Kelli Ritter, Ph.D., LPC, NCC – Counseling Services Advisor 


The Founder and President of Effective Parenting, LLC in Atlanta, Kelli B. Ritter earned her Ph.D. in counseling from Georgia State University where she specialized in child and family counseling. Dr. Ritter is trained as a play therapist with many years of experience and research in child and family therapy. She possesses a unique approach to helping families by utilizing concepts and skills from both Play Therapy, Individual Psychology, and Positive Psychology.

Dr. Ritter inspires parents to make the most of play with their children. Through her classes, workshops and products, Dr. Ritter’s FEEL Method helps parents by engendering confidence in and control over their own parenting style. Dr. Ritter’s parenting book & DVD, Come Play with Me!, illustrates her true passion for working with parents, caregivers, and teachers to enhance relationships with children. Dr. Ritter is also an inspiring public speaker and presenter.

 Tracey Hawkins – Counselor & Executive Functioning Coach 

Tracey Hawkins graduated Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in Art History and Humanities Classis and went on to earn a MA in Art History from Emory University. She taught Art History at the university level for nearly two  decades before joining Cumberland as a Counselor following extensive training at Argosy University and under the tutelage of Cumberland’s own Val Schwann.  Tracey has organized, led, and taught study-abroad programs throughout Europe for Emory U., The Art Institute of Atlanta, and Georgia Tech. She has also served as the Director of several Atlanta-area fine art galleries, provides art consultation and curatorial services to private clients, and serves as an artists’ representative and social-media manager.  Additionally, Tracey is a contributing writer and editor to The 30A Review and The GA Hollywood Review.

 

At Cumberland, Tracey provides Counseling and Executive Functions Coaching to the student population, tutoring as needed, and teaches Art History/Appreciation as well as the Future Prep course in conjunction with Dr. Spargo.   

Shawnice Parson –  Counselor


Shawnice Parson earned her M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and has a B.A. in Psychology from Kentucky State University. 

She taught Early Childhood Education for three years before joining Cumberland as a Counselor following internship at TCSPP. Shawnice strives to create a warm and welcoming environment for each student and promotes having a safe place for students to work through difficulties.

Annamarie Giangiacomo – Counselor


Annamarie Giangiacomo attended Life University where she earned a B.S in Psychology. She then went on to earn her M.Ed in Professional Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Annamarie is currently an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her goal is to help promote student growth by utilizing active listening skills, patience, and empathy in the educational environment. Her clinical experience includes working with a diverse client base of individuals and groups centered around emotional regulation and behavior modification.