Isabella Poloes

David Boyle

Biography

Born in Philadelphia (Go Eagles!) and raised in Vermont. Joined the Vermont Army National Guard at 18 and which became a career. Deployed twice in support of the Global War on Terrorism with one in Kuwait and one in Afghanistan. Retired from the military after more that 26 years in service (23 of them on Active Duty). Currently assigned as a clinician at the college’s counseling center.

Holds two Masters Degrees, one in Administration and one in Clinical Psychology, both from St. Michael’s College. Worked in the mental health field for over 13 years. First clinical experience in the field was working in a Combat Stress Control Clinic in Afghanistan treating service members with mental health issues. Other relevant clinical experience is in both community mental health (in crisis and drug addiction issues) and in private practice.

Distinctions & Awards

Bronze Star Medal
Army Meritorious Service Medal 2nd Award
Army Commendation Medal 5th Award
Army Achievement Medal 4th Award

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• The Guns of August, Barbara Tuchman
• The Gettysburg Address

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Skip Harris

Biography

Skip Harris is the director of the Champlain College Counseling Center. Skip is a compassionate professional with a wealth of experience in counseling and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by college students. Skip is dedicated to promoting mental health and fostering a supportive environment for the campus community. Skip has been at Champlain College for 14 years and has overseen the Counseling Center for the past 10 years. Skip works closely with a team of gifted clinicians, ensuring the highest quality of care is provided to address a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, academic stress, and relationship concerns to name a few. In his spare time Skip enjoys spending time with his family, running, cycling and coaching his daughters high school lacrosse team.

What are your hobbies?

Spending time with my family, Running, cycling, hiking, Skiing hanging out on the lake, cooking, eating, coaching high school woman’s lacrosse

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Splash on the dock by boat, JCAT, farmhouse, Halverson’s. Summer I try to spend time on the lake with family and friends or other fun river swimming holes. Nordic and Alpine skiing in the winter. Love hiking in the fall and coaching lacrosse in the spring

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Erin Kwon

Biography

Erin is a National Certified Counselor and joined the Counseling Center in 2024 after her time as a Graduate Clinical Intern. She was born and raised in Northern Virginia but calls Southwest Virginia her home after studying at Virginia Tech. Erin made the trek up to Vermont in 2021 for her to earn her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont. Lake Champlain and the lovely community of Burlington have kept her here since.

Erin’s clinical perspective is informed by her work in community-based programs of Appalachia. She is curious about the stories that shape people’s view of themselves and is interested in exploring where these narratives come from and how they serve them. Erin takes a collaborative and person-centered approach to counseling and believes that each of her clients hold the knowledge of what they need given their intersecting identities and lived experiences. She strives to create an affirming and compassionate space for her clients to gain personal insights, connect with their strengths/values, and access their agency in acceptance and change, all while leaning into the power of the therapeutic relationship.

In her free time, you can find Erin working with clay, never finishing a book, and taking long walks in the search of roaming cats.

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April Mentzer

Biography

April believes that people inherently know what they need and want in their lives. She views therapy as an opportunity to collaborate with those she serves, providing the support people need to overcome obstacles and thrive in their lives. April has her Masters and Bachelors in Social Work and has worked in the field since 2014. She is also a certified yoga instructor with over 20 years of experience teaching yoga.

April’s professional interests include group programming, mindfulness, wellness, strengths-based, and solution-focused brief therapy.

In her downtime, April enjoys walking and spending time with her friends and family.

What are your hobbies?

Walking, spending time with family and friends.

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Spending time outside.

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Adrienne Phillips Luhr

Biography

Adrienne is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and has worked in the Champlain College Counseling Center since 2017. Her professional interests include identity exploration and concerns, family of origin issues, interpersonal relationship issues, emotional awareness and education, trauma, anxiety and depression. Her professional training and approach is trauma-informed, drawing on attachment, emotion-focused/somatic based therapies and mindfulness strategies. She enjoys helping people examine their personal values, affirming their resilience and inner strengths. She works collaboratively with her students to explore how systems of oppression, power differentials and social location impact mental health and wellbeing. She strives to establish safe and supportive therapeutic relationships based in humility, curiosity and compassion.

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Maggie Riley

Biography

Maggie is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has been a Counselor with the Counseling Center at Champlain since 2013. Maggie loves the small community here and appreciates that working with students and graduate interns challenges her thinking and introduces her to new ideas.

Maggie has many clinical interests including social psychology, navigating interpersonal dynamics and family of origin concerns, and exploring spirituality.

In her spare time Maggie enjoys spending time with family and friends, eating cookies and watching old movies.

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