# phoenix campus faculty

# Master of Science in Counseling / Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Gain hands-on experience from our Arizona faculty of clinical mental health counseling professionals who have worked for many years in the field. They bring their knowledge and expertise to help prepare you to provide counseling to the community.

[Get online counseling degree details](/online-behavioral-sciences-degrees/counseling-clinical-mental-health-masters-degree.html)
## online

## Dean

![Sheila Babendir, Associate Dean](https://uop.scene7.com/is/image/phoenixedu/babendir-thumb.webp?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=70&fit=constrain,1&wid=310)

### Sheila Babendir, EdD, LPC

Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

[Learn more](/about/academic-leadership/dean-sheila-babendir.html)
## online

## Core faculty

![Gabrielle Ficchi](https://uop.scene7.com/is/image/phoenixedu/gabrielle-ficchi.webp?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=70&fit=constrain,1&wid=310)

### Gabrielle Ficchi, Ph.D., LPC

Dr. Gabrielle Ficchi works as full-time faculty at the university of phoenix. She has served as a full-time... 

...faculty member since November 2022, where she teaches a variety of counseling courses and serves as a clinical supervisor for practicum and internship students. She earned her PhD from University of Arizona in Rehabilitation and Mental Health. She is a licensed therapist as well as a certified rehabilitation counselor. Gabrielle has 10 years of both teaching and counseling experience. She also works as the CEO & Therapist at her therapy practice, New Perspectives LLC. Working to bring mental health services to the disability community & their families. Her specialty and research areas focus on disability adjustment both for individuals and families, independent living, resilience, and disability identity. Her passion is to educate future counselors and advocate for equality and justice for the disability community.

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![Wendy Whinnery](https://uop.scene7.com/is/image/phoenixedu/wendy-whinnery.webp?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=70&fit=constrain,1&wid=310)

### Wendy Whinnery, Ph.D., NCC, LMHC, CCMHC, CCTP, CGCS 

Dr. Wendy J. Whinnery received her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a...

...Specialization in Trauma and Crisis from Walden University in 2019. Dr. Whinnery is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, receiving full licensure in 2014. She became a Nationally Certified Counselor, and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor in 2014, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor in 2021. Dr. Whinnery joined the UOPX family in April 2020 as an Associate Faculty. She joined the Core Faculty in January 2021. Dr. Whinnery has also served as Remediation and Student Support Coordinator, Lead Instructor for Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy, and on the Faculty Council and Hiring Team.

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![Yurandol Thompson](https://uop.scene7.com/is/image/phoenixedu/yurandol-thompson.webp?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=70&fit=constrain,1&wid=310)

### Yurandol Thompson, Ph.D., NCC, LPC

#### Associate dean

Dr. Yurandol Thompson completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Maryland... 

...University College. She received a MA in Professional Counseling from the Georgia Professional School of Psychology at Argosy University Atlanta and a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from Walden University. She is a licensed professional counselor in Georgia and Virginia as well as a national certified counselor. Dr. Thompson has over 15 years of clinical experience. She has developed clinical expertise working with individuals, couples, and families in a wide range of settings including community mental health agencies, crisis, government agencies, and private practice.

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## phoenix campus

## Non-core faculty

Cassidy Beckstein, MS, LPC

Kimberly Dubois, MS, LPC

Kimberly Mahr, MSC, NCC, LPC

Kristen Ray DBH, MC, LPC  

Laura Wood, MS, LPC

Patricia Kerstner, Ph.D., NCC, LP

Robert Kincanon, Ph.D., MSC, LPC

Ronald Dankowski, Ph.D., LP

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