Team | Wellness Research

Current Members

Diversity. Equality. Wellness.

Our team is composed of dedicated master's and doctoral-level students who are passionate about advancing their knowledge of integrative and holistic approaches for diverse populations. Together, we aim to produce impactful research in the field of counseling while promoting the importance of wellness in mental health care. Through collaboration, we strive to enhance the well-being of diverse communities and contribute to the future of counseling and wellness practices.

Serenity Quant

Serenity serves as the current Graduate Research assistant for the Wellness lab. She has a passion for making wellness practices accessible in urban communities. She is the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth and community wellness. She has Yoga certification and training, and she has facilitated numerous wellness events across Metro Atlanta. She has a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University, where she integrated yoga and mindfulness with evidence-based practices. Currently, she is a Ph.D. student in Mercer's Counselor Education and Supervision program and a member of the CSI Honor Society.

Sarah Meyer

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Georgia State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, and she is currently working toward her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University. In her professional career, Sarah has worked with families impacted by domestic violence and children and adolescents with severe mental health concerns, often as a result of significant physical and emotional trauma. Through these experiences, she realized the urgent need to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of high-quality mental health care. Sarah especially enjoys working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism and ADHD, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She believes in taking a holistic approach to wellness and harnessing the healing power of art, music, movement, nature, and creativity. Ultimately, she believes most healing happens through the development of stable, supportive relationships. Sarah grew up in Decatur, Georgia, and she currently lives in Atlanta with her partner and their three pets.

Rasheed Tillman

Rasheed Tillman is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Mercer University. He earned his B.S. in Psychology from Columbus State University. His research interests center on wellness in diverse communities, with a particular focus on supporting LGBTQ+ populations.

Stacey Foney

Stacey Foney is a Director on College Board’s Counselor Community Engagement team. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology modified with History from Dartmouth College, her Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Georgia and her Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia. She is currently working towards her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Mercer University. During her 21 years in high school counseling, she served as Head Counselor, Director of Guidance, and Director of High School Programs in the state of Georgia. Her passion was helping students graduate on time and pursue their postsecondary dreams, especially those who were first generation and students who were often overlooked. Stacey enjoys her work with the Counselor Community Engagement team as it allows her to support counselors in their worthy mission of helping students realize their goals.

Ayana Byam-Holston

Ayana Byam-Holston is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Mercer University, counselor-in-training, mental wellness advocate, and member of the Multicultural Wellness Lab. Her professional foundation in Exercise Science and wellness leadership informs her holistic, culturally responsive approach to care. Ayana advocates for mental wellness initiatives within schools and communities, particularly for adolescents and emerging adults navigating critical transitions. She is dedicated to expanding access to preventative and affordable mental health resources for youth, families, and educators, and to empowering young people to live beyond survival in pursuit of purpose, well-being, stepping confidently into who they are becoming.

Previous Members

These Master's and Doctoral-level students played a pivotal role in the development of the Multicultural Wellness Enhancement Research Lab.

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Caroline Fernandes

Micchelle Shlafman

Shaketa Robinson-Bruce

Veronica Stewart

Jarah Tavarez

Sidney Minor

Najah Drakes

Khaleedah Dickerson