Meet the Staff

Health Clinic Staff:

Kathe Conner

Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified and the clinic coordinator

• Education:
  • Associate degree in nursing from Angelo State University, 1978
  • Bachelor of science in nursing from ASU, 1995
  • Master of science in nursing/family nurse practitioner from Abilene Christian University, 1997.
• Years in practice: 31, with 11 as a family nurse practitioner.
• I like my job because: I enjoy working with the age group because most are eager to learn about their health and how to prevent illnesses. I study family medicine because at the time I was working as at neonatal nurse, and I wanted to work with the pediatric age and thought that it would give me more flexibility in practice. After I graduated this was the first place I practiced, and it seemed like a good fit. I enjoyed it so much I stayed. I enjoy helping students understand more about how their bodies react to stress and illness.

Tammy Speciale

Registered Nurse

• Education:  Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Angelo State University, 1994
• Training: Worked in medical surgical, oncology and psychiatric wards of both Shannon Medical Center and San Angelo Community Medical Center; also worked with hospice.
• Years in practice: 15
• I like my job because: I enjoy working with people and have always been a helper.  I enjoy helping people overcome the mental and physical heath challenges they have. I especially like the college atmosphere and working with young adults.  I feel that the resources that are available for the students are of great value to helping them stay healthy.  I coordinate the educational materials that the health clinic provides for the students on various topics related to mental and physical well-being.
• Outside interests and hobbies: Travel, my pets, visiting friends and family and church activities.

Mary Studt

Registered Nurse

• Education:
• • RN, New Mexico State University
  • B.S., Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies, University of Texas Southwestern
• Training:
  
  • Worked in Intensive Care Units in Carlsbad, N.M., Lubbock, Dallas, Salt Lake City and San Antonio
  • Worked in clinics at Kaiser Health Plan in Dallas and Veterans Administration Hospital in San Antonio
• I like my job because: I think college students are great! Having three college children, I see a little bit of them in each student I meet.
• Outside interests and hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jim, visiting our three children and playing with our two dogs and three cats.

Jennifer R. Hall

Clinical operations assistant

• Education and training:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration from Angelo State University
  • Medical Office Specialist certification from American Commercial College
• Years in practice: More than 16 years as a medical secretary
• I like my job because: I enjoy interacting with the students — they keep the job fun. Professionally, I would like to expand my duties and interactions with other departments at ASU.
• Outside interests and hobbies: At home, I enjoy playing with my nephew and my three dogs.

Pam Gandy

Secretary/receptionist

• Education and training: More than 30 years medical clerical work experience
• Outside interests and hobbies: I enjoy attending my daughter’s track meets and helping my husband restore old cars in the garage.

Counseling Services Staff:

Cleave Pool

Director of Counseling and Licensed Professional Counselor

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in sociology from Angelo State University, 1978
  • Master’s degree in counseling psychology from ASU, 1992
• Years in practice: I have 25 years’ experience working in mental health counseling, with 16 years working in psychiatric hospitals and for the past nine years as director of counseling at Angelo State University. My experience working in psychiatric care provided me a background in diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health issues using both psychotherapy and medication to provide the maximum therapeutic benefit for our patients.
• I like my job because: I enjoy the challenge of working with college students because I find them to be intelligent, motivated and open to change. I also enjoy working with the interdisciplinary team at the University Health Clinic, where we can provide a holistic program of care for our students. The counselors work in conjunction with the medical staff, which allows us to provide a comprehensive program of care and follow-up treatment for our students.
• Outside interests and hobbies: In my off-time, I enjoy music, activities with my family, gardening and playing with my dog, Max.

Terry Favor

Licensed Professional Counselor

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Angelo State University
  • Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Angelo State University
• Training: I worked in Ethicon’s Employee Assistance Program and worked in the psychiatric unit at River Crest Hospital.
• Years in practice: 14
• I like my job because: I enjoy helping people find solutions to problems so their quality and enjoyment of life can be enhanced.   I love seeing people empowered so they can pursue their dreams and reach their potential, and develop healthier relationships. I love working with college students!
• Outside interests and hobbies: When I am not working I enjoy cooking for family and friends, traveling, movies and decorating. 

George Lackey

Licensed Professional Counselor

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Arts in English with minor in Spanish from the University of Texas at El Paso
  • Master of Education in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Illinois
  • Doctorate of Education in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Arizona.
• I like my job because: For more than three decades I have worked as a mental health counselor in various settings, i.e., university, community college, state agency, mental health center and nonprofit rehabilitation facilities.  For the past 23 years, I have had the privilege of counseling students at Angelo State University and have assisted them with a variety of mental health, family, relationship and adjustment issues.

  I chose a career in counseling because of my interest in the dynamics of human behavior, thoughts and feelings coupled with a wish to do as much as I can to help people live satisfying and productive lives.

• Outside interests and hobbies: When I am not counseling ASU students, I can often be found running rivers in my kayak or planning my next wilderness rafting or canoe trip.

Kristie Walton

Licensed Professional Counselor

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from East Texas Baptist University, 2002
  • Master’s degree in psychology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 2004
• Years in practice: I have eight years of experience working in mental health counseling, including time spent working in a juvenile justice center and several counseling centers. I have practiced individual, couple and family therapy.
• I like my job because: I enjoy helping people experience healthier and more fulfilled lives. I am excited to work alongside the university’s therapeutic and health team to help ASU students during this significant time in their lives.
• Outside interests and hobbies: During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, watching movies and being outside.