Staff

Shannon Ufkes, MA, LLP, CAADC

Assistant Director for Mental Health/Counseling

Office of Integrated Wellness

Shannon earned her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in 1996 and her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from WMU in 1993.  She is also certified in the state of Michigan as an Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor.  Shannon has enjoyed working as a therapist for 26 years and has a broad range of experience.  She does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach and utilizes a multitude of theories and experiences to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual.  She is committed to the people she serves.  She recognizes this time period in your life as particularly important in developing your sense of who you are in the world and in relationships with others.  In her free time she enjoys reading both fiction and nonfiction, hanging with her family and dog, cooking and baking, and learning new things, not necessarily in that order.

Email: sufkes@albion.edu
Phone: 517/629-0236

Rachel Goldner, LLMSW

Counselor

Office of Integrated Wellness

Rachel Goldner graduated from the University of Michigan and has her LLMSW. She believes that therapy can benefit everyone no matter their age. Rachel holds a safe and nonjudgmental space for her clients, and looks at each client as an individual, and recognizes that everyone works at their own pace. She takes time to ensure her client’s comfort and collaborates with her clients on reaching their goals. Respect is an important value in treatment, and Rachel treats all clients with respect, regardless of their age, background, culture, gender, or sexual orientation.

Rachel most often sees adults who are struggling with a range of challenges within their lives. Life transitions, anxiety, grief, loss, depression, and relationship challenges. Rachel acknowledges that going through challenges in life can be difficult, however, she
is here to meet you where you are, and help you take the next steps forward to reaching your goals.

She also works with college students who are facing the stressors of being a college student while maneuvering through life and facing anxiety that comes with reaching the transition from student to working adult. Rachel understands how difficult college can be
and maintaining relationships, class, homework, and other stressors is challenging.

Rachel has a unique experience as she is a graduate of Albion College. Rachel is familiar with what it is to be a student at Albion and therefore can provide unique support for Albion’s students. During her time at Albion, Rachel was involved in numerous departments, and student organizations. Rachel uses evidence-based approaches in her therapy and uses the modality that will best suit her client. Rachel
uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and incorporates a mindfulness approach as well as person centered therapy.

Office: Office of Integrated Wellness
Phone: 517/629-0236

Melissa Sommers, Registered Medical Assistant

Assistant Director of Campus Wellness

Office of Integrated Wellness

After becoming a registered medical assistant, Melissa spent time working in a variety of health care offices such as Podiatry, Family practice, Cardiology, and Pulmonary. Melissa began her career at Albion College in 2012, working as a registered medical assistant in the student health clinic. Melissa now works as a health care navigator for students, assisting with things such as health insurance, mental health triage, and other basic medical needs. As the Assistant Director of Campus Wellness, Melissa is in charge of campus-wide wellness events and activities. Melissa is also the BLS/CPR instructor for campus.

Office: Counseling Services
Email: msommers@albion.edu
Phone: 517/629-0220