2024-2025 Faculty Retreat

Dr. Lelia Roach, Dr. Hana Meshesha, Dr. Alex Gantt-Howrey, Dr. Renee Howells, Dr. Liz Horn, Dr. Leslie Stewart, Dr. Chad Yates, Dr. David Kleist (not pictured: Dr. Ngonizashe Mpofu)

David M. Kleist, Ph.D.
Department Chair and Professor
Office: Garrison 716
Phone: (208) 282-4315
Email: kleidavi@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Family and Couples Counseling, Instructional Theory, and Counseling Ethics
Education:

• Ph.D., 1995, Southern Illinois University
• M.A., 1991, Governors State University
• B.A., 1987, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Biography: My broad scholarly interests include qualitative research, instructional theory, couple and family counseling, and ethics. More specifically, I am interested in the influences of postmodern philosophy on these areas and its impact on the future of counselor education. I am also concerned with increasing the field's awareness of the importance of training counselors in prevention and remediation. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, skiing, hiking, spending time with my family, listening to Bob Dylan, and obsessing about the Green Bay Packers. Feel free to contact me for more information.
Pronouns: he/him/his

Liz Horn, Ph.D.
Associate Chair and Professor 
Office: Room 516D, ISU Meridian Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Phone: (208) 373-1718
Email: dougeliz@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Issues of Loss and Grief, Mental Health Counseling
Education:

• Ph.D., 2006, Texas A&M University-Commerce
• M.A., 1998, Sam Houston State University
• B.S., 1996, East Texas State University

Biography: My primary research interests are focused on grief and loss, particularly bereavement grief and everyday losses. I am involved with the AADA Grief and Loss Competencies Task Force and guide doctoral students in various research areas. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, watching old movies, and exploring new hobbies.
Pronouns: she/her

Chad Yates, Ph.D.
Professor of Counseling
Office: Garrison 718
Phone: (208) 282-3158
Email: yatechad@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Addictions Counseling
Education:

• Ph.D., 2012, Kent State University
• M.A., 2008, The University of Toledo
• B.A., 2005, The University of Toledo

Biography: I joined ISU’s Department of Counseling in 2013. My research interests include educational practices in addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders. I also research the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) within counseling and addictions counseling. I am involved in the ISU Safe Space Program and serve as the Counseling Coordinator of ISU’s Northwest Center for Fluency Disorders. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, and golfing, and spending time with my family.
Pronouns: he/him/his

Leslie Stewart, Ph.D.
Professor of Counseling, Liaison for Belonging and Wellness
Office: Garrison 723
Phone: (208) 282-3769
Email: stewlesl@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Animal-Assisted Interventions and the Human-Animal Bond, Trauma-Informed Counseling and Counselor Preparation, Anxiety & Stress Management
Education:

• Ph.D., 2014, Georgia State University
• M.Ed., 2009, University of Georgia
• B.A., 2007, Georgia State University

Biography: My primary research focus is on Animal-Assisted Interventions. I direct the Department of Counseling’s ROAR Lab and the Certificate Program in Animal-Assisted Interventions. I have experience as a counselor, supervisor, and support provider in various settings. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor recreation, spending time with my animals, and traveling.
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Leila Roach, Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Counseling
Office: Garrison 721
Phone: (208) 282-2403
Email: leilaroach@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, Counselor Wellness, Spirituality in Counseling, Trauma-Informed Care
Education:

• Ph.D., 2005, University of Central Florida
• M.Ed., 1989, Vanderbilt University
• B.S., 1979, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Biography: I have been a full-time Counselor Educator for the past 19 years and joined the ISU faculty in August 2024 to coordinate the Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Program. My research interests center on couple and family counseling, with a focus on the strength of relationships for promoting resiliency and wellbeing. I teach couple and family counseling courses, assessment and diagnosis, and supervise internship labs. My professional experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in various settings. I have also served in Bhutan with NBCC-International, providing counseling, training, and supervision. I am a past president of ASERVIC and currently chair the Strategic Planning Committee. My personal interests include spending time with family and my two German Shepherds, Zeus and Hazel, hiking, meditation, and expressive arts.
Pronouns: she/her

Ngonidzashe Mpofu, Ph.D., NCC, CRC, CCMHC
Assistant Professor
Office: Garrison 720
Phone: (208) 282-2413
Email: ngonidzashempofu@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Clinical Rehabilitation, Clinical Mental Health in Schools and Communities, Workplace Wellbeing, Multicultural Competencies
Education:

• Ph.D., 2021, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• M.Ed., 2017, Pennsylvania State University
• B.S., 2011, Pennsylvania State University

Biography: My research focuses on workplace wellbeing, disability formation, and health-risk behaviors. I am involved with the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program and internship coordination at ISU-Pocatello. I enjoy reading, music, exploring the outdoors, and baking.
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Alexandra Gantt-Howrey, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Office: Meridian 516, 1311 E Central Dr., Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: (208) 373-1719
Email: alexgantthowrey@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Counselor Preparation, Social Determinants of Mental Health, Cognitive Complexity, Rural Mental Health Access
Education:

• Ph.D., 2022, Old Dominion University

Biography: My primary research interests are counselor preparation to assess for and address clients’ social determinants of mental health and cognitive complexity, which includes how counselors think about their clients. I am also committed to interdisciplinary research efforts to improve rural mental health access and outcomes across Idaho. I often use my free time to explore Boise, walk the Greenbelt, or spend time with family.

Renée C. Howells, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
Assistant Professor
Office: 516C, ISU Meridian Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Phone: (208) 373-1944
Email: reneehowells@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Disability and Deafhood, Trauma-Informed Care and Advocacy, Clinical Rehabilitation
Education:

• Ph.D., 2018, Idaho State University, Counselor Education and Counseling
• M.A., 2015, Gonzaga University, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• B.A., 2013, The College of Idaho, Psychology, Fine Art

Biography: I have been a resident faculty member in the Department of Counseling at the ISU-Meridian since 2021. Before coming to Idaho State University, I worked as a counselor educator at the University of New Mexico for three years. I also maintain a small private practice, Painted Sage Counseling and Consultation, as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am passionate about disability inclusion and cultural representation, focusing on working with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. My research interests include advocacy, accessibility, and interdisciplinary work in mental health and higher education. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time in nature, with loved ones, traveling, or discovering new hobbies.
Pronouns: she/her

Hana Meshesha, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Office: Meridian 516, 1311 E Central Dr., Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: (208) 373-1966
Email: hanameshesha@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Trauma, Addiction, Disability, Supervision, Multicultural Counseling
Education:

• Ph.D., 2023, University of Montana
• M.A., 2019, University of Montana
• M.Ed., 2012, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
• B.A., 2007, University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Biography: I joined ISU’s Department of Counseling in 2023. I have experience working with college populations and clients with substance use disorders. Before moving to the U.S., I was a faculty member at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, where I focused on teaching, supervising, and providing counseling services. My research interests include trauma, forgiveness, addiction, disability, supervision, and counseling in an international context. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies, traveling, and listening to music.
Pronouns: she/her

Anna James Krzemieniecki, Ph.D., LCPC
Clinical Assistant Professor/Meridian Counseling Clinical Director
Office: Room 557C, ISU Meridian Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Phone: (208) 282-1969
Email: annajameskrzemien@isu.edu
Biography: As the Director of the Meridian Counseling Clinic, I oversee clinical operations and deliver high-quality mental health services to rural communities. I also maintain a private practice focused on maternal mental health and serve on the Idaho Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. In my free time, I enjoy family road trips, home remodeling, and bike rides.
Pronouns: she/her

Shawn P. Parmanand, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor and Professional Development Coordinator
Office: Garrison 717
Phone: (208) 282-1431
Email: parmshaw@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Couples Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Infertility Counseling and Support, Gatekeeping and Remediation in Counselor Education
Education:

• Ph.D., 2010, Idaho State University
• M.Coun., 2007, Idaho State University
• B.A., 2004, Idaho State University

Biography: I have been a full-time counselor educator for over ten years, focusing on Marriage, Couple, and Family programs, and coordinating professional development workshops. I enjoy family activities, camping, concerts, and movies.
Pronouns: he/him/his

Lance Erickson, Ph.D.
Affiliate Faculty
Office: Museum Building #418
Phone: (208) 282-2380
Email: ericlanc@isu.edu
Specialty Areas: Student Affairs and College Counseling, Career Development, Career Assessments, Mental Health, Supervision
Education:

• Ed.D., 2012, Idaho State University
• M.Coun., 2004, Idaho State University
• B.A., 1994, Brigham Young University

Biography: I am the Director of the Career Center and coordinate the Student Affairs Counseling track. My passion lies in college student development and career counseling. I am involved in regional and national organizations related to career counseling and student affairs.
Contact: ericlanc@isu.edu

Angie Sistrunk 

Administrative Assistant I - Pocatello Campus

Email: angiesistrunk@isu.edu

Phone: (208) 282-3156

Nichole Jensen 

Administrative Assistant I - Pocatello Campus

Email: parsnich@isu.edu

Phone: (208) 282-3742

Virginia B. Allen, Ed.D.

Professor Emerita

• Email: allevirg@isu.edu
• Specialty Areas: Psychological Testing, Research, School Counseling
• Degrees:
• Ed.D., 1981, University of South Dakota
• M.Ed., 1978, South Dakota State University
• B.A., 1974, University of Montana

Biography: Hi! I am an Emeritus Professor from the Department of Counseling. I joined ISU in 1981, focusing on psychological testing, research, and school counseling. My involvement extends to state, regional, and national professional associations. I have authored numerous articles on ethics and play therapy supervision, and most recently, I published "Counseling in the Family Law System: A Professional Counselor’s Guide."

Judith A. Crews, Ph.D.

Professor Emerita

• Email: judith.crews@isu.edu
• Specialty Areas: Counseling Theory and Process Practicum, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, Community Counseling Theory and Practice, Career Counseling, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology
• Degrees:
• Ph.D., 1999, University of Nevada, Reno
• M.A., 1996, University of Nevada, Reno
• B.A., 1993, University of Nevada, Reno

Biography: I am Dr. Judith Crews, and I served as a faculty member at the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center. My specialties include couple and family counseling, as well as mental health counseling. Before joining ISU, I worked in private practice and community counseling agencies. My scholarly interests cover counselor education, developmental models of supervision, family systems theory, grief counseling, and human motivation. I also advocate for nationally uniform licensing for the counseling profession. I look forward to working with you.

Stephen S. Feit, Ed.D.

Professor Emeritus

• Email: feitstep@isu.edu
• Specialty Areas: Counseling Techniques, Career Counseling, Counseling Supervision
• Degrees:
• Ed.D., 1973, West Virginia University
• M.A., 1970, West Virginia University
• B.A., 1969, University of New Hampshire

Biography: Raised in New Hampshire, I earned my degrees in Sociology and Counseling from West Virginia University before relocating to Idaho. With over thirty years in the West, my professional interests lie in supervision, particularly prepracticum/practicum, career development, and counselor education issues like accreditation and licensure. I hold certifications as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Nationally Certified Counselor. I have been involved with the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) and currently serve on the CACREP Board of Directors. Counselor Education is my passion, and I am excited to continue contributing to the field.