Celine McNelis-Kline named Senior Director of CAPS and the Fontaine Center

Celine McNelis-Kline has been named senior director of the University of Georgia’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and the Fontaine Center. Dr. McNelis-Kline most recently served as clinical director of health promotion and wellness at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

As a first-generation college student, McNelis-Kline experienced firsthand how a sense of community impacts health and well-being. Early in her academic journey, she realized that a sense of belonging significantly contributed to her success and overall well-being. This transformative experience shaped her career in higher education, where she focused on creating inclusive communities that promote mental health and overall wellness.

With more than 30 years of experience in health promotion and psychological services, she is dedicated to building a vibrant, inclusive environment at UGA. Nurturing a supportive atmosphere, she envisions a campus where every individual feels valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute meaningfully.

McNelis-Kline will be responsible for the operational leadership of CAPS and the Fontaine Center’s staff and faculty.

“Creating a synergistic relationship between CAPS and the Fontaine Center will further the goal of fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students feel a sense of belonging and thrive in both their personal and academic achievements” said McNelis-Kline.

She will report directly to the University Health Center (UHC) executive director, Martha Dannenbaum, MD.

“The University of Georgia and the University Health Center provide comprehensive resources to support the holistic well-being of our students,” said Dannenbaum. “Dr. McNelis-Kline’s experience and expertise will be a valuable contribution as we continue to enhance these key areas in student mental health and well-being.”

CAPS provides emotional, social, and behavioral health support through brief, goal-focused services, including individual, couples, or group counseling, psychiatry, and assistance with connecting with off-campus resources. There is no out-of-pocket cost for most services for fee-paying UGA students, and CAPS offers in-person and virtual appointments.

The Fontaine Center empowers students to advocate for personal health promotion and well-being through prevention, early intervention and support services and strategies. Services include nutrition, wellness and prevention, and sexual health. Programs include internships, student activities and events, as well as well-being education and awareness.

CAPS, the Fontaine Center, and other programs and services of the University Health Center are key offerings of the University of Georgia’s Well-being Resources initiative, which connects a network of campus-wide programs and resources and convenes campus leaders to coordinate support for students to become more active, healthy, and successful.

McNelis-Kline’s appointment is effective January 1, 2025. She expressed enthusiasm to be a part of UGA’s coordinated and integrated approach to student well-being.

“Student mental health and the other components of overall well-being have become a center of focus for families and the student experience,” said McNelis-Kline. “Strong counseling and personal health promotion programming, working in concert with UHC clinics and campus-wide well-being efforts, effectively support students to accomplish their goals and thrive on campus and in life.”

McNelis-Kline holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Adelphi University, a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from West Chester University, and an Ed.D. in counseling and developmental studies with a specialization in sport and performance psychology from Boston University.