Faculty and Staff 

The University Counseling Center professional faculty and staff includes full-time psychologists and counselors, a consulting psychiatrist and post-graduate and masters-level trainees. Clerical support is provided by a full-time office manager.

Counseling Faculty and Staff

• Christopher Carlton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Licensed Psychologist, Director 
• Michelle Olexa, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Licensed Psychologist, Department Chair
• Tomoko Grabosky, Ph.D., Professor, Licensed Professional Counselor 
• Linda M. Chalk, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Licensed Psychologist
• Veena Palmeri, Psy.D., Assistant Professor, Licensed Psychologist
• Caroline Meaney, M.S., Adjunct Faculty, Counselor
• Cinda A. Liggon, M.D., Psychiatrist 
• Amanda Dague, Administrative Assistant

Graduate Assistants

• Alyssa Rankin, Graduate Assistant
• Delora Bloom, Graduate Assistant
• Madelynne Staley, Graduate Assistant
• Shayne Yonchiuk, Graduate Assistant

Additional Faculty and Staff Information

Christopher Carlton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Licensed Psychologist, Director

Chris received his B.A. in Psychology with minors in Family Studies and Math before later earning both his M.A. and his Ph.D, in Clinical Psychology and a Certificate in Sports Counseling.  In addition to his experience in multiple college counseling centers, he worked in an array of other settings including community mental health centers, hospitals, and private group practices providing counseling and assessment services.  Prior to joining the staff at Shippensburg in 2008, Chris was a staff psychologist and training coordinator at the counseling center of University of Maryland, Baltimore County.  Within college counseling, he is particularly interested in the process of creating and maintaining interpersonal connections (e.g., friendships, dating relationships, families, therapeutic relationships) as well as self-esteem.  He is also a Sport Psychology Consultant with a number of Ship athletic teams. 

Michelle Olexa, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Licensed Psychologist, Department Chair

Michelle received a B. A. in Psychology and Communications from Wilkes University, a Master's Degree in Social and Personality Psychology from The John's Hopkins University and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Albany, State University of New York. She completed her Doctoral Internship at the University of Maine Counseling Center. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania. Areas of particular interest in her work with clients include: stress and coping; body image; assertiveness; identity, developmental and interpersonal issues (e.g. relationship concerns, social roles, gender identity, sexual orientation, career planning), anxiety disorders, suicide prevention, animal assisted therapy and cognitive and interpersonal therapy.

Tomoko Kudo Grabosky, Ph.D., Professor, Licensed Professional Counselor 

Tomoko received her B.A. in Psychology from the State University of New York at Oswego and both her M.S. & Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Syracuse University.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania.  Tomoko uses a combination of mindfulness-based approaches and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) in her counseling.  Her areas of special interest include PTSD, trauma related issues, anxiety disorders, stress management, student veteran issues, GLBT issues, gender identity/transgender issues, cross-cultural and multicultural issues.  In addition, Tomoko practices mindfulness meditation and incorporates mind-body approaches to promote the health and wellbeing of her clients.  Tomoko has extensive cross-cultural experience, and is fluent in Japanese & English languages.  

Linda M. Chalk, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Licensed Psychologist

Linda earned a B.A. in Psychology from Kalamazoo College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Notre Dame.  She completed her predoctoral internship at the University of California at Davis, and has been a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania since 1997.  Before coming to Shippensburg, Linda spent several years on the Counseling Center staff at Dickinson College, and has also worked in private practice.  Linda's areas of interest include mood disorders, gender issues, relationship development and conflict resolution, LGBT concerns and identity development, disabilities, international and multicultural issues in counseling and higher education, and professional and ethical issues for psychologists.  

Veena Palmeri, Psy.D., Assistant Professor, Licensed Psychologist

Veena earned her B.A. in Clinical Psychology from Marywood University, as well as her Master's and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Marywood University. She completed her Doctoral Internship at Rutgers University Counseling Center. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania. Special areas of interest include: trauma (particularly with survivors of sexual assault), anxiety disorders, mood disorders, interpersonal issues, anger management, and working with minority and underserved populations.

Caroline Meaney, M.S., Counselor

Caroline has a B.S. in Graphic Design with a concentration in Fine Arts, and a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University.  She completed both field internships at the University Counseling Center.  Her areas of interest include:  anxiety disorders/stress management, depression, grief and loss, trauma/PTSD, LGBTQ, interpersonal issues/relationships.

Alyssa Rankin, Graduate Assistant

Alyssa received her B.A in Fine Arts from York College of Pennsylvania in May of 2019. During her time at York College, she played two sports, soccer and lacrosse. Alyssa is now pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling here at Shippensburg University. In her time off, Alyssa enjoys working out, taking photos, and painting as well as spending time with her partner and family. She also enjoys watching movies, shows, and hockey. 

Delora Bloom, Graduate Assistant

Delora received her B.S. in Psychology from Pennsylvania Western University of Pennsylvania in May 2023. During her time at PennWest, she worked in the End Violence Center and the Women’s Center as a work study and was a part of the outreach clubs associated. Delora is now pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling here at Shippensburg University. Delora’s hobbies are playing video games, reading, writing, and drawing. She enjoys hanging out with her family and friends and spoiling her pet cat.

Madelynne Staley, Graduate Assistant

Madelynne received in B.A in English Literature from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2019. She has worked in a variety of settings with different groups of people, from preschoolers to college students, and loves working with people and empowering them be their best selves. She is now pursuing her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling here at Shippensburg University and is also involved with the Pride & Gender Equity (PAGE) Center on campus. Outside of school, Madelynne enjoys doing yoga, hiking, kayaking, trying out new recipes, and spending time with friends and family.

Shayne Yonchiuk

Shayne received a BSW, Bachelors of Social Work, at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania in 2021. He is now pursuing an MSW, Masters of Social Work, here at Shippensburg University. Shayne has worked with diverse populations from youth of all ages, individuals with disabilities, and with individuals facing homelessness. He is passionate about people and takes a restorative and humanistic approach towards leadership and building community. Shayne loves his friends, his family, music, movies, animals, food, exercise, and being creative.