Meet the Team

 

Maxx Biddle LPC, AADC, ALPS

As a native of Morgantown, Maxx attended West Virginia University for both his undergraduate and graduate studies. Upon graduating with his MA in Counseling, he worked at Wellspring Family Services, a community-based clinical service, where he conducted both home and in-school therapeutic services for rural and underserved families in Monongalia and its surrounding counties. He then transitioned to WVU Medicine’s Center for Hope and Healing, an inpatient substance use treatment center, where he began to foster and develop a clinical passion for treating individuals with Substance Use Disorder. During his time at CHH, he eventually worked his way into leadership and became the center's inaugural Lead Clinical Therapist. 

Prior to his role as Interim Coordinator for BeWell, Maxx was the embedded Behavioral Health Therapist at WVU's College of Law, where he still serves students and assists the college in promoting and implementing mental health and wellness services.

When Maxx is not at work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Lauren, his son, Ezra, and their dog, Reese. He likes to read, travel, coach community sports, and support Mountaineer athletics. He is an avid Philadelphia sports fan with an especially keen interest in the Philadelphia Eagles (Go Birds!)

Carmella Polak, MS in Counseling Psychology, LPC 

Carmella is a Behavioral Health Therapist for the Health Science Center students at WVU and has worked with WVU students since 2022. Carmella, a first-generation college graduate, graduated from Chatham University with her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology in 2021.

 Prior to her career in counseling, Carmella obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Point Park University. Her 20 years of experience in the arts has inspired her to become a helping professional. She has always appreciated the arts and integrates it into her counseling practice. She utilizes a collaborated approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. Carmella has a passion for working with LGBTQIA2+ students in addition to supporting students with anxiety, depression, self-care, mindfulness, and identity development. Carmella believes college is a time to discover who you are and what you want to be in this world.

 Outside of work, Carmella enjoys taking her dogs for long walks and spending time with her family. She takes time to connect with friends and appreciates the small things life has to offer. She also enjoys reading and playing her Nintendo Switch. Carmella is excited to be joining the BeWell team!

Courtney "Court" Lanham, MSW

Court is a part time Behavioral Health Clinician for the Health Sciences Center. They have spent over a decade specializing in disabilities, person centered interventions, and healthy sexuality. Court was born and raised in Southern WV and graduated from Riverside High School. They also received a Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2009 and a Masters of Social Work in 2011 from West Virginia University. During their studies they emphasized direct practice, particularly in the therapeutic setting. After their masters, they spent over a decade in the field of disabilities providing behavioral and social supports, education, and mentoring. Court has also led a curriculum for healthy sexuality education and prevention alongside statewide partners.

Their theoretical framework focuses on creating a more positive relationship with one’s self, changing behaviors through reinforcement and strengths, and exploring/embracing one’s identities. Court also is a Clifton Strength’s certified coach and loves talking about how our strengths are not only great insights into who we are, but also power tools for success. Court’s top 5 strengths are Maximizer, Adaptability, Arranger, Learner, and Relator. When not working, Court enjoys trout fishing, watercolor painting, playing/collecting video games, and listening to jam bands. Court would describe themselves as someone who loves being with other people and enjoying a fresh Dr. Pepper the most.

Sarah Sadler, MS, Graduate Assistant

Sarah is a Graduate Assistant for the Health Sciences Center students at WVU. She is a doctoral student in the sport, exercise, and performance psychology program and is pursuing a concurrent master’s in clinical mental health counseling. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, an additional major in psychology, and a minor in health promotion. Sarah also earned a master’s in kinesiology with a concentration in the psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity from Michigan State University in 2022. She has worked with recreational and collegiate athletes and sport teams as a mental performance consultant for over three years.

Sarah’s counseling approach is guided by her core values of growth and optimism. In her work, she aims to help clients develop psychological flexibility to actualize their potential and improve multidimensional well-being. She primarily uses humanistic and acceptance-based theories, but draws from a range of theories and techniques to best fit the needs of the client. 

In her free time, Sarah enjoys gymnastics, coaching, working out, and spending time with her two corgis. She is happy to be a part of the BeWell team!

Gabbi Johnson

Gabbi is a Graduate Assistant for the Health Sciences Center students at WVU. She is a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program. She graduated from WVU in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minors in addiction studies and communication studies. 

As a West Virginia native, Gabbi is passionate about mental health awareness, destigmatization, and quality care in Appalachia and rural communities. Gabbi has a passion for working with LGBTQIA2+ students and is especially interested in how our intersecting identities, life experiences, and nervous systems shape our wellbeing. Her counseling approach is guided by her core values of growth, justice, authenticity, curiosity, safety, connection, and a commitment to lifelong learning. In her work, she aims to meet clients where they are and support their journey of getting where they want to be. She primarily integrates cognitive and humanistic approaches but is committed to tailoring her work to clients' unique needs, recognizing that safety and healing look different for everyone. 

In her free time, Gabbi enjoys going to concerts, camping, being creative, playing video games, watching movies, and spending time with her loved ones and cats. She is happy to be a part of the BeWell team!