By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Serenity Psychological Services & Consulting has announced a new therapist at its practice.
Jennifer Colby, a licensed special clinical social worker, partnered with Robert Yates, licensed psychologist, three weeks ago.

Yates, who formerly worked for High Plains Mental Health, established the private practice at 1010 Downing, Ste. 60, in June.

Colby received her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 1997 and her master’s from the University of Kansas in 2009.

She worked at Pawnee Mental Health in Manhattan for 15 years before moving to Hays where she worked at High Plains Mental Health for three years. She said she jumped at the opportunity to enter private practice.

Colby specializes in women’s issues, including trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault as well as other mental health concerns, including mood disorders, personality disorders, loss and grief, anger management, and substance abuse.

Yates graduated in 2006 with a degree in psychology and from the University of Texas with a doctorate in psychology. He interned at a substance abuse recovery facility in Pennsylvania before moving to Hays to be near family.

He specializes in dual diagnosis — those suffering from addiction and mental illness. He also serves those suffering from mood disorders and anxiety, needing couples and family counseling and other psychological services.

Both professionals accept Medicare and private insurance.

Colby and Yates hope to offer a relaxed, quite, mindful and confidential environment. They only see clients 8 years and older. Colby and Yates are not medical doctors, but will provide insight to a client’s physician who can determine if and what type of medication might be appropriate.

Clients can self refer by calling the office at (785) 621-4417 or go to the practice’s website at www.serenitypsc.com.

Colby said many people who suffer from mental illness choose not to seek treatment because of fear and stigma.
Receiving therapy is not necessarily like it is depicted on television.

“I would like to let people know that just because they had a bad experience that not all (therapists) are the same,” Colby said. “Try someone else. We all have different styles and techniques. …

“You don’t have to go through life miserable.”

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Fort Hays State University Art Department removed several pieces of art from the walls of Rarick Hall after complaints the art was inappropriate for the children in Tiger Tots program that share that building. The artwork depicted women bare breasted.

Pastor Chad Pritchett of Ellis Baptist Church initially complained about the art after visiting the campus in February. He described the art as “pornographic” and “demonic,” in part because the presence of snakes in the artwork. Pritchett does not have any children enrolled in the Tiger Tots program. One alumnus also contacted the university about the artwork, but no parents of children enrolled with the program made complaints.

“We want to partner with Fort Hays and encourage education,” Pritchett said, “but we want to protect the children and their delicate minds and keep them from exposure to something inappropriate. I think it would be more appropriate if they moved the art to a different hallway.”

The artwork was created in a printmaking class at the university. Student artwork is regularly displayed in the hallways of the art department.

Karrie Simpson Voth, chairwoman of the art department, said depiction of the human form is a regular part of the art department curriculum.

“There is no university policy of what students can and can’t draw,” Simpson Voth said. “We encourage students to express what they feel in that moment. The instructor for the printmaking class chooses what goes up on the wall based on execution of good skill and technique.”

Simpson Voth said no harm was intended to the children.

“Our students are extremely talented. We hope the public can appreciate the artwork we produce. It’s with the best of intention,” she said.

Tiger Tots is licensed for 24 children ages 2 1/2 to 5. Sara J. Stroup, Tiger Tots Nurtury Center director, directed questions to University Relations.

Lisa Karlin, director of University Relations and Marketing, said the university was sensitive the concerns being expressed and officials believed the issue had been resolved with the removal of the artwork.