Meet the Staff

Marielle Evangelista, LPC (she/her), Staff Therapist

I’m a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with over 8 years of experience working with adolescents and adults, primarily in community mental health. My therapeutic orientation is strength-based and collaborative, and includes awareness of how social contexts shape our experiences. I often incorporate self-compassion, mindfulness-based approaches and values exploration in counseling sessions. Some of my areas of interest include working with LGBTQ+ folks, OCD, neurodivergence, and relational concerns. I am passionate about harm reduction approaches to substance use and other habits.

Nathan Higa, PsyD., (he/him), Staff Psychologist and Training Coordinator

Hello!

I am a Clinical Psychologist who completed graduate school training in Clinical Psychology at George Fox university. Moving from Hawaii to Oregon for College I can empathize with the stressors related to the transition to college. My approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with a Client Centered framework to help people confront and address their current life concerns to live a more value-oriented life. I am passionate about giving clients a space to feel heard, understood, and supported.

In my free time I enjoy playing sports, spending time with my two dogs Maisie and Kona, and spending time with my wife and friends.

Robin Keillor, PhD, (she/her), Director of Counseling and Associate Vice President of Student Health and Well-Being

Hi! I’m a licensed psychologist with a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from Arizona State University. I’ve worked in college and university counseling centers for most of my professional career, and I love working with college students as they navigate change and seek balance. I try to create an accepting and inclusive space, where people can take risks and be vulnerable enough to heal and grow. I often encourage clients to consider their multiple roles and competing priorities, so they can make choices aligned with their chosen values. As they learn to recognize the ways that their identity and positionality impacts their lives, I reinforce or help them to locate their strengths and resilience (especially when they’ve lost sight of them). My approach is highly relational, and I integrate multiple therapeutic approaches to match the needs of the students I work with. I will assist clients to increase their awareness of self, society, and others to create additional options for navigating, accepting, or resolving the impact of life stressors or trauma on their daily functioning. We’ll also find ways to increase a sense of connection to self and others, where that is needed. This means that I will help you to consider how you interact with the systems you live within (or that are imposed on you) in the healthiest way for you.

I have expertise in working with people who have experienced trauma to seek trauma processing and resolution. I am also specialized in intersectional/culturally responsive counseling, identity development, relationship dynamics, and academic success. I have significant experience and training in working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, Students of Color, International Students, Students with Disabilities, and Veterans.

When I’m away from work I enjoy listening to music, hiking, reading, and playing games. I love spending time with my family, friends, my dog (Suki) and my cat (Remy).

Melanie Langlois, LPC (she/her), Staff Therapist

I am a licensed professional counselor who earned my master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and have been working in the field of mental health for over 15 years in a variety of settings including reproductive health, crisis intervention and grief services. Grounded in a person-centered and feminist approach, I am dedicated to supporting students as they navigate internal and external challenges, develop greater awareness of their strengths and resources, and connect more deeply with what matters most to them. I am especially passionate about resilience, the intersection of social justice and mental health, and incorporating modes of creative expression into the healing process.

Christabel Léonce, PsyD, (she/her), Staff Psychologist & Outreach Coordinator

Hello! I work as a dedicated psychologist here at Lewis & Clark College. As a proud member of the BIPOC community, I am deeply committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. My work focuses on providing culturally competent care, helping students navigate unique challenges, and fostering resilience through difficult times.

I earned my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from George Fox University and specialized in multicultural psychology, trauma, child and adolescent development, and mental health in marginalized communities. My approach to therapy is holistic and collaborative, ensuring that each student feels heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

Outside of my work on campus, I enjoy listening to various genres of music, dancing, hiking in the beautiful local parks, and connecting with family and friends.

Susan Metcalfe, LCSW (she/her), Part Time Staff Therapist (2 days a week)

I am a clinical social worker working at the LC Student Counseling Center. I earned my master’s degree from PSU School of Social Work and I have worked in counseling centers at both PSU and Reed College. I consider myself a “generalist” using many different therapy techniques with a focus on relational and strength-based approaches. I have over 25 years of experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss.

I particularly enjoy working with students as they navigate their way through school and life issues.

Paris Schaefer, PsyD (she/her), Staff Psychologist (3 days a week) 

Greetings Lewis and Clark community! I am a clinical psychologist and work as a staff clinician at the Student Counseling Center.

I’ve been working in college mental health for over 20 years at various institutions including Stanford University, Reed College, Cal Poly Pomona and most recently at University of Portland as the Associate Director for Counseling and Training. I have specialized training in short-term and long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and my theoretical orientation incorporates tools from attachment theory, feminist and social justice perspectives as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and neuroscience. My clinical interests include college student adjustment and identity development, relationship issues, childhood stress, perfectionism, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and neurodivergence.

In addition to direct clinical services, my areas of interest include:

• the role of creativity in identity development
• activism as intervention
• psychotherapy and neuroplasticity
• mental health and campus climate
• psychotherapy training and supervision
• higher education administration

Ultimately, I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is the primary vehicle for change and my style is warm, non-judgmental, and strengths based.