Meet the Staff

Melinda Miller is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience supporting student well-being in higher education. She has been with SUNY Canton since 1996, and in 2006, she was promoted to Director of SUNY Canton’s Personal Counseling Services, where she has provided oversight for psychotherapy, crisis response, and mental health programming across campus.

With advanced training in Counseling and Human Development from St. Lawrence University, Melinda brings expertise in individual and group counseling, psychological assessment, and staff supervision. She collaborates closely with student affairs partners to create a supportive campus environment that promotes personal growth, resilience, and academic success.

A dedicated educator and campus leader, Melinda has developed numerous prevention initiatives, facilitated workshops on stress and wellness, supervised interns and peer educators, and served on a wide range of college committees.

When not in the office, you can find her spending time with her family, chasing her dog, shopping, and enjoying the scenery along the St. Lawrence River.

Jim is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Assistant Director of Counseling at SUNY Canton, where he has supported student well-being since 2008. His work blends clinical expertise with a commitment to fostering a safe, growth-oriented campus environment.

Throughout his career, Jim has provided individual counseling, coordinated treatment services, and developed innovative programs that promote resilience, personal development, and mental health awareness. To achieve this, Jim’s counseling philosophy is based in Reality Therapy and CBT while incorporating other modalities in effort to tailor sessions to students' needs. His background also includes adventure-based counseling, serving on an inpatient mental health team, and collaborative initiatives supporting student‑athletes and campus wellness efforts.

He’s continually expanding his professional interests, including deeper training in sport and performance psychology, driven by a desire to help students — especially athletes — thrive both mentally and physically.

Outside the office, Jim enjoys woodworking, playing chess, writing the occasional limerick, and, when the weather is good, can be found riding his motorcycle on country roads.

“To me, counseling is about helping others recognize choices and removing obstacles so they can make the best decisions for themselves.” – Jim

Sara is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and a National Certified Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in a variety of settings, providing individual and group therapy. She has been a counselor at SUNY Canton since 2024 and enjoys getting to know students and supporting them during this unique time in their lives. Sara is a warm and supportive counselor who will challenge you to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to build skills for meaningful change.

Sara has experience working with individuals with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, substance use, self-esteem, and relationship challenges, among others. Her approach to counseling is individualized and strengths-based. By identifying what you would like to be different in your life and exploring your personal strengths, she will work with you to improve a variety of challenges. Her goal is to help relieve suffering and make lasting change for a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.

“Reaching out for help takes courage and often feels uncomfortable and scary. I hope you can be proud of this effort; it’s the first step in your journey toward improved wellness.” - Sara

Jenn began her career as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2010 and later joined the SUNY Canton Counseling Center in 2017. She is passionate about supporting college students as they navigate the challenges and transitions of young adulthood. Jenn believes that seeking support is a strength and strives to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where students feel heard, respected, and understood.

In her work, Jenn provides individual counseling for a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, trauma, self-esteem, and academic or life transitions. She uses evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, while always tailoring treatment to each student’s unique goals, strengths, and experiences.

Jenn values building strong, collaborative relationships and working at a pace that feels comfortable for each person. Her goal is to help students develop practical coping skills, increase self-awareness, and build confidence in managing both everyday stressors and more overwhelming emotions.

Jenn is committed to meeting students where they are and walking alongside them as they work toward balance, resilience, and personal growth.

When Jenn’s not working, she enjoys slowing down, spending time with loved ones, and doing things that help her unwind and reset.

“I believe that caring for our mental health happens both inside and outside the counseling space, and I try to practice what I encourage in sessions.” – Jenn

Tammy is the Administrative Secretary who is dedicated to creating a warm, organized, and confidential space for everyone who walks through our doors, ensuring a smooth path to accessing mental health support. With 17 years of experience in administrative support, particularly in the healthcare setting, she manages scheduling, patient records, and front-office operations, ensuring efficiency and a friendly first impression. Tammy is passionate about connecting people with the right resources and making the intake process stress-free.