Shelby Babbington, M.A. (she/her/hers) is the Mental Health Counselor for West Virginia Autism Training Center’s College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Morehead State University, a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marshall University, and has extensive training in the areas of Violence, Loss, and Trauma Shelby provides therapeutic services through individual and group counseling. She enjoys advocating for students through person-centered care, as well as assisting them with the tools to live a healthy, balanced, and comfortable life. In addition to the work she performs at Marshall University, Shelby has a professional interest in the areas of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Eating Disorders.
Department: Staff
Nicholas Burge is a Student Support Specialist with the College Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, housed within the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University in 2020. He has worked in the field of Higher Education since 2016. Recently he transitioned to his new role in the college program where he assists students by providing person-centered supports in academics, socialization, time management, and independent living. He has four cat children, and he enjoys video games, running, and finding all the hidden gems throughout the tri-state area.
Jackie Hayslett is a Student Support Specialist at the College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She completed her B.A. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Special Education and Social Studies at Marshall University. She also holds a M.A. in Instructional and Educational Leadership from West Virginia State University. Jackie has 7 years of special education experience working in a public high school setting. Her hope is to be able to provide students with ASD a college experience that is fulfilling and community-driven, while helping students learn resiliency as they navigate adulthood.
Nate Hensley is the Coordinator of Campus Based Services for the College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nate has been a Counselor for 9 years and is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). He has worked at Marshall University in various roles since 2008, including Housing and Residence Life and Student Support Services. Currently, Nate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is originally from Williamson, WV in Mingo County but Huntington has been his second home since 2005. In his spare time he likes to play golf, and tennis, enjoys the outdoors, plays and collects video games, attend baseball games (Go Reds!), and to spend time with his family. Nate is always eager to listen and lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it, so feel free to reach out to him!
Jessica Jenkins is a Student Support Specialist for The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University where she assists students by providing person-centered supports in academics, socialization, and independent living. Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Marshall University in 2011. After receiving her degree, she went on to teach in the Cabell County School District for nine years where she was nominated Teacher of the Year by her colleagues for two consecutive years. Jessica is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Adult Education and Evaluation. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and working on fiber art projects.
Katie Maynard is a Student Support Specialist with the College Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, housed within the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders and is currently working toward obtaining a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Marshall University where she is also the president of Phi Alpha Sigma Mu Honor Society for Social Work. Katie has a passion for helping others through counseling, problem-solving, and advocacy. She has experience working in a federal TRIO Program where her students were underrepresented and through her passions, was able to assist students in choosing their path after high school graduation and assisting with the transition to post-secondary education. Katie is also an intern clinician with Marshall University’s Behavioral Health Clinic where she continues to learn about best practices and working with individuals with neurodivergence(s).
Kelly Preston is a Student Support Specialist with the College Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, housed within the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. She earned a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marshall University in 2023. She has been employed by Marshall University since 2005, and with the West Virginia Autism Training Center since 2009 in various administrative support roles. Recently she transitioned to her new role in the college program where she assists students by providing person-centered supports in academics, socialization, time management, and independent living. She has two children: an adult son on the autism spectrum and an adult daughter. She enjoys traveling, bicycling, and spending time with family, pets, and friends.
Mindy Thornton is the Director of Campus Based Services with the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. Mindy received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Marshall University. Mindy worked for 18 years in Children’s Services for the local community mental health organization and then the last six years as the Assistant State Director for Necco, a foster care company in West Virginia. She is passionate about advocating for youth with complex needs. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and attending concerts with her two adult children and husband.
Natasha Vance, M.A., is a Student Support Specialist at he College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mrs. Vance completed her B.A. in Secondary Education with emphasis in Music and Mental Impairment at Marshall University. She also holds a M.A. in Multi-Categorical Special Education and Autism from Marshall University. Mrs. Vance has worked exclusively with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder for a number of years providing person-centered supports and services as well as academic assistance to individuals who live with Autism Spectrum Disorder at varying stages of life. Her passions are advocating for those with ASD and teaching life skills to create independence.
While not working at MU, she loves to travel with her husband and twin daughters (especially to Disney World), perform with Huntington Dance Theatre, St. John’s Episcopal Church Choir, and the Marching Thunder Alumni Band, and create crafts using various mediums.