The Valdosta State University Counseling Center welcomed Holly Wright and Heidi Duthoy as new counselors at the beginning of the semester.

“We had been searching for counselors who have a passion for working with the college-age population and we found that in both Holly and Heidi,” said Dr. Tricia Hale, director of the center. “What also stood out about them is that they both have a love for Valdosta State University and have roots in this community. They are energetic, enthusiastic, and have natural and refined clinical skills. These are the traits and characteristics that we are excited to have to enrich our team to help move the new vision for the Counseling Center forward.”

Wright joins the Counseling Center after more than seven years as assistant director of the university’s Office of Health Promotions. During her time with the office, she implemented programs and held events that focused on health and wellness and raised awareness of the dangers of various social activities.

“When I came to work here, I really found my niche working with college students,” said Wright. “After a very short time at VSU, the students connected with me and would even seek me out just to talk to. I always enjoyed that. I have also counseled individuals off campus for several years, so when this position became available I felt like it was time to make a transition.”

Wright specializes in working with clients who experience sexual assault and eating disorders and is also skilled in suicide prevention. She will also serve as the Counseling Center’s outreach coordinator – scheduling opportunities for counselors to speak to classes, partner with the residence halls and engage students and student organizations.

“I believe my time with Health Promotions really prepared me for the work I will be doing with the Counseling Center,” Wright said. “I have already formed very good working relationships with members of other offices and departments and those relationships are coming with me in my new position as a counselor.”

Wright is a three-time graduate of Valdosta State, with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, a Master of Science in Sociology and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a member of VSU’s Alumni Board of Directors, the President’s Sexual Assault Task Force, the Campus Wellness Committee, the Substance Abuse Task Force, the Student Affairs Assessment Committee, and Lowndes County’s Family Violence Task Force.

Duthoy’s special interests include work with military and first generation college students.

“I grew up as part of a military family and when you grow up that way, it sticks with you and you develop an empathy for those groups,” said Duthoy. “To find time for higher education as an active duty student is to be commended, so I do my best to support that group.”

While a graduate student at VSU, Duthoy completed her practicum in the Counseling Center. During that time, she managed a normal caseload of students and conducted outreach seminars on behalf of the center.

Duthoy also briefly worked with the South Health District’s Babies Can’t Wait program.

“That position taught me how to advocate for my clients and go above and beyond to get them the help that they need,” said Duthoy. “I plan to use that experience to help the students I work with get the help they need inside and outside of the center.”

Duthoy holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in biology from the University of Maryland University College and a Master of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Valdosta State University.