Hargrove named assistant director of UGA Love and Money Center

Christine Hargrove has been named assistant director of the University of Georgia’s Love and Money Center and clinical assistant professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, effective July 1.

As assistant director, Hargrove will support the interdisciplinary center’s mission to enhance the relational and financial health of individuals, couples and families.

Formerly the ASPIRE Clinic, the Love and Money Center offers low or no-cost services to the Athens community provided by UGA students under the supervision of UGA faculty.

“I’m excited to take on this role,” Hargrove said. “Most people intuitively recognize that money and relationships are important and complicated, but few people know how to help. The LMC is closing this gap by providing direct, accessible client services while preparing students to meet real-world challenges through high-quality interdisciplinary training. I look forward to collaborating with campus partners as we fulfill our mission and make a tangible difference in the daily lives of Georgia residents and across the world.”

In addition to supporting administrative operations, Hargrove, as a licensed marriage and family therapist and American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy-approved supervisor, will teach graduate-level courses and provide clinical supervision toward licensure for students in the new couple and family therapy program that launches this fall.

Hargrove also will help to further the center’s visibility and impact locally and nationally by leading outreach, community engagement efforts and professional trainings in financial therapy.

Hargrove, a Certified Financial Therapist™, completed her Ph.D. in human development and family science in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences in 2024.

Her research and clinical work focus on the relational and financial health of individuals, couples and families, particularly those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She also engages in research and clinical work in the field of financial therapy and serves as president-elect of the Financial Therapy Association.

In her role as a private practice therapist, Hargrove has particular expertise in neurodiverse individuals and specializes in family and couple relationships, addiction, eating disorders and mental health such as anxiety and depression.

“We are so thrilled to welcome Dr. Hargrove to the Love and Money Center team,” LMC director Megan Ford said. “Her role will be crucially important in helping us advance our mission of supporting and expanding relational and financial well-being for all, as well as strengthening our college’s behavioral health focus through her supportive role with the new master’s program.”