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CAPS Staff

The staff of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) includes licensed psychologists, board certified psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, and post-doctoral residents. All of our staff are generalists and see students presenting with a variety of issues and possess experience in working with diverse student populations. CAPS operates from a "de-centralized" community psychology model. While many of our staff are located at our Central Office (Galbraith Hall 190), in order to increase access for students, the majority of our staff are located at the seven undergraduate colleges, graduate student housing, the Campus Community Centers, and Student Health Services. 

CAPS Staff 2022-23

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Click on Sections below for individual staff bios!

Counseling Staff

  • Tyler Alvarez, Psy.D.

    Tyler Alvarez, Psy.D.

    Psychologist / Revelle College
    John F. Kennedy University

    Pronouns: he/him

    Clinical Interests: Anxiety, Depression, Burn out, Post-Traumatic Growth, Sports psychology, Performance Psychology, Educational Psychology

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association of Graduate Students, Psi Chi: International Honor Society in Psychology, APA Practice Organization; APA Divisions: Division for Quantitative and Qualitative Methods (Division 5), Addictions (Division 50), Trauma Psychology (Division 56), Society for Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (Division 47)

  • Bryan Balvaneda, Ph.D.

    Bryan Balvaneda, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Roosevelet College

    Pronouns: he/his/him

    Clinical Interests: Multicultural and Diversity Issues, Identity Development, Social Justice and Activism, Increasing Access to Care, Alternative Service Models, Community Outreach, Anxiety and Depression, Behavioral Medicine, CBT, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion. My theoretical orientation is involves an integrative approach that primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Mindfulness/Acceptance-based approaches, and is also informed by Feminist/Multicultural Therapy framework to consider identity, diversity, and systemic issues in addressing a person’s areas of concern.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA); Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

  • Erin Bartelma, Psy.D.

    Erin Bartelma, Psy.D.

    Psychologist / Roosevelt College
    California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego

    Clinical Interests: Sport and performance psychology, health and wellness, academic success, stress management, adjustment and life transitions, managing depression and anxiety, identity formation, multicultural counseling, relationship issues, healthy communication skills, substance abuse, grief and loss, and working with student veterans. Theoretical orientation integrates psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: CAPS: Co-Coordinator of Wellness Peer Education Program; Well-Being Cluster Advisory Board

  • Ana Bowens

    Ana Bowens

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / CAPS Central Office 
    University of Pennsylvania

    Pronouns: she/her

    Clinical Interests: Crisis management; Depression and anxiety; Life transitions; LGBTQIA+ population and gender-affirming work; Grief and loss; Surviving sexual trauma; Managing interpersonal challenges; Integrating CBT and DBT approaches to treatment. My clinical orientation combines strengths-based and trauma-informed frameworks that center exploration and empowerment. My aim is to co-create a safe therapeutic space to process life’s most challenging tasks.

    Languages Spoken: English

  • Nile Brandt, Ph.D.

    Nile Brandt, Ph.D.

    Post-Doctoral Resident / Eleanor Roosevelt College
    University of Utah 

    Pronouns: he/him

    Clinical Interests: Multiculturalism, identity development, transition, (First-Gen/Scholar-Athlete) success and wellbeing, positive psychology, sport and performance psychology, sleep hygiene, career counseling, depression + anxiety management. My theoretical orientation consists of contextualizing distress, power, and privilege through a Feminist Multicultural lens, working within a person-centered, collaborative, and strengths-based approach, and incorporating Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral (DBT) therapies.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA); Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)

  • Sarah Bromley, LCSW

    Sarah Bromley, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Muir College
    California State University, Fresno

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Eating Disorders and Body Image Concerns, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management. Psychotherapy approaches include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Strength –based and Compassion focused.

    Languages Spoken: English

  • Eduardo J. Caldera, LPCC

    Eduardo J. Caldera, LPCC

    Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor / Triton CORE
    John Hopkins University

    Pronouns: he/him/él

    Clinical Interests: Being an ally and creating a safe space for all persons, multicultural and diversity issues, crisis management, self-compassion, developing self-care rituals, emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills building relating to depression and anxiety. My theoretical approach involves Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

  • Danielle Campbell, LCSW

    Danielle Campbell, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Central Office
    University of California, Los Angeles

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Mindfulness, Adjustment and Life Transition Issues, Anxiety and Perfectionism, OCD, Relationship Issues and Attachment, Wellness, Healthy Communication Skills, Stress Management, Reducing Stigma of Mental Health Issues, Care Coordination and Advocacy, Mental Health and Creativity. Theoretical orientation integrates Strength-Based, Existential, Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic, Humanistic and Mindfulness-Based Interventions.

    Languages Spoken: English

  • Wenhsin Chang, Ph.D.

    Wenhsin Chang, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Sixth College
    University of Wisonsin, Milwalkee

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Inner child, Relationships, Cultural adjustments. Psychotherapy approaches include: client-center therapy, Solution Focus Brief Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mind-body connection.

    Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin, and Tawainese

    Affiliations: American Psychological Associationo (APA)

  • Sarah Clavell-Storer, Ph.D.

    Sarah Clavell-Storer, Ph.D.

    Clinical Director 
    Psychologist / Central Office
    California School of Professional Psychology

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Managing depression and anxiety; Adjustment and life transitions; Multicultural counseling; Women’s issues; Sexual and gender identity development; Veteran’s issues; Body image concerns; Childhood abuse; Relationships. Theoretical orientation integrates psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA)

  • Gila Cohen, MSW LCSW

    Gila Cohen, MSW LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Central Office 
    New York University

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma and recovery, crisis intervention, mindfulness, harm reduction, relapse prevention, managing depression and anxiety, stress management, adjustment and life transitions, interpersonal relationships, eating and body image issues, self -esteem, wellness, empowerment, and advocacy. 

    Languages Spoken: English 

    Affiliations: UCSD CARE Program, Early Psychosis Specialty Clinic, and UCSD Mother, Child, and Adolescent HIV Program

  • David Diaz, Ph.D.

    David Diaz, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Thurgood Marshall College 

    Pronouns: he/him/his

    Clinical Interests: College success and wellbeing, adjustment and life transitions,  academic/career development, anxiety, grief/living with loss, substance use,  first-generation college students, graduate students, managing disabilities while in college, trauma, and overall wellbeing of students with underrepresented/marginalized identities. I work with clients using an approach that is person-centered, multicultural, social justice oriented, and grounded in cognitive-behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and other mindfulness-based interventions.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish (native speaker)

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA); National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA); Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP); UCSD Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • Christian M. Gasca, LCSW

    Christian M. Gasca, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Triton CORE
    University of Southern California

    Pronouns: he/him/él

    Clinical Interests: Crisis response, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, mindfulness, harm reduction, managing depression and anxiety, stress management, adjustment and life transitions, sleep hygiene, interpersonal relationships, LGBTQIA2s+ population and gender diversity, multicultural and diversity issues, Latinx/Chicanx students, first generation college experiences, self-esteem, wellness, empowerment, and advocacy.

    Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

  • Judy Goodman-Fermin, Ph.D.

    Judy Goodman-Fermin, Ph.D.

    Training Director 
    Psychologist / Central Office
    California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Adjustment and Life Transitions; Managing Depression and Anxiety; Stress Management; Self-esteem; Enhancing Self-efficacy through Communication and Assertiveness training; Women’s Issues; Social Justice; Multiracial/Ethnic Identity and Relationships; Mind/Body/Spirit Connections; International Student Experience; Cultural Sensitivity and Competency. Theoretical orientation integrates cognitive-behavioral, dynamic, and positive psychology.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: California Psychological Association; San Diego Psychological Association, CAPS Academic Affairs liaison

  • Rhonda Hackshaw, Ph.D.

    Rhonda Hackshaw, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Roosevelt College
    University of Florida

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Managing Depression and Anxiety; Mindfulness Meditation; Mindfulness Relapse Prevention; Stress Management; Wellness and Holistic Care; Sleep Hygiene; Chronic Illness/Pain Management; Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology; Athletic Peak Performance; Self-Hypnosis; Goal-Setting; Academic Performance; Disordered Eating Issues; Multiracial/Ethnic Identity; International Student Experience; Cultural Sensitivity and Competency; Healthy Relationships; Assertiveness Training; Group Therapy; Sexual Assault/Abuse Recovery. Theoretical orientation integrates cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and multicultural feministic approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association; San Diego Psychological Association, Sport Psychology Committee; Liaison, UCSD Athletic Department

  • Scott Hansen, Ph.D.

    Scott Hansen, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Central Office
    California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego

    Clinical Interests: The science of romantic love and relational compatibility; evolutionary psychology; philosophical psychology; the concept of self; verification/falsification of psychological claims; performance psychology; the psychology of religion. Theoretical orientation integrates Psychodynamic, Existential, Motivational Interviewing, Brief Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association, Division 42: Psychologists in Independent Practice; San Diego Psychological Association, Orange County Psychological Association

  • Tyler Hatchel, Ph.D.

    Tyler Hatchel, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Revelle College
    University of Florida

    Pronouns: he/him

    Clinical Interests: Anxiety, depression, adjustment and life transitions, identity development, digital media issues, sexuality and gender diversity, trauma, graduate student issues, suicide, making meaning and existential matters, as well as interpersonal relationship concerns. My theoretical framework is integrated drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, interpersonal therapy, person-centered therapy, feminist and multicultural frameworks, as well as existential, strength-based, mindfulness, and narrative approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA)

  • Melissa Hawthorne-Campos, LCSW

    Melissa Hawthorne-Campos, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Central Office
    California State University, Sacramentso

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness.  Depression, Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, Mood disorders, Gender Dysphoria, Victims of Crime, Care Coordination and Advocacy.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

  • Reina Juarez, Ph.D.

    Reina Juarez, Ph.D.

    Associate Director of Student Mental Health and Well-Being
    Director, Counseling and Psychological Services

    Psychologist / Central Office
    California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Innovative, integrative, empirically-based treatment modalities and evidence based practice in psychology; establishment and maintenance of diverse, inclusive, healthy and thriving living and learning environments; prevention through community outreach and psycho-educational interventions; critical incident and emergency management systems response; trauma and resilience; interpersonal neurobiology; enhancement of psycho-social behavioral capabilities and the evolving Self; developmental passages of young and middle adulthood, partnerships and families; Mindfulness practice and wellness life styles; Psychology and the arts; the psychology of international relations; consultation, leadership and organizational behavior. Psychotherapy approaches include: Psychodynamic Self-Psychology, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Strategic Problem Solving Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Re-decision Therapy, Community and Systems Psychology.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association; Organization of Counseling Center Directors in Higher Education (OCCDHE); Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD); Consultant for California Jurisprudence and Professional Ethics Examination (CJPEE), California Board of Psychology

  • Alison Kempter Diaz, LCSW

    Alison Kempter Diaz, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Central Office
    George Mason University / University of New England

    Pronouns: she/her/hers/ella

    Clinical Interests: Bystander Movement approach to preventing gender-based violence and sexual assault; implementing a trauma-informed and resilience-based organizational and community approach; mental health and the creative arts; consultation, leadership and organizational behavior; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Mentalization-based Therapy; LGBTQIA+ population and gender diversity; multicultural and diversity issues; relationships; sexual assault/abuse recovery; sexual health; sleep hygiene; stress management; Latinx/Chicanx students; first and second generation immigrants; acculturative stressors; managing depression and anxiety, chronic stress related to systemic oppression; adjustment and life transitions; strengths based approaches; Motivational Interviewing; and solution-focused therapy.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

  • Kimberly Knight-Ortiz, LCSW

    Kimberly Knight-Ortiz, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / OASIS
    San Diego State University

    Pronouns: she/hers/ella

    Clinical Interests: First Generation College Students, Latinx/Chicanx Students, Building Positive Coping, Health and Wellness, Stress Management, Adjustment to Life Transitions, Managing Depression and Anxiety, Identity Formation (including gender and sexuality), Multicultural Counseling, Interpersonal Issues, Healthy Communication Skills, Grief and Loss, and student Veterans. My theoretical orientation integrates Multicultural Feminist Therapy, Client Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

    Affiliations: National Association of Social Workers (NASW); OASIS Liaison

  • Tovah Krokoszynski, Psy.D.

    Tovah Krokoszynski, Psy.D.

    Psychologist / Thurgood Mashall College
    California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego 

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Interpersonal/relationship concerns and building communication skills, anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, dissertation/thesis stress, social justice and transitioning to a college campus.

    Languages Spoken: English

  • Cassandra Lawson, Psy.D.

    Cassandra Lawson, Psy.D.

    Post-Doctoral Resident / Eighth College
    Azuza Pacific University

    Pronouns: she/they

    Clinical Interests: Trauma, Identity Development, Family of Origin, Interpersonal Skills, Systemic Influences, Stress & Anxiety. I conceptualize from a psychodynamic orientation within a systemic framework, but I use interventions from a variety of modalities, including: CBT, SFBT, and ACT.

    Languages Spoken: English

  • Roselee Ledesma, Ph.D.

    Roselee Ledesma, Ph.D.

    CAPS Postdoctoral Resident / Student Health Services
    University of Arkansas

    Pronouns: she/her/ella

    Clinical Interests: Working with Queer and Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC), Black, Indigenous, students of Color, first-generation college students, considering intersectional identities, identity exploration, body liberation, dismantling weight stigma, disordered eating, trauma, adjustment, and life transitions. My theoretical orientation is based on humanistic and client-centered principles as well as culturally-responsive cognitive behavioral therapy that considers client’s identities, experiences, and structural inequities.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

    Affiliations: UCSD's Student Health Services/Behavioral Health and Eating Disorders Program, National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA), Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), and American Psychological Association (APA)

  • Jo Jo Lee, LPCC

    Jo Jo Lee, LPCC

    Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor / Triton CORE
    University of San Diego / Swansea Univeristy (U.K.)

    Clinical Interests: Crisis Intervention, Risk Assessment, Body Image and Eating Concerns, Trauma, Multicultural and Diversity Issues, International Students, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

    Languages Spoken: English, Cantonese, and Mandarin

    Affiliations: California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (CALPCC)

  • Fengqin Lian, Ph.D.

    Fengqin Lian, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Nuevo West Graduate Housing
    University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Trauma, anxiety, depression, cultural adjustment, relationship difficulties.

    Languages Spoken: English and Mandarin

  • Louie Limas, Ph.D.

    Louie Limas, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Sixth College
    Indiana University

    Pronouns: he/him

    Clinical Interests: Anxiety, depression, graduate students, and esports.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: APIMEDA Liaison

  • Sasha Llamas

    Sasha Llamas

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Revelle College
    San Diego State University

    Pronouns: she/her/ella

    Clinical Interests: Working with first-generation college students; graduate students; Latinx; Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); who feel lost and stuck; burned out; managing anxiety and depression; stress management; trauma; grief and loss; adjustment and life transitions. My theoretical approach is based on client-centered, strength based and humanistic principles that integrate the body, mind and soul connection through creative expression (e.g. movement, music); motivational interviewing; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR trained); solution-focused; mindfulness; and positive psychology.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

  • Robert Marzio, Ph.D.

    Robert Marzio, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Warren College
    Alliant International University / CSPP San Francisco

    Pronouns: he/him/his

    Clinical Interests: Anxiety, Depression, Multicultural issues, Adjustment and life transitions, Trauma, Grief and loss, Systemic oppression, CBT, Mindfulness, Self-compassion, Stress management, Imposter syndrome, Compassion fatigue and burnout.

    Languages Spoken: English 

  • Taylor McCavanagh, Psy.D.

    Taylor McCavanagh, Psy.D.

    Psychologist / Muir College
    Springfield College, MA

    Pronouns: they/them/theirs

    Clinical Interests: Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation, Depression, Interpersonal Relationships, Identity Exploration, Attachment Concerns, PTSD, Self-Compassion, Life Transitions, Communication, Family of Origin Issues. Psychotherapy approaches include: Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Object Relations Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA)

  • Michael McGlenn, Psy.D.

    Michael McGlenn, Psy.D.

    Psychologist / Student Health Services - Behavioral Health
    California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego

    Pronouns: he/him/his

    Clinical Interests: Stress management, depression and anxiety, reactions to traumatic events, adjustment issues, mental health issues that exist with medical/physical problems, men’s health, military Veteran health, relationship conflict, sleep difficulties, cultural-identity formation, and self-worth issues. My theoretical orientation uses cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA)

  • Ashley Metoyer, LCSW

    Ashley Metoyer, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Triton CORE
    University of Southern California / California State University, Northridge

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Crisis Intervention, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Certified, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Yoga, Seeking Safety, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Racial Trauma.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: National Association of Social Workers, EMDR International Association, Yoga Alliance

  • Melissa Miller, LCSW

    Melissa Miller, LCSW

    Referral Coordinator / Central Office 
    San Diego State University

    Clinical Interests: Interpersonal stressors and stage of life concerns, mind-body wellness and integrated health care, women’s health, academic success, coping with change and stress reduction skills, managing depression and anxiety, identity formation, multicultural counseling, relationship issues, healthy communication skills and boundary-setting, substance abuse, grief and loss, and peri/post-partum mental health and wellness. Theoretical orientation integrates narrative, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, clinical case management, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: National Association of Social Workers

  • Lucina Miranda, Psy.D.

    Lucina Miranda, Psy.D.

    Psychologist / Eighth College
    California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Multicultural and diversity issues, identity development, trauma informed care, life and transition management, gender and sexuality diversity, crisis intervention and management. My theoretical approach is collaborative and culturally responsive that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness/acceptance, and solution focused interventions.

    Languages Spoken: English

  • Amy Nannan, Psy.D.

    Amy Nannan, Psy.D.

    Post-Doctoral Resident / Muir College
    Biola University 

    Pronouns: she/her

    Clinical Interests: Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma, Multicultural and Diversity Issues, Relationships, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

    Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, and Tamil

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association of Graduate Students

  • Tiffany O'Meara, Ph.D.

    Tiffany O'Meara, Ph.D.

    Director of Outreach Services
    Psychologist / Central Office
    University of Southern California

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Anxiety disorders, Building social confidence, Stress Management, Well-Being, and Flourishing, Multicultural, human sexuality, and women's issues. Theoretical orientation includes cognitive-behavioral, positive psychology, and humanistic approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: Campus Well-Being Committees, Liaison to Sorority Fraternity Life

  • Donna Phonsane, Ph.D.

    Donna Phonsane, Ph.D.

    Post-Doctoral Resident / Revelle College
    New Mexico State University

    Pronouns: she/her/ella

    Clinical Interests: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion, Adjustment and Life Transition Issues, Managing Anxiety and Perfectionism, Stress Management, Body Image, Life Transition, First Generation College Student Support, Multicultural and Diversity Issues, Multiracial Mental Health, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. Theoretical orientation integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English

  • AJ Pollard, Ph.D.

    AJ Pollard, Ph.D.

    Post-Doctoral Resident / Sixth College
    University of Rochester

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Anxiety and depression, ADHD, LGBTQ+ diversity, cultural adjustment, relationship and attachment issues, sexual wellness, women’s issues, sleep and time management, identity exploration, family of origin issues. My theoretical orientation is informed by Feminist/Multicultural Therapy framework, and integrates Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English, Polish, and Spanish

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA), American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), Center for Sex Education (CSE), Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP)

  • Kaitlyn Saulman, Psy.D.

    Kaitlyn Saulman, Psy.D.

    Psychologist / Central Office
    California School of Professional Psychology

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Trauma, sexual well-being, identity exploration, depression, anxiety, sex work.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: National Register of Health Psychologists

  • Mariel Ruiz Stasiuk Psy.D.

    Mariel Ruiz Stasiuk Psy.D.

    Post-Doctoral Resident / Student Health Services
    California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Sport and performance psychology; Enhancing resilience, self-efficacy, optimism and overall well-being of scholar athletes, Active Duty Military and Veterans; Academic performance, stress reduction, sleep hygiene, and managing anxiety; Post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth; Grief/loss, chronic pain, substance use, and promotion of healthy behaviors.

    Theoretical orientation integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and mindfulness approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA); Division 19: Military Psychology; Division 47: Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology, and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)

  • Shane Saenz, PsyD, CMPC

    Shane Saenz, PsyD, CMPC

    Psychologist, Sport Psychology Coordinator/ UC San Diego Athletics
    University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology

    Clinical Interests: Sport and performance psychology; peak performance; self-efficacy; self-compassion; trauma; long-distance relationships; animal-assisted interventions; career counseling & assessment; stress reduction; sleep hygiene; depression & anxiety management; grief; LGBTQ+; cultural competency
    Theoretical orientation integrates acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic, internal family systems, cultural background, values, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and mindfulness.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA); APA Division 47: Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology; US Olympic & Paralympic (USOPC) Mental Health & Sport Psychology Registries; Clinical/Counseling Sport Psychology Association (CCSPA); Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)

  • Lilian Salcedo, Psy.D.

    Lilian Salcedo, Psy.D.

    Assistant Clinical Director of Urgent Care and Hospitalizations
    Psychologist / CAPS Central Office
    California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego

    Clinical Interests: Stress management, depression, anxiety, adjustment and life transitions, grief and loss, acculturation stress, first generation college student issues, trauma, and family of origin issues.

    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association; San Diego Psychological Association

  • Sasha Shafir, LCSW

    Sasha Shafir, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / CAPS Central Office

    Pronouns: she/hers

    Clinical Interests: First Generation College Students, student Veterans, International Students, Multicultural Counseling, Care Coordination and Advocacy, Prevention, Trauma, Stress Management, Assertive Communication Skills, Mindfulness & Meditation, Interpersonal Issues, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

    Languages Spoken: English and Russian

    Affiliations: National Association of Social Workers (NASW); Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

  • Haim Shemer, Psy.D.

    Haim Shemer, Psy.D.

    Psychologist / Seventh College
    California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego

    Clinical Interests: Evidence-based treatments for anxiety and sleep problems, adjustment and life transitions, Positive Psychology, stress management, meaning in life and well being, meditation and mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

    Languages Spoken: English and Hebrew

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association

  • Tong-An "Fred" Shueh, Ph.D.

    Tong-An "Fred" Shueh, Ph.D.

    Psychologist / Revelle College
    University of Florida

    Pronouns: he/him/his

    Clinical Interests: Biofeedback, mindfulness meditation, stress / anxiety management, adjustment & acculturation, sport psychology / performance enhancement, addictive behaviors, outreach/consultation, LGBTQ, APIMEDA, international students, identity concerns, and multicultural counseling. Theoretical orientation integrates multicultural, interpersonal, humanistic, biofeedback, and mindfulness approaches.

    Languages Spoken: English and Mandarin Chinese

    Affiliations: CAPS: Taiwan Psychology Network (TPN)

  • Danielle Simien, LCSW

    Danielle Simien, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Muir College
    Masters of Social Work / University of California, Berkeley

    Pronouns: she/hers

    Clinical Interests: Black/African-American students, graduate students, first generation students, stress management, life transitions, and anxiety. Psychotherapy approaches include: strength-based, solution-focused, culturally responsive, client centered, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and cognitive-behavioral.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: UCSD: Liaison to Black Resource Center and PATHS Scholars Program; Cognitive Processing for PTSD

  • Amanda Tom, Psy.D.

    Amanda Tom, Psy.D.

    Psychologist / Eighth College
    Azusa Pacific University

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: APIMEDA mental health, combatting mental health stigma, stress management, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, family of origin concerns, self-compassion, adjustment and life transitions, identity development, intergenerational trauma, and body image concerns. My theoretical orientation is integrative and primarily involves Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. My approach is person-centered, strengths based, and always honors a person's intersecting identities, values, and belief systems and incorporates them into the work.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA), UCSD: APIMEDA liaison

  • Allison (Allie) Wagner, Ph.D.

    Allison (Allie) Wagner, Ph.D.

    Psychologist, Eating Disorders Coordinator / Sixth College
    University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

    Clinical Interests: Eating disorder treatment and research, body image, feminist perspectives on body image, Health at Every Size, health behavior change, self-compassion, mindfulness, trauma, anxiety. Theoretical orientation includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, radically open dialectical behavior therapy, compassion focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA), Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

  • Lori Weiner, LCSW

    Lori Weiner, LCSW

    Assistant Clinical Director of BTAs and Referrals
    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / CAPS Central Office
    San Diego State University

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Mindfulness & Meditation, Stress Management, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Care Coordination and Advocacy, and Prevention.

    Languages Spoken: English and some Spanish

    Affiliations: Higher Education Case Managers Association (HECMA); UC San Diego Basic Needs Committee

  • Wende West, LCSW

    Wende West, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Central Office
    Tulane University

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Prevention, Wellness, Mindfulness, Stress Management, Youth Disability Advocacy, Care Coordination, Health Promotion, Outreach, and Education.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: National Association of Social Workers (NASW); Higher Education Case Managers Association (HECMA)

  • Haile Wright, LCSW

    Haile Wright, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Warren College 
    Masters of Social Work / San Diego State University

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Anxiety, life transitions, interpersonal issues/boundary skill building, and personal identity exploration.

    Languages Spoken: English

  • Jessica Young, LCSW

    Jessica Young, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Central Office
    San Diego State University

    Clinical Interests: Transitional Age Youth, BIPOC-multicultural counseling, identity formation, racial trauma, religious trauma, managing depression and anxiety, adjustment and life transitions, relationship and attachment issues. Modalities utilized: CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

    Languages Spoken: English

Psychiatry Staff

  • Kelley Adams, M.D.

    Kelley Adams, M.D.

    Director of Quality, Risk Management, and Patient Safety
    Psychiatrist / Central Office / Roosevelt College
    M.D., University of Tennessee
    Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
    General Psychiatry Residency, Dept of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Hospitals
    Psychiatry Fellowship, Forensic Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Hospitals

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Clinical Interests: Transition-age mental health, lifestyle medicine, working with BIPOC students, multicultural/diversity issues, forensic psychiatry, mood and anxiety disorders.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: Association For College Psychiatrists

  • David Kersey, M.D.

    David Kersey, M.D.

    Psychiatrist / Central Office / Roosevelt College
    M.D., University of Virginia
    Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
    Psychiatry Residency, Yale University
    Fellowship, Student Health Psychiatry Yale University

    Pronouns: he/him/his

    Clinical Interests: Well-being, mindfulness, LGBTQ issues, serious and persistent mental illness, anxiety, clinical depression.

    Languages Spoken: English

    Affiliations: American Psychiatric Association

Administrative Staff

  • Monique Balestreri

    Monique Balestreri

    Business and Systems Manager / Central Office

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Responsibilities: Management of all CAPS non-clinical functions; HIPAA officer; supervision of administrative support staff; business system management; budget management; human resources; credentialing; payroll; EMR and IT support; DSA for department.

  • Erin Grayce

    Erin Grayce

    Administrative Assistant / Central Office

    Responsibilities: Scheduling; referral processing; office administration.

  • Jenny Lynn Kyriakides

    Jenny Lynn Kyriakides

    Administrative Assistant / Central Office

    Responsibilities: Scheduling; referral processing; office administration.

  • Valerie Serrano

    Valerie Serrano

    Administrative Assistant / Central Office

    Responsibilities: Scheduling; referral processing; office administration.

  • Kae Vanderspek

    Kae Vanderspek

    Administrative Assistant / Central Office

    Responsibilities: Scheduling; referral processing; office administration.