CAPS 2023 Graduate Student Trainees

Broquelynn Shepard

Broquelynn (brook-lyn; she/her) Shepard is an Advanced Graduate Trainee at UR CAPS. Her passion for mental health, well-being, and multiculturalism has spanned her educational tenure. Broquelynn earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Alabama State University (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah State!) and Master of Science in Community Psychology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She is currently a Counseling Psychology doctoral candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University, researching racial socialization, identity development, applications of feminist epistemology in qualitative research, and the lived experiences of bigger-bodied Black womxn. While she has diverse clinical experiences, her clinical interests include trauma; inter- and intrapersonal relationships; identity development and exploration; and liberatory approaches to racial and gender stress. 

Broquelynn is an avid listener of audiobooks and rap and R&B music. When she is not making playlists to vibe to, you can find her scrolling through TikTok, hanging out with friends, and playing with her sweet four-legged baby, Caesar. 

 

Emily Wills

Emily Wills is returning to CAPS as a Resident in Counseling for the 2023-2024 academic year. Emily recently graduated with her master’s in Counselor Education from VCU where she specialized in College Counseling and Student Affairs. Prior to beginning her graduate studies at VCU, Emily worked in an inpatient mental health facility and for the national non-profit organization, Active Minds. During her outreach work with Active Minds, Emily developed a passion for working with college students and starting conversations about mental health. Emily completed undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Neuroscience from Virginia Tech. Clinically, Emily is interested in identity development, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, adjustment and belonging in college students. Emily utilizes a person-centered therapeutic approach that is founded on listening, empathetic understanding, and helping students recognize their strengths to achieve wellness. In her free time, Emily enjoys live music, hiking, taking pottery classes, and trying new restaurants in the Richmond area.

 

Kristina Jean-Baptiste

Kristina Jean-Baptiste is an Advanced Graduate Trainee at UR CAPS for the 23-24 academic year. While this is her first year with UR CAPS, she has worked with college-aged students at her Alma Mater Florida A&M University where she received her Masters of Science in Community Psychology. Prior to her masters, Kristina received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Stetson University, and is now working towards her Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology at Virginia State University. Kristina has a preference towards humanistic therapeutic approaches. Her clinical interests include body image, racial identity, eating disorders and culture.

Before moving to Virginia, Kristina is originally grew up in Florida, also known as the sunshine state, and lived there her whole life. She has yet to see snow but is hoping that her move to Virginia will change that! Outside of her time at CAPS, she is usually studying, gardening or crafting.

Madison Lockamy

Madi began working at CAPS as a LPC resident in August 2023 as a part of the CAPS training program. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Sociology at Longwood University in 2021, she continued her education at Longwood University, and received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2023. Madi has experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Counseling. She believes in the basic principles of Person-Centered Counseling, which emphasize a strong therapeutic alliance and empathetic understanding. Madi has experience working with collegiate student-athletes, and is highly interested in this population. Her areas of clinical interest include anxiety, relationships, eating disorders and body image.

While attending Longwood University, Madi played five years of college soccer, and is passionate about the world of sports. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction thrillers, making pasta dishes, and visiting the beach.

Monae Porter

Monae Porter is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology at Virginia State University. She currently has a Masters in Clinical Health Psychology from Virginia State and a Bachelors in psychology from Old Dominion University. At CAPS she holds the role as an advance graduate training along with a duo role in the housing and residential staff. As a clinical trainee, she enjoys working with diverse clients, using aspects of positive psychology in interventions, and creating a safe environment for all people. She has spent the majority of her career gaining experiences with a multitude of clients, including active-duty service members, veterans, members of the LGTQ+ community, and individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. Monae Porter also has a special research interest in sexual health practices and aims to educate others on safer sex practices as a form of self-care.

While her primary job function by day is a psychologist-in-training, she also enjoys running and exploring ways to make healthier versions of classic food dishes.

Owen Ludlow

Owen is currently an Advanced Graduate Trainee. He will be on campus three days a week, sharing time between Athletics and CAPS. He is pursuing a Master’s in Counseling at Longwood University after achieving a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in May 2022. Before studying at Longwood, he received a Certificate of Higher Education in International Business Management from York St. John University after achieving a Level III Triple Distinction BTEC in Sport Science at North Notts College in England. Owen describes his counseling style as compassionate and goal-oriented. His areas of clinical interest include trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, those affected by cancer, and relationships. He is also interested in the benefits of exercise and mindfulness on well-being. As a former Division 1 athlete, Owen has a passion for sport and working with student-athletes. At Longwood, he served as team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Sport in the Community. 

Owen is a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International (CSI), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and Longwood University Sign Language Club. He looks forward to presenting at the VCA Convention this fall. Owen loves all things RVA! When he is not studying or driving, you can find him walking with the family rescue lab Mille Mae, jogging around town, coaching and playing soccer, checking out art at the VMFA, catching a Chelsea FC match, or enjoying a coffee– lots of coffee!