In this section
Meet the Staff
Student Counseling Service (SCS) is staffed by clinicians licensed by the state of Illinois or supervised in the process of obtaining licensure. The clinicians that you will see are not involved in other capacities with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) (i.e. professors or students).
Clinician Bios
Name and Credentials: Julie Atkins Waites, PsyD
Department and Area of Practice: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - Student Counseling Service
Areas of Interest or Specialization: University or college counseling; treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders; positive psychology; trauma-informed care, attachment-informed treatment, relationship concerns
Philosophy of Care: I believe that through counseling, which I view as the guided practice of becoming more aware of your thinking, your emotional experience and your behaviors; all of us are capable of living a life of optimum health, well-being and meaning. Many times throughout our life, we might encounter demands that challenge us beyond our current resources; the coping that once worked no longer does or the ways of viewing ourselves, our relationships or the world no longer fit. These times, although often accompanied with distress and fear, are the opportunities to transform.
First, we will work together to develop a plan to feel better fast using proven methods to enhance positive emotion and functioning. Next, we will move to develop a deeper understanding of the factors that get in the way of optimum well-being, health and functioning. We will identify new ways of thinking and behaving that honor your strengths, values, relationship needs and current life demands. By the time you’re done, you will not only have solved the concern/s that brought you in, but you will have transformed in ways that can prevent future distress.
Licensure and Certification/s: Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Illinois (active status); Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois (inactive status)
Education (Undergraduate and Graduate): Bachelor’s Degree-Majors in Psychology and Sociology from Illinois State University; Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Clinical Training: Diagnostic Practicum with United Stand Family Counseling Center; Therapy Practicum with Bradley Counseling Center; Advanced Therapy Practicum with Elmhurst College Wellness Center; APA-Accredited Pre-doctoral Internship at the Counseling and Student Development Center of Northern Illinois University; Post-doctoral Fellowship with the Health and Psychological Services Center at William Rainey Harper College.
Name and Credentials: Michael Gutierrez LCPC, CADC
Department and Area of Practice: RDivision of Student Success and Wellness – Student Counseling Service
Areas of Interest or Specialization: University/College Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, LGBTQIA+ Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, Relationship Counseling, Treatment of Depressive and Anxiety disorders, Management of Life Transitions and Adjustments, Humanistic/Person-Centered Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-based Interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, Psychodynamic Interventions
Philosophy of Care: I am a firm believer that therapy is a collaborative process that should be custom tailored to how a person perceives, understands and comprehends the world around them. As a clinician, it is my job to help guide you through how you process your thoughts and feel your emotions. The goal is to help you understand why you are the way you are and why you do what you do in order to empower you to make the best decision for your life while having all the knowledge you need about yourself. My hope is that you will come to learn how to keep what needs to stay in the past in the past, learn how to flexibly plan for the future, but also enjoy and be present for the present.
Licensure and Certification: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois and Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor through the Illinois Certification Board.
Education: Undergraduate Degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign with a major in Sociology (Concentration: Chemistry), Graduate Degree from Roosevelt University with a major in Clinical psychology (Concentration: Child and Adolescent Psychology) and Certificate from Oakton Community College in Advanced Substance Abuse Counseling.
Clinical Training: Clinical Counseling Intern at Barrington Youth & Family Services and Substance Abuse Counseling Intern at Arlington Center for Recovery.
Before joining Rosalind Franklin University, I have worked at various mental health and addiction treatment clinics such as Center on Halsted, Northwest Community Hospital, Leyden Family Services, Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, OMNI Youth Services and Maryville Academy.
Name and Credentials: George Lee Xiong, LPC
Department and Area of Practice: Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics- Student Counseling Service
Areas of Interest or Specialization: University or college counseling; treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders; implementation of DBT, CBT, EFT, ACT, Relational-Cultural Theory, and The RESPECT Model; ADHD-CCSP; executive functioning skills training; communication and relationship concerns; and group processing
Philosophy of Care: As a clinician, I strive to create safe environments and strong bonds between myself and students, that allow an individual to be fully present in the work they are doing both in and outside of session. As a fellow human, I am aware of the natural inclination we all share in our struggle to avoid, control, or erase our uncomfortable and undesired thoughts and feelings, which ultimately leads to simply prolonging our suffering. As a person of color, I am aware of the challenges that exist around navigating the intersectionality that exists in BIPOC spaces and social expectations, and desire to provide safe spaces to process through BIPOC struggles, as well as raise awareness around racial identity formation and its impact on an individual’s experience. I believe in a holistic approach to caring for our mental health and will encourage students to consider approaches towards holistic wellness including awareness and intentionality around their physical, social, and spiritual health.
I meet each of my students with a high sense of respect and dignity, and desire to partner with each individual to pursue their goals in becoming their optimum selves and maintaining health. We will work together to recognize the areas of desired growth, develop a foundation of helpful skills and insight, and increase confidence around intentional living based on personal core values.
Licensure and Certification/s: Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois (active status); ADHD-CCSP (certification in process)
Education (Undergraduate and Graduate): Bachelor’s Degree-Majors in Youth and Family Studies from University of Northwestern St. Paul; Master’s Degree-Majors in Mental Health Counseling and Theological Studies from Trinity International University
Clinical Training: Youth and Family Services Northbrook/Glenview; Trinity International University Counseling Center; Private Practices of Hopeful Therapy Group LLC