CFT Alumni Advisory Board

Abbie Kummer

Abbie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Mission, KS. She earned her Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Kansas State University. She earned her bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Science from K-State in 2022. As a dedicated member of the program, she served as a cohort representative, advocated for her peers, and fostered a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Passionate about improving mental health and relationships, Abbie is committed to applying her knowledge and skills to support individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges.

 

Allen Mallory

Dr. Allen Mallory is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Sciences in the Human Development and Family Science program at the Ohio State University. Allen received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in Human Development and Family Sciences where he was also a trainee at the University of Texas Population Research Center. He earned his M.S. in Couple in Family Therapy from Kansas State University and his B.A. in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University.

 

Ayoka Lee

Ayoka Lee is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Manhattan, KS. She earned her Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Kansas State University in 2024 and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2021, also from Kansas State University.

Since graduating, Ayoka has been serving as a mental health clinician with K-State Athletics, where she provides individual and team support to student-athletes. In this role, she integrates her clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the unique pressures faced by athletes, helping them build resilience, balance, and overall well-being.

In her current role on the advisory board, Ayoka is passionate about fostering stronger relationships between current students and alumni. She is also actively involved in her community, serving as the Campaign Champion for United Way and volunteering as a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas.

 

Ben Jones

Ben Jones is an Assistant Professor in the School of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he currently serves as the program director for their Marriage and Family Therapy Program. Ben received his Ph.D. From Kansas State University in Health and Human Sciences with a Couple and Family Therapy Specialization in 2023. He is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT), AAMFT Clinical Fellow, and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. In addition to his teaching responsibilities at Southern Miss, Ben provides post-graduate supervision for pre-licensed clinicians and maintains a small private practice where he primarily works with couples.

 

Jurdene Coleman

Jurdene is a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist (LCMFT). Jurdene earned a master’s degree in family studies and human services with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy and a doctorate in leadership communication from Kansas State University. From 2018-2021 Jurdene served on the Manhattan-Ogden Board of Education. Following six successful years of partnering with TASN SMHI, Jurdene joined the team in 2024. Previously, she served for three years as the Director of Therapy Services for Pawnee Mental Health.

 

Lindey Schmechel

Lindey Schmechel is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and AAMFT-approved supervisor based in Manhattan. Lindey received her Ph.D. from Kansas State University in Health and Human Sciences with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy in 2025. She previously earned her M.S. in Human Development and Family Science from K-State and B.A. in Early Childhood and Family Studies through the University of Washington. Lindey currently practices at Andrews and Associates Kid’s Clinic. Her work centers on increasing empathy and kindness to oneself and others through understanding.

 

Marcos Mendez

Marcos is a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and AAMFT-approved supervisor. He works at K-State Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), providing clinical services to K-State students and supervising practicum students. Marcos is excited to be a member of the Advisory Board for the K-State CFT program, where he earned his master's and PhD, where he has served as adjunct professor and clinical supervisor, and where he has made strong, long-lasting friendships.

 

Maris Deaver

Maris is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in Manhattan, Kansas. She earned her master’s degree from Kansas State University in Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) in 2024. She currently practices at Andrews and Associates, a group therapy practice in Manhattan. Maris specializes in trauma-informed therapy using traditional talk therapy with somatic-based techniques, such as gentle movement, nervous system regulation, and creative mindfulness practices.

 

Megan Palmer

Megan is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in Kansas. She earned her PhD from Kansas State in May of 2024. She works in a CCBHC in Salina in school-based and outpatient positions. She also enjoys working on research related to intimate partner violence and innovations in recognition and treatment for individuals within that community. She continues to be involved with K-State through supervision and working with the CFT program advisory board.

 

Noah Renken

Noah is currently a master’s student in Couple and Family Therapy at Kansas State University. He previously earned his M.S. in Social-Personality Psychology from K-State and his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He enjoys building connections with his peers in the CFT program and has served as a cohort representative. He is also passionate about research and is currently working with his advisor, Dr. Chelsea Spencer, to study the intersections of intimate partner violence and pet abuse.

 

Tanvi Gadgil

Tanvi Gadgil is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Couple and Family Therapy program at Kansas State University, where she serves as a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant. Her clinical training includes trauma-informed care and EMDR therapy, and she provides therapy to individuals under supervision at The Family Center. Tanvi’s research centers on relationship resilience, culturally grounded mental health interventions, and trauma-informed care for emerging adults. She has presented at national conferences, including AAMFT, and serves as a manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Feminist Family Therapy. Prior to her doctoral studies, she was an Assistant Professor and Visiting Faculty in India, teaching psychology and counseling courses while providing psychological services in academic and clinical settings. She is EMDR-trained and committed to advancing accessible, culturally responsive mental health care globally.