Dr. Francine Packard, Ph.D., LPCC-S, LICD-CS, CAGCS, RMT, RYT200
Director, Student Counseling Services
Email: fepackard@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.3737 | Location: DeBartolo Hall 321
Dr. Packard holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, and a bachelor's degree in business administration. For over 23 years she has used intuitive-based practices and conducted research focused on the importance of social support for emerging adults.
Dr. Packard is an EMDR Consultant, and an Independent Heartmath® Certified Trainer. She is also certified as an Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist, Koru® Mindfulness Instructor, Expressive Arts Therapist, and a Registered Yoga Teacher RYT-200.
In addition to her clinical and research background, Dr. Packad was appointed to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Regulatory Board from 2007-2010. In this capacity, she served as the Chairperson of the Continuing Education Steering Committee, along with creating and overseeing the out-of-state endorsement process.
KATIE STEPHEN
MSEd., LPCC, Clinical Counselor
Katie Stephen received her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University in 2016 and has been practicing as a Licensed Counselor since. She has previously worked in an adolescent residential facility and as a school-based therapist at a K-12 school district.
Her professional interests include anxiety disorders, providing therapeutic/psychoeducational groups, stress, working with diverse populations, and adjustment of college students. Her overall goal is to be a supportive, listening ear to students, helping to motivate them and increase their overall well-being. She hopes to create a safe place that students feel comfortable coming to when they need it.
Emily Define, MA, LPC
Clinical Counselor, Student Counseling Services
Email: eadefine@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.3737 | Location: DeBartolo Hall 339
Emily received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Mount Union in 2018 and her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Walsh University in 2022. Emily practices from a person-centered and holistic approach when working with her students. She strives to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all. She values working with college students from various cultural backgrounds and in all journeys of life.
MICHAEL BOWMAN
BA Business Ops Specialist
Michael Bowman has been at YSU as a student or in a faculty/staff capacity since 1981. He is originally from Des Moines, Iowa and moved to Youngstown after serving in the Air Force. He received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education in the spring of 1991. He taught scuba, marksmanship, and weight training at YSU. He worked in Campus Recreation and the Kilcawley Center office prior to coming to Student Counseling Services in August 2019.
Brittney Koren, MA, LPC
Clinical Counselor, Student Counseling Services
Email: blkoren@ysu.edu | Phone: 330.941.3737 | Location: DeBartolo Hall 338
Brittney received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling from Walsh University in 2022, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with minors in Psychology and Philosophy from Walsh in 2015. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who practices from a person-centered and holistic approach, and views counseling as a collaborative journey. Brittney has worked with individuals across various cultural backgrounds and enjoys facilitating an environment of learning and growth for both the student and the counselor. Brittney is passionate about working with emerging adults, and creating a safe, caring, non-judgemental environment for students to share their stories, discover their inner strengths, and learn coping skills to enrich their lives. She believes that each person deserves to find peace, passion, and purpose in life.