Artistic rendering of colorful campus buildings

Who We Are

Eileen Marsal Koch Headshot
Eileen Marsal Koch, LPCC-S
Director
Lindley Hall 038
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Eileen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and her Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University.  She is licensed in the State of Ohio as a Professional Clinical Counselor with a supervisory credential and has over 25 years of experience working in the mental health field and providing trauma informed care.

Eileen has received specialty training in working with survivors of sexual abuse and trauma and was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and has advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

As the new Survivor Advocacy Program director, she is charged with providing clinical and administrative leadership in the areas of interpersonal violence response including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, and stalking as well as resource coordinator for student survivors.

Outside of work, you can find Eileen enjoying the many opportunities available in Athens to spend time in nature hiking, kayaking, and stand up paddle-boarding.  In her free time, she also loves to read, practice yoga, and spend time with her family, her friends, and her two rescue dogs.  

To schedule an appointment with Eileen, visit our  bookings page .

Ranger Headshot
Ranger, Cerified Therapy Dog
Pronouns: he/him/his

Ranger was born in 2014 in Athens County, Ohio and was brought up to Cleveland, Ohio by a rescue organization where he was adopted by Eileen and her family. In 2020, Ranger relocated back to Athens with his family.

In 2024, Ranger and his handler, Eileen, completed extensive training on obedience and becoming a certified therapy dog. He earned his Canine Good Citizen certification in August 2024 and his Therapy Dog certification through Alliance of Therapy Dogs in September of 2024.

Ranger loves people and especially loves to receive pets and show off his tricks to receive treats. He is loyal, gentle and loving and is happy to be added to the SAP Team at Ohio University to provide support to survivors.

Kaitlyn Urbaniak Headshot
Kaitlyn Urbaniak, MSW, LISW
Survivor Advocate
037 Lindley Hall
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Kaitlyn holds a Bachelor of Social Work, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Social Work degree, all from Ohio University. She is a licensed independent social worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Kaitlyn uses trauma-informed approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has experience working with children and young adults who face challenges such as trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and academic stress.

Kaitlyn is committed to providing confidential support to both survivors and co-survivors in a compassionate, empowering setting. She incorporates humor and structure into her sessions to foster a relaxed, healing environment. Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys meeting friends for coffee, reading, and exploring Athens with her certified therapy dog, Finny. She is honored to serve in this role, offering support to student survivors and giving back to her alma mater.

To schedule an appointment with Kaitlyn, visit our  bookings page .

Finny Headshot
Finny, Certified Therapy Dog
Certified Therapy Dog
Pronouns: he/him/his

Finny is a miniature poodle who has undergone extensive obedience and socialization training. He earned his Canine Good Citizen certification in July 2024 and shortly thereafter passed his evaluation to become a certified therapy dog. Finny and his handler, Kaitlyn Urbaniak, form a certified therapy dog team with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Although small in stature, Finny has a big heart and is eager to share his affection. He loves receiving pets, especially behind the ears, and isn't shy about gently pawing at those who may not be giving him enough attention. Finny enjoys demonstrating his tricks and showcasing his playful, endearing personality. When he's not working, you can find him cozying up with a blanket and his favorite toy, Snuggle Puppy.
Finny is excited to bring his therapy dog skills to the Survivor Advocacy Program, offering unconditional support to Bobcat survivors and co-survivors.

Taylor Ebert Headshot
Taylor Ebert, MSW, LSW
Survivor Advocate
036 Lindley Hall
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Taylor is a two-time Bobcat alum who earned a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from Ohio University. During her MSW program, Taylor served as a graduate assistant for the Survivor Advocacy Program before being hired as a full-time advocate in September 2023. She is a trained in trauma-focused therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) 

Taylor has experience in mental health and has worked at The Gathering Place and Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare providing various group, individual, and case management services. As an advocate, Taylor aims to provide a safe, confidential space for survivors.

Taylor is pleased to provide a trauma informed care to ALL student survivors on campus. Outside of the office you can find Taylor listening to Taylor Swift, going to concerts, and spending time with her dog, Carter Jude. 

To schedule an appointment with Taylor, visit our  bookings page .

headshot of Gwyn Conibear, Graduate Assistant at SAP
Gwyn Conibear, LSW
Graduate Assistant/ MSW Intern
041A Lindley Hall
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Gwyn received a Bachelor of Social Work degree and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree all from Ohio University. Gwyn is enrolled in the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program, she will graduate with her master’s degree in May 2025. While enrolled in the MSW program, Gwyn serves as a graduate assistant and intern for the Survivor Advocacy Program. She is a licensed social worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
Gwyn has six years of experience working with children through the nonprofit, Boys and Girls Club where she was a youth development professional and served underprivileged youth. Along with her employment, she has completed many volunteer hours with the Boys and Girls Clubs, where she has assisted with clothing drives as well as backpack program for children. Gwyn also completed a nine-month field placement with Athens County Children Services, where she worked directly with the Family Support Unit where she supervised parental visits, completed home visits and worked with foster children and their families. 
As an advocate, Gwyn aims to provide a welcoming, confidential place for survivors to feel protected. Outside of work, you can find Gwyn shopping at her favorite stores, making memories with her friends and family, attending concerts, traveling, and spending time with her three German Shepherds, Guinny, Griffin, and Georgia. She is honored to serve in this role on the Survivor Advocacy Program team and allow student survivors to always feel safe and supported.
To schedule an appointment with Gwyn, visit our  bookings page .
headshot of Mary Kate McElroy
Mary Kate McElroy, SWT
Graduate Assistant/ MSW Intern
044 Lindley Hall
Pronouns: she/her/they

As a survivor advocate with a background in the arts, Mary Kate brings a unique perspective to their role, blending artistic expression with support and empowerment. In her Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition, MK partnered directly with survivors to provide a platform for each survivor to tell their story in their own words and on their own terms.

Mary Kate’s artistic foundation enriches their advocacy work, allowing them to offer survivors both traditional support and creative avenues for self-expression and healing. MK believes community support is an important aspect of the healing process, and previously co-founded and led a support group for survivors as an undergraduate at Ohio Wesleyan University. After receiving her MFA from Ohio University, Mary Kate is continuing her advocacy work in the Master of Social Work program as a graduate assistant in the Survivor Advocacy Program— she provides survivors a safe and supportive space to process their experiences along each step of their healing journey.

When not in the office, MK loves everything outdoors and can be found running the trails around town, at the climbing gym, dancing at concerts, paddleboarding on the lake, or exploring with their camera. She loves adventuring with her friends, and all of the memories they make along the way. 

To schedule an appointment with MK, visit our  bookings page .

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