Wayne Assing, MSW, LCSW – Director

Wayne (he/him) received his B.A. from Colgate University and his M.S.W. from the Simmons School of Social Work in Boston. Wayne has supported the mental health needs of students throughout his career and worked at schools like RISD, Tufts and Vassar. As an immigrant from Trinidad and a 1st Generation student Wayne has a strong personal understanding of intersecting identities and a fundamental belief that “we all belong here”. He sees individual growth and community development as interdependent rather than separate entities, and that communities flourish when we can share our lived experience, our identities and cultural backgrounds with one another.

Wayne has considerable experience in the areas of community organizing, conflict resolution, group work, social justice and trauma-informed care. In his spare time Wayne enjoys food, mindfulness practices, nature, people and photography.

Allison Brown, LCPC – Associate Director

Allison (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.  She received her A.B. from Brown University and M.A. from Wheaton College Graduate School (IL) where she received the Rech Award for Excellence in Clinical Psychology.  Additionally, she completed year-long fellowships in psychodynamic clinical practice at the University of Chicago and then later at the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis.

She utilizes a trauma-aware and healing-centered approach that includes an eclectic blend of therapeutic and creative approaches.  Allison treats a wide range of presenting issues and has expertise in trauma, neurodiversity, ADHD, anxiety, adjustment concerns, and LGBTQIA+ issues.  She provides services in both individual and group modalities and believes both are powerful opportunities for growth and support.

Allison’s personal and familial experiences shape her sensitivity to issues of belonging, inclusion, and justice.  In her spare time, Allison enjoys singing in a feminist chorus, Broadway musicals, and DIY projects.

Patty Dubois – Administrative Coordinator for CAPS (Front Desk)

Patty (she/her) joined the Bates community as the Administrative Coordinator for Counseling Services in December 2018.

She is responsible for the scheduling of appointments, collection and processing of intake data, and overseeing daily administrative operations of the Counseling Center. Patty came to Bates from CMMC, Family Medicine Residency where for 12.5 years she was the lead office coordinator.  She loves being a part of the Bates community.

Nadia Aman, MSW

Nadia (she/her) earned both her B.A. and MSW from Smith College, where she developed a strong foundation in clinical social work rooted in decolonial frameworks, social justice, relational connection, and an understanding of people within their broader environments. Her professional experience thus far includes working with adolescents and families in both school and hospital settings, and she brings that depth of knowledge to her work with college students at Bates.

Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, with a grounding in humanistic and relational frameworks. She works collaboratively with students to explore identity development, navigate life transitions, and understand how larger systems such as family, culture, and institutions interact with personal experiences.

Living in Maine, she appreciates the natural beauty and is grateful to support students at Bates during this meaningful and often complex stage of life.  

Jessica Mayo, Psy.D. – Psychologist

Jess (she/her) received a Psy.D. and M.S. in clinical psychology from Antioch University New England, and a B.A. in psychology from the University of New England. Jess has prior experience at acute inpatient psychiatric and forensic sites as well as multiple community mental health and academic settings. She utilizes an eclectic approach based on a student’s needs that incorporates humanistic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and mindfulness therapy. Her areas of particular interest include mood and anxiety concerns, neurodivergence, identity development, relationships, and attention problems. Jess is sometimes accompanied by her fluffy labradoodle, Rory, during sessions or events on campus.

Brandon Ouellette, LCPC – Counselor

Brandon (he/him) has an Ed.M. in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University, and received his B.A. in Psychology and Government & Legal Studies from Bowdoin College. He has previous experience in community work with children and families, as well as outpatient work with clients of all ages. He is also currently an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Southern Maine Community College. 

Brandon’s areas of clinical focus include work with LGBTQ individuals, particularly gay men and trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming identifying teens and young adults; clients with a history of trauma or abuse; family and relationship difficulties; and general mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Susanna Preziosi, Psy.D. – Psychologist

Susanna (she/her) received her Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Yeshiva University – Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Middlebury College and earned her M.S. in Teaching from Pace University while part of Teach for America. Prior to her move to Maine, Susanna trained and worked in a number of community clinics, programs, and hospitals in New York City, along with a private practice in psychotherapy and assessment. She was an adjunct professor at New York University, teaching courses on trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Susanna considers herself a clinical generalist, working with students across varying identities on issues such as depression and anxiety, family and relationship difficulties, self-esteem and identity questions, trauma histories, substance use, and life transitions.

Jenn So, LMSW-cc – Clinical Case Manager & Staff Therapist

Jenn (she/her) earned her M.S.W. from Boston College School of Social Work, and holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and an M.A. from New York University. She has prior case management experience working in community and school settings with asylum-seeking and immigrant youth and families, and completed her final-year clinical practicum at Bates CAPS providing individual therapy. Previously, Jenn spent over a decade working in nonprofit organizations focused on issues of food access and education. 

Jenn is particularly interested in collaborating with students to develop their sense of self and belonging, find personal growth during times of transition, and access culturally responsive services. Her approach to care is systemic and holistic, taking into account the interplay of interpersonal, sociopolitical, and cultural influences on well-being. 

She grew up in Midcoast Maine and loves being immersed in nature, gathering with friends around a good meal, and solitude by the ocean.

Julianna Burke, MSW Intern

Schedule: Monday-Wednesday

Julianna is a third year student at Boston College School of Social Work. As a clinician-in-training, she aims to build trusting relationships that honor each person’s unique identities, experiences, values, and goals. She is passionate about destigmatizing mental health challenges and increasing access to high-quality care, community, and healing for all people. 

Julianna studied Sociology and Francophone Studies at Bowdoin College and comes to Bates with over six years of experience working with college students through Matriculate, a national college access program. Julianna is also passionate about restorative justice and worked as a Youth Justice Facilitator for the Restorative Justice Institute of Maine. She is grateful for the opportunity to connect with and support young people throughout their college journeys. 

Outside of her studies and her career, Julianna loves biking, arts and crafts, and all things music. She can often be found enjoying the natural beauty that Maine has to offer and spending quality time with friends, family, and her one-eyed rescue cat Valentina. 

Julie Fournier, MSW Intern

SCHEDULE:  Tuesday-Friday

Julie is in her second year of the Master’s program at the Smith School for Social Work. Her therapeutic work is grounded in a relational approach which emphasizes collaboration, trust, and shared exploration. She enjoys working alongside students to deepen understanding of their concerns, identify meaningful goals, and practice new tools and skills in a supportive environment.

Julie brings a compassionate, engaging, and non-judgmental presence to her work and is committed to creating a space where students feel fully accepted and valued. Her practice is rooted in unconditional positive regard, meaning she welcomes and honors students exactly as they are. She understands that opening up to someone new can be challenging and strives to help students feel as comfortable as possible throughout the therapeutic process.

Originally from Maine, Julie enjoys plunging in the ocean, cooking dinner with friends and family, and going for walks in the woods. She has been teaching yoga and practicing mindfulness for years, which has had a tremendously positive impact on her life. 

Wendy Kjeldgaard, Psy.D – Psychologist  

SCHEDULE:  Monday and Tuesday

Wendy (she/her) received her B.A. in psychology from Washington and Lee University, and her M.S. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology. Wendy offers therapy at Bates for students with a wide range of issues and mental illnesses. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and various behaviorally-based approaches.

Wendy specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, and previously served on the board of the Eating Disorders Association of Maine.

Psychiatric Practitioners at CAPS

Schedule: Variable by person

Amy Mayhew, MD is a consulting psychiatrist at CAPS for a half day a week.

CJ Spotswood, P-MHNP, BC is a psychiatric nurse practitioner at CAPS two days a week.

Sophie Trede, MD is a fourth year psychiatric resident at Maine Medical Center at CAPS one day a week.