Counseling Staff

Our professional staff consists of 8 full-time professional clinicians, 3 to 4 post-graduate residents, and several practicum students.  Much of our agency's ability to provide brief psychotherapy to the student population is due to the presence on our staff of therapists in training.

The post-graduate residents have completed their graduate level coursework in clinical or counseling psychology. They are currently accumulating the field experience necessary for licensure as professional mental health pratcitoners (e.g., psychologists or marriage and family therapists).

CAPS serves as a practicum site for students completing their master's degrees in a mental health field. We may or may not have practicum students in any given semester. CAPS practicum students, when present on staff, come from Humboldt's Counseling Psychology or Social Work programs. Their experience at CAPS counts toward the completion of their master's degrees in their final year of coursework.

All trainees work under the supervision of licensed therapists on staff. Our Training Director, Dr. Krystal Jacob coordinates all trainee supervision. Contact Dr. Krystal Jacob if you have any questions about the training program or clinical supervision of trainees.

Mission Statement

The members of Counseling and Psychological Services strive to enhance the academic environment of the university by promoting the well being of Cal Poly Humboldt students, offering a range of services that include counseling, consultation, outreach, research, education, and the training of new professionals. Counseling services are offered with recognition and appreciation of each student’s individual and unique personality.  We strive to create and maintain an environment that is warm and welcoming, values diversity and difference, provides a feeling of safety, and promotes intellectual and emotional growth while fostering personal and social learning and development.  Additionally, we aspire to be a highly visible and appreciated member of the broader university community by serving the campus outside of our offices and being accessible to all facets of university life.  We view our mission as being one of mental health promotion (through education and outreach) as well as the treatment and care of mental health problems (through counseling, consultation, and referral).  We believe we play an important role in helping to create a campus climate that fosters emotional, psychological, intellectual, and interpersonal growth.

Meet the Staff!

Professional Staff

Jennifer Sanford, PhD,  Director

Degree: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Washington State University

Licensure: Psychologist

Interests: Relationship & loss issues, identity development & integration (LGBTQ, race/ethnicity, spirituality, gender), sexual abuse/assault, body image & eating concerns, mood disorders, mindfulness practice & Buddhist psychology, neuroscience, social justice.

Krystal Jacob, PsyD Training Director & Staff Psychologist

Degree: Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Pacific University School of Professional Psychology, Hillsboro, Oregon

Licensure: Psychologist

Interests: Integrative theory (psychodynamic, cognitive, relational), identity development, gender transition, depression, spirituality, trauma, substance abuse, assertiveness, grief and loss, creativity in the healing process.

Craig Beeson, PhD Staff Psychologist (with a Residential Life Focus)

Degree: Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

Licensure: Psychologist

Interests: Narrative therapy, identity development, relationships, depression, loss, anxiety, cultural diversity, groups, spirituality, and sexuality.

Shane Calhoun, PsyD

Staff Psychologist

Degree: PsyD, Clinical Health Psychology, Loma Linda University

Licensure: Psychologist

Interests: Acceptance and Commitment therapy, social justice, behavioral management of ADHD, stress and anxiety management, trauma, motivation, and holistic health & wellness.

Brian McElwain, PhD Outreach and Group Coordinator & Staff Psychologist

Degree: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Duquesne University

Licensure: Psychologist

Interests: Interpersonal relationships, existential issues, Buddhist psychology, narrative therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, grief, trauma, mindfulness for stress and anxiety management, cultural diversity, social justice, and privilege.

Stephanie McGrath, PsyD
Staff Psychologist and Coordinator of AOD Services

Degree: Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology

Licensure: Psychologist

Interests: Psychodynamic theories, attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, existential psychology, interpersonal processes, group psychotherapy, mood disorders including bipolar disorder, assertiveness, self-esteem, trauma, cultural diversity and identity development, substance abuse, & mindfulness.

Pio Choong Yuk Kim, PhD Staff Psychologist

Degree: PhD, Counseling Psychology, Fordham University

Licensure: Not yet licensed (in progress)

Interests: Integrative theory (humanistic-existential, psychodynamic, CBT), cross-cultural and multicultural psychology, psychology of religion and spirituality, attachment and interpersonal relationships, cognitive processing and emotion regulation, executive function, ADHD assessment and treatment, students from underprivileged backgrounds, severe forms of mental illness.

Johneen Manno, MA, LPC, Staff Psychotherapist

Degree: MA, Counseling Psychology, Lewis and Clark College; and MA, Interdisciplinary Human Studies, Marylhurst University

Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor

Interests: Sexual health, sexual addiction management, Cybersex use, isolation and transition loneliness, mental illness risk management, community and family preparation for life changes.

Shannen Vong, PhD,  Staff Psychotherapist

Degree: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology-Alliant International University, Los Angeles.

Interests: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic, cognitive behavior therapy, social justice, cultural diversity, identity development, trauma, international students, impact of oppression/discrimination on mental health, first-generation college students, and underserved populations. 

Postgraduate Residents

Morgan Eubank, MA
Postmasters Resident (MFT Intern)

Degree: MA, Counseling Psychology, Cal Poly Humboldt

Interests: Psychodynamic theories; attachment; feminist and social constructionist perspectives of counseling; trauma informed care; cultural diversity and identity development.

Dayne Menardo, PsyD
Postdoctoral Resident

Degree: PsyD., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology - Alliant International University, San Francisco

Interests: Integrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness acceptance & meditation, dialectical behavior skills, relationships and interpersonal processes, existential issues, social justice, spiritual and multicultural psychology, mental health & technology, neuroscience, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain & stress management, values-based living, personal growth, identity development.

Kristin Smith, MA
Postgraduate Resident (MFT Intern)

Degree: MA, Counseling Psychology, Cal Poly Humboldt

Interests: Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, vulnerability and shame, life transitions, integrative theory (humanistic, psychodynamic, existential, emotion focused therapy).

Administrative Staff

Diane Hunt,  Office Coordinator, Fall 2017

Diane manages the front office, provides administrative support to the department, and provides outstanding service to Humboldt students, staff and faculty.

JoAnna Habib,  Office Coordinator, Spring, 2017

When she returns to work in January, JoAnna will take over the management of the front office and provide administrative support to the department.  JoAnna has been with CAPS for the past year and has provided outstanding service to our campus.

Elaine Johnson

Office Coordinator, CAPS at BSS 208 (opening October 2, 2017)

Elaine manages the front office at our BSS location, provides administrative support to the department, and provides outstanding service to Humboldt students, staff and faculty.