Counseling Services Staff

The Counseling Services staff welcomes your comments, questions, and suggestions. Our center is located in room 326-S, Keathley University Center. You may contact us at (615) 898-2670.

Mary Kaye G. Anderson, Psy.D., HSP, Director

Dr. Mary Kaye G. Anderson has been a dedicated member of MTSU Counseling Services since 2009. She began as a staff psychologist, was promoted to Associate Director in 2010, and became Director in 2018.

Originally from Michigan, Dr. Anderson earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and completed a master’s degree in Organizational Communication from Wayne State University. She went on to achieve her doctorate in Clinical Psychology through a combined master’s and doctoral program at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Licensed as a psychologist and health service provider in the state of Tennessee since 2008, Dr. Anderson has nearly two decades of experience across forensic, school, community mental health, and higher education settings.

Dr. Anderson considers her work with college students to be the most rewarding part of her career. In her role as director, she combines her clinical expertise and years of hands-on experience with a deep commitment to ensuring MTSU students have access to compassionate, high-quality care.

Beyond her professional life, Dr. Anderson enjoys yoga, running, basketball, and spending time with family and friends. And when it’s time to unwind, nothing beats a scoop (or two!) of chocolate ice cream.

Email: MaryKaye.Anderson@mtsu.edu

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Virginia Lowery, LPC-MHSP, Associate Director

Virginia Lowery is a Licensed Professional Counselor-MHSP and has 16 years of experience working as a therapist in the mental health profession. She joined MTSU Counseling Services as a counselor in 2017 and then became Associate Director in 2018. Virginia received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Centre College in 2004, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Western Kentucky University in 2006.

Virginia practiced under the Board of Examiners of Psychology in Kentucky as a Licensed Psychological Associate from 2007-2014, providing individual, group, and family therapy as well as conducting psychological evaluations. She then moved back to her hometown of Murfreesboro, TN and has been licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor-MHSP in the state of TN since December 2013. Before joining MTSU, her experience afforded her the opportunity to work in a wide variety of clinical settings. She’s worked in private practice, inpatient psychiatric treatment, and community mental health. While working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, she worked with individuals experiencing severe mental illness and acute stressors, as well as individuals with substance abuse or chemical dependency issues. During her time working in community mental health, she worked with a diverse, underserved population with a wide range of needs.

Virginia is passionate about helping college students and understands the courage it takes for a student to make an appointment and begin counseling. She exhibits warmth, genuineness, and compassion. Virginia is committed to each individual having a positive experience with MTSU Counseling Services, and desires to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to find renewed hope and healing so they can flourish in their life. She works with individuals to better understand and treat situations they may be dealing with, while providing strategies to improve their life in a practical and time-limited approach. She uses various therapeutic modalities, according to each individual’s needs in treatment. Last, Virginia is a firm believer that “Progress is the goal – not perfection” and reminds her clients of this often during their time in treatment with her. 

When she’s not working, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, and pursuing her hobby of photography. She also enjoys downtime at home simply watching her favorite T.V. shows or reading a good book.

Email: Virginia.Lowery@mtsu.edu

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Joanne (Jo) J.T. Christian, PhD, LPC-MHSP, Counselor

Dr. Christian is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP). She’s earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Bethel College, a Master of Science in Community Counseling from Austin Peay State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella University.

Dr. Christian’s held case manager and therapist positions in community mental health centers in Middle and West Tennessee. Prior to working in the mental health field, she’s worked as an associate director of a character interpretation scholarship program at a private university. Over the years, she has recognized her true passion for working with university students.

“You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop, and what you reinforce.” – Tony Gaskins

Email: Jo.Christian@mtsu.edu

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Carolyn Jackson, LCSW, Counselor

Carolyn Jackson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She graduated in 2006 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Carolyn received her full licensure in 2012. Carolyn has been working at MTSU Counseling Services since 2013. Prior to working at MTSU, Carolyn worked at Vanderbilt University and Centerstone as a school-based therapist. Carolyn has worked in the mental health field for many years and has found that working in higher education is her true calling. She is originally from Pittsburgh and loves all Pittsburgh sports.

Email: Carolyn.Jackson@mtsu.edu

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Melanie Magliacano, LPC-MHSP, Counselor

Melanie Magliacano is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP). She earned her Master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University’s Professional Counseling Program in 2016. Melanie uses her experiences as an alumna of MTSU to provide further support for current students. Melanie has since worked as a therapist and supervisor to assist clients, students, and other professionals meet their individual and collective goals. Melanie implements a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered interventions to mutually develop goals with students so that they can use their strengths to overcome challenges and achieve their aspirations.

Email: Melanie.Magliacano@mtsu.edu

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Channing Phillips, LPC-MHSP, Counselor

Channing Phillips is licensed as a Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP). She received her Education Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling at Murray State University in 2014. Previously, she was a counselor at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. She has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and has found this treatment to be extremely effective with her clients. She is passionate about working with college students and believes that everyone who walks through her door should feel respected and cared for, and have a sense of hope throughout their entire healing process.

Email: Channing.Phillips@mtsu.edu

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Blake Rowlett, Ed.S., TLPC-MHSP, Counselor

Blake holds an Ed.S. degree in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling which he received at MTSU in 2021. Blake takes a collaborative approach in his therapy sessions by working with his clients to find the root of their problems and how to move forward. Blake knows no individuals are the same and utilizes an integrative, client-centered approach to accommodate and meet the needs of each client. As a mental health therapist, Blake values warmth and an open therapeutic relationship which fosters change, growth, and space for his client’s voice to be heard and their needs to be met. He takes a holistic approach to focus on the mind, body, and spirit while working towards resolution and healing.

His style can be described as open, warm, empowering, supportive, and directive. Blake has experience working with a wide range of mental health disorders and symptoms and is passionate about working with college students.

Blake enjoys spending his free time reading, practicing Qi Gong, meditation, or watching a favorite show or movie.

Email: Blake.Rowlett@mtsu.edu

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Christian Williams, Ed.S., TLPC-MHSP, Counselor

Christian Williams earned his Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in 2024 from Middle Tennessee State University’s Professional Counseling Program. As a counselor, Christian prioritizes creating a safe space for students to feel seen, heard, and valued. Christian implements a mixture of Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist students in meeting their treatment goals. Christian loves spending time with friends and family, watching Detroit Lions football, and pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling (which occasionally causes him stress and anxiety).

Email: Christian.Williams@mtsu.edu

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Krystal Starling, LCSW, Case Care Manager

Krystal is a social worker who joined MTSU Counseling Services in 2023 in the role of Case Care Manager. Originally from Michigan, she obtained her undergraduate degree from Aquinas College (Grand Rapids) majoring in Psychology and Spanish and her Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University.

She has worked in an array of environments including community mental health, the corrections system, disaster relief, and emergency psychiatry.

Krystal is a kind and empathetic social worker who believes in the importance and prioritization of mental health. She considers it necessary to address any biological, psychological, and social elements that may affect one’s overall well-being. Krystal believes that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and strives to emulate these beliefs throughout her interactions.

Krystal loves spending as much time as possible outside and can be found camping, hiking, kayaking, or gardening. She loves watching and playing (with varying success) most sports.

Email: Krystal.Starling@mtsu.edu 

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Dr. Libby DeMarco, Psychiatrist

Dr. Libby DeMarco, M.D., has worked as a staff psychiatrist at MTSU’s Counseling Services since 2004. She earned both her undergraduate and medical degree from the University of Louisville and completed her psychiatry residency at Vanderbilt University. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Prior to her work at MTSU, she worked in community mental health. She enjoys working with young adults with various mental health needs.

Email: Libby.DeMarco@mtsu.edu

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Dr. Pat Williams, Psychiatrist

Patricia Williams, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She completed her first two years of residency at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC and finished her last two years at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX. She is board-certified in psychiatry and previously worked in community mental health. Dr. Williams has worked at MTSU since 200 and thoroughly enjoys working with college students.

Email: Pat.Williams@mtsu.edu

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Heidi Buckalew, Office Supervisor

Heidi Buckalew works as the office manager for Counseling Services. She’s been with Counseling since September 2011. She graduated in 2010 from MTSU with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. She loves working with the students that come to Counseling Services.

Email: Heidi.Buckalew@mtsu.edu

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Jill McDaniel, Office Assistant

Jill McDaniel works as a temporary office assistant in Counseling Services. She’s been with Counseling since February 2024. She graduated in 2004 from MTSU with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing. Her favorite part of working in Counseling is meeting the students.

In her free time, Jill enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, at sporting events, or testing out new restaurants.

Email: Rebecca.Mcdaniel@mtsu.edu