Meet the Counseling Center Staff

Sonya Clyburn, Psy. D., LP - Director 

Dr. Sonya Clyburn is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. She has been practicing clinical psychology for over 15 years. Dr. 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. Dr. Clyburn has been a Mental Health First Aid trainer for 10 years. Her clinical interests include cultural issues, sexual identity issues, attachment, grief and loss, depression, trauma, anger management, conflict education, leadership development, and group process mimesis. Her approach to therapy is integrative with an emphasis on psycho-dynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques. She has enjo yed traveling, cultural events, dancing, and reading in her leisure time.

Da'Vel Kent, M.A., LCPC, - Embedded Counselor

Mr. Kent received his B.A. in Applied Psychology from the University of Baltimore, and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. He is a licensed clinical professional counselor with the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. A few areas of special interest and experience are expressive art therapy, men’s issues, male trauma, grief, loss, addictions, mindfulness, and group counseling. Mr. Kent subscribes to an eclectic integrative approach to therapy extracting constructs from ACT, CBT, SFBT, and client-centered therapy. Mr. Kent also emphasizes that radical self-care is imperative and non-negotiable.

Tamra Jones-Brooks, Psy.D. - Clinical Psychologist

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.

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

Dr. Poole received a doctorate from Argosy University, Washington, District of Columbia in 2018. He has over ten years of direct experience in psychotherapy and assessment. He also received a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, Washington, DC in 2013, as well as a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Howard University in 2009. As a former undergraduate student at Morgan State University, Dr. Poole received a full tennis scholarship and graduated with a bachelor’s degree 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 neuropsychological 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.

Donnesha Gibson, Ph.D. - Staff Psychologist

Dr. Gibson received her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Counseling Psychology and completed her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Counseling and Guidance at Howard University in Washington, DC. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree 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.

Lauren Highsmith - (LCSW-C)

Lauren Highsmith received her B.S. in sport management from Bowie State University and an MSW from the University Of Maryland Baltimore. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C). Some of her professional interests include sports social work, adolescent to young adult development, and trauma. Her approach to therapy is eclectic, with an emphasis on the use of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused therapy. Lauren enjoys watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends during her leisure time.

Annie Sollers - Office Clerk

Annie Sollers came to the Counseling Center after a long career in banking. She enjoys meeting and interacting with people. Outside work, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with family and friends. She also takes pleasure in many challenging and creative pursuits.

Stephanie Howard - Administrative Assistant

Ms. Howard has been with the Counseling Center for over 11 years. She enjoys meeting and interacting with people. Before she came to the Counseling Center, she worked in the University's Social Work Department for three years. Mrs. Howard loves Church and assisting where needed. Mrs. Howard is a very sociable and outgoing person. She is family-oriented and enjoys her grandchildren, helping people, cooking, baking, dancing, and bowling.