Ruperto M. Perez, PhD., Director
ruperto.perez@vpss.gatech.edu
Dr. Perez is a licensed psychologist in Georgia and Florida having received degrees from Boston College (B.S., M.A.) and his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Previously, Dr. Perez served as Assistant Director for Clinical Services at the Counseling Center at the University of Florida and as Counseling Services Coordinator and Training Director at the Counseling & Testing Center at the University of Georgia.

His areas of professional interest include counseling issues related to diversity and multiculturalism, gender issues, LGBT concerns, outreach/consultation, and supervision/mentoring. He is active in a number of professional organizations including, the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services, the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology), and APA’s Board of Advancement for Psychology in the Public Interest. In addition, Dr. Perez is the co-editor of the Handbook of Counseling and Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients published by the American Psychological Association.
 

Mack S. Bowers, Ph.D., Associate Director
mack.bowers@vpss.gatech.edu
Dr. Bowers is a Licensed Psychologist who received his B.A. from Furman University, his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from East Carolina University and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. As Associate Director, Dr. Bowers oversees the training program for the center. His professional interests include anxiety disorders and family communication patterns. He also has an interest in working with international students.

Irene Dalton, Ph.D.
irene.dalton@vpss.gatech.edu
Dr. Dalton received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Georgia State University. Her clinical and research interests include trauma, eating disorders, multicultural issues and group psychotherapy.

Kenneth C. Frontman, Ph.D
kenneth.frontman@vpss.gatech.edu
Dr. Frontman is a Licensed Psychologist who received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University. He is a Certified Group Psychotherapist and is a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Frontman's clinical and research interests include psychological testing, couples and family counseling, career development, individual and group counseling, and substance abuse.

Rome Lester, LMFT
rome.lester@vpss.gatech.edu
Ms. Lester is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her graduate degree from California State University, Hayward, California. Her graduate research was the Identification and assessment of Suicide Risk in the college population. She is the Center's Group Coordinator and serves on the committee that reaches out to International Students. Her professional interests include relationship counseling, trauma survivor issues, eating disorders and self-empowerment. She has worked in private practice and university settings for the past 15 years.

Nelson Binggeli, Ph.D.
nelson.binggeli@vpss.gatech.edu
Dr. Binggeli is a Licensed Psychologist who earned his doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University. His special interests include mind-body approaches to stress management, cognitive-behavioral therapy for mood and anxiety disorders, psychological assessment, and helping people to overcome the effects of unsupportive environments and traumatic experiences.

Mahlet Endale, Ph.D.
mahlet.endale@vpss.gatech.edu
Dr. Endale received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. Her prior clinical experiences include community clinics, refugee relocation centers and college counseling centers. Her areas of interest include diversity and multiculturalism, immigrant/international student concerns, emotional well-being through travel abroad, and trauma.

A. Zachary Ward, Ph.D.

zach.ward@vpss.gatech.edu
Dr. Ward received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University.  His previous clinical experiences include community mental health centers, a cancer treatment center, and multiple university counseling centers.  His areas of interest include religion and spirituality, issues related to gender and gender roles, couples and relationship issues, athlete's concerns, and college student adjustment issues.
 

Predoctoral Interns

Anthony Pollard, MA

anthony.pollard@vpss.gatech.edu
Mr. Pollard is an intern at our center this year while completing his doctorate in clinical psychology at Argosy University. Mr. Pollard has his bachelor’s degree from Monmouth Bible College and has previously completed a year of practical training at the Georgia Tech Counseling Center.

Michael Rothman, MA

michael.rothman@vpss.gatech.edu
Mr. Rothman is an intern at our center this year while completing his doctorate in clinical psychology from Emory University. He also holds a master’s degree from California State University – Long Beach, as well as a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Emory. He has completed a year of practical training at the Georgia Tech Counseling Center.

Practicum Students

Philip Gnilka

philip.gnilka@vpss.gatech.edu
Doctoral Student in Counselor Education; Georgia State University

Carla Sutton Moore

carla.moore@vpss.gatech.edu
Doctoral Student in Counseling Psychology; University of Georgia

Laura Obert

laura.obert@vpss.gatech.edu
Doctoral Student in Counseling Psychology; Auburn University

Mary Katherine (Katie) Tart

katie.tart@vpss.gatech.edu
Doctoral Student in clinical Psychology; Argosy University

YI-Chen (Jenny) Wu

yi-chen.wu@vpss.gatech.edu
Doctoral Student in Counseling Psychology; University of Georgia

Support Staff

Nadine Robinson
nadine.robinson@vpss.gatech.edu
Mrs. Robinson is the Center's secretary/receptionist. She was formerly at Xavier University of LA in New Orleans. Her duties include secretarial support for the Center's staff by maintaining computerized appointments and being the first point of contact with students/staff that call or visit the Center.

Dania Roker
dania.roker@vpss.gatech.edu
Ms. Roker oversees the testing and assessment area of the Center, and assists with the publication of brochures and other outreach materials.  She recently graduated from Mercer University with a degree in human services and a minor in communications.