Meet Our Staff
COUNSELING & PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES (CAPS)
CAPS provides training opportunities for psychology interns and practicum students in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and social work. These interns and practicum students practice under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
Jennifer Hester, LCSW
Associate Director of Integrated Care University Health CenterBiographical Info
Jennifer Hester is a licensed clinical social worker who joined the CAPS staff as the lead mental health professional in 2015. She earned a BA in Psychology, with a minor in Family Studies, from Berry College and a Master’s of Social Work from UGA. She has a pre-doctorate certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally, she is certified in QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Mrs. Hester has previous experience in psychiatric hospitals, emergency rooms, and private practice working with adults experiencing couples/marital concerns as well as experience in crisis stabilization programs for children/adolescents and outpatient/community mental health treatment for adults with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance-related disorders. Her areas of interest include marriage/couples/relationship issues, family of origin, spiritual concerns, trauma, and crisis intervention.
Title: Associate Director of Outreach & Collaboration
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Favorite Quote: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” – John Wesley
What I do for Self-Care: Above all, spending time with my 2 children is where I find the most joy. Also, being outdoors is incredibly grounding and restorative for me; I love hiking and fishing as well as just sitting still in nature. Exercising and maintaining a regular sleep schedule are also essential for me.
Completed Dawg Ally and/or Global Ally programs. This additional training helps ensure health equity for all patients and clients by promoting inclusive belonging in healthcare.