Meet the Counseling Faculty

David Antonides, M.A., LCPC

I’m a full-time Counseling Faculty member in Counseling Services. As a counselor, my goal is to provide students a safe and culturally-sensitive space for empathy, support, healing, personal growth, and empowerment. I believe we are inseparable from our own network of relationships and it is also beneficial to address the structure and behavior of these broader systems in the counseling setting. My areas of focus are with students who are addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, motivation, life transitions, identity/self-esteem, relationship concerns, stress management, and family issues. When I’m not counseling, I also teach a course called Diversity 101-Understanding Diversity in the United States, and do outreach and programming related to mental health, diversity awareness, and alliance building. Prior to Harper, I was a counselor at Oakton Community College and Azusa Pacific University, a social worker at the Department of Child and Family Services in San Bernardino, CA, and a Psychology Assistant at the Veterans’ Memorial Hospital in Menlo Park, CA. I am also a licensed clinical professional counselor.

In my spare time, I like to play a variety of sports, play board games, cards, and piano. I also hike, read fantasy fiction, garden, and travel to national parks with my family.

Michele DeCanio, M.S., LCPC

As Counseling Faculty and an Associate Professor, I combine my love of counseling with my passion for teaching. Being a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor I utilize a solution focused, strength based, trauma informed approach, while offering compassion and understanding. I provide counseling for issues such as anxiety/depression, addictions, stress and life transitions. Students can benefit from exploring other issues such as self-esteem, relationship issues, grief/loss, career exploration and decision making.

I teach Career Development 110 for students who have not come to a decision about their major/career. This is one of my favorite courses to teach. I see significant growth and transformation in students as they become empowered to make solid career decisions by focusing on their interests, values and personality.

I provide programming and outreach for Harper students related to mental health, mindfulness, self-care and healthy relationships. It is my privilege to join students on their journey through difficult situations toward a life of well-being and optimum health.

I am passionate about cooking, yoga, hiking, and family. I love to experience nature and embrace the beauty of the outdoors. I love to travel and some of my favorite places are Italy, Greece and Ireland. However, truth be told, my very favorite place to travel to is Dallas, TX., where my two adorable grandchildren reside.

DuBoi McCarty, M.S. Ed

Hello everyone, I am DuBoi McCarty, Counseling Faculty/Professor here at Harper College. In this role I serve students personal, educational, and career counseling needs. I also teach Exploring Diversity in the United States (DIV 101), Humanistic Psychology (PSY 107), and First Year Seminar (FYS 101). I am Co-Advisor of the Black Student Union Club, and I enjoy working with students to build motivation and effective intrapersonal and interpersonal relationship skills.

I serve on committees such as the Curriculum Committee, the Learning and Assessment Committee, and I am the lead instructor for Exploring Diversity in the United States. I have presented on topics of multicultural education, motivation, communication, and personal development for law enforcement officials, corporate employee resource groups, community college counselors, sororities, college coaches, faculty, tutoring centers, high school clubs, church groups, community centers, and at regional and national conferences.

I am a long-time Chicago Bulls fan and I enjoy movies, music, comedy, exercise, and spending time with family and friends.

LaVonya Williams, M.S. Ed

I am a full-time Counseling Faculty member in Counseling Services with over 20 years counseling experience. As a counselor, I strive to provide a safe, supportive, inclusive and affirming space for students to explore their strengths and discover their authentic selves while supporting their personal, academic and career goals.

My areas of focus, interests and/or experience include: Student development, social justice, LGBTQ+, adult students, marginalized students; wellness; relationships; cultural issues; women’s issues; life skills; personal development; grief and loss; identity development; adjustment, transitions; anxiety & stress management; self-esteem; emotional intelligence; motivation, career planning.

When I’m not counseling students, I spend time teaching PSY 107-Humanistic Psychology: Personal Growth; DIV 101- Exploring Diversity in the U.S. and FYS 101-First Year Seminar. I advise the student Pride Club; present classroom workshops; support college strategic planning; collaborate with faculty initiatives, serve on shared governance committees; faculty mentor, staff trainer, program facilitator; and active participant in two employee resource groups supporting LGBTQ+ & BIPOC faculty and staff. Prior to Harper, I worked as a sexual assault counselor in a non-profit agency and as a counselor and retention specialist at Western Illinois University.

I love being outdoors in nature, hiking, road trips and motorcycling. I enjoy reading, bowling, yoga and meditation. I am a big sports fan, especially football BEAR DOWN! I enjoy spending quality time with my wife, our adult children, our dog Myles and our new grandchild.