Meet the Counseling Center Staff
Nina D. Hopkins, Director
Ms. Hopkins received her M.A. in Counseling from North Carolina Central University and an M.B.A. from Morgan State University. As director, she is interested in creating a counseling environment that is conducive to helping students resolve personal, social, and academic concerns. She hopes that when students need to talk to someone, their first thought will be the Counseling Center. She is interested in promoting good mental health to help students have a successful and rewarding educational experience at Morgan. Ms. Hopkins' professional interests include administrative and retention issues and the transition of new students to the University. Outside of work, Ms. Hopkins enjoys cooking, gardening, exercising, traveling, and the theater.
Kenneth A. Bacote, M.Ed., NCC, LCPC
Counselor, Outreach Coordinator
Mr. Bacote received his M.Ed. from Howard University. His areas of expertise include men's issues, stress management, meditation and relaxation. He is also interested in drug and alcohol education and is certified as a prevention specialist. Mr. Bacote describes his approach to therapy as client centered. He explains that he empowers clients to clarify thoughts, express feelings, and assess personal strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of becoming sufficient in solving personal problems. Outside of work, he enjoys sports activities, watching movies, and attending cultural events.
Sonya Clyburn, Psy.D.
Psychologist, Coordinator of Peer Education
Dr. Clyburn received her B.A. from Winston-Salem State University, and M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University, and her doctoral degree from Argosy University. Her clinical interests include: cultural issues, sexual identity issues, attachment, grief and loss, depression, trauma, anger management, and group process-mimesis. Her approach to therapy is integrative with an emphasis on psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques. Sonya enjoys the arts, traveling, and mediation.
Tamra Jones-Brooks, Psy. D.
Psychologist, Coordinator ofClinical Training and Assessment Services
Dr. Brooks received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University and her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with special interests and experience in women's issues, focusing on the relationship between affective disorders and physical health, empowerment and leadership. Other areas of interest include supervision and training as well as emotional intelligence and life coaching. Her approach to therapy is eclectic, with an emphasis on the use of cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. During her leisure time, Dr. Brooks enjoys cultural festivals and cuisine, theater and gardening.
Claudia Leight, M.S., NCC, LCPC
Counselor, Coordinator of Peer Counseling
Ms. Leight received her M.S. in Counseling from the John Hopkins University. Her areas of interest include relationship issues, building social confidence, anxiety, stress reduction, and conflict resolution. She is interested in issues of diversity and sexual orientation and is the faculty advisor for Rainbow Soul. She describes her approach to counseling as eclectic, with emphasis on cognitive behavioral techniques and interpersonal dynamics. Outside of work, she is a political/social justice activist and enjoys reading, tennis, travel, and other languages and cultures.
Ralph Piper, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Dr. Piper received a B.A. in psychology from New York University, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park. Some of his areas of interest are identity development, cross-cultural/racial issues, the use of mindfulness and other alternative methods in psychotherapy and career issues. His approach to therapy is eclectic and is often a cross between cognitive psychotherapy and life coaching. Outside of work, his interests include reading, meditation, computers and music.
Justin Banfield
Receptionist
Mr. Banfield attended Morgan State University and majored in Elementary Education. He has worked at numerous outreach centers and after school programs in Baltimore. In the future, he plans on becoming a great educator and administrator. Mr. Banfield enjoys the outdoors, sports and fitness, and spending time with family and friends.
