Student Health & Grace Counseling Services Staff

Deb McEvoy holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a Certificate in Group Work from Adler University; a master’s in counseling from Grace College; and is licensed in the state of Indiana as a mental health counselor (LMHC). Deb has been at Grace College since 1994 working with students as part of Residence Life, Graduate Counseling and currently in the counseling arena. Deb has experience with a wide variety of populations and settings, including but not limited to children in an elementary school setting, college students, adolescents in a juvenile detention center, grief groups and community mental health. She has assessment experience working with and evaluating adolescents as well as completing parenting evaluations. Deb has had particular experience in the areas of anxiety, depression, transitions/life changes, trauma, anger management, parenting and groups.

Nancy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has experience in working with individuals, families, couples and groups in both a community mental health setting and in private practice.  She has worked in forensic social work and has completed child custody evaluations, family functioning assessments and clinical assessments. Nancy has experience in providing clinical supervision to graduate interns and master’s level clinicians working toward their clinical license.  She has written grants and developed programming for juvenile courts and local school districts. Nancy feels it is important to use evidence- based practices in order to achieve positive treatment outcomes. She believes that clients are experts in their own lives and the clinician partners with them to facilitate positive change.  Her clinical focus is on grief and loss, trauma, negotiating life changes, depression and anxiety. Nancy completed her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Ball State University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University South Bend. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys spending time with family, watching any and all college football games, reading and traveling.

Laura is a licensed registered nurse in the state of Indiana. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has been practicing nursing since 2003. During this time she has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient hospital care, outpatient surgery, and most recently urgent care. Laura is employed by Medstat Urgent Care in partnership with Kosciusko Community Hospital and Lutheran Health Network.

Richia Jennings (RJ) is an Indiana licensed mental health counselor who has been practicing for 7.5 years. RJ obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology/English and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College and Theological Seminary. In the years since her graduation, she has become nationally certified in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Based Therapy; trainer of Question Persuade Refer (QPR), a suicide prevention intervention; obtained clinical supervisor training; Prepare and Enriched Trained, a couple’s assessment; and is becoming the Associate Director of Counseling Services at a private Christian University. RJ has partnered with the Department of Child Services to help reunite families. RJ has worked with Health and Counseling Services for 4 years. She enjoys working with student’s regarding trauma, grief and loss, sexual addictions, and relationship struggles. In her spare time, RJ enjoys arts and crafts, scrapbooking, motorcycle riding, and camping.

Gretchen Wood is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Indiana. She is certified as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Gretchen graduated from Grace College with a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and also received an MA in Ministry Studies with a counseling concentration from Grace. Gretchen is also a trained EMDR therapist. Gretchen is a warm, empathetic, and client-focused counselor who strives for collaboration, enjoys walking alongside individuals as they achieve a greater sense of well-being, find healing, and attain their goals. Gretchen specializes in trauma and dissociation, depression, anxiety, chronic illness and/or pain, grief and loss, college and career issues, and relationship and adjustment issues.

Cory is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate. He holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College. He is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP). Cory enjoys working with a diverse range of people from adolescents to adults, bringing a calm and soothing presence that helps create a safe, validating, and non-judgmental space for exploring vulnerable topics. He is drawn to helping those struggling with relational and life adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, negative self-esteem and self-image, assertiveness, interpersonal boundaries, grief and loss, and spiritual questioning and exploration. His passion for helping others has grown out of his own transformational experiences with therapy, viewing life challenges as unique opportunities for learning, growth, and healing. Cory prefers a non-pathologizing approach to counseling, believing that symptoms can be clues to what areas may need attention. He also believes in pursuing greater adjustment and wellness in every area of life rather than merely getting rid of unwanted symptoms to help reach one’s full potential.

Ellie utilizes evidence-based practices while focusing on creating personalized treatment options based on each person’s unique goals, strengths, and needs. She has experience working with a wide variety of ages, symptoms, and trauma-backgrounds. Ellie has largely worked with individuals experiencing depression and anxiety. Ellie graduated with a BS in pre-art therapy from IWU, worked for 7 years in a community mental health agency, and recently obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ellie enjoys spending time with family, traveling, gardening, and painting.

Joining the team in 2022, Michele brings an extensive customer service background. She is excited to apply her knowledge, skills, and desire to help people in Grace's higher education setting. She coordinates the Health & Counseling Services front desk activities.