April Christman (she/her/hers) became the Director of Counseling and Student Health in July of 2022. Before coming to Virginia Wesleyan, April worked with Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center as an outpatient psychotherapist, Duke University’s Hospice and Bereavement Center as a grief counselor, and Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center as a social worker and clinician. April began working at VWU in 2017 as an adjunct professor in the Department of Social Work, teaching courses with a focus on psychoactive drugs and substance use disorders, death and grief, lifespan development, and introduction to social work. Since 2018, she served as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Campus Life, a counselor in the Student Counseling Center, and the Director of Student Health at VWU. April completed her Bachelor of Social Work at Virginia Wesleyan College and a Master of Social Work at Smith College. She was licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2019. Her clinical expertise include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem, stress management, grief, trauma, and substance abuse.
Brandon Foster (he/him/his) was hired as a Therapist in July of 2022. Before coming to Virginia Wesleyan, Brandon worked with Samaritan House as a victim advocate, Beth Sholom Village as a social worker, Veritas Collaborative Adult Eating Disorder Hospital as a psychotherapist, and Duke University’s Cognitive Behavioral Research and Treatment Program as a social worker and outpatient therapist. Brandon has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings providing comprehensive care through multidisciplinary lenses. Brandon began working at VWU in 2022 as the Village Coordinator in the Office of Residence Life while also serving as a counselor in the Student Counseling Center. Brandon completed his Bachelor of Social Work at Virginia Wesleyan University and a Master of Social Work at Smith College.
Laura Patrick (she/her/hers) was hired as a therapist in January 2024. She has experience working with adults and youth who struggle with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, and much more. She is passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ population and the additional nuanced challenges students in this community endure. Before coming to VWU, Laura received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Regent University in 2017 and her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in 2023. Additionally, prior to completing her Master's degree, Laura worked as a counselor for the Seton Youth Shelters for two years supporting local homeless and behaviorally challenged youth. Laura employs different modalities for treatment such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is certified in EMDR therapy, which is a leading treatment for trauma.