CAPS Staff

Lindsey Brooks, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist/Training Coordinator

Lindsey Brooks received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Lehigh University and is a licensed psychologist in California. She has provided counseling to students at several universities, including UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and Santa Clara University. Lindsey helps students with difficulties such as, relationship issues, family difficulties, adjustment to college, depression, anxiety, and grief/loss. She also aims to help students connect with their inner strengths and passions. Lindsey particularly enjoys working with students on understanding their multicultural identities, first-generation college student issues, and women's issues. Her specialty area is working with LGBTQ students.

Andy Kerlow-Myers, Ph.D., Post-Doctoral Counselor Fellow

Andy received his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University at Albany, State University of New York. He has previously received training at the University at Albany’s Psychological Services Center and Career Services Center, Albany Medical Center Movement Disorders Clinic, Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Services, and the College of Saint Rose Counseling Center. He completed his APA accredited internship at Arizona State University’s Counseling Center. Andy enjoys helping students with a variety of concerns, including first-generation college student issues, adjustment, anxiety, depression, career decision making, and being a parent while in college.

Joe Puentes, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist

Joe received his Psy.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of La Verne in La Verne, CA. He completed his APA accredited internship at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. There Joe worked in University Counseling Center and received specialized training in substance abuse treatment and sports/performance psychology. His areas of clinical interest are in the treatment of anxiety and depression, substance abuse, and sport/performance enhancement. Other areas of interest include multicultural counseling, working with Latina/o students, Mindfulness and Positive Psychology.

Nicole Ridout, Psy.D., Post-Doctoral Counselor Fellow

Nicole received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Alliant International University in San Diego, California. She has provided counseling services to students at the University of San Diego as well as California State University San Marcos where she received specialized training in sports psychology consultation for student athletes. Nicole also completed her clinical training at Halcyon Crisis Center, a residential alternative to hospitalization for adults in a severe mental health crisis, and Rady’s Children’s Hospital where she worked with children, adolescents, and their primary caregivers. Her clinical interests include treatment of anxiety and depression, relationship issues, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, sports/performance psychology, personal growth, and first-generation college student issues.

Laura Williams, Psy.D., Counselor/Clinical Coordinator/Crisis Advocate

Laura received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area campus. Laura completed her early training at Santa Rosa Junior College providing psychotherapy to students. She later completed her pre-doctoral and post-doctoral internship here at SSU CAPS. Laura also was trained in community mental health at the Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic where she provided longer term depth-oriented psychotherapy to adults, children, couples and families.  Laura's clinical interests include working with those affected by trauma or abuse, treatment of depression and anxiety, and supporting individuals with issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation.  Laura has completed the YWCA’s domestic violence training program and has received additional training in trauma assessment and treatment. In Laura’s capacity as the Student Crisis Advocate, she brings a commitment to supporting and empowering individuals affected by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, bias related incidents, abusive relationships, hate crimes, and other disruptive, traumatic and disturbing events.  She is also committed to working collaboratively with the larger SSU community to increase safety and awareness and to promote an environment that is supportive and respectful of all individuals.

Michael Wood, M.A., Post-Doctoral Counselor Fellow

Michael received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA. He has previously received training at Counseling and Psychological Services at California State University, Fullerton and he completed his APA accredited internship at University Counseling Services at California State University, Northridge. Michael helps students with a variety of concerns including, relationship and family difficulties, adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and developmental issues. His clinical interests include first generation college student issues, grief and loss, spirituality and mental health, identity development, and LGBTQ issues.  

Lisa Wyatt, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist/Director

Lisa received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology with an emphasis in health psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology/ Los Angeles in 1997. She completed her APA internship at Hartford Hospital's Institute of Living where she was trained in psychological and neuropsychological assessment and clinical treatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Lisa also received specialized training in eating disorders and worked with national eating disorders expert, Dr. Margo Maine. Lisa completed her post-doctoral training, worked as a staff psychologist, and became Director of University of Hartford's Department of Counseling and Psychological Services. In 2007, Lisa was hired at Sonoma State University as the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services and Disability Services for Students. Lisa's areas of clinical interest include: mood and anxiety disorders, developmental issues, eating disorders, and couples counseling.