Who We Are

Justin Barker, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist and the center's Assistant Director/Statewide Director and Assessment Coordinator. He also serves as the liaison to the Center for Persons with Disabilities and the Disability Resource Center.

Justin completed his internship at CAPS in 2011 and re-joined CAPS in 2013 after working two years for Bear River Mental Health. He earned his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Master of Science degrees in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland and his undergraduate degree from Utah State University.

Justin's primary areas of clinical interest are in providing individual psychotherapy and psychological assessments/testing (e.g., cognitive, academic, personality, neuropsychological). Regarding psychotherapy, Justin utilizes an integrative approach that weds psychodynamic and interpersonal process theories with CBT, DBT, and ACT interventions.

His personal interests include sports (primarily basketball), listening to music, and gardening. He spends most of his free time with his family.

Charles Bentley, Ph.D.

he/him

Licensed Psychologist

Psychology Practicum Coordinator

Charles Bentley, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist. He is the center's graduate assistant and practicum coordinator, as well as the liaison to the Huntsman School of Business, Admissions & Registrar Offices, Housing and Residence Life, and Veterans Resource Office.

Charley earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Utah State University, and his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He completed his APA accredited internship at the Salt Lake City VA Health Care System. Prior to joining the CAPS staff, Charley worked for several years as a primary therapist and assistant director of patient services in residential treatment for eating disorders.

He is committed to a generalist approach to psychology, and is particularly interested in the interaction of personality and psychopathology and well-being and in interpersonal group therapy. Charley’s approach to therapy carefully considers individual’s ongoing readiness for change, focuses on common factors of relationships that contribute to positive outcomes, and integrates interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral approaches including “third wave” versions such as acceptance and commitment therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

In his free time, Charley enjoys fly fishing with his partner and three dogs, playing adult league hockey, and skiing in lovely Utah powder.

Eri Suzuki Bentley, Ph.D., CGP

she/her

Licensed Psychologist

Director/Group Program Coordinator

Eri Suzuki Bentley, Ph.D., CGP is a licensed psychologist and a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) by the International Board of Certified Group Psychotherapists. She is the liaison to the Latinx Cultural Center, Office of Equity, Residence Life, Student Involvement and Leadership, and Greek Life. She co-chairs JED Campus Steering Committee, which oversees a university-wide strategic plan and implementation for suicide prevention and mental health promotion. She also chairs Aggies Think Care Act, a large university committee that works to promoting USU’s Principles of Community.

Outside of USU, Eri serves on the Board of Directors for American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), and also serves as a co-chair of the Conference Workshop Committee and the Special Interest Group Task Force for the organization.

She joined the center's staff in 2008, after completing her doctoral internship at Washington State University Counseling and Testing Services. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Utah State University, and her bachelor's degree in psychology from Humboldt State University.

Her areas of clinical interest are group therapy, trauma, identity development, and multicultural issues. She works with clients collaboratively with attention to their stages of change, personal goals, and identity. Her therapy approach integrates interpersonal and humanistic approach with emotion-focused work and cognitive-behavioral approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Eri was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and has lived in the U.S. since college. She lives in Logan with her family of two dogs and a human partner. Her approach to wellness includes dog time, friends, fly fishing, gardening, theatre arts, and baking.

Chris Chapman, Ph.D.

he/him

Licensed Psychologist

Assistant Director, Clinical Director

Chris Chapman, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and the director of Counseling and Wellness with the USU Veterinary Medicine program. He is also co-leader of the LGBT Brown Bag Support Group and serves on the faculty for the School Counselor Education Program. Chris is the liaison for the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and Access & Diversity Center - LGBTQA Programs & Allies.

Chris earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Brigham Young University in 2010 and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in 2004. Chris is a member of the LGBTQ Affirmative Therapists Guild of Utah.

His professional interests include group psychotherapy, trauma work, crises of faith, the intersection of sexual, gender, and religious identities, and mindfulness-based interventions. Chris’ therapy approach integrates a heavily interpersonal/humanistic approach with influences from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

His personal interests include hiking, backpacking, sports (mostly spectating) and hanging out with his partner and their son.

Monique Frazier, Ph.D.

she/her

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

REACH Peer Program Coordinator

Monique Frazier, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been in private practice in Logan since 2000 and joined the CAPS team in 2018. She is the REACH Peer Coordinator and a liaison for the Athletics Department, Academic Success Center, Student Support Services, and the Interfaith Initiative. Monique completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Utah State University in 1998.

Monique was trained as a generalist and treats a wide variety of mental health issues. Her specialty areas include the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, young adult issues, women's issues, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder. She favors an individualized approach based on unconditional positive regard/acceptance, genuine empathy, and therapist transparency and genuineness. From this foundation, Dr. Frazier uses an eclectic blend of cognitive-behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavior (DBT), interpersonal, emotionally focused (EFT), collaborative couples, (CCT) and transactional analytic therapy (TA) techniques.

Monique grew up in rural North Dakota and has lived in Logan since 1992. She balances work with spending time with her husband, two sons, and friends at home, in the outdoors, and playing sports. She enjoys volleyball, mountain biking, pickleball, cooking, gardening, volunteer coaching basketball, and relaxing with her three cats.

“I love my job and working with clients. It's deeply rewarding and meaningful to form partnerships that promote emotional, physical, and spiritual health and strength. I truly care about my clients and am committed to understanding and connecting in positive ways as well as providing high-quality, evidence-based treatment.”

Amy Kleiner, Ph.D.

she/her

Licensed Psychologist

Associate Director/Training Director

Amy Kleiner, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and the center's Assistant Director/Training Director and liaison to the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, SAAVI (Sexual Assault & Anti-Violence Info) office, and Student Orientation & Transition Services. She joined the center staff in 2005 after completing her predoctoral internship at CAPS.

She earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2005. She earned her master's degree in counseling psychology from Northeastern University in 2000. Her bachelor's in psychology is from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

Amy's primary areas of professional interest include: models and stages of therapeutic change, counselor training and supervision, White privilege, Racial Identity development and Trauma. She conceptualizes clients from an integrative approach, specifically focusing on phases of the therapeutic change process, common mechanisms of change, and client readiness for change.

Amy lives in Logan with her husband, four daughters, two fluffy dogs and three adorable bunnies.

Mark Nafziger, Ph.D.

he/him

Licensed Psychologist

Biofeedback Program Coordinator

Mark Nafziger, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and the center's clinical coordinator and liaison to the Quinney College of Natural Resources, BIT Team/VP of Student Affairs Office, Center for Community Engagement, Campus Safety & Emergency Management Offices and USU Campus Police. He is also a member of the university's Behavior Intervention Team (BIT).

He came to CAPS in 1990 after completing his Ph.D. at Ohio State University and his pre-doctoral internship at Notre Dame University's Counseling Center and the Oaklawn Psychiatric Hospital. Mark also does volunteer work for the State of Utah's Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team.

His therapeutic orientation combines cognitive behavioral, existential and Buddhist mindfulness perspectives. Mark's professional interests include psychological trauma, and the interface between psychology and wellness/healthy living.

He is also an avid gardener, who enjoys hiking, tennis and racquetball, music, traveling and playing with his four grandchildren.

Clark Ripplinger, Ph.D.

he/him

Licensed Psychologist

Clark Ripplinger, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist working for the Statewide Campus system mainly in the Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah county areas. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Brigham Young University in 2019 and a M.S. in Psychology: School Counseling from Utah State University in 2014.

His clinical background includes a post-doctoral fellowship with Psychological Assessment and Treatment Specialists in American Fork, UT, a pre-doctoral internship at Texas State University Counseling Center, an externship with the Brigham Young University Accessibility Center, and a practicum at BYU's Counseling and Psychological Services. Clark has also worked as a secondary education teacher and school counselor in Salt Lake County.

While trained in several therapies, Clark frequently uses a humanistic, client-centered approach. He believes that providing clients with empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard will help clients work through their problems on their path toward self-actualization. His clinical interests include shame, trauma, relationship issues, identity development, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

In his personal life, Clark enjoys being active through playing pickleball or volleyball with his friends, cooking for his dinner group, and playing games with his family.

Tia Rowley, LCSW

she/her

Clinical Case Manager/Social Work Practicum Coordinator – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Tia Rowley, LCSW is a clinical case manager and staff therapist at CAPS. She is a graduate of the Master of Social Work program at the University of Utah. Tia earned her bachelor's degree in Family Life Studies through the Utah State University in 2011. Her job at CAPS is unique. As a case manager, she assists students with obtaining referrals in the community for mental health, financial, or other basic needs. In addition, she provides therapy using a person-centered, non-judgmental approach with clients. Her clinical areas of interest include treatment of anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. Tia is also the social work training coordinator at CAPS and serves as part of the CARE Team at USU.

Prior to working at CAPS, Tia served on many small community boards and participated in outreach services, including Community Resource Council, Tooele County Children's Justice Friends Board and the American Red Cross.  

In her free time, Tia enjoys cooking, watching football, learning, and traveling. She particularly enjoys spending time with her family in the mountains.  

Tamarah Taylor, LCSW

she/her

Tamarah Taylor, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with a wide range of clientele. Taylor is assigned to the Statewide Campus system and is located at the Uintah Basin Campus.

Tammy loves to garden, ski, run marathons, and has completed a number of open-water long distance swims. Tammy loves living in Utah and spending time with her husband and children outdoors.

Jan Thornton, LCSW

she/her

Jan Thornton, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and the coordinator for services at USU Eastern. She has a diverse clinical background working with children, adolescents, and adults in both voluntary and involuntary settings. She has worked as a mental health counselor on campus for over ten years.

Jan earned her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Utah and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Utah State University. Her primary areas of clinical interest are treatment of anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress. She uses a generalist approach in her treatment.

Her personal interests include reading, riding motorcycles with her husband, and art. She spends her free time with her family and particularly enjoys her three grandchildren.

Amanda Willett, LCSW, MPH

she/her

Outreach Program Coordinator / Director of Wellness for the School of Veterinary Medicine

Amanda Willett, LCSW, MPH is a licensed clinical social worker and is the Director of Wellness for the School of Veterinary Medicine. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for her Master’s in Social Work and Public Health. She also completed her undergraduate studies in psychology and nutrition at Baylor University. While in graduate school, Amanda was an intern in domestic violence prevention education and community mental health, and had been working as a primary therapist in residential eating disorder care prior to this role.

In addition to clinical work, Amanda volunteers with CAPSA on the mobile crisis team. Amanda’s areas of clinical interest include eating disorders, relationship issues, trauma, mood disorders, sexual health, and women’s issues. Amanda utilizes a person-centered approach with an eclectic blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotion-focused, and psychodynamic techniques.

Amanda grew up in the Chicagoland area and moved to Logan in June 2020. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys traveling, lifting, hiking and the outdoors, listening to podcasts, and relaxing with her cats.

Jessica Bartmann, M.A.

Doctoral Intern

Jessica Bartmann, M.A. is a doctoral intern at CAPS. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in 2016 and her masters from Pacific University in 2020. Jessica is completing her PsyD in Clinical Psychology through Pacific University and is expected to graduate in August 2023. Jessica has previous experience working in community mental health centers and college counseling centers in and around Portland, Oregon.

Jessica’s clinical interests include trauma, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal concerns. She utilizes a client centered, humanistic approach to therapy, incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

In her free time, Jessica enjoys being outdoors with her two dogs, hiking, camping, and skiing.

Christopher Anders, M.A.

Doctoral Intern

Christopher Anders, M.A. is a doctoral intern in his final year of training toward licensure as a counseling psychologist. He is currently enrolled at the University of Iowa and will graduate with his PhD in Counseling Psychology in 2023.

His professional interests include identity development, intersections of sexuality and gender, multicultural counseling, mindfulness-based approaches, anxiety and shame. Christopher’s therapy approach integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Transactional Analysis, and humanistic/interpersonal therapies.

His personal interests include playing music, backpacking, baking, painting and hiking with his aussie.

Jacob Cameron, M.S.

Doctoral Intern

Jacob Cameron, M.S. is a doctoral intern at CAPS. He is a doctoral candidate at Palo Alto University where he is pursuing his PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in LGBTQ+ Psychology. He obtained his BA in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento and his MS in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University. His previous training includes community mental health, a federally-funded school program, and college counseling where he gained experience conducting psychotherapy from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, narrative modalities.

Jacob considers himself a generalist who uses integrative techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and feminist therapy models all within a strengths-based perspective to meet clients where they are at. He has worked with individuals and groups ranging in age from youth to older adults. Jacob is passionate about young adult development, social justice, and working with diverse individuals within their sociocultural context. He has experience with a wide variety of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, grief, motivation, relationships, faith challenges, ADHD, eating and body issues, substance abuse, suicidality, gender and sexual identity questioning/concerns, and leading an authentically balanced life.

Jacob has volunteered his time in community organizing and research to increase education and access to mental and physical health services for those in minoritized and marginalized communities. In his free time, Jacob finds wellness in physical activities like hiking, trail running, and going to the gym. At home, Jacob’s wellbeing includes baking, reading, tending to his chickens and nature, and most importantly, spending meaningful time with his pups.

Miles Wright

he/him

Staff Assistant

Miles Wright is a Graduate of Utah State University with a degree in general studies in human services with plans to go back to school to complete a graduate degree in clinical psychology . Enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, studying languages, spending time with his partner and their dog Darwin.

Heather Hawkes

she/her

Staff Assistant

Heather Hawkes (she/her/hers) graduated with a degree in Marriage and Family Studies with a Pre-Clinical emphasis. Her dream is to one day become a family therapist. In her free time she enjoys hiking, gardening, playing with her dogs, and listening to Taylor Swift.