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Counseling Center

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Campus Safety

If you are a student in crisis, please contact the following numbers:
In case of medical crisis: 911
In case of mental health crisis: 988
Campus safety number: 641-673-1170

Mission Statement

The Counseling Center aims to support student’s mental and emotional health through a supportive environment. Students can work with a counselor in a safe and confidential setting and explore concerns to gain a better understanding of themselves and work towards resolutions that support their academic endeavors.

Caree Gordon
Mental Health Coordinator | Title IX Coordinator

Caree Gordon, Mental Health Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator at William Penn University, has built a career dedicated to helping others, combining her passion for service with a practical, solution-focused approach to counseling. With extensive experience in mental health case management, chaplaincy, and leadership roles, she has worked with diverse populations facing a wide range of challenges. At William Penn, she creates a welcoming space where students feel seen, heard, and empowered with lifelong skills for personal growth.

 

Caree Gordon has dedicated her career to helping others, guided by a natural gift for listening and supporting those in need. She graduated from Vennard College in 2006 with a B.A. in Bible and World Missions/Urban Ministries and later earned a Master of Arts in Human Services/Counseling from Liberty University. Her extensive experience spans mental health case management, chaplaincy, and leadership roles in community mental health programs. From serving as a Chaplain for homeless women and children in Dallas, TX, to leading mental health case management teams in Iowa and Kentucky, she has worked with diverse populations facing a wide range of challenges. Most recently, she was the program supervisor for the Assertive Community Treatment team in Knoxville, IA, providing care for individuals with mental health and substance use needs.

At William Penn University, Caree values the opportunity to make a lasting impact, not just in the moment, but by teaching strategies that students will carry with them for years to come. With a practical, solution-focused approach, she works to equip students with lifelong skills to navigate challenges and build resilience. She fosters a welcoming and supportive environment by staying active on campus, engaging with students personally, and providing a space where they can feel seen, heard, and valued.

Caree believes that mental health and physical well-being go hand in hand and encourages students to prioritize basic self-care—sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management. She also finds joy in working with animals, often incorporating the therapeutic benefits of emotional support animals into her work. Whether she’s on campus or visiting her favorite farm to relax with baby goats, she understands the power of connection, both with others and with nature.

Her philosophy is simple: “If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart… then your day was well spent.” She hopes each student who walks through her door leaves with a deeper understanding of themselves and a few practical tools to help them thrive.

Students can connect with Caree by emailing caree.gordon@wmpenn.edu, using the QR code posted around campus, visiting the Counseling Center, or attending campus events where she is actively involved.

Are you planning on or made an attempt to seriously injure yourself or someone else (or both)?

Do you feel unsafe because someone else is stalking you, abusing you, assaulting you, and/or seriously threatening to do any of those behaviors?

Are you unable to bathe, feed, or otherwise care for yourself due to a mental health concern (including substance abuse)?

Someone connected to you has passed away within the last few days?

Are you hearing voices or seeing things that others do not see or hear?

Are you unable to provide your own food, clothing, or shelter?

Are you having a severe reaction to a psychiatric medication?

These concerns or similar level of student distress warrants an Emergency session that same day. Call/Walk to the Counseling Center for an ER session or call the following:

*If you are not experiencing a crisis but feel this is an urgent concern, please email the campus counselor at (641) 673-1703 or caree.gordon@wmpenn.edu

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  • Currently enrolled at William Penn University
  • William Penn offers therapy appointments through the fall (August) and spring (May) semesters

Monday- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Pause for Paws

Pause for Paws provides weekly opportunities for staff and students to experience the mental health benefits of interacting with emotional support animals (ESA) through the following:

  • Regularly scheduled group ESA visits
  • ESA participation in individual student sessions
  • Volunteer and training opportunities
  • Community collaboration

The mental health benefits of ESA interaction include:

  • Decrease of depression, stress and anxiety – the most common mental health concerns cited by students
  • Increase of “happy hormones” that boost and stabilize moods
  • Decrease feelings of loneliness
  • Increase social connectedness – the most important factor in student retention
Seasonal Wellness Initiatives

Seasonal Wellness Initiatives provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage in activities that support their mental and emotional well-being throughout the year. These initiatives foster connection, reflection, and a sense of belonging through the following:

  • Special outreach events during various holidays

  • Community-building activities that promote inclusion and support

  • Opportunities for reflection and personal well-being

  • Collaboration with campus and community partners

The mental health benefits of participating in Seasonal Wellness Initiatives include:

  • Reduction of stress, loneliness, and feelings of isolation

  • Strengthened social support networks

  • Increased emotional resilience and overall well-being

  • Enhanced sense of community, fostering student engagement and retention

Hold Up for Hooves
Hold Up for Hooves offers students a unique opportunity to experience the mental health benefits of animal-assisted interactions by spending time with goats in a supportive and relaxing environment.
Through guided sessions, students can:
  • Engage in therapeutic interactions with goats
  • Participate in stress-relief activities focused on mindfulness and relaxation
  • Connect with peers in a positive, community-driven setting
The mental health benefits of animal-assisted interactions include:
  • Reduced stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness
  • Increased emotional well-being and mood stabilization
  • Strengthened sense of connection and belonging, key factors in student success
Hold Up for Hooves fosters a welcoming space for students to take a break, recharge, and experience the calming effects of animal companionship.
The Counseling Center and Relaxation Lounge

The Counseling Center, located on the ground floor of the student union, consists of the mental health coordinator’s office, a session room, a work/storage room, and a lobby that serves as a relaxation lounge. Featuring comfortable seating and low lighting, the Relaxation Lounge is meant to be a quiet place where students can sit, scroll, have a snack, color or just take a break. Students are not only welcome here, but they will often find free snacks and drinks waiting for them! The session room, when not in use, can be reserved for taking a rest on what is largely agreed to be the World’s Most Comfortable Couch!

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Additional Resources