Meet the Staff

Sonya Clyburn, Psy.D.  – Clinical Psychologist, Director 

Dr. Sonya Clyburn received her B.A. from Winston-Salem State University, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University, and her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.  She is a licensed clinical psychologist and her clinical interests include trauma, cultural/diversity issues, personality disorders, sexual identity development, attachment, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, anger management, conflict education, indigenous spiritual healing practices, leadership development, and group process - mimesis. Her approach to therapy is integrative with an emphasis on psycho-dynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques. She enjoys traveling, cultural events, dancing, and reading in her leisure time.

Jessica Desalu, PhD. - Clinical Psychologist, Associate Director

Dr. Jessica Desalu earned her PhD. in Clinical Psychology from Syracuse University after completing her B.S. in Psychology at Howard University. She uses an integrative approach to therapy, mainly drawing from insight-oriented, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural methods. Dr. Desalu values building strong relationships with her clients and aims to create a welcoming, supportive space. She sees therapy as a collaborative effort where clients can explore their concerns, learn about themselves, gain insight, and develop healthy coping skills. Dr. Desalu is especially committed to working with people from historically marginalized backgrounds, such as Black individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and first generation college students. She also helps those facing relationship issues, depression, anxiety, women's issues, identity development concerns and trauma. Overall, Dr. Desalu finds deep joy and responsibility in being a clinician. Outside of her work as a psychologist, Dr. Desalu is creative at heart; she enjoys music, going to concerts, performing poetry, and writing personal essays.

Tamra Jones-Brooks, Psy.D. – Clinical Psychologist, Training Director

Dr. Brooks received her B.A. in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary's University, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University, and her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology (Washington DC). She is a licensed clinical psychologist with special interests and experience in providing mental health services to women, focusing on the relationship between affective disorders and physical health. Other areas of interest include supervision and training, psychological testing as well as emotional intelligence and leadership. 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 traveling, cultural festivals, and cuisine.

Donnesha Gibson, PhD. - Staff Psychologist

Dr. Gibson received her PhD. in Counseling Psychology and completed her M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance at Howard University in Washington, DC. She obtained her B.A. in Psychology at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Gibson has previous clinical experiences at university counseling centers, outpatient mental health clinics, outpatient drug treatment programs, and acute inpatient hospitals serving adolescents and adults. Dr. Gibson also has extensive training in women’s mental health and trauma. Her approach to therapy is integrative, which incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and multicultural framework. During her leisure time, Dr. Gibson enjoys dancing, yoga, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Da'Vel Kent, M.A., LCPC, - Embedded Counselor for Office of Residence Life and Housing

Mr. Kent is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) whose work centers on African-centered principles, culturally grounded approaches to healing and psychological wellness. He earned his B.A. in Applied Psychology from the University of Baltimore and his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. His clinical and scholarly interests include men's mental health, male trauma, grief and loss, expressive arts therapy, and group-based healing practices. Mr. Kent employs an integrative, strength-based framework informed by African-centered therapy and social justice principles, with an emphasis on identity development, collective healing, and resilience face of systemic oppression. He is particularly committed to creating therapeutic spaces that affirm cultural identity while promoting emotional literacy, accountability, and holistic well-being. Mr. Kent underscores radical self-care as a critical and non-negotiable practice for sustainable healing.

D'Andre Poole, Psy.D. - Staff Psychologist

Dr. Poole received a doctorate degree from Argosy University, Washington, District of Columbia. He has over ten years of direct experience in psychotherapy and assessment. He also received a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, Washington, DC, as well as a M.A. in Community Counseling from Howard University. As a former undergraduate student at Morgan State University, Dr. Poole received a full tennis scholarship and graduated with a B.S. in Psychology in 2005. Dr. Poole completed an American Psychological Accredited (APA) internship with the Mid-Atlantic Consortium Internship program where he provided services in psychological and neuro-psychological assessment, clinical interviewing, individual therapy, group/family therapy, crisis interventions, consultation, and outreach services. He also has practicum and work experience treating and assessing students with mild to severe mental illnesses within the college and school counseling centers. His initiatives include suicide prevention, physical fitness/mental health, wellness, and mental health disparities within the African American community.

Alexandria Smith, PhD. - Staff Psychologist

Dr. Smith received her PhD. in Counseling Psychology from Howard University. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Gender and Diversity Studies from Murray Sate University in Kentucky. Dr. Smith has previous clinical experience providing  mental health services in university counseling centers and community mental health settings; working primarily with emerging adults and young adults.  Her clinical interests include working with students navigating anxiety, depression, identity development, boundary setting and life transitions. She maintains a strong commitment to working with the LGBTQ+, multicultural and historically marginalized communities. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing primarily from cognitive behavioral and existential frameworks while incorporating psycho dynamic understanding of relational patterns. Dr. Smith enjoys watching docuseries and psychological thrillers, attending cultural events and taking leisurely nature walks.

LaToya Vice-Dodd, Psy.D. - Embedded Counselor for Athletics

Dr. Vice-Dodd received her Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology with an Athletic Counseling concentration, M.Ed. in General Counseling from Springfield College,  M.S. in Athletic Coaching Education from West Virginia University and her B.S. in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina, Upstate. Her clinical interests include collegiate student-athletes, psychological testing and assessment, young adult transition/adjustment, and trauma. Her clinical approach to therapy is integrative with an emphasis on psycho-dynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques with a holistic ideology promoting the education of the whole person - in spirit, mind and body. During her leisure time, Dr. Vice- Dodd enjoys playing competitive pickle-ball, spectating various athletic events, traveling and spending time with her family.

Administrative Staff

Stephanie Howard - Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Howard has been a dedicated member of the Counseling Center for over 14 years, bringing a welcoming presence and a strong commitment to service. She enjoys meeting and interacting with people and takes pride in supporting both staff and students through her role. Prior to joining the  Counseling Center staff, Mrs. Howard worked at the University's School of Social Work where she gained valuable experience in an academic supportive environment.  Outside of work, Mrs. Howard is actively involved in her church and enjoys assisting wherever needed. She is known for her sociable and outgoing nature and values family deeply. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren,  helping others, cooking, baking, dancing, playing board games and bowling.

Camille Sherriffe - Program Coordinator

A New Jersey native, Camille Sherriffe made Baltimore her home in 2023 and quickly embraced life in her new community. She is passionate about supporting students and helping them make the most of their time on campus. She brings experience in administrative services, wellness programs, and outreach; ensuring operations run smoothly to support student well-being. In her current role, she enjoys connecting with students across campus and helping them access the resources they need. When she is not at work, she loves singing, dancing, and watching classic horror films and writing.