Dr. Serena Butler-Johnson – Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center
Dr. Serena Butler-Johnson is a Licensed Psychologist and the Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center at the University of the District of Columbia. Dr. Butler-Johnson is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the George Washington University Professional Psychology Program and a faculty member of the DC Department of Behavioral Health – St. Elizabeth’s Psychiatry Residency Training Program. She has a wealth of leadership, clinical, and programmatic experience as an administrator, direct service provider, and supervisor. Dr. Butler-Johnson particularly enjoys policy development, clinical administration, grant writing, and strategic planning. Dr. Butler-Johnson also has experience leading health services, disability services, and peer education programs, and she has served as an Assistant Vice President for Student Wellness. Dr. Butler-Johnson is passionate about providing accessible, quality mental health service to members of underserved, BIPOC, and marginalized populations. Dr. Butler-Johnson is an elected Board member of the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD). Dr. Butler-Johnson received the UDC 2023 Student Development and Success (SDS) Impact Award for extraordinary service to SDS.
As a clinician, Dr. Butler-Johnson is warm and strengths-based in her approach, integrating psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and acceptance and commitment, and client-centered therapeutic techniques. Dr. Butler-Johnson’s interests include therapeutic use of creativity and the arts, clinical supervision, first generation college students, relational concerns, depression, anxiety, movement and physical activity, nutrition, and women’s issues. Dr. Butler-Johnson is also a Certified Cardio Sports Instructor.
Dr. Butler-Johnson received her Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) from The George Washington University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Lauren Cross is a native Washingtonian who graduated from School Without Walls Senior High School. She received her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University and her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA. Dr. Cross has a wealth of clinical experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She completed her Pre-Doctoral Internship at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington and her Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Sheppard Pratt Health System in the Trauma Disorders Program. Prior to training as a psychologist, Dr. Cross spent many years working in the non-profit world, where she focused her efforts on serving homeless and disconnected young adults in Washington, DC. As a therapist, she has years of experience working with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem issues, depression, familial distress, career challenges, grief and loss, and much more. She works from an integrative approach with a psychodynamic focus in order to facilitate symptom relief and deeper understanding of oneself. Her clinical and research interests include trauma, cultural issues, and feminist psychology. Her sense of humor and deep empathy for the challenges of the human experience are woven throughout her work.
Prior to obtaining her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Alesi had a career in policy and international relations. She has worked with university students in different settings, including as manager of international scholarship programs for students from the Middle East and North Africa, as an adjunct faculty at undergraduate and graduate institutions in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, and as a remote coach supporting candidates studying for the psychology licensing exam. Dr. Alesi has also received training in outpatient medical settings, private practice, an inpatient hospital, and a community mental health clinic.
Terrance York is a licensed independent clinical social worker in the District of Columbia and Virginia. He obtained his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Howard University and his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from East Carolina University. Terrance is a compassionate therapist committed to providing inclusive mental health care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. As a BIPOC therapist, Terrance understands the unique intersectionality of identity and its impact on mental health. Terrance utilizes a blend of modalities such as CBT, Brainspotting, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to support clients on their journeys. With a deep respect for cultural nuances and lived experiences, Terrance creates a safe and affirming space where clients can explore and address their traumas while honoring their cultural identities. Through collaboration, Terrance empowers clients to cultivate resilience, foster self-discovery, and embark on the path towards holistic well-being.
Ms. Sanford is the Staff Assistant of the Counseling and Career Development Center. She has worked with TRIO and College Preparatory Programs for the past ten years here at UDC. Ms. Sanford is working on her Bachelor’s degree at the University. “I am excited about working in the Counseling and Wellness Center.