Merlita Lockman
(she/her/hers), 612-659-6739, M.S. Counseling and Student Personnel
Merlita joined the college in December 2021. She has a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her approach to counseling tends to be Rogerian, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused.
Merlita believes in actively listening, empathizing, being genuine, and accepting each student without judgment. She views her role as a short-term support to give students the direction they need to continue (move focus from problem to solution) and trust that they have the resiliency to do what it takes to be successful.
Merlita is committed to offering counseling services to students to promote academic success and mental wellness. She considers working at the college as working on the front lines of equity and inclusion.
Melissa Schultz
(she/her/hers), 612-200-5361, M.A. Counseling & Psychological Services
Melissa joined the college in 2015 and has her Master’s Degree in Counseling & Psychological Services. Her approach to counseling tends to be Humanistic/Client-Centered (cultural context included) and incorporates concepts of self-care, mindfulness, advocacy, resiliency, and resource building into her conversations with students.
Melissa believes that each student comes with their own set of experiences and strengths and that ultimately, they have the answers needed to live a healthy and joyful life. Melissa views her role as one of a partner that listens and supports students to both identify and address barriers to academic success and overall wellness.
Melissa’s favorite part about working at the college is the diversity that exists within the community, the amazing resilience of our students and the shared commitment to learning in a nurturing environment.
Meagan Abel, Psychologist
(she/her/hers), PsyD. Counseling Psychology, M.A. Clinical Psychology
Meagan has a Doctoral Degree (PsyD) in counseling psychology, a Masters of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology, and a Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Family Studies. Her areas of expertise are in multicultural counseling, health psychology (helping people manage and improve their health and wellness) and in the treatment of trauma.
She is known for her down to earth approach and uses a client-centered approach to counseling and therapy in addition to drawing from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT(Cognitive Behavior Therapy).
Meagan is also a strong advocate for social justice issues impacting the BIPOC and queer communities. She believes that with the right support students from all backgrounds can overcome the challenges they may face to achieve their educational and career goals.
