Meet Our Clinicians and Staff

Nicole Dovel, LPC, Associate Dean for Student Wellbeing

Sarah Magnant, LPC

Sarah Magnant (She/Her) is an LPC who received her B.A in psychology at James Madison University, and completed her Master’s of Science in clinical mental health counseling at Radford University. Sarah is originally from Frederick, Maryland, but moved to Virginia to start her college career. She fell in love with Virginia, and has been here since! Sarah has worked in a variety of therapeutic spaces, including crisis centers, hospitals, and outpatient therapy offices working primarily with college students.  She has a true passion in this field, and loves to be a core support and safe space for anyone in need. She welcomes individuals with a wide variety of needs, including members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, those struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, couples counseling, etc.
Sarah relies on a humanistic approach for counseling, as she enjoys treating individuals holistically and empathetically. Methods used also include a basis from CBT, person-centered techniques, and trauma work. Her techniques are ever changing, and adaptable to individuals!

Annalise Livingston, LPC

Annalise (she/her/hers) is an LPC who obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology at James Madison University, and completed her graduate studies in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University. Annalise was born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia and fell in love with the Harrisonburg area on her JMU college tour. She has worked in various healthcare and crisis stabilization settings, including VCU Health Systems and Region Ten Community Services Board, and her love for supporting and caring for others has only grown throughout her experiences in the field. She believes in the importance of meeting people where they are, wherever that may be. She is passionate about helping individuals with anxiety, depression, interpersonal skills, and emotional regulation. She takes a Person Centered and Existential approach and actively integrates tenets of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Annalise enjoys spending her free time hiking, reading, attempting to learn how to cook, and spending time with loved ones.  

Courtney Carvajal, M.A. in CMHC, Resident in Counseling

Courtney (she/her/hers) is a resident in counseling who obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University  and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Courtney has several years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and families as well as in local public schools doing early intervention and crisis support. Courtney is comfortable working with all ages and populations including LGBTQ+ individuals and those of diverse faith/cultural backgrounds by focusing on client-centered, culturally responsive approaches. Courtney provides trauma informed care and a safe, judgement free space to foster personal growth and healing for clients with a variety of needs. Courtney is passionate about normalizing and destigmatizing mental health issues and improving mental health service inequalities. Courtney spends her free time with her family-cooking, crafting, singing and dancing. 

Rachel Farrell

Rachel Farrell is the Office Coordinator for Counseling Services.  She graduated from EMU in 2007, and is grateful for the opportunity to welcome and support current students.  When she’s not at her desk, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out with her goats/chickens/cows/cat/foster pets/etc., supporting her church, and reading when she can squeeze it in.  Remember that you’re welcome to stop by Counseling Services for any reason - we weren’t meant to go through life on our own!