Staff | University of Illinois Springfield

Meet Our Staff

Bethany Bilyeu, Psy.D., LCP
Executive Director of Student Support Services
Counseling Center, Health Services, and Student Insurance

Email: Bilyeu.Bethany@uis.edu

Education: Bethany holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and is licensed as a clinical psychologist.

CLINIC COUNSELORS

Valerie Gebhardt, MSW, CADC
Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Coordinator

Email: vscar2@uis.edu

Education: Bachelor of Arts (Child, Family & Community) from Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois – Springfield); Master of Social Work from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Email: vscar2@uis.edu

Valerie worked for 20 years with community agencies before coming to UIS in 2005. Valerie worked in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, substance abuse and mental health. She is a certified dual diagnosis counselor, substance abuse counselor and anger management counselor. Valerie has now been at UIS for 18 years bringing all of the skills that she learned in the community to assist students here on campus. Valerie's goal is to be the student's cheerleader assisting them to be the best that they can be and achieve their goals for their future. Valerie graduated from Sangamon State University and then went on to the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana, where she obtained her MSW.

Essence Lee, MA, LCPC

E-mail: elee84@uis.edu

Education: Bachelor of Science (Clinical Psychology) from the University of Illinois at Springfield; Master of Arts (Human Development Counseling) from University of Illinois at Springfield.

Essence is licensed by the State of Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Essence has provided mental health services for the Illinois Department of Corrections for several years before going into private practice where she works with couples, families, and adults. She has experience working with underserved populations and clients from different ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. She also has experience working with those with anxiety and depression along with adjustment disorders. Essence uses a Cognitive Behavioral approach to counseling. This type of therapy focuses on exploring how one’s thoughts and views effects behavioral patterns and mood related symptoms. Essence strongly believes that a person’s recovery and success start in the mind. She also believes in eclectic approaches as well to better address each individual client’s needs. Essence does not look at herself as a “fixer” but as a helper. She strives to help one find the path to wellness and reach the quality of life they desire.

Matthew Hunt MS, LCPC

E-mail: mhunt6@uis.edu

Education: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Master of Science (Clinical-Counseling) from Illinois State University

Matt has provided counseling services at UIS since 2010 and brings experience from a variety of treatment settings, including community mental health centers, private practices, colleges and universities. He believes that all humans have value that transcends age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, etc. One of his primary objectives in counseling is to create a supportive environment, completely free of judgment and criticism. Rather than adhering strictly to one specific philosophy of counseling, Matt prefers to continuously learn a variety of psychological theories and techniques in order provide the necessary flexibility to address the unique needs of each client.

Tim Moody, MA, LCPC

E-mail: tmood2@uis.edu

Tim’s approach to therapy is a collaborative one. He strives to create a safe space for students that promotes self-exploration, personal growth, and an overall sense of well being. He utilizes a number of therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy while keeping in mind the health/strength of a student’s overall biopsychosocial experience. Tim believes that self-care, mindfulness, positive self-image, reducing shame and guilt, and creating a social support system are vital. Tim is always eager and ready to help a student reduce the grip of pressure/trauma/emotional distress in their lives so they might find a path forward to a richer, deeper, more rewarding experience in their relationships and overall life journey.

Education: Bachelor of Science (Art) from Illinois State University at Normal; Master of Arts (Human Development Counseling) from UIS.