CAPS Staff Bios (Atlanta)
 Bates Canon, M.Ed., LPC, CPCS, BC-TMH he/him Director Bates Canon received his Master's Degree in Community Counseling from the University of Georgia in 1990. Over thirty-two years of working in colleges and universities, he has served as director of counseling for three institutions (21+years), also working in academic advising, access and accommodations, career services, first year seminars, health services, and retention initiatives along the way. While with the University System of Georgia (USG), Bates served a term as chair of the USG Counseling Directors Association. He prefers an integrative model of psychotherapy grounded in a mindful presence and has worked most with students on issues related to adjustment, change and transition, stress and anxiety, career development/workplace concerns, personal growth and wellness, depression, and counselor development. |
 Erica D. Geralds, M.Div., MS, LPC, CPCS, NCC she/her Assistant Director Erica earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Master of Divinity degree from Mercer University. Erica is a native of Chicago, IL and received her undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University. Erica has provided individual, group and family counseling in various settings including hospitals, hospice, and private practice. Erica has worked as an outpatient psychotherapist, pastoral counselor, hospital and hospice chaplain. Erica’s counseling philosophy rests on the principle that each individual and relationship are unique. Erica brings the holistic approach to counseling focusing on mind, body, soul and spirit. Erica incorporates many interventions and theories such as cognitive-behavioral, family systems, positive psychology, mindfulness, client centered and solution based focused. Her specializations include working with issues related to sexuality and identity, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress and anger management, life’s transitions, spirituality and faith, grief, race relations, family and relationships, substance use and addictions. As a Chicago Bears fan and proud alumna, Erica is excited to “Be the Bear” and return to her alma mater to join the CAPS team. |
 Lorice Harris, EdS, LPC, CPCS, NCC she/her Assistant Director Lorice earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling at Georgia State University, Specialist degree in Professional Counseling and Supervision from the University of West Georgia, and is currently a doctoral student at the University of West Georgia. Lorice has clinical experience providing academic, career, individual, couples, family, and group counseling in several community-based settings. Lorice utilizes an integrative, holistic approach to counseling with a focus on recovery, empowerment, and wellness. |
Lauren Cage, MS, LPC
she/her
Staff Counselor
Lauren Allison is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan and Georgia. She specializes in working with individuals who are experiencing life challenges such as stress/burn out, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc. Lauren utilizes the following therapeutic approaches to ensure the needs of her clients are being met: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution Focused, and Person-Centered.
Eliana Gomez Rodriguez
she/her
2024-2025 Counseling Intern
Eliana is originally from Medellin, Colombia. She is currently pursuing her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia State University. Her theoretical orientations are Existentialism and Humanism. These are embedded in the power of here and now to help explore a variety of events across the lifespan, ultimately empowering individuals to achieve their maximum potential. Coupling her Colombian heritage and her commitment to help others, she is truly passionate about Dance Therapy, which facilitates stress reduction and emotional expression. Furthermore, in order to help ease symptoms associated with trauma, she employs Narrative Exposure Therapy.
Once Eliana graduates, she will be pursuing a PhD in counseling psychology. She is currently doing research from the lens of positive psychology, particularly interested in forgiveness and its scientifically proven health benefits.
In her free time, Eliana loves traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends. She also loves running and being surrounded by nature.
Katelyn Ortego
she/her
2024-2025 Counseling Intern
Katelyn Ortego is a counseling intern currently pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia State University. Guided by the belief that “humans make sense,” she understands that our experiences and relationships shape the way we relate to ourselves and the world around us.
Because therapy has been fundamental to her evolution and personal health, Katelyn values being a client herself. She deeply believes in the power of the therapeutic process and its ability to nourish our relationships with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us. By viewing individuals holistically and leading with curiosity, Katelyn aims to nurture a safe, honest, and warm environment. By pursuing wellness through connection with self, she seeks to collaborate with her clients to embrace a life lived from an overflow of peace.
Katelyn’s areas of interest include life transitions, interpersonal relationships, anxiety, stress management, grief, motherhood, and Third Culture Kids (TCKs). Her ideal day is spending time in the sun with her family, grabbing a matcha to accompany a walk, and ending the day passing plates with loved ones.
Ashley Senghor
she/her
2024-2025 Counseling Intern
Ashley Senghor is a counseling intern pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia State University. Ashley believes that each human experience is made unique through a combination of individual as well as societal factors. However, just as one can take various routes to reach a destination, Ashley finds that each human experience contains challenges that can be common across many individuals. With an individualized lens that also considers the ubiquity of experiencing challenges in life, Ashley identifies with a Cognitive-Behavioral approach to helping individuals seek the change they wish to see in their lives.
In addition, Ashley has a passion for helping rescue dogs overcome past traumas and find the forever homes they deserve. Ashley’s experience of witnessing the benefits of the human-animal connection within her own life and through her work at a refuge has led to her desire to eventually incorporate Animal-Assisted Therapy into counseling for those who would find it helpful.
Ashley’s areas of interest include social anxiety, generalized anxiety, stress management, trauma, depression, and navigating adjustment to change. Her favorite activities include exploring nature trails with her dog, spending quality time with her family, and hanging out with rescue dogs while they await their forever homes at the refuge.
 Lois Lois, or Miss Lois if you prefer, pays us the occasional visit and might be around during yours’ too. Lois is not a trained therapy dog; however, she is currently studying for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. She has been known to cozy-up for a snuggle, and can let a therapy session pass by chewing on a stuffed animal, or alternatively, taking in a scratch or belly-rub. |
