Meet Our Staff

CAPS Director: Nicole Surething, Ph.D.

Nicole A. Surething, Ph.D., Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Education: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY, MS Community Counseling, University at Albany, SUNY, BA Psychology, College of Saint Rose

Dr. Surething is excited to be a part of the University of Mary Washington community and continue her work in college counseling administration and providing services to university students.  She completed her doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University at Albany and completed her internship and post-doctoral work at The Ohio State University’s Counseling and Consultation Service. Her professional interests include interpersonal and family of origin concerns, anxiety management, trauma, interpersonal violence, eating disorder and body image concerns, and group therapy. Dr. Surething utilizes an interpersonal and integrative approach in her work with students with the goal of developing awareness of patterns in relationships, increasing coping skills, and developing a healthy lifestyle.  Personal interests include exploring the local community, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, and participating in adult league sports.

Larissa K. Ruuskanen, Psy.D., LCP, Staff Psychologist

Education: Psy.D. and MA Argosy University—Georgia School of Professional Psychology, BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dr. Ruuskanen is pleased to be part of the University of Mary Washington community and continuing her work with college students. She is very much interested in group therapy, multicultural issues, such as exploring strengths and concerns as related to sexual minorities and negotiating cultural values. She primarily works from a relational perspective encouraging students to be active participants in their self-discovery and growth. Some of her other professional interests include mindfulness skills and working with survivors of sexual violence. She enjoys learning about new cultures through her travels as well as through her daily interactions with diversity around her. On her off time, you may find her enjoying movies, hiking or otherwise exploring the community and its cultural offerings.

Daniel Nelson, MS, LPC, Staff Counselor

Education: MS Counseling, Radford University, BS Psychology, Radford University.

Dan is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 12 years of experience in providing individual counseling.Dan uses an integrative approach to therapy, primarily drawing upon Cognitive-Behavioral, Person-Centered, and Psychodynamic theories. He is skilled in Motivational Interviewing techniques. In therapy, Dan emphasizes forming a strong therapeutic connection as the agent for change, movement, and self-exploration. He has extensive experience with issues of trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, loss and grief, and relationships.   Dan enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, camping, fishing, and gardening.

General Administration Coordinator: Deirdre Bayer, VCA

Ms. Bayer is from North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She is pleased to be a part of the University of Mary Washington community and enjoys assisting students.