University’s Counseling and Consultation Services and was employed for three years as a Senior Staff Psychologist at the University of Iowa’s Counseling Services. Education: M.A., Ph.D., Psychology (Industrial/Organizational with minor in Counseling Psychology) - The Ohio State University.
Michelle Bigard, MSW, LMSW
Assistant Director
Considers it an honor to meet with people to explore how to make their lives more manageable and fulfilling; views each person as unique and considers the various facets of being human when working with someone, i.e., physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, social, intellectual, functional. Education: MSW from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada.
Christopher Bollig, Psy. D., LLPC
Counseling provided to focus on personal or academic concerns of students. Has worked in the public and private sectors in a variety of clinical positions. Education: Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg, IL; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University, St. Paul, MN.
Cory Cole, MSW, LMSW
Counseling provided to focus on personal or academic concerns of students. Has worked in the public and private sectors, in a variety of clinical and supervisory positions. Education: Master of Social Work from Michigan State University.
Lisa Donahue-Smith, MA, Ed.S., LPC
Encourages students to solve their problems with caring, support, respect, and accountability. Uses a holistic approach, with emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy, tailoring counseling sessions for the individual needs of each student. Addresses emotional, physical, social, educational, and spiritual concerns. Has experience in both the public and private sectors treating depression, eating disorders, anxiety, sexual and physical abuse, grief and loss, and other developmental issues. Education: Master of Arts and Education Specialist Degrees in Counseling Psychology from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Melissa M. Hutchinson, MA, LPC
Counseling provided to focus on personal or academic concerns of students. Training was focused on adolescents and their families, but services are not limited to these groups. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University.
Michael S. Podolan, BA, Advanced Practicum Student
Gary Silker, Ed.D., LPC
Counseling provided to focus on personal, vocational or academic concerns of students. Within the personal counseling category, issues of personal/social growth and development, relationship improvement/conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and stress management are frequent themes for counseling assistance. Support groups have included adult children of alcoholic or dysfunctional families, relaxation/stress management, and support for concerns of gay and lesbian students. Education: B.S., Psychology, M.S., Student Personnel and Guidance, Ed.D., Student Personnel with emphasis in Counseling Psychology - (all from Oklahoma State University).
Susanne Stefanski, MA, LLPC
Counseling provided to primary and secondary survivors of sexual aggression (students who have themselves experienced, or know someone who's experienced, sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and/or harassment). Education: Master's of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University.
Sharon Tilmann, MA, LMSW, LPC
Counseling provided to focus on a client-centered, strength-based philosophy. Over 20 years' post-Master's experience working in the counseling field, and over 30 years' experience working with individuals and families in crisis. Education: Master's Degree in Counseling and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, both from Central Michigan University.
Interns
The Counseling Center will not have any interns serve in the center for the 2007-2008 academic year.
Support Staff
Vicky Kauffman, Temporary Administrative Secretary
Stuart Cram, Student Assistant
Michelle Mausolf, Graduate Student Assistant
Hours & Appointments
Monday - Friday
8:00am - Noon & 1:00pm - 5:00pm
(When the university is open.)
For an Appointment
Call (989) 774-3381 for an appointment or stop by the
Counseling Center at Foust 102 (
View
Campus Map ). Let our receptionist know if
you need to be seen immediately.