Dr. Hannah Manning
Dr. Hannah Manning’s goal of helping others began when she was a student at Independence High School (Thompson's Station, Tn.). She said, “One of the many people who have impacted my journey was my high school teacher, Mrs. (Brandy) Mangrum, who offered positivity and encouragement, helping me believe in myself when I did not at the time.”
“Mrs. Mangrum was our athletic trainer at school, and aside from being an athlete myself, that is where my passion for treating athletes truly began.
The others who have influenced me include my undergraduate psychology professors and my master's professors. Their guidance and encouragement have kept me going, and I am forever grateful.”
Dr. Manning’s earning a doctorate degree allowed Lee to unofficially become one of only four colleges in the LearfieldDirectors Cup top 30 that have a doctorate level therapist/counselor specifically on staff within athletics. There are 300 schools in Division II, and Lee ranked at No. 28 in the Learfield Directors Cup this past year. The other three schools that have a similar position are No.1 Grand Valley State University, No. 10 University of Findlay, and No.13 Adams State University.
Dr. Manning received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in Deaf Studies and Religion (2015-19), Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (2019-22) and some two weeks ago celebrated her Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy.
From 2022-25 Dr. Manning ran her own private practice Thrive Therapy Services (dealing with mental health therapy) but continued to work part-time at Lee. For eight months she moved to Youth Villages-Crisis Counselor and there she evaluated children in times of crisis to help determine best treatment options, including hospitalization, in-home therapy, or in-school therapy.
She said her first position was a big challenge. “My first position outside of my master's degree was as a crisis counselor for a local organization. I would assess kids experiencing mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation. While encountering these issues is common for a therapist, the intensity and frequency I faced here were unlike anything I had seen before. This job was challenging because I could not really talk to and "treat" these kids the way I normally would, since they needed to be evaluated promptly, and I had to move on to the next crisis. It truly reminded me of how much I value the relational aspects of treatment and the "why" behind what I do.”
Perhaps her busiest period came when Dr. Manning was fully involved with Higher Education Teaching (2018-23). She was assigned various experiences with teaching undergrad, grad, and doctorial level students through being a teaching assistant, graduate assistant, and an adjunct professor in psychology and marriage and family therapy programs. “I was fortunate to have many mentors, including Dr. Julie Gardenhire, Dr. Jennifer Thomas, and Dr. Susan Ashcraft. These women ignited my passion for the classroom and teaching, and it truly has been an exciting environment for me!”
She climbed to one of the top positions in Lee athletics in stride. Her first assignment came in 2023 when she was named Lee’s Director of Student Athlete Welfare and Athlete Counseling (a position she still holds today). The position took on even more meaning on Aug. 2, when Hannah walked across the stage and was officially Dr. Manning during the Lee graduation ceremony.
Said Lee Athletic Director John Maupin, “Dr. Manning is a true asset to our department but means even more to our student-athletes. It signals the commitment we have made as a university to supporting our student-athletes and their mental health. We are proud of Hannah for completing her doctorate over the summer and look forward to her continued vision and the counseling of our Lee University student-athletes.”
“I will see anywhere between 15-20 athletes per week during the school year,” stressed the doctor. “I knew that this was a population that needed extra support and guidance when it came to mental health, and I was happy to combine my passions for athletes and therapy when I got this opportunity. Athletes have a lot of pressure in all directions of their lives, and not only do they have to perform academically, but also athletically, which is also very public compared to a classroom.”
Dr. Manning notes that the majority of the clients she sees are usually athletes who are experiencing injuries. “When you are injured, you can experience a separation from the team because you often cannot participate the same and you can miss practices for treatments. Add the physical aspects of an injury and that can be really devastating to an athlete,” she continued.
“There are those who may experience "mental blocks" or "the yips" as some say. These things are normal to experience in one's athletic career but can be worrisome to experience working in a high-pressure environment. My job is to help them work through it, normalize the experience, and use practical therapeutic techniques to get to the other side.
“Parents are the foundation of a child's life, but when they come to college, they are working on transitioning into adulthood and a different level of independence. The therapeutic space is a part of fostering that independence but also learning when to rely on others and the importance of doing so.
Lee baseball coach Mark Brew had high praise for the doctor. “Dr. Manning is a tremendous asset for our program and the entire athletic department. As Director of Student Athlete Welfare, she provides counseling resources for our program and does a tremendous job connecting with the student-athletes she serves. Having a terminal PhD in her field says a lot about her commitment to providing the foremost services and resources for our program and department.”
Lady Flames softball coach Emily Russell added her thoughts, “Hannah has been a great asset to our program. She has worked with individuals on the team as needed. This season we are hoping to bring her in to work with the team on some performance enhancing topics like sleep hygiene and stress management.”
Hannah and her husband Jack have been married for nine years and have two boys, Addison (5) and August (1). The doctor included a quote from Carl Rogers that she says helps inform her practice as a therapist, "We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know."
The doctor said in closing, “Change is inherently and a part of the process when it comes to therapy. It is not an easy thing to do or think about, but this quote holds a place in my heart to remember to trust the process of therapy, to lean into my client's worldview and their outlook on their life, and to ultimately be there as a safe space and for me to be a trusting and loving presence for them. For many, that is enough to help people when they are experiencing challenges. That is all I hope to do for those who come into my office.”