Michelle De Rosa (she/her/they/them) became the Director of Counseling and Student Health in September of 2024. Before joining Virginia Wesleyan, Michelle owned and managed Pathway Psychotherapy as an outpatient psychotherapist, worked as a licensed professional counselor at Integrative Counseling & Wellness, and served as an intern therapist at Virginia Wesleyan University. Michelle joined VWU in 2018 as a counseling intern, where she developed groups and services tailored to support students dealing with anxiety, as well as those within the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities. Michelle completed her Bachelor of Psychology at Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regent University. Michelle is licensed to provide clinical mental health counseling in the state of Virginia and Maryland, and is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her clinical expertise includes severe anxiety and panic, OCD, PTSD, chronic illness, as well as support for the LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent communities.
Brandon Foster (he/him/his) was hired as a Therapist in July of 2022. Before coming to Virginia Wesleyan, Brandon worked with Samaritan House as a victim advocate, Beth Sholom Village as a social worker, Veritas Collaborative Adult Eating Disorder Hospital as a psychotherapist, and Duke University’s Cognitive Behavioral Research and Treatment Program as a social worker and outpatient therapist. Brandon has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings providing comprehensive care through multidisciplinary lenses. Brandon began working at VWU in 2022 as the Village Coordinator in the Office of Residence Life while also serving as a counselor in the Student Counseling Center. Brandon completed his Bachelor of Social Work at Virginia Wesleyan University and a Master of Social Work at Smith College.
Laura Patrick (she/her/hers) was hired as a therapist in January 2024. She has experience working with adults and youth who struggle with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, and much more. She is passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ population and the additional nuanced challenges students in this community endure. Before coming to VWU, Laura received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Regent University in 2017 and her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in 2023. Additionally, prior to completing her Master's degree, Laura worked as a counselor for the Seton Youth Shelters for two years supporting local homeless and behaviorally challenged youth. Laura employs different modalities for treatment such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is certified in EMDR therapy, which is a leading treatment for trauma.