Main Office
Counseling CenterRamstad Hall, Room 106 Tacoma, WA 98447 | 253-535-7206 |
| councen@plu.edu |
Staff
C. Mark Anderson, Ph.D.
Psychologist and Director of the Counseling Center
Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology, University of Washington, 1982
| 253-535-7206 | |
| andersmm@plu.edu |
Biography:
Mark has been a Licensed Psychologist in Washington State since 1986, working in public and private mental health service programs. Mark's approach to counseling starts with seeing each person as a unique individual. He focuses on helping students build on their strengths and respect their weakness. He also teaches as an Administrative Faculty Associate, in the Psychology Department.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Pacific Lutheran University, 1971
- Master of Arts in Psychology, Pacific Lutheran University, 1976
- Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology, University of Washington, 1982
Joanne Ito, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, University of Washington, 1986
| 253-535-7206 | |
| itojr@plu.edu |
Biography:
Joanne is a Licensed Psychologist in Washington State, and serves as a Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry for the University of Washington School of Medicine. Her background includes an emphasis on both cognitive-behavioral approaches and cross-cultural issues. She has been with the Counseling Center since 2001, is an Administrative Faculty Associate and feels that, "The students are the best part of the job."
Education:
- Bachelor of Elected Studies, University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, 1977
- Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, University of Washington, 1986
Lizz Barton, Ph.D.
Psychologist and Prevention Coordinator
Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, 2005
| 253-535-7206 | |
| bartonla@plu.edu |
Biography:
A Licensed Psychologist with the State of Washington, Lizz's background includes work in several university counseling centers, a veteran's hospital and community mental health centers. Working with students is Lizz's passion. Her approach to work with students is collaborative, integrating cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal and psychodynamic counseling elements to match the needs of individual students. Lizz has a special interest and training in integrating spirituality into counseling and personal growth.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Concordia University, 1999
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, 2001
- Master of Arts in Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary, 2003
- Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, 2005

Garrett Gilchrist, Ph.D.
Psychology Resident
Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, 2008
| 253-535-7206 | |
| gilchrga@plu.edu |
Biography:
Garrett’s background includes work in several university counseling centers, an inpatient hospital, and substance recovery centers. He focuses on mind-body-spirit health and establishing healthy behavioral patterns with the ultimate goal of self-regulation, balance, and moderation. His approach is cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic in theory while providing unconditional positive regard to each individual given their biopsychosocial circumstance. Garrett has a particular interest and expertise in male and female body image issues, eating disorders, addictions, substance use/abuse, men’s issues, and sports psychology.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Gonzaga University, 1999
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Gonzaga University, 2001
- Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, 2008

Mary Simonson, M.D.
Psychiatrist
Doctor of Medicine, University of South Dakota Medical School, 1982
| 253-535-7206 | |
| councen@plu.edu |
Biography:
Mary received her MD from the University of South Dakota in 1982 and in 1986 she completed the UW Department of Psychiatry Residency Training. She has a private adult psychiatric practice in Tacoma, consults to the University of Puget Sound Student Health Center and is involved in clinical research. She has interests in both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy and the relationship between the two. Dr Simonson is available for appointments at PLU on Thursdays.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, University of Colorado, 1977
- Doctor of Medicine, University of South Dakota Medical School, 1982

Randy Main
Administrative Assistant
| 253-535-7206 | Office Hours
| ||||||||||
| mainra@plu.edu |
Biography:
Randy has worked in higher education for nearly 20 years on both the East Coast and now in the Pacific Northwest. He has given support to the Business Office, Admissions Office, Registrar's Office, an Associate University Librarian, and now the Counseling Center at four different universities.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Frostburg State University, Frostburg MD, 1983
- Master of Science in Marketing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 1997