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Meet Our Staff

Learn more about the Drake University Counseling Center staff below. To contact or schedule an appointment with our counselors, please call our office at 515-271-3864. 

Jackie K. Robinson

Jackie K. Robinson

Office Manager, She/Her/Hers

Jackie has been our Student Health Center office manager for over 15 years. She remains dedicated to assisting our students in scheduling health and counseling center appointments. 

To set up an appointment, call us at 515-271-3864.

Kayla Bell-Consolver, MS, LMHC

Kayla Bell-Consolver, MS, LMHC

Director, She/Her/Hers

Kayla has worked in the mental health field since 2016. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Drake University in 2016 and received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Drake University in 2019. Kayla currently serves as the President of the Iowa Mental Health Counselor's Association, member of 2022 class of One Iowa’s LGBTQ Leadership Institute, and member of the National Physical and Mental Health Subcommittee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a QPR Gatekeeper instructor, which is a suicide prevention practice that teaches you effective ways to prevent suicide. She utilizes EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Kayla specializes in trauma informed practices, especially as it relates to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC experiences.

She believes that individuals often have the tools within themselves to heal and utilizes therapeutic tools to help individuals uncover this to enhance their sense of self and ability to feel secure, confident, empowered, and peaceful within their lives. Kayla has experience in PTSD, depression, anxiety, stressors related to BIPOC experiences, LGBTQ experiences, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and grief and loss. In her free time, Kayla enjoys dancing, playing the clarinet, playing basketball, lifting weights, and coloring.

Kayla is a certified One Iowa approved inclusive provider for the LQBTQ+ community.

Erica Bench, LPC, NBCC, MS

Erica Bench, LPC, NBCC, MS

Assistant Director, She/Her

Erica has been in the mental health field since 2005 and graduated with her M.S. in counseling psychology from Avila University in Kansas City, MO.  Since that time Erica has worked in multiple roles, most recently as a counselor in private practice.  Erica specializes in trauma work and is a certified EMDR therapist.  In addition, she is a CIT coach who teaches other clinicians for basic EMDR trainings across the country.

 Erica believes that we all have the power within ourselves to change. As a team, Erica will help you to tap into your strengths, courage, and insights to achieve your goals. She uses traditional talk, EMDR, Ego Parts, Resourcing, Somatic Experiencing, and other therapy treatment modalities.

Erica’s experience is good for anyone suffering from trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem, depression, stress, and anxiety. She is non-judgmental and professional, although when appropriate, she’s been known to crack a joke because sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.

Tyler Jacobs-Lewis, MS, tLMHC

Tyler Jacobs-Lewis, MS, tLMHC

Therapist, He/Him/His

Tyler has worked in the mental health field since 2017. Tyler graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He received his master's degree in clinical mental health counseling in 2022 from Drake University. Tyler's clinical interest areas are Trauma and Grief. Tyler is TF-CBT and EMDR trained. Tyler believes in understanding a client and their whole story. Therapy is collaboration, exploration, and learning. Through these tenets, clients can feel safe to explore their story on their terms. In his free time, Tyler enjoys hanging out with family and friend, traveling, listening to music, watching tv, and hanging out with his cats. 

Tyler is a certified One Iowa approved inclusive provider for the LQBTQ+ community.

Sydnee Feuerhelm, MS, LMSW

Sydnee Feuerhelm, MS, LMSW

Therapist/Law School Liaison, She/Her/Hers

Sydnee has been a social worker and mental health therapist since 2022. She completed her graduate degree in social work at the University of Iowa. She is now a Licensed Master’s Level Social Worker (LMSW). Sydnee worked for two years at the Broadlawns Psychiatric Urgent Care, specializing in mental health crisis. She practices from a trauma informed and strengths based approach. Sydnee has been trained in treating trauma, with a specialized endorsement in trauma work that was completed at the University of Iowa. Sydnee is a certified One Iowa approved inclusive provider for the LQBTQ+ community.

She utilizes a client centered approach while also integrating internal family systems practices, motivational interviewing and polyvagal theory. Sydnee has experience working with a wide array of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, dissociative disorders, and personality disorders.

In her free time, Sydnee enjoys crafting, reading, cooking, spending time with family, and all things related to Marvel.

Nick Peters, CADC

Nick Peters, CADC

Substance Use Counselor, He/Him

Nick meets with students for substance use counseling on Mondays from 10am-3pm and facilitates our Bulldog Recovery Support Group on Mondays from 7-8pm in the Drake Room. Specializing in college students, adults, teens, couples, and families. I provide treatment of substance abuse related issues and other addictive symptoms and behaviors. I focus on the recovery of the individual and their loved ones. I have spent many years working with youth and adults in various counseling settings.

My area of expertise is in the area of substance and addictive disorders. I have spent time assisting clients desiring support and a life of recovery from substance abuse and dependency as well as other addictive disorders. I work to meet the client where they are and work with them as they move towards a life of recovery, With the understanding that therapy is not a one style fits all, I work to meet people where they are and assist them in their recovery work. Therapy that is individualized for each person is used in order to meet the needs of those seeking help and lead them to a life free of addiction. 

Alex Cordes

Alex Cordes

Student Therapist/Intern, She/Her

Alex is currently a practicum student from Drake University, completing requirements for her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling. Alex graduated from the University of Iowa with her undergraduate degree in psychology in 2016. Alex loves to incorporate mindfulness techniques and body movement in sessions and uses a humanistic approach. 

Alex likes to teach dance classes, hang out with her dogs, travel, and work out in her free time. 

Matt Getting

Matt Getting

Therapist Intern, He/Him

Matt has been in the mental health field for 3 years.  He is currently working on his Master's in Mental Health Counseling through Capella University and serving as an intern.  Matt received his Bachelor's degree in psychology from Iowa State University. Matt has worked in inpatient hospital settings and community-based mental health programs in the past.  Matt likes to incorporate Mindfulness CBT and believes in the power that clients have to heal through self-empowerment and acceptance.
Matt enjoys time with his family, endurance sports, reading, college football, and exercise in his free time.

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