Amy Buwick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Addiction Counselor who has worked at Western Illinois University for approximately 20 years. Amy was drawn to working with college students because they are a population in a time of growth and change intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Amy believes counselling is about assisting students in achieving their goals and dreams by creating a safe environment and by helping to remove barriers: All students have the capability of resolving their problems.

Amy enjoys working with individuals, groups, and couples of all types and concerns, using a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT, Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing. She has extra experience with persons with addictions, eating disorders, and chaotic families. Amy is particularly proud of her work in developing the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Resource Center in collaboration with other departments and professionals, as well as starting a noncompetitive running program for youth.

Amy’s large family heals her. She enjoys reading a good adventure or finding one. Her favorite quote is "Live to the point of tears." — Albert Camus.

Cara Cerullo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor in the State of Illinois. She is a proud alumni of the University of Iowa where she graduated with her BA in Psychology with a minor in Social Work and a Masters of Social Work degree. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and motivational interviewing techniques in therapeutic interactions with students. Her areas of interest include working with students exhibiting depressive or anxiety symptoms, with an appreciation for a systems and holistic approach to healing, grief counseling, suicide prevention initiatives, among many other areas of interest. When able, Cara works as an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Health Sciences and Social Work.

What are some resources or recommendations you would make for students?

I would recommend the Brene Brown: Unlocking Us podcast. This podcast is authentic to the human experience and shares information from multiple individuals, many who have relevant books that if I haven't already pursued and read, I plan to. Both Brene and the individuals she interviews are real and vulnerable when sharing and the content of each podcast is relevant for most individuals. Another recommendation I would make would be the Insight Timer application. This is a great, free resource to find meditations. What I appreciate most about this application is the opportunity to filter the meditation based on topic, length of time, etc.

Personally and professionally, I believe in preventative self-care. Preventative self-care is the daily practice of activities that build resilience to stressful life events, versus practicing self-care in reaction to events. Both are valuable, but I believe it is important to build the habit of self-care and self-compassion. Part of self-compassion, to me, is making self-care a priority without guilt. For preventative self-care, my number one go-to is exercise. This can be as small as getting outside and putting one foot in front of the other for a walk. It is especially helpful for me when it includes nature. Another important self-care activity for me is meaningful connection to others. This can be through a shared activity, or through emotional connection through conversation.

Most helpful quote, and one that you would find in my office: "Change your thoughts, you can change your world." This quote aligns with my orientation of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Marsha joined the UCC staff in August 2006 after working 15 years in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. She obtained her Master's degree in Counseling from Western Illinois University in 1991. Marsha is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She provides individual, couples, and group counseling. Her areas of clinical interest include: relationship and family of origin issues, challenges faced by student military veterans, and self-esteem/empowerment. Marsha is invested in helping students reach their full potential. Outside of being a counselor, Marsha is an avid sports mom enjoying basketball, football, and track.

Christie Reynolds is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been at the University Counseling Center since 2011. She has a graduate degree from Western Illinois University. She started her career as a social worker in Chicago with DCFS. She then moved to Student Development and Orientation at Western Illinois University where she worked with crisis intervention. Her areas of interest include self-esteem work, multicultural issues, dysfunctional family issues, and identity development. She enjoys working with the college population because of their motivation and energy. Christie finds relaxation in spending time with her family, running, and painting.

Coming soon.

Coming soon.

Terri joined the UCC staff in August of 2012 after working in the community college setting for many years. Terri obtained her Master’s degree in Agency Counseling from WIU in 2000 and completed her practicum and internship at the WIU Counseling Center. Terri enjoys working with the college population in all areas of concern. She provides individual and group counseling as well as outreach programming upon request. She has worked with dual diagnosis individuals and groups in the community mental health setting, and her interests include helping students achieve wellness, build upon their strengths, and assist them in reaching their goals and potential.

Rebecca Flock is the receptionist at the University Counseling Center. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western in 2008. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her cats and being crafty.