The mission of Colby Counseling Services is to foster the well-being of all students within a respectful and confidential environment through a range of psychological counseling, consultation and outreach services.
Asia (she/her/hers) joins the Colby Counseling Center as a full time staff counselor for the ’25-’26 academic year. Asia holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Southern Maine and a Master of Education in Counseling from Boston University. Asia’s counseling philosophy is based in existential-humanistic psychology and relational-cultural theory. As a generalist, Asia maintains a holistic and creative approach that pulls from different evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Asia is committed to a culturally sensitive practice that is both safe and supportive. In her time outside of work, Asia enjoys live music, gardening, learning wild-living skills, and most of all – adventuring with her family.
Katie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. With a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, she has counseled adults and adolescents in outpatient and medical settings. Katie has special interests in providing support for substance use concerns and in program improvement and accreditation work, with experience meeting State, Federal, Joint Commission, and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care standards. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, trail maintenance, and treating her family to dinners in Dana.
Julia is a clinical mental health counseling intern with a background in Sociology and a passion for helping people, her community, and the culture at large through counseling, self discovery, and education.
While we all experience challenges during our everyday lives, we sometimes feel overwhelmed and unable to function our best. Whether seeking help for major life changes, mental health issues, relationship or family conflicts, or day-to-day stressors, Greg provides a client centered approach, holistic treatment and a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Greg helps his clients explore themselves and their experiences to make changes and reduce suffering and improve overall health. Greg has experience treating a wide variety of challenges using psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral approaches. Outside of his work at Colby, Greg also maintains a private practice in Waterville.
Kathryn is currently on maternity leave with plans to return in May 2026.
Kathryn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has a special interest and training in eating disorders, disordered eating and body image. In her work she primarily utilizes CBT and ACT to assist in the change process. Her approach to therapy is supportive and direct, allowing space for clients to understand feelings, thoughts and behaviors in a structured and safe environment. Outside of her time at Colby she maintains a small private practice and loves spending time with her family and black lab Weller.
Dr. Julia Houska is a Caucasian, pansexual, cisgender female who uses she/her/hers pronouns. Julia received a doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Rhode Island before joining the Colby College community. Julia approaches therapy as she does life; with curiosity, compassion and commitment. Julia incorporates a variety of perspectives into her therapeutic relationships including Cognitive Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, Narrative and Existential viewpoints. Julia works with students on a variety of concerns including trauma, LGBTQ issues, anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, meaning making and stress management. Julia has worked in a variety of settings including; private practice, community mental health, inpatient mental health and college counseling. Outside of the office Julia likes to spend time outdoors, creating art, listening to music and taking care of her pets (Tobie and Sampson).
Dr. Johnson is a licensed clinical psychologist and oversees the Counseling Services office at Colby. He is passionate about supporting students’ emotional and intellectual growth and development and has over 20 years of experience in college counseling. He is a generalist in his clinical practice with special interests in anxiety and stress management, working with diverse student populations, and performance related issues effecting athletes and performance majors. Prior to Colby, Dr. Johnson worked 15 years at Ohio Wesleyan University as the Assistant Director of Counseling and served on the Presidents’ Commission on Racial and Cultural Diversity and as the adviser to the Spectrum Resource Center for LGBTIQ students. When away from the office, he enjoys spending time with family and is an avid runner and cyclist.
Nora uses she/her/hers pronouns and is passionate about helping people design and create lives they love. Clients can expect an open space to process life events, identify patterns, and understand the systems of influence in which they live. Nora is originally from Boston, MA, and completed her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University. Nora is excited to be a new resident of Maine and explore skiing and hiking.
Tasha is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who provides medication management services for students on campus. She is passionate about medication education and feels strongly that students deserve to be well-informed regarding medication options, including the risks vs benefits of psychiatric medications, in addition to the risks vs benefits of not utilizing psychiatric medications; therefore the student can make an informed decision about their health. When not practicing medicine, Tasha enjoys spending time with her family, including her special needs rescue dog, being outdoors – especially on the water kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking. She also loves meditation, yoga, breathwork, reiki, rollercoasters, gardening, and traveling.
Heather O'Boyle
As Administrative Coordinator and often the first face and voice students experience from Counseling Services, Heather is known for her warm smile and welcoming reception at the Counseling Center. She is responsible for the scheduling of appointments, including urgent and emergent needs, collection and processing of intake data, departmental budget management, and overseeing daily administrative operations. Heather was born and raised in Maine, where she also attended St. Joseph’s College. She majored in elementary education and played varsity field hockey. Prior to Colby, Heather worked in one of the state’s largest healthcare systems for 17 years, with 13 of those in a patient centered department and the last 4 years as the executive assistant to multiple chief officers. Heather enjoys spending as much of her free time as possible in the outdoors with her family, especially camping, hiking, kayaking and exploring Maine’s abundance of mountains and lakes.
Rebecca is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, working part-time in the Counseling Center. She views psychotherapy as a collaborative process between the client and therapist and integrates different modalities into her work to promote healing and general well-being, as well as adapting treatment to meet the unique needs of each client. Rebecca enjoys working with students at Colby and witnessing their personal and educational growth as they navigate their time here. She is trained in psychodynamic therapy, ACT, EMDR, EFT and mindfulness. Rebecca is bilingual in English and Spanish and maintains a private practice in Waterville.
Dr. Alfonso Ortega is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist originally from Puerto Rico, who has a special interest in mind/body medicine and wellness. He is passionate about helping students develop a sense of awareness and self-worth, and in the acquisition of personal exploration, decision making and goal-setting skills needed to facilitate their educational and personal development. He is committed to providing culturally sensitive services and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Dr. Ortega integrates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques into the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic health issues. He is also licensed with PSYPACT, allowing him to practice telepsychology in forty U.S. states. In addition, Dr. Ortega also has a professional degree in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France and is interested in the connection between food and mood. He fully understands nutrition as a key factor that leads to a healthier lifestyle and overall wellness.
RJ is a licensed clinical social worker who works part time in Counseling Services. He was born in London, England and graduated with honors from Sussex University with a major in Social Anthropology and a minor in African and Asian Studies. He moved to the States over 25 years ago and became a US citizen. Grounded in a humanistic approach, he believes in meeting each individual where they are, honoring their unique experiences, strengths, and potential for growth. RJ’s practice is deeply committed to supporting culturally and ethnically diverse communities, creating a safe and affirming space for clients from all backgrounds. Whether you are seeking support for personal growth, navigating transitions, or managing stress, RJ’s goal is to support you in finding your own voice, listen with care, and help you build the tools and confidence to move forward in ways that feel authentic to you. In addition to working with Colby students, RJ also maintains a private practice in southern Maine.
Garrison-Foster Building, 2nd Floor
