The FSU Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Consulting Center (MDC), welcomed Dr. Shannon Bennett as the new director and Ms. Alicia Nohle as the new assistant director.  The MDC offers diagnostic and consultation services for children with complex medical, educational, emotional, and behavioral problems, as well as support for families, educators, and school personnel. The MDC is one of six university-based centers across the state of Florida and serves 20 school districts across the panhandle.

Dr. Bennett is a licensed psychologist and licensed school psychologist who has been with the MDC in several roles since 2012. She initially joined the center as a psychology intern and then as a postdoctoral resident. Her previous leadership roles within the MDC have included director of the Attention Disorders Clinic and director of Practicum Training.

“I am excited to continue our mission to serve and train while also expanding the breadth of our services in order to have a larger reach,” Dr. Bennett said about stepping into her new role. “The MDC has a long legacy of serving children, families, and schools in our local community and throughout the Florida Panhandle, as well as offering training opportunities to students.”  She noted that her immediate priorities are to provide a sense of stability and support to staff through the upcoming phase of renovation, growth and change, which includes several staff transitioning into new roles and the expansion of services.

Alicia Nohle is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed marriage and family therapist who has also been in several roles at the MDC since 2002.  Ms. Nohle initially joined the center as the program coordinator and later took on the role of Social Worker after she received her master’s degree from the FSU College of Social Work. Additionally, she has received specialized training and experience in conducting Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluations.

“I look forward to introducing innovative approaches as we grow and expand our staff, services and space, particularly in the areas of behavioral health, data analysis and grant management.  I feel extremely privileged to be able to work with such a talented and dedicated staff.”

The Multidisciplinary Center is currently expanding its services to children and their families across 20 school districts in North Florida.

As part of this effort, Dr. Chrystal McDowell, LMFT, has stepped into a new role as director of group therapy services and advances the center’s mission as a multi-disciplinary center. Dr. McDowell recently received her Ph.D. from FSU College of Human Sciences, and we are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with this college.

Dr. Anne Selvey, who retired as director in June 2024, had served in various roles for over 30 years. “This brilliant group of people will continue to expand our services and take the center to new places. I look forward to seeing what they do, and I’ll miss them terribly,” expressed Dr. Selvey

Ms. Joann Milford, Assistant Director, also retired at the beginning of August 2024 after 34 years working at the MDC.  “I can’t say enough wonderful things about the staff here because we are like one big family.  I’m so proud of the state-of-the-art services the MDC provides to children, parents and school personnel. I have been with the MDC through ups and downs. I’m so grateful for all of the positive changes and appreciate the unwavering support from FSU, particularly Provost Jim Clark, Dean David Springer and CSW staff," said Ms. Milford.

To connect with the FSU Multidisciplinary Center, visit mdc.fsu.edu.