Staff

Administrative Staff


Kristy Gelinas, LCSW, LADC, CCS – Director

Kristy (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) with minors in psychology and sociology from the University of Maine, Orono, and her Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of Southern Maine.

With over two decades of clinical experience and administrative leadership, Kristy’s background spans collegiate mental health, integrated healthcare systems, outpatient counseling, and school-based health. She utilizes a client-centered, trauma-informed approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing.

Kristy treats a wide range of presenting concerns, offering experience in substance use and co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. She provides tailored clinical care across individual, group, and crisis intervention modalities, centering student growth through a holistic and responsive approach. Guided by the belief that student success requires a supportive community, she strives towards collaborative partnerships and campus-wide consultations to foster an environment where students can thrive and stay engaged.

Kristy’s background in community behavioral health and interdisciplinary leadership deeply shapes her commitment to systemic care—ensuring that mental health support extends beyond counseling sessions to foster a healthier, more inclusive campus environment. Outside of her professional practice, Kristy enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active, baking, quilting, and setting off on new adventures with her family and friends.


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. Allison is a 2026 Harriet Copher Haynes Award winner from the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors. The award supports professional development and targets individuals belonging to marginalized and underrepresented identity groups.

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. In her spare time, Allison enjoys singing in a feminist social justice chorus.

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.


Full-Time Staff


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.


Part-Time Staff

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.


Charlotte Harrison, Graduate Intern

SCHEDULE:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Charlotte (she/her) earned her B.A. from Tufts University and is completing the final year of her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Southern Maine. She will be providing therapy at CAPS as a clinical intern.

Charlotte is particularly interested in sexuality and relationships, questions of purpose and meaning, identity development, and personal empowerment. Her approach is primarily existential and humanistic but rooted in an understanding of the systems that affect how we experience life.

Outside of the therapy room, Charlotte loves doing yoga, walking, reading, and playing the piano.


Calvin Sanborn

SCHEDULE:  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Calvin (he/him) is a sixth-year doctoral student in the Counseling and School Psychology PsyD
Program at Rivier University in Nashua, New Hampshire. Prior to this program, Calvin served as
an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church, where he worked in a variety of contexts, including
college and university settings. Calvin’s approach to counseling is informed by a multicultural
and family systems perspective and ACT. He is committed to forming strong therapeutic
relationships with his clients and honors the many ways in which their life experiences,
relationships, and societal influences may impact their mental health and wellbeing. He works
from a strengths-based perspective and favors a client-led approach. Calvin is passionate about
supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly those who have experienced the
trauma of being rejected or alienated.

Calvin lives with his husband and four children in Maine, and in his spare time he loves to sing, cook, bake, make ice cream, and volunteer at a local farm
tending goats with his family. He is thrilled to be working with students at Bates College this
year.


The Golden Hour during a spring afternoon in May during the last week of Short Term on the Historic Quad and Alumni Walk.

Psychiatric Practitioners at CAPS

Schedule: Variable by practitioner

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.