Staff

Angelito Aya, M.S. NCC (He/Him)

I earned my Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh and have successfully passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE). I am coming to Gettysburg College after spending the last school year as a counseling intern in the Counseling and Psychological Services Department at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. My work at CMU gave me the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with international students and first generation college students to help them overcome the unique challenges they face. I offer strength-based counseling and will work with my clients to discover what works best for each individual.

I prefer to be called Ito. I have a background in soccer and competitive bowling. I enjoy fishing, woodworking, gardening, and camping. I love animals and live with my two cats. I am looking forward to working with students to help them reach their goals.

Mary Catherine “MC” Waddell

(She, her) Wellness Coordinator

James E. Davison, Phd, Licensed Psychologist (He/Him)

I love working with college students because issues are fresh and important to them. My approach is to stay in the present, use immediacy to connect and value their personal story. I am a generalist, but I use purposive behavior as a guide to learn what every person needs. In my free time I love to converse with people, and I study history. Gettysburg is a place I love.

Emily Leitzel, M. Ed.

I greatly value helping others to learn and grow through life’s challenges, as well as learning from those I work with. Building upon my psychology and gender studies background from Lock Haven, my training at Lehigh University emphasized social justice, multiculturalism, and the importance of viewing the person within their context. In the field I’ve gained experience in college counseling at Kutztown University, school-based services with Upper Adams School District, and outpatient private practice through the Downtown Counseling Center treating a variety of mental health, social, academic, and adjustment-related concerns. As a therapist, providing collaborative treatment and a safe, supportive environment are important to me. I am drawn toward emotion-focused therapy and a holistic approach, but utilize a variety of treatment modalities in my work. I’m passionate about psychoeducation and teaching skills to help life feel more manageable.

Outside of session I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, reading, traveling, and caring for (too many) houseplants. I am excited to be joining the Gettysburg College community.

Danielle Lew, LCSW

I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, concentrating my coursework on mental health, families, and substance abuse. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified health coach and use a holistic approach to assess and provide intervention with those I am helping for counseling or coaching. I believe the Body, Mind, and Spirit are each essential components of all humans and that attention to all aspects is important for a truly integrated approach to wellness.

As a clinician, I am assessing the health of your body by considering the importance of diet, the benefits of movement, and how stress or trauma impacts your body. I assess the health of your mind, in which I help you identify patterns of thinking that are not helpful or may even be creating symptoms like anxiety or depression. Spirituality is equally important and has to do with having a sense of peace and purpose (this is not synonymous with religion, which is a specific set of beliefs and practices). I have had extensive specialized training using EMDR for the treatment of trauma and other conditions that create emotional, physiological, or cognitive distress and use this techno both virtually and in the office setting

I have deep empathy and compassion for all humans, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference, difficult pasts or current struggles and I have been described as “warm” and “friendly” in counseling sessions.

I am also passionate about educating my clients so that they can gain a better understanding of themselves, including thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and how the past may be impacting the present.

When I am not working, I value personal growth, reading, spending time outdoors, travel, fitness, and spending time with my dog, Harleigh, my husband and 3 teenagers!

Cinda Liggon, MD (She/her) and Deanna Najera, PA-C (She/her)

Dr. Liggon has worked in a variety of settings during her career including 5 college student health centers, community psychiatry, and prison mental health. Dr. Liggon is an animal lover and enjoys bird watching.

Physician’s Assistant Deanna Najera attended PA school at Chatham University and also obtained a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University.

Both approach mental health from a holistic perspective and value the integration of mental health therapy with lifestyle/diet interventions and medication management. They enjoy working with the college population as students are on the cusp of exciting new chapters in their lives.

Maliha Sheikh, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist. (She/her)

I enjoy working with college students because they are starting a new chapter of independence, exploration, and novelty--all of which are exciting and daunting at the same time! Being able to support young adults as they navigate the college years is critical to assisting them with life long skills. I typically utilize a cognitive behavioral approach while taking into account a student's background and individual needs.

In my spare time, I love taking long walks with my two Australian Shepherds or playing with my two cats. I am an avid reader, love to travel, and enjoy learning about different cultures and trying new cuisines. I'm really excited to work with our amazing Gettysburg students!