Dr. Kim Major-Ford, PsyD, M.S.Ed
Director
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Kim Major-Ford is the Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center at Governors State University, where she leads efforts to provide comprehensive mental health support and wellness initiatives that enhance student success and well-being. In this role, she is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers students to navigate personal and academic challenges, ultimately promoting persistence, retention, and successful degree completion. She previously served as Assistant Director from 2020 to 2023.
Dr. Major-Ford holds a Master’s degree in Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and a Doctorate in Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she specializes in grief and loss, particularly related to homicide and violent death, relationship concerns, mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment challenges, life transitions (college and midlife), stress management, coping strategies, substance use, and the role of spirituality and religion in mental health.
Her therapeutic approach integrates client-centered, psychodynamic, and interpersonal frameworks. For concerns such as anxiety, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, work-life balance, and substance use, she incorporates evidence-based strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques. Dr. Major-Ford emphasizes a strengths-based perspective, believing that a genuine, authentic, and empathetic therapeutic relationship is essential for meaningful change.
Passionate about supporting students throughout their higher education journey, Dr. Major-Ford is dedicated to ensuring that students have access to the resources and support they need to thrive academically and personally. Through her leadership, she works to create initiatives that address mental health concerns, reduce barriers to care, and promote overall student well-being, ultimately helping students persist and succeed in achieving their academic and career goals.
Vacant
Assistant Director
Joy Grange, LCPC
Mental Health Counselor
Joy received her M.A. in Counseling from Governors State University. She is also the chairperson for Advocating for Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP) and has dedicated the past twenty years of her life towards fighting gender-based violence.
Clinical Interests
Joy believes in a client-centered approach. Her clinical interests surround anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, and traumatic stress.
Daniece J. Townsend, MA, LPC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor
Daniece obtained her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.
Clinical Interests
Daniece views the therapeutic process as a collaborative journey between the client and therapist. She is committed to creating a safe, integral, and empathetic space in which her clients can process and discover their potential and authenticity.
Angela Johnson, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Social Worker
Ms. Johnson is the Program Coordinator for the GSU4U program which connects students to support services on-campus as well as within the community and represents GovState as the House Liaison with the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Angela received her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Sociology from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. She earned her Master of Social Work Degree at Governors State University. Upon completion of her Master of Social Work Degree, Angela was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society at Governors State University.
Angela has provided behavioral health services in many settings including Franciscan Health as an Emergency Department Social Worker. Angela encompasses over 20 years of experience providing counseling, case management, parenting education, and trauma-informed care to individuals and families throughout the Chicagoland area.
Sabrina Roseborough
Operations Specialist
Sabrina brings a wealth of experience in Management Support, having served as an Executive Assistant at the Department of Children and Family Services for numerous years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree (magna cum laude) in Psychology and her M.A in Higher Education and Leadership (cum laude) from Chicago State University. With a strong passion for assisting others and coordinating events, Sabrina, a wife of over 30 years and mother of two young men, is dedicated to her roles both personally and professionally.
Vacant
Prevention and Outreach Coordinator
Cassandra Brooks, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Cassandra Brooks is a practicing Family Nurse Practitioner with Advocate Aurora Health. With two decades as a registered nurse, Cassandra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience providing compassionate health care. She started her career at Rush University Medical Center in 2005 caring for medical-surgical and transplant patients. After graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Truman State University, Cassandra earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Governors State University in 2015. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International.
Cassandra enjoys sports, listening to podcasts, and spending time with family. “Working as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse continues to enrich my nursing career and passion to care, to serve, and to help those in need.”
Angelie Cherry Purifoy, CCMA
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Angelie is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant working with Advocate Aurora Health. In May 2018, she earned her state certification after completing school at Prairie State College. Angelie continues to grow as a medical professional through her service to patients, offering both education and knowledge of resources. Her passion for patient care shows in her collaboration with health and mental-care services. She enjoys applying her creative skills to her clinical work. Angelie enjoys fashion, photography, arts and crafts, and spending time with friends and family.
“It is beyond rewarding working in the Counseling and Wellness Center to provide health services to such a diverse community of students. Every day I come in with the intent and passion to make sure our office is a safe space as any clinical setting should be.”