Megan McGruder

Director of Counseling Services, LCPC

Megan graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Education in Counselor Education with an emphasis in clinical mental health. She is currently a doctoral candidate for a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.  

Megan has extensive training in working with trauma. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCPT) and a certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. She utilizes a cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed approach in working with students. 

Megan enjoys traveling, watching and learning about movies and film, and spending time with loved ones. She has a Bernese Mountain Dog named Appa who likes to make occasional appearances on campus!

309-341-7492

mamcgruder@knox.edu

Brittany Dean

Assistant Director of Counseling Services, QMHP

Brittany graduated from Ashford University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Applied Behavioral Science and received a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Therapy. She also earned a Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. 

She has experience providing a variety of therapeutic services in the community to individuals of all ages, experiences, and walks of life. She has also worked in a variety of clinical settings.

She enjoys spending time with her family as well as her dog, Gus. She enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and a variety of creative hobbies. 

309-341-7492

brdean@knox.edu

Jeanine Fox

Counselor, LPC, CADC

Jeanine completed her Master of Science in Education degree with a focus in counselor education and mental health at Western Illinois University. She plans to pursue her doctorate in 2023. 

Jeanine has been trained and certified in drug and alcohol counseling (CADC), is a certified shame-informed treatment specialist (CSTS) with an emphasis on eating disorders and body disorders, is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (C-DBT), and is an active LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and strives to be a supportive ally to the community. Her goal is to create a safe, healthy and inviting space for students through the therapeutic techniques of person-focused therapy. 

She has been married for 10 years and has three pets: Angel (dog), Quigley (cat) and Rigby (fox). She loves hiking, biking, reading, doing random art projects and traveling when she can.

309-341-7492

jafox@knox.edu

Rhonda Nelson

Counselor, LCPC

Rhonda received a master’s degree in Counseling from Western Illinois University and then became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).

She works part-time as an adjunct instructor at Carl Sandburg College and enjoys her role as a National trainer for Mental Health First Aid where she educates people about mental health and how to provide help to individuals and communities who are impacted.

Rhonda enjoys spending time with her family and the outdoors.

309-341-7492

rknelson@knox.edu

Vicki Swedlund

Administrative Assistant

Vicki grew up in Galesburg (just down the street on South St.) and remembers roller skating through the Knox College campus when she was young. She graduated from Galesburg Sr. High School and earned an Associate in Arts degree from Carl Sandburg Junior College. She began working at Knox College in 2002.

Vicki especially enjoys the fall term, when the new students arrive. She enjoys going for walks, attending sporting events, listening to music (is a Beatles fan) and looking at maps, which she used to collect.

309-341-7492

vswedlun@knox.edu