Counseling Services are provided free of charge to students and utilize the best practices in mental health treatment, along with Christian principles, to support students as they pursue their educational goals. Common concerns that college students bring to this office include adjustment, stress and time management, alcohol/drugs, anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, eating disorders, and relationship issues.All counseling appointments can be scheduled by clicking on the link below. All information will be kept confidential as stipulated by law.
Counseling requests will be reviewed by AMU counseling staff. Clinical counseling services involve an initial assessment interview and the development of an individualized treatment plan to work through the identified areas of concern. After an initial assessment, staff counselors will be able to recommend future counseling needs to the student.
All counseling appointments can be scheduled by clicking on the link below:
If you have any questions, please contact the Dean of Students in the Office of Student Affairs.
MEET OUR STAFF
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Nestor Levesque
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Masters Certified Addictions Professional with more than 30 years of experience in individual and group counseling. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and obtained a Master’s degree in Education with a Concentration in Counseling from Bridgewater State University.
I have worked in a wide variety of treatment settings with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors who are living with mental health and/or addictions issues. I have trained local and county law enforcement personnel in the Memphis Model of Crisis Intervention to assist them in more effectively managing mental health and substance abuse situations through the use of de-escalation techniques.
I have been a speaker at a wide range of venues, including local television, radio, colleges, and universities talking on subjects related to mental health and substance abuse concerns. I have spoken before the Massachusetts legislature to advocate for continued funding of state-wide substance abuse services and have authored a number of articles for local newspapers about mental health concerns.
My faith as a Catholic dictates my counseling work in that I recognize and respect that each of us is made in the image and likeness of God and that as such we are all worthy of the dignity which that reality demands. Our faith can also give meaning to the suffering in people’s lives; it is that suffering which often draws people to therapy in the first place. By helping people address not only the emotional aspects of their lives but the spiritual, as well, I hope to help them not just feel better, but to live better. In this way people can experience full and complete healing. As a Catholic counselor founded in our faith, I hope I can help people live the lives God has created them for and called them to live.
My faith has also been an important part of my life, outside of my work, for as long as I can remember. I have worked as a youth minister, directed youth and adult retreats, taught RCIA and confirmation classes, and my wife and I taught Natural Family Planning for over 20 years.
I have been married to a phenomenal woman for over 30 years, I am the proud father of three children, and I have one adorable granddaughter.
Mary von Mohr
I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist with a certification in Trauma Care and more than 30 years of experience working with individual, couples and group counseling.
I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in clinical social work from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I also attended leadership programs from the University of South Florida and Emory/University of Georgia. My past work experience has taken me from my home state of Ohio to Amelia Island, Florida and then most recently to Ave Maria, Florida.
I specialize in the areas of depression, anxiety, relationship/communications problems, trauma, and general life stressors. I am committed to helping people find increased happiness and life satisfaction.
Mental health is as important as physical health – we cannot separate the mind from the body. All of us need to care for our emotional health and should know that seeking counseling is as normal as seeing a doctor when you feel a cold coming on. Counseling has a preventative aspect – when you care for your mind/emotions, your body remains healthier, and you will perform better in peak moments.
Healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgement. I work with students to assist them in clarifying goals and help them find solutions which bring increased health and happiness. I draw from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. When counseling, I utilize our Catholic faith to help each person understand they are a gift to this world and have a designed purpose. I have been Catholic all my life and found my faith carried me through my darkest hours. Many of these challenging times were when I was in college – where I reached out to a campus counselor for help.
My work has included counseling persons with disabilities, in medical-hospital systems (working with physicians and their patients) and with the Florida public health system where I did preventive and interventive clinical work in the homes of my clients. I have worked with all ages and types of people: including the homeless, those in crisis, those who are grieving, chronically ill, new mothers and their babies, the elderly and those who simply need someone to listen to them. Much of my work has included the struggle of life change (anger, depression, anxiety, resiliency) and evolution of self (who am I now, how do I move forward, and strengthening of self-esteem/character).
My professional experience also includes providing leadership training, strategic planning, grant writing, and management of programs. This includes management of a staff who shared my passion for serving others.
Come find me and let me help you find your hidden strengths and path to improved happiness.
God Bless,
Mary von Mohr
(Lucky wife of Paul von Mohr, mom of three wonderful adult children, and committed cat and dog lover)
RELATED RESOURCES
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For help for yourself or someone else, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-TALK.
Weekly student AA meetings are held on campus during the Fall and Spring semesters. For further information please contact: counselingservices@avemaria.edu.
Disclaimer: The information provided on our web page and at other Internet sites is not intended as a substitute for assistance from a qualified mental health professional. For personal assistance, AMU students should visit Counseling Services (on the second floor of the student union).
Ave Maria University Counseling Services maintains this Internet page as a service to the AMU community. It is intended as a resource to inform and to educate. Included are direct links to other Internet sites, which we believe may be helpful. However, this does not imply that AMU Counseling Services endorses all of the information provided on each of these sites. Furthermore, while we attempt to monitor and update our listings on a regular basis, AMU Counseling Services cannot make any claims or assume responsibility as to the reliability or functionality of the URL’s provided or the information contained at these sites.
Readers are encouraged to evaluate the material and to use what they find to be helpful.
