Our staff consists of one licensed clinical psychologist and three licensed Masters degree counselors. In addition, we have a licensed clinical psychologist who functions as clinical supervisor for the practicum students. Wheaton College Graduate School doctoral students also provide services as therapists-in-training.
Doug DeMerchant, Psy.D., is Director of the Counseling Center and a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Illinois. Doug completed his undergraduate degree at the University of New Brunswick in Canada and then served as a missionary with OMS International in Taiwan. Doug received his M. A. from Wheaton College Graduate School and his Psy.D. from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Prior to coming to Wheaton College Counseling Center in 2005, Doug maintained a private group practice for seventeen years. Along with his duties as director of the Counseling Center, Doug provides psychological assessments and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families and groups.
Valencia Wiggins, M. A., L.P.C., is a licensed professional counselor. Valencia earned her B. A. in Psychology from Wheaton College in 1986, and her M. A. in Clinical Psychology in 1991 from Wheaton College Graduate School. Prior to coming to WCCC, Valencia worked as a counselor for Moody Bible Institute Counseling Services and taught undergraduate psychology and grief counseling courses. Currently, Valencia works part time for Meier Clinics in Wheaton, providing outpatient treatment for adults, adolescents, couples and families. At the Counseling Center, Valencia specializes in working with eating disorders, depression, family, and women's issues in addition to working with individuals, couples and groups.
Matthew Hyder, M.A., L.C.P.C., C.A.D.C., is a licensed clinical professional counselor and a certified alcohol and drug counselor. Matthew changed careers after graduating from Michigan State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and attended the Master's program in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College Graduate School. Prior to coming to WCCC, Matthew worked for four years in the city of Chicago as a Child Welfare Therapist counseling foster children, and as a Treatment Counselor for substance abuse clients. Matthew has also worked in different inpatient psychiatric hospitals and at a group private practice in Wheaton. At WCCC, Matthew focuses on anxiety and mood disorders, addictions, couples, OCD, and family of origin issues.
Donna Aldridge, M.A., L.P.C., is a licensed professional counselor. Donna earned her B.A. from Wheaton College in 1986, and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College Graduate School in 1990. Prior to coming to WCCC, Donna has worked in a variety of clinical situations including private practice and hospital settings. Currently, Donna works part-time for Central DuPage Hospital as a crisis counselor in their ER. At the Counseling Center, Donna's specialty areas include eating disorders, sexual abuse, and depression, in addition to working with individuals, couples, and groups.
Lisa Natz, Psy.D., is the Director of Clinical Training for the Graduate Psychology Training Program at the Counseling Center. Dr. Naatz earned her doctorate degree in psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1998. She completed her practicum training at the Children's Health Council of Lucille Packard Children's Hospital and her predoctoral internship training at Northern Illinois University. Dr. Naatz also was employed with Stanford University's Behavioral Medicine Clinic, the Children's Health Council, and Lutheran Child and Family Services. In addition, Dr. Naatz's experience includes adjunct teaching, and private practice. Dr. Naatz is a licensed clinical psychologist.