EOU Counseling Center Staff

Marianne Weaver, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist and Counseling Center Director

Welcome to the EOU Counseling Center website where you can learn more about our services and our staff!

I grew up in the rural, Imperial Valley area of Southern California down by the Mexican border. I was actually born in the border town of Calexico. Growing up as a white minority with race privilege, but not necessarily economic privilege, has definitely framed my view of self, relationship with others, and awareness of my desires and power to help others connect to self and be engaged in the world from the place of an empowered real self. As a Southern Cal transplant (please don’t hold that against me!), winters can be a little long and cold for me. Much of the time I long for the 110 degree weather I grew up with, but aside for the cold temperatures, I absolutely love Eastern Oregon – the natural beauty, the pace of life, and the people!

I moved to La Grande in September, 2001, to begin working in the Counseling Center, and have truly experienced my work here at EOU as an ongoing call in my life. I earned my BA in Behavioral Science from Concordia University in Irvine, California in 1991; my MA in Marital and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University (also in Southern Cal) in 1993; and my PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) in Clinical Psychology (with an emphasis in Family Psychology) also from Azusa Pacific University, in 2001. I completed my formal internship training at Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. So, yes, for one year I became a Cornhusker fan … especially of women’s volleyball!

I was licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California and had a private practice for several years where I had the fortunate opportunity of working with many families, kids (doing play therapy), couples, as well as individuals. I have been a licensed psychologist in Oregon since 2002, and enjoy working with those who have experienced trauma and are struggling with various addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and spiritual wonderings. I thoroughly enjoy working with the college student population, which makes my job an ideal fit for me.

I could share lots more about myself, so if you want to know more, feel free to ask when you visit the Counseling Center or see me around campus.

Missi Brown, LCSW

Clinical Counselor

I was born in Virginia, grew up in Connecticut and moved to Cove, Oregon in 8^th grade. Moving to rural Oregon as a teenager was an extremely difficult transition which lead to me bouncing around the states trying to find a place that felt like home. I ended up attending Eastern Oregon University and got my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. While getting my degree, I worked at Dutch Bros. and as a forensic photographer for the Sheriff’s Department. I met my husband during this time who was born and raised in La Grande and told me he plans to stay here. After months of consideration, I decided to start embracing Eastern Oregon and fell in love with it. I attended Walla Walla University and got my Master’s of Clinical Social Work. I spent the early part of my career doing investigative work in child abuse. I completed my hours for licensure in community mental health, leading the mental health crisis team and as a therapist. I am excited to be on campus as a professional and working with college students. The transition into adulthood was a difficult one for me in which I realized I did not have a healthy foundation to prepare me to be a secure adult in the world. As a therapist, some of my core values are to make mental healthcare accessible to our community and to make therapy a fun and enjoyable time that will help you grow to have the quality of life you desire. If any part of you feels overwhelmed, stressed or dissatisfied in life, stop by the EOU Counseling Center, even if you feel uncertain.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, starting fixer upper projects at our home and then needing my husband to finish them, painting my house and then realizing I don’t like the color and repainting it, lifting, hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, camping, playing kick the can with the kids, skiing and attempting to run for 5 minutes straight without stopping (this has been my goal for a year).

Jenny Whiteman, M.A.

Professional Counselor Associate

I was born and raised in Minnesota (where I remember wearing snowsuits under my Halloween costumes) and have never done well with cold weather. I pursued my B.A. in history from Northwestern University in St. Paul and then spent about 14 years working for national and international organizations planning large-scale events (50,000-200,000 attendees) around the country and the globe. The richness of these experiences, along with other volunteer and work opportunities has enabled me to visit and spend significant time embedded in the cultures of 30 countries and 7 major US cities.

A career change spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic led me to Banks, OR, to begin my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. One of my favorite experiences while getting my Master’s was participating in the Belize Counseling Immersion experience, where I had the honor to cross-culturally counsel children exposed to extreme poverty, violence, substance abuse, and sexual abuse.

Outside of counseling, I enjoy reading a good book, playing with other people’s dogs, having catch-up conversations with friends, and traveling when ticket prices are cheap enough.

I am excited to be here at EOU and look forward to holding a non-judgmental safe space to process life with you!

Melanie Grubbe

Front Desk for Student Health  and Counseling Center

I have been the Patient Access Specialist for the Student Health and Counseling Center since 2011.  I enjoy being part of the health care team here on campus.  We work hard to meet the needs of our student population every day. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing with my 3 dogs and enjoying beautiful Northeast Oregon.