MEET OUR COUNSELING TEAM
Jennifer Rikard, Ph.D.
Director
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English, ASL
Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
My favorite place on campus is: The community garden near the Children’s Center
Michael Juan, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English
Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
My favorite place on campus is: The ARC when no one is around
Dr. Juan has specific clinical interests in the areas of multicultural counseling, community mental health, severe and persistent mental illness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Prior to his work in community mental health, Michael gained six years of experience working with individuals with special needs. He has a passion for working with diverse and under-served populations. In his time at SDSU, he has obtained specialized experience working with former foster youth, first-generation students, and student athletes. He currently serves as a Representative for University Services on the University Senate and officer for the SDSU Bayanihan Filipino American Faculty and Staff Association. Additionally, he is a lecturer in the College of Education’s Counseling and School Psychology Program and continues to serve in several community based endeavors. Outside of SDSU, Dr. Juan remains busy as a therapist in private practice, a trainer in the community on diversity and multicultural topics in psychology, and an advocate in the Filipino American mental health community of San Diego.
Douglas Thomson, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English
Education: Ph.D., Counseling Psychology (Emphasis in Men’s Issues), University of Missouri
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Biking or swimming
Mary Joyce Juan, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: Ph.D., Psychology (Counseling Psychology), University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Taking long breaths out
As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Juan’s approach to working with students is centered on nurturing self-compassion. In therapy, she draws largely from DBT, and emotion- and trauma-focused approaches, while honoring students' multicultural perspectives. Her clinical interests are in the areas of trauma and PTSD, with a focus on sexual assault; intersectionality and identity integration; women's issues; emotion regulation; and graduate student development, particularly for doctoral students of color. In addition to providing individual and group therapies, she is a clinical supervisor for psychology pre-doctoral interns at C&PS. At SDSU, Dr. Juan is Co-Chair of the university-wide Sexual Violence Task Force and Principal Investigator for the biennial Sexual Violence Campus Climate Survey. Outside of C&PS, Dr. Juan has organized around issues affecting women and the Pilipino American community.
C&PS THERAPISTS
Cristina Antonucci, Psy.D.
Pronouns: they/them
Languages: English
Education: Psy.D., Psychology, Illinois School of Professional Psychology
My favorite place on campus is: The Koi pond by Scripps Cottage
Dr. Antonucci holds an integrated approach to treatment drawing upon psychodynamic, humanistic, multicultural, and existential models of healing. Their clinical interests include identity development, intersectionality, relationship issues, social justice, trauma and working within the LGBTQIA+ community. Dr. Antonucci is one of two therapists at C&PS who are trained in and offer EMDR. In addition to providing therapy, Dr. Antonucci serves as an Outreach Co-Coordinator at C&PS.
Zemed Berhe, Ph.D.
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English, Tigrinya
Education: Ph.D., Counseling Psychology (Emphasis in Multicultural Psychology), Seton Hall University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Taking a long walk and listening to music
Dr. Berhe trained at the New Jersey Veterans Affairs for her pre-doctoral internship and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Veterans Affairs in Long Beach, with a specialized focus in trauma-related disorders and individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, suicidality, and interpersonal issues. Her clinical interests include trauma, stress, racial/ethnic identity development, African American mental health, and multicultural counseling. Throughout her work, Dr. Berhe strives to incorporate racial-culturally sensitive approaches in working with adults, couples, and families. In addition to providing therapy, Dr. Berhe is Co-Coordinator of C&PS’s Bounce Back Retention Program.
Devon Berkheiser, Psy.D.
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Exercising and watching reality TV
Dr. Berkheiser’s treatment approach focuses on building a strong collaborative relationship with students, which provides the foundation for increasing insight and making positive changes. Dr. Berkheiser strives to help students identify their own strengths so that they feel empowered to be the best versions of themselves. Her clinical interests include substance misuse, anxiety, depression, women’s issues, and relationship issues. In addition to providing therapy, Dr. Berkheiser serves as Outreach Co-Coordinator at C&PS and co-hosts the State YOU. podcast.
Diana Bull, Ph.D.
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: Ph.D., Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Talking to others and getting in a good cry if needed. Talking to others really
helps me lift the weight off my shoulders so that I have space for other things in
my life.
Dr. Bull co-coordinates and teaches in the Bounce Back Retention Program and provides training to faculty and students on suicide prevention. She created and co-coordinates Aztecs Reaching Aztecs (ARA), a program focused on helping students build meaningful relationships with other students. Being an alumna of SDSU and fellow Aztec, she loves this university and is thankful to have the opportunity to be working with the current students who attend SDSU.
Ariana Cabral, LCSW
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: M.S.W. (Concentration in Families and Children), University of Southern California
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Going for a run, listening to music, or spending time with my family
Ariana Cabral is a licensed clinical social worker. Prior to joining the C&PS clinical team, Ariana worked with youth on probation for nearly 15 years. Ariana was honored to be a part of and walk along these young men’s journeys.
Ariana is now excited to work with and support the students at SDSU. Ariana is passionate about breaking the stigma of mental health, using her knowledge and training to help young adults improve their lives, reach their goals, and feel more connected in their relationships and communities. Ariana loves to travel and is always seeking new adventures.
Todd Carson, Psy.D.
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English
Education: Psy.D., Psychology (Emphasis in Integrative Psychology), California School of Professional
Psychology at Alliant International University
My favorite place on campus is: Sitting in a comfy chair, enjoying a cup of coffee, gazing down the valley, on the
Storm Hall Patio
In addition to these therapies, he is a co-coordinator of the Aztecs Reaching Aztecs program, which aims to build stronger and more authentic connections between students. He also coordinates the Successful Community Living program, is a member of the SafeZones@SDSU Coordinating Committee and the Hazing Prevention Tasks Force, teaches Bounce Back, supervises trainees, and supports the FratMANners/SISSTER programs of the Well-being & Health Promotion department. He also presents to the university community about a wide range of topics, including managing test anxiety, matters of multiculturalism and diversity, and privilege in our society.
Yu-An Chien, LCSW, MSSA
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English, Mandarin
Education: M.S.W. (Concentration in Clinical Mental Health), Case Western Reserve University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Focusing on one simple thing at a time, going to the beach for a quick walk, and
eating chocolate
Yu-An utilizes a collaborative and person-centered approach with cultural competence. She enjoys working with students to gain self-awareness, increase connection and self-compassion, and build on their strengths. She also commits to creating a warm and empathetic space for all her clients while assisting them to explore self-identity and motivation for change and growth. Her areas of interest include mood-related concerns, stress management, life transitions, trauma, and adjustment-related issues. When not in the office, she enjoys reading, cooking from scratch, exploring new hiking trails and beaches, and hanging out with family and friends.
Martin Doucett, Ph.D.
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English
Education: Ph.D., Psychology, California School of Psychology, Alliant International University
My favorite place on campus is: The turtle pond
Dr. Doucett has a strong interest in cultural, gender, and sexuality and how these factors of human diversity inform therapy. He has lived in Bahrain and has traveled extensively. He enjoys working with international students from the Middle East and Latin America. Dr. Doucett has been a member of the Safe Zones training team, and sat on the LGBT Advisory Board, which was charged with the development and implementation of the Pride Center on the SDSU campus. He has also served as faculty advisor to SDSU’s Queer Student Union. He is certified in relationship violence and helped to develop and implement a court-certified program for treatment of relationship violence among gay and lesbian couples at the San Diego Gay and Lesbian Center. Additionally, Dr. Doucett conducts workshops and trainings with community groups and county agencies on various aspects of family violence, gay/lesbian culture, and biofeedback. He has presented at numerous conferences on his work using biofeedback to address academic stress.
Fabian Escobedo, LCSW
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: M.S.W., San Diego State University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Going out for coffee with a close friend, watching a sunset, journaling, and/or meditating.
Fabian Escobedo earned his Bachelor’s and Master's in Social Work from San Diego State
University and is a Bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Fabian has worked with youth experiencing homelessness, K-12 students, state agencies,
non-profits, and colleges, providing 1:1 and group therapy. Fabian has experience
providing psychotherapy to young teens/adults (12-21) who are survivors of human trafficking
(sex and labor trafficking) to help with their healing and recovery journey. In this
work, he was exposed to various systems, including the child welfare system, foster
care system, and juvenile justice system.
Fabian is well versed in treating substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic
stress disorder, and complex traumas (specifically sexual traumas) with various modalities,
including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing,
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and EMDR. He advocates for harm reduction and trauma-informed
approaches, and meets clients where they’re at mentally and emotionally to begin their
healing journey.
Maria Elena Garibay, LMFT
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: M.A., Counseling Psychology (Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy), Argosy University
My favorite place on campus is: The turtle pond
Maria Elena is passionate about working with students and helping them through Cognitive Behavioral, Systems, Client-Centered approaches, being sensitive to cultural and spiritual values. She has worked with diverse populations and is familiar with the process of acculturation and how this can play a role in family dynamics, self-identity and academic success. She has a passion for working with underserved populations and working on decreasing mental health stigma.
Jerry Kropp, Psy.D.
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English
Education: Psy.D., Psychology, Alliant International University
My favorite place on campus is: Chipotle
Throughout his professional career, Dr. Kropp maintained a private practice that primarily focused on providing individual therapy and conducting psychological assessments, worked at multiple inpatient and outpatient psychological facilities and programs, and provided therapy for individuals with a history of alcohol and drug use. He also has extensive experience working with court-mandated forensic populations, including authoring a dissertation that examined the personality profiles of male stalkers.
Erika Mora, LMFT
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: M.A., Counseling Psychology, Argosy University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Taking some time to notice what is making me feel stressed and rearranging my activities
and mindset
Erika enjoys working collaboratively with students to support them in their journey of life. Erika is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, in addition to other evidence-based practices. Erika is passionate about the practice of gratitude on a daily basis and incorporates it into her work. Erika is a Mexican Immigrant and provides services in both English and Spanish. Outside of C&PS, Erika can be found anywhere outdoors and taking any opportunity to travel and experience new adventures.
Patricia Murillo, Psy.D., LMFT
Pronouns: ella/she/her
Languages: Spanish, English
Education: Psy.D., Marriage and Family Therapy, Alliant International University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Engaging in spiritual activities, talking with my spouse or family, playing rock band,
and reading a book.
Dr. Patricia Murillo is excited to form part of the Counseling & Psychological Services
team. Dr. Murillo is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and also holds a Pastoral
Care and Counseling Masters degree from the University of San Diego.
Dr. Murillo works within a holistic approach to well-being and makes use of client
centered, trauma informed, and strength based practices. Prior to forming part of
the C&PS team, Dr. Murillo worked with individuals, families, and couples in several
community mental health settings. Dr. Murillo deems it an honor to walk with individuals
in their personal journeys and looks forward to working with and providing support
to students at SDSU.
Gabby C. Navarro, LMFT
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: M.A., Marriage and Family Therapy, Alliant International University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Making a to-do list, working out, or engaging in a deep breath meditation from one
of my favorite meditation apps
Gabriela Contreras Navarro, or “Gabby”, is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is originally from Texas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas State University and enjoyed being a part of many organizations including Greek life. Prior to her position at C&PS, Gabby worked in various settings including non-profits, schools, and an intensive outpatient setting providing therapy and crisis services. Gabby has experience in and enjoys working with individuals, families, and couples.
Gabby has a love for working with the college population, as she recognizes the growth and personal development that can take place and the hard work that is needed to do so. She uses a client-centered and culturally sensitive approach in all of her work, collaborating with the student to try and reach the best possible outcome.
Tri Nguyễn, Ph.D., LMFT
Pronouns: he/him/anh
Languages: English, Vietnamese
Education: Ph.D., Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & The Taos Institute
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Practicing mindfulness exercises, going for a walk/hike or playing basketball
Tri Nguyễn is a bilingual licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California and Washington State. When Tri was 10-year-old, his family immigrated from Việt Nam and settled in San Diego. He is a first generation college graduate from UC San Diego and San Diego State. He is an alumnus of the Community-Based Block multicultural counseling program at SDSU (c/o 2008) where he also earned a master degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Tri’s therapeutic approach is structured around collaborative, solution-focused and narrative frameworks. His work integrates social constructionist ideas, restorative justice, multicultural counseling and decolonial practices. He also has experiences and training in couple’s therapy including emotionally-focused therapy and the Gottman Method (Level 1 & 2).
Prior to joining C&PS, Tri worked with service members in the US Navy, the Union of Pan Asian Community, Community Research Foundation, and International Rescue Committee. He is also a part-time lecturer/practicum supervisor in the MFT program at SDSU and he operates a small private practice offering telehealth therapy to individuals, couples and families.
Koko Nishi, Psy.D.
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: Psy.D., Psychology, George Washington University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Stress baking, going to the beach, and treating myself to some boba tea!
Koko’s clinical interests include college success and wellbeing, adjustment and life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, social justice and diversity concerns, Asian and Asian American mental health, interpersonal relationships, and identity development. She is the co-founder, along with SDSU alumnae Kathy Nguyen, of the (AAPI)phany workshop series, a program that addresses the intersection of Asian American Pacific Islander identity and mental health, in addition to co-facilitating the Womxn of Color Empowerment Group with Dr. Zemed Berhe. Koko has also gained specialized experience in working with graduate students, traditional and non-traditional first-generation students and former foster youth at SDSU. Koko is passionate about collaborating with campus partners to create outreach programs that raise awareness and promote resources to help reduce mental health stigma, particularly within underrepresented/marginalized populations.
Alicia Nuñez, Ph.D., MPH
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: Ph.D., Psychology, University of Nevada Las Vegas
My favorite place on campus is: Turtle Pond
Dr. Alicia Nuñez is a bilingual clinical psychologist and is excited to have joined the Counseling & Psychological Services team in 2023 as a faculty member. She received her Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Additionally, Dr. Nuñez trained at the University of Arizona College of Medicine as a pre-doctoral intern and at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center as a post-doctoral fellow in Behavioral Medicine. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish and a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science from San Diego State University.
Dr. Nuñez enjoys providing psychological services to clinically diverse students to support mental and physical health as well as academic success. Throughout her career, Dr. Nuñez has worked with individuals from a wide range of sociocultural backgrounds and identities. She is also passionate about teaching and conducting research. Dr. Nuñez has led several research projects in areas such as clinical health psychology, neuropsychology, and health disparities. She has published in prestigious journals including JAMA Psychiatry.
Manuel Rivera, LMFT
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: M.S., Marriage and Family Therapy, San Diego State University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Playing blues, rock, and soul on guitar
Manuel Rivera has worked at Counseling & Psychological Services since 2011. Besides providing individual, couples, and group therapy to the SDSU community, Manuel is the developer and facilitator of C&PS’s Everyday Mindfulness & Meditation workshops. He is also one of our clinical supervisors and provides individual supervision, training, and consultation to a multi-disciplinary team of interns.
Manuel was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and is bilingual in Spanish and English. He has lived in Puerto Rico, Texas, and the Bay Area, calling San Diego home since 1996. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley (B.A., History) and SDSU (M.S., Marriage and Family Therapy). Before coming to Counseling & Psychological Services, his clinical experiences included working with military service members and their families, adolescents and families involved with San Diego’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools, couples work, and community mental health. Manuel’s approach to therapy is collaborative and inclusive, and he is particularly interested in supporting people as they develop autonomy, personal agency, relational skills, and resilience in order to live life more fully.
Emily Roberts-Parker, Psy.D.
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: Psy.D., Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International
University
My favorite place on campus is: The koi pond because it is so peaceful, surrounded by trees, and has turtles
To help each person on their journey towards healing she works with each student in a collaborative and strengths-based way, while focusing on each student's unique intersecting identities. Her clinical interests include social justice, anxiety, body image, identity formation, grief and loss, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community and student-athletes. She has an integrated approach to treatment using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and feminist approaches within a multicultural framework.
Mark Teles, Ph.D.
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English, Portuguese
Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant
International University, San Diego
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Checking in, making space for what shows up, and then continuing to take steps towards
what matters
Dr. Teles has great appreciation for the uniqueness and complexity of persons as well as their circumstances. He therefore strives to be open, empathic, and collaborative in his approach. Dr. Teles is committed to helping students work through a variety of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, problematic substance use as well as other life challenges.
Shireen Trujillo, LCSW
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English, Spanish, Farsi
Education: M.S.W., University of Kansas
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Taking a long walk!
Shireen has worked in a variety of settings including community based mental health, non-profits, and schools, and has valued each of these experiences. She incorporates a strengths-based perspective into her work and enjoys working with college students as they navigate a variety of changes and experiences. Her special clinical interests include grief and loss, life transitions, spiritual and religious values, identity, purpose, and multicultural counseling. She is grateful to be a faculty member at C&PS serving the San Diego State community.
Leslie Wilson, Ph.D.
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: Ph.D., Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
My favorite place on campus is: Any place where I can interact with students and learn about their experience at
SDSU
Dr. Wilson is a founding developer of the e-CHECKUP TO GO intervention programs used on over 600 campuses worldwide. She has served as the Project Director of eCHECKUP TO GO since 2015. In addition to treating the full range of mental health issues, she has an expertise in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Motivational Enhancement Treatment (MET) and trains faculty, staff, and interns in the use of MET with the college population. She also specializes in working with issues of grief and loss. Dr. Wilson coordinated the peer education program at Counseling & Psychological Services for seven years. She is an alumnus of San Diego State University (and Zura Hall).
CLINICAL CASE MANAGERS
Maddie Borkenhagen, LCSW
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: M.S.W. (Concentration in Direct Practice), San Diego State University
My favorite place on campus is: Hepner Hall - iconic building and home base for the School of Social Work!
Maddie has participated in intensive and ongoing Motivational Interviewing training with various populations and her approach to working with students is collaborative, solution-focused, and strengths-based. She is committed to social justice and assisting students with accessing the support and resources they need to enhance their well-being. Maddie is grateful to be a faculty member at C&PS serving our diverse student body, with a special interest in working with queer-identified students.
Vanessa Casanova, LCSW
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: M.S.W. (Concentration in Children and Families), University of Southern California
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Reading, working out, or relying on my social support like friends and family to
talk to
Vanessa enjoys utilizing a collaborative, psychodynamic, humanistic, and culturally-informed approach when working with students. She is committed to helping students find and access resources that will improve their lives and welfare. Vanessa is grateful and delighted to be serving as a faculty member for C&PS and to work with students in meeting their goals and in bettering their circumstances.
PROGRAMS & SUPPORT STAFF
Brooke Silveria, MSW
Programs Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: M.S.W. (Concentration in Administration and Community Development), San Diego State
University
My favorite place on campus is: The balcony at Storm Hall overlooking Mission Valley
Brooke has previously worked and interned in settings such as community mental health, college counseling, and non-profit social services. She has experience directly supporting individuals as well as engaging in broader change efforts including needs assessment, outcomes evaluation, research, program design and development, and advocacy. She is passionate about stigma reduction, examining and addressing systemic inequities in human services, and using administrative work to support her colleagues so that they are in turn better able to support the individuals they serve.
Our administrative support staff
help students get connected to the proper therapist or program at C&PS. They are C&PS's first point of contact for students seeking services and take care of all initial scheduling, as well as assist with a large number of other administrative duties.
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