Meet the Staff

Sonya Clyburn, Psy.D. -  – Clinical Psychologist, Director 

Dr. Sonya Clyburn is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. She has been practicing clinical psychology for over 15 years. Dr. Clyburn received her B.A. from Winston-Salem State University, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University, and her Psy.D. in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. Dr. Clyburn has been a Mental Health First Aid trainer for over 10 years. Her clinical interests include cultural issues, sexual identity issues, attachment, grief and loss, depression, trauma, anger management, conflict education, leadership development, and group process mimesis. Her approach to therapy is integrative with an emphasis on psycho-dynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques. She enjoys traveling, cultural events, dancing, and reading in her leisure time.

Tamra Jones-Brooks, Psy.D. – Clinical Psychologist, Training Director

Dr. Brooks received her B.A. in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary's University, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University, and her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology (Washington DC). She is a licensed clinical psychologist with special interests and experience in providing mental health services to women, focusing on the relationship between affective disorders and physical health. Other areas of interest include supervision and training, psychological testing as well as emotional intelligence and leadership. Her approach to therapy is eclectic, with an emphasis on the use of cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. During her leisure time, Dr. Brooks enjoys traveling, cultural festivals, and cuisine.

Donnesha Gibson, Ph.D. - Staff Psychologist

Dr. Gibson received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and completed her M.Ed.in Counseling and Guidance at Howard University in Washington, DC. She obtained her B.A.in Psychology at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Gibson has previous clinical experiences at university counseling centers, outpatient mental health clinics, outpatient drug treatment programs, and acute inpatient hospitals serving adolescents and adults. Dr. Gibson also has extensive training in women’s mental health and trauma. Her approach to therapy is integrative, which incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and multicultural framework. During her leisure time, Dr. Gibson enjoys dancing, yoga, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Lauren Highsmith, LCSW-C

Lauren Highsmith received her B.S. in Sports Management from Bowie State University and an MSW from the University of Maryland Baltimore. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C). Some of her professional interests include sports social work, adolescent to young adult development, and trauma. Her approach to therapy is eclectic, with an emphasis on the use of dialectical behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. Lauren enjoys watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends during her leisure time.

Da'Vel Kent, M.A., LCPC, - Embedded Counselor for Office of Residence Life and Housing

Mr. Kent received his B.A. in Applied Psychology from the University of Baltimore, and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. He is a licensed clinical professional counselor with the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. A few areas of special interest and experience are expressive art therapy, challenges faced by men, male trauma, grief, loss, addictions, mindfulness, and group counseling. Mr. Kent subscribes to an eclectic integrative approach to therapy extracting constructs from Acceptant and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and client-centered therapy. Mr. Kent also emphasizes that radical self-care is imperative and non-negotiable.

Christopher Lewis, Ph.D. - Embedded Counselor for Athletics

Dr. Lewis is originally from Inglewood, CA. He graduated with his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri and completed his APA-accredited internship experience at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Lewis practices from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy perspective and appreciates the importance of values helping humans reach their optimal selves. Specifically, he entered the mental health profession with desires to help athletes navigate their sense of identity and fulfill an adaptive transition outside of sport once their careers end. Areas of interest include working with athletes, anxiety, group therapy, and men’s mental health.

D'Andre Poole, Psy.D. - Staff Psychologist

Dr. Poole received a doctorate from Argosy University, Washington, District of Columbia. He has over ten years of direct experience in psychotherapy and assessment. He also received a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, Washington, DC, as well as a M.A. in Community Counseling from Howard University. As a former undergraduate student at Morgan State University, Dr. Poole received a full tennis scholarship and graduated with a B.S. in Psychology in 2005. Dr. Poole completed an American Psychological Accredited (APA) internship with the Mid-Atlantic Consortium Internship program where he provided services in psychological and neuropsychological assessment, clinical interviewing, individual therapy, group/family therapy, crisis interventions, consultation, and outreach services. He also has practicum and work experience treating and assessing students with mild to severe mental illnesses within the college and school counseling centers. His initiatives include suicide prevention, physical fitness/mental health, wellness, and mental health disparities within the African American community.

Administrative Staff

Stephanie Howard - Administrative Assistant

Ms. Howard has been with the Counseling Center for over 11 years. She enjoys meeting and interacting with people. Before she came to the Counseling Center, she worked in the University's Social Work Department. Mrs. Howard loves Church and assisting where needed. Mrs. Howard is a very sociable and outgoing person. She is family-oriented and enjoys her grandchildren, helping people, cooking, baking, dancing, and bowling.

Annie Sollers - Office Clerk

Annie Sollers came to the Counseling Center after a long career in banking. She enjoys meeting and interacting with people. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with family and friends. She also takes pleasure in many challenging and creative pursuits.