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STUDENT LIFE
Our mission as the Campus Counseling Center is to provide solution-focused, brief counseling services to full-time Southeastern University students within a safe, Christian atmosphere.
Our services are offered at no additional cost to our students and are confidential.
The Campus Counseling Center, located in Smith Hall, provides individual counseling as well as group counseling and health and wellness events throughout the semester. Telecounseling services are offered for individuals.
*Dual-enrolled and doctoral students are not eligible.
Counseling services at our Campus Counseling Center are provided by qualified mental health professionals who are licensed in the state of Florida as well as supervised graduate interns.
Your counselor can provide specific information regarding experience and credentials upon request.
Director of Counseling & Wellness
Kelsey Thomas is the Director of Counseling and Wellness at Southeastern University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, operating at the collegiate level, and currently specializes in providing therapeutic services to students on campus. Kelsey has years of experience in the mental health field working with youth and adolescents and additionally crisis management, trauma informed care, and building effective coping skills in the individual and group setting. She has a passion for serving people through practical therapeutic techniques while helping them to adjust and work through environmental and personal changes. Kelsey uses a holistic approach to mental health in dealing with one’s environment, as well as current physical, emotional, and spiritual stressors.
Counselor
Gabrielle Biernat is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR Therapist with five years of clinical experience working with trauma. She works at a local private practice and has experience with adolescents and adults in both group and individual therapy settings. Gabrielle not only specializes in trauma but individuals and couples with various other concerns ranging from life transitions to communication and boundaries to struggles with addiction. She has experience in mentoring and leading young women during her four years of her college undergrad at SEU as well. Gabrielle offers counseling services to people struggling with addictions, questioning identity, adjustment disorders, self-esteem, and more.
Intern
Hannah LaBelle is currently a Master of Social Work Intern for the Counseling and Wellness Center as well as the Graduate Assistant for the department. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in Social Work at Southeastern University. Hannah is passionate about health, wellness and helping people reach their full potential! One way she demonstrates this is through self-care. Her goal is to be able to equip students with the tools they need to thrive. Her focus is on emotional regulation, and she has experience providing mental health support with individuals as well as groups.
Intern
Andy Baker is a student in the Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s program at Indiana Wesleyan University and is currently a Graduate Intern here in the Counseling Center. Andy was a public high school teacher for fourteen years, and serves as a pastor at a local church. Andy has over 20 years of experience in pastoral counseling and community building. He desires to see this community whole and well. Andy longs to positively impact the lives with whom God would entrust to his care. At SEU, Andy aspires to create a space where college students can process the complexities and intricacies of life.
Intern
Abdiel Valle is a Graduate Intern for the Counseling Center here at Southeastern University while studying to complete his Master of Social Work. In addition, Abdiel is involved with the Department of Spiritual Formation as a Graduate Assistant for the SEU Missions Team. He has a passion for serving others’ needs in any capacity, whether it is a physical, emotional, or spiritual. Abdiel has experience in providing mental health services through Peace River Center’s Children Services, as well as community development for families in need across the globe in countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. He strives to help people in experiencing the fullness of the love, joy, and purpose that God has in store for everyone.
Intern
Rachel is a current Master of Social Work student as well as a Graduate Intern in the Counseling Center here at SEU. She has always been passionate about meeting people’s needs as well as walking alongside them through various life circumstances. Rachel has a desire to support students battling mental health, self-esteem, and other life stressors through a practical and holistic approach. Her experience providing mental and emotional health support to Polk County Public School students grew her passion to counsel at the collegiate level. She strives to create a space where students can feel safe to mentally and emotionally process through their struggles. Rachel is eager to partner with students as they meet their goals and experience personal growth.
Campus Counselor
Goran Kojchev is originally from Macedonia and brings years of cross-cultural expertise to the mental health field. He is fluent in seven languages. His client work covers all ages who have been through trauma, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, abuse, sexual assault, life-controlling issues (hurts, habits, and hang-ups), grief, bereavement, and end-of-life issues. He has led Celebrate Recovery/Recovery Alive programs for years, and is committed to supporting client healing through a holistic approach physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Additionally, Goran brings years of experience in pastoral care and counseling. He is passionate about the New Testament and Biblical studies and is in pursuit of his doctoral degree while teaching as an adjunct professor for the Barnett College of Ministry and Theology.
