Advisory Board

ADVISORY BOARD

The CCSPA Advisory Board is comprised of both elected and appointed representatives that provide leadership and strategic direction to guide the association’s mission, initiatives, and governance. Members bring expertise in leadership, policy, and engagement to strengthen the field of counseling and clinical sport psychology.

ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS

Cody Commander, Psy.D., CMPC

President

Dr. Cody Commander is a clinical and sport psychologist with 20+ years of experience. He spent 12 years at the University of Oklahoma, where he served as Director of PROS. He was a Mental Health Officer for Team USA at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games and continues to advance the field through leadership and innovation. Dr. Commander owns Commander Counseling & Wellness, a large group practice in Oklahoma, and recently founded Rock Springs, a concierge-style psychological testing center in Colorado. He is the author of the Commanding Performance – Sport Psychology Workbook series. Outside of work, he enjoys life with his amazing wife and two awesome daughters and playing competitive pickleball.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Oklahoma Athletics
Pre-doctoral Internship, Ball State University Counseling
Psy.D. Wright State University
M.B.S. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
B.A. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Jamey Houle, Ph.D., ABPP

Past President

Dr. Jamey Houle is the Director of Sport Psychology and Wellness Services for Ohio State University Athletics at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute. He holds a Clinical Associate Professor position in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and is Board Certified in Counseling Psychology. Jamey was an All-American gymnast at OSU, and part of the 2001 NCAA Championship team and won back to back Big Ten championships with his team. He has an amazing wife and two beautiful children.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Wisconsin-Madison Counseling Services
Pre-doctoral Internship, Texas A & M University Counseling Center
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, Auburn University
M.S. Athletic Counseling, Springfield College
B.A. The Ohio State University

Tess Kilwein, Ph.D., ABPP, CMPC

Technology Chair

Dr. Kilwein (she/they) is a board-certified clinical and sport psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant®. They own and operate Unapologetic Psychology PLLC, a mental health and performance practice specializing in identity-affirming and trauma-informed care for athletes, performers, and professionals. Dr. Kilwein previously served as a Sport Psychologist for Vanderbilt Athletics and spends their leisure time traveling and playing competitive pickleball.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Colorado State University Health Network
Pre-doctoral Internship, Denver Health Medical Center
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, University of Wyoming
M.A. Psychology, University of North Dakota
B.S. Psychology, North Dakota State University

Marcia Edwards, Psy.D.

Organizational Liaison & Communications Coordinator

Dr. Marcia Edwards (she/her) is a sport psychologist with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute. She also holds a clinical assistance professor position in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at OSU. Marcia is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she serves on the executive board. She loves Next Top Chef and shopping but will also lace up her cleats and meet you on the pitch in a heartbeat.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Clemson University Counseling Services
Pre-doctoral Internship, University of Oklahoma
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology
M.A. Kinesiology, University of Tennessee
B.A. Hampton University

Samantha Sanderson Brown, Psy.D.

Research & Information Chair

Dr. Samantha Sanderson Brown is a clinical and sport psychologist. She owns and operates Beyond Sport Psychology, PLLC, a private practice specializing in supporting high performers facing life transitions. She has been the Assistant Medical Director for Player Wellness at the MLSPA since 2023. As a former Division I soccer player, she is passionate about helping athletes and ensuring they have the proper resources for success beyond sports. Outside of work, she loves to hike with her husband, play soccer, travel, and spend time with her cats, Fiona and Ernie.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Psychiatric and Psychological Specialties, St. Joseph, MI
Predoctoral Internship, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Medicine
Psy.D. Wright State University School of Professional Psychology
Psy.M. Wright State University School of Professional Psychology
B.S. University of Miami

Ricki Walker, PhD, CMPC

President-Elect

Dr. Ricki Walker is a licensed psychologist, Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), and PSYPACT provider. She is the owner of Walker Psychological Services, a Colorado-based private practice specializing in psychological assessment, sport psychology, EMDR, and evidence-based therapy. Dr. Walker also serves as a contract Sport Psychologist for U.S. Ski & Snowboard and is an adjunct faculty member in the University of Denver's Sport and Performance Psychology master's program. Outside of work, Ricki enjoys skiing, "racing" triathalons, cleaning, and spending time with her amazing dog, Cohen.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Oklahoma Athletics
Pre-doctoral Internship, University of Oklahoma Athletics
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, University of Northern Colorado
M.A. Sport & Perforamnce Psychology, University of Denver
B.S. Psychology, Colorado State University

Tess Palmateer, Ph.D., CMPC

Treasurer | Professional Sport Representative

Dr. Tess Palmateer (she/her) is a licensed psychologist, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, and Team Sport Psychologist for the New York Mets. In her role, she oversees mental health support across the organization, including the Major League club, Minor League system, and Dominican Republic Academy, and provides consultation to support the club’s scouting departments. Prior to joining the Mets, Tess served as the Director of Athlete Mental Health and Performance at Florida Atlantic University. Her professional interests include building effective mental health systems in sport, mental health screening, assessment and selection, and ethical practice within high-performance environments. Tess is a retired college indoor volleyball player turned recreational beach volleyball player and golfer.

Education:

Pre-doctoral Internship, Oklahoma Sport Psychology Consortium
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, University of North Texas
M.S. Counseling Psychology, University of North Texas
M.Sc. Exercise Science, University of Toronto
B.A. Psychology, Brock University

Dylan Firsick, Ph.D., CMPC

Membership Chair

Dr. Firsick is a sport psychologist, CMPC, and the Assistant Athletic Director of Mental Health and Performance for the University of Georgia Athletics. Dr. Firsick previously spent 6.5 years at University of Southern California as a clinical and sport psychologist and a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Keck Medicine of USC. He maintains a private practice focused on sport performance and athlete development for athletes from childhood to professional. Dr. Firsick is a native of Southern California and enjoys hiking, fishing, and backpacking with his wife Amy, their son Jackson, and their Golden Retriever Finley.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Southern California Athletic Department
Pre-doctoral Internship, University of Southern California, Student Counseling Services
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, University of Northern Colorado
M.S. Counseling Psychology, University of Colorado Denver
B.A. Biola University

Aubrette Kinne, Ph.D.

Education Chair

Dr. Aubrette Kinne (she/her) is the Associate Director of Sport Psychology and Student-Athlete Mental Health and is an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa. She is also the founder and owner of Persevere Counseling & Performance Psychology serving elite athletes from high school to professionals. She specializes in evidence-based therapies, eating disorders in athletes, performance enhancement, and is EMDR trained. She was a swimmer at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. Outside of work, Dr. Kinne enjoys all things sports and outdoors related, even in the winter. Her favorite thing to do is cheer on her three daughters at all their activities alongside her husband. The Kinne family also has two Doodles.

Education:

Pre-doctoral Internship, University of Oklahoma Health Consortium
Ph.D. Psychology, Indiana University
M.A. Performance Psychology, University of Denver
B.A. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS

Kelsey Dawson, Psy.D.

Past Conference Chair

Dr. Kelsey Dawson is the owner of Dawson Counseling & Performance and is a registered PsyPact provider. In addition to sport psychology, Kelsey specializes in working with individuals with eating disorders, trauma, and is trained in EMDR. Kelsey has an amazing family and enjoys baking in her free time.

Education:

Pre-doctoral Internship, University of Oklahoma
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Wright State University School of Professional Psychology
B.S. Psychology, Ohio State University

Jadelyn (Jade) Sanders, M.S.Ed.

Conference Chair-Elect

Jade Sanders (she/her) is a clinical mental health counselor at Dawson Counseling & Performance. Jade specializes in sport and performance, EMDR, eating disorders, neurodivergence, trauma, and assessment services. Jade competed in softball at 2 different Division 1 universities. In her free time, Jade loves spending time with her family, playing sports, traveling, exercising, cooking, trying new food, playing outdoor yard games, and going camping.

Education:

Internship, Purdue University Fort Wayne
M.S.Ed., Counselor Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Purdue University Fort Wayne
B.S., Psychology, Purdue University Fort Wayne & South Dakota State University

L. Kenneth Chew, Jr., Psy.D.

Fellows Representative

Dr. Chew is a licensed clinical psychologist and CEO of Point Beyond Mental Health Collective. He is the former Director of Student Counseling and Sport Psychology Consultant for Indiana State University.

Education:

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology
B.A. Psychology, Jamestown College

Tess Palmateer, Ph.D., CMPC

Professional Sport Representative

Education:

Pre-doctoral Internship, Oklahoma Sport Psychology Consortium
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, University of North Texas
M.S. Counseling Psychology, University of North Texas
M.Sc. Exercise Science, University of Toronto
B.A. Psychology, Brock University

Ally Wade, PhD

Private Practice Representative

Dr. Ally Wade is a licensed psychologist and owner of Dallas Mental Health and Performance, PLLC. She previously served as the Director of Mental Health for Southern Methodist University Athletics Department. Dr. Wade is listed on several professional sport mental health registries, and is a member of the Dallas Mavericks’ Wellness Team. Dr. Wade’s clinical specialties include: life transitions (including retirement from sport), relationship concerns, trauma (EMDR Trained), perfectionism, and anxiety disorders. She is passionate about working with elite athletes, performers, executives, and coaches. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling when possible.

Education:

Post-doc Southern Methodist University
Internship, University of Oklahoma Health Consortium
PhD in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman's University
MA in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman's University
BA Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington

Taylor Sorenson, Psy.D.

Conference Chair

Dr. Taylor Sorenson is a Clinical & Sport Psychologist and is the founder of both Advantage Psychology and Mental Performance Center & L.A. Psychological Assessment. Her areas of clinical focus include psychological testing, sport psychology, performance psychology, anxiety disorders, ADHD and learning disorders, and mood disorders. She works in a consulting role with various universities on their psychoeducational assessment procedures within their athletic's departments. In her private practice (AMP) she works with athletes and performers from high school to professional levels of performance. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, beach trips, and traveling.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Commander Counseling & Wellness
Pre-doctoral Internship, University of Oklahoma Health Consortium
Psy.D. California Lutheran University
M.S. California Lutheran University
B.S. Chapman University

Joanna Foss, Ph.D., CMPC

Early Career Representative

Dr. Joanna Foss (she/her) is the Assistant Director of Mental Health and Performance for Duke Unviersity Athletics. Joanna is a licensed psychologist in North Carolina, a PSYPACT registered provider, and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant®. Outside of work, Joanna enjoys traveling, reading, and playing volleyball.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Notre Dame
Pre-doctoral Internship, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri
M.A. University of Denver
B.A. Marist College

Sonali Wason, PsyD

Collegiate Sport Representative

Dr. Sonali Wason is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Stanford School of Medicine and the Assistant Director of Sport Psychology with Stanford Athletics. In her role with Stanford Athletics, she manages mental health, mental wellness, and mental performance services for varsity student-athletes and spearheads mental health and wellness programming initiatives for the athletics department. Her work includes close collaboration with sports medicine staff, campus partners, and other departments within athletics to advance a comprehensive, integrated model of student-athlete care and wellness for the sport professional.

Education:

Clinical & Sport Psychology Post-Doc, University of Southern California (USC) Athletics; Post-Doc, California Lutheran University (CLU)
Internship, University of Oklahoma Health Consortium
PsyD, Azusa Pacific University
MA, Azusa Pacific University
BA, Stony Brook University (SUNY Stony Brook)

Aaron Goodson, PhD, CMPC

Professional Sport Representative

Dr. Aaron Goodson is a mental health and performance psychology service provider and former collegiate athletic administrator with over a decade of training and experience in the psychosocial development of collegiate student-athletes, specifically Black student-athletes. Professionally, Aaron worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) before his full-time professional journey in collegiate athletics. After his time at WSSU, he spent three years at Mississippi State University Athletics in the Counseling & Sport Psychology Department and three years at Duke University Athletics in the Mental Health & Performance Department. Currently, he is Director of Mental Health and Wellness with the Miami Marlins organization supporting player, staff, and overall organizational mental health, wellness, and performance.

Education:

PhD - Sport, Exercise, & Performance Psychology, West Virginia University
Graduate Certificate - University Teaching, West Virginia University
MA - Clinical Mental Health Counseling - West Virginia University
MS - Sport and Exercise Psychology, West Virginia University
BA - Sociology, Davidson College