Meet the staff

Counseling Services Staff

The staff of the Counseling Office is committed to providing a caring, relaxed and professional service. As a student, you have a right to know what that service is and to choose a counselor who best suits your needs and purposes.

Liz McKinney, Ph.D.

Counselor
Green River Counseling Services
Student Affairs & Success Building, Room 233
253-833-9111, ext. 2460

Education and Training: I hold a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Florida, and a B.A. in Psychology from Stanford University. I have five years of experience practicing counseling in university counseling centers, a community mental health center, and a juvenile prison. I have also worked in various direct service and supervisory positions for state social service agencies.

Techniques Used: My counseling style is based on cognitive-behavioral theory which assumes that problematic emotions/behaviors can result from how we process information. In other words, changing how we think may change how we feel and act. I will work closely with you to identify your goals, the steps necessary to achieve your goals, and the barriers that are preventing you from achieving your goals. Some techniques that I use include skill building, reading and writing exercises, and role play. I believe that all people have the tools necessary to succeed, and that if they don't have them, they can learn them. My areas of counseling interest are effective communication, multiculturalism/diversity, relaxation, couples counseling, and anxiety reduction.

Devon Klein, LMHC

Counselor
Green River Counseling Services
Student Affairs & Success Building, Room 234
253-833-9111, ext. 4492

Education and Training: I hold a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. My training includes treatment of adults and adolescents in both an inpatient hospital setting and a community mental health center. My work experience includes working with adults and teens in community mental health agencies, inpatient rehabilitation, residential programs, psycho-educational groups and court-referred programs. I engage in ongoing continuing education to both learn new evidence-based approaches as they emerge and to update or renew my knowledge in previously studied fields.

Techniques Used: My counseling approach is rooted in cognitive-behavioral theory which assumes that problematic emotions and behaviors can result from how we process information. My style focuses on working closely with you to identify your goals and the skills you already possess that may aid in your achievement of these goals. To do this, we will identify successes to build on, outline the steps needed to move forward, and problem-solve to overcome any barriers. I also bring a holistic perspective that helps us to understand our problems within the context of our identity, relationships and personal history. This is a collaborative process, in which much of the work is done through practice of the skills discussed in one's daily life. I have experience working with a variety of issues and conditions including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, domestic violence, conflict management, self-esteem, transitions, career planning, relationships, communication, sexuality, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic, ADHD, parenting, anger management and personality disorders.

Matthew Cullen, LICSW, M.Ed.

Counselor
Green River Counseling Services
Student Affairs & Success Building, Room 235
253-833-9111, ext. 4493

Education and Training: Education and Training: I hold a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Master of Education degree in School Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelors of Social Work degree from Northern Michigan University. While my professional experience includes working in non-profit agencies, middle schools, and high schools, my last nine years have been serving students in a community college setting. I've worked individually with students on a variety of concerns that have impacted their ability to focus on their education.

Techniques Used: My work with students begins from a strengths-based and person-centered approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral theory to help frame, understand, and address the issues students bring in. All this is to say that I work with students where they are at, look to understand what is going on for them and where it might stem from, and then build on the strengths of the student to help address the concerns they identify as significant. Depending on the situation, this includes talking, reflecting, role-playing, and skill-building homework. Counseling is a collaborative process that relies on both the student and the Counselor to be active participants.