Center for Freshman Year -Staff Directory

150 Allen Hall | O 225-578-6822 | F 225-578-5762 | ucfy@lsu.edu

Academic Counselors

Staff Picture	Contact Information	Staff Bio
	Jennifer Picard Director 150-A Allen Hall jpicard@lsu.edu
	Erin Anthony Academic Counselor 150-N Allen Hall eanthony@lsu.edu	Erin Anthony is a licensed professional counselor. She joined LSU in 2007. As a counselor with University College’s Center for Freshman Year, she has worked with first year students in a number of capacities through various programs, activities, and daily advising sessions. Anthony earned her Master of Science in Community Counseling.
	Allyson Barker Academic Counselor 150-R Allen Hall abark17@lsu.edu
	Amy Cave Academic Counselor 150-S Allen Hall acave3@lsu.edu	Amy Cave joined LSU University College Center for Freshman Year in 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications , Master of Library and Information Science, and Master of Social Work from LSU. Cave is a Certified Social Worker and is working towards her Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
	Cierra Gaines Academic Counselor 150-M Allen Hall cgain14@lsu.edu	Cierra Gaines joined LSU University College Center for Freshman Year in 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies with a minor in Psychology at LSUA in 2018 and has earned a Master of Social Work from LSU in 2021. She is a proud first-generation college student. Gaines is a Certified Social Worker and is working towards her Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
	Kelly Hinote Academic Counselor 150-O Allen Hall kellyhinote@lsu.edu	Kelly Bezdek Hinote earned her Bachelor of Art in Anthropology in 2008 and her Master of Education in School Counseling in 2012. Kelly has been a dedicated civil servant, working for the Zachary Community School District in a variety of roles, including Human Resources, School Counseling, and College and Career Coaching. Kelly is a third generation LSU Tiger.
	Elizabeth Hymel Academic Counselor 150-C Allen Hall ehymel6@lsu.edu	Elizabeth Hymel is a two-time alumna of LSU; she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minor in Communication Studies in 2018 and her Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling in May 2021. During her graduate program, she interned at LSU’s Mental Health Services and was a graduate assistant at LSU’s Disability Services; she truly has a passion for working with LSU students. Elizabeth is currently a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and member of the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA).
	Dana Lewis Academic Counselor 150-P Allen Hall dlewi56@lsu.edu	Dana Lewis earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Linguistics from LSU in 2017. She also earned her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from LSU in May 2020. Dana interned at Youth Oasis, a youth shelter in Baton Rouge, as well as LSU Mental Health Services during her time in her graduate program. She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA).
	Rochelle Smith Academic Counselor 150-X Allen Hall rochellesmith@lsu.edu	Rochelle Smith earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Master of Science in Exercise Science in Human Performance both from Texas Southern University. After graduating with her master’s, she started working at Texas Southern University as an Academic Advisor for 6yrs in the College of Education. Once she left TSU, she got a job as a Special Education Teacher where she worked there for 6yrs in which she knew something was missing. Rochelle wanted to get back into what she loved which was helping student find their path to success; she got hired at Northland Pioneer College and worked there until she got hired at Louisiana State University in February of 2022 to follow her passion to help college students be successful and excellence in their academic careers.
	Valori Washington Academic Counselor 150-B Allen Hall vwashington@lsu.edu
	Ayannah Williams Academic Counselor 150-Q Allen Hall ayannahwilliams@lsu.edu	Ayannah Williams earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with an emphasis in Business from Tougaloo College in 2006. She then obtained her Master of Business Administration degree from Millsaps College in 2008. She is a four time published author and public speaker. Ayannah joined LSU’s University College Center for Freshman Year as an Academic Advisor in October 2021 and continues to promote academic excellence amongst students as they pursue their academic careers.