MEET OUR COUNSELING TEAM
Jennifer Rikard, Ph.D.
Interim Assistant Vice President, Division of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity, SDSU (C&PS 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.
Interim Director (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 has been involved in multiple university-wide efforts to combat sexual violence. Outside of C&PS, Dr. Juan has organized around issues affecting women and the Pilipino American community.
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.
Taylor Avery, LMFT
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English
Education: M.S., Counseling (Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy), San Diego State University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Exercising or going to the beach!
Taylor Avery is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). Taylor graduated with a B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience in 2015 from the University of San Diego, and an M.S. in Counseling from San Diego State University in 2021. He completed his traineeship with Counseling & Psychological Services, in addition to working as an ASPIRE counselor. Taylor worked in a residential treatment center for substance use from 2022-2024 prior to rejoining C&PS as counseling faculty.
Taylor utilizes an integrative and collaborative approach, and believes that a positive therapeutic relationship is the foundation of therapy. He has experience using motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and humanistic approaches. Taylor's clinical interests include anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance use, identity development, and sexuality.
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.
Maddie Borkenhagen, LCSW
Clinical Case Manager
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: MSW (Concentration in Direct Practice), San Diego State University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Getting out of my head and into the world. I'll take a break from worry by connecting
with other people, exploring San Diego, or getting creative.
Maddie Borkenhagen is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked with college students for over 10 years at CSU Monterey Bay, MiraCosta Community College, and now at San Diego State University. In her role at C&PS she adopts a multiculturally-focused approach in providing the full scope of services, including brief psychotherapy, program coordination, crisis intervention, supervision, workshop facilitation, and clinical case management.
Maddie's work is trauma informed and attachment focused. She utilizes Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help students identify their inner strengths and values. Maddie has provided training at C&PS and outside organizations on topics like substance use, Motivational Interviewing, and 2SLGBTQIA+ training. She has also worked for the San Diego State Research Foundation since 2018 to support research and development of the eCHECKUP TO GO programs, a suite of online tools for behavior change.
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: MSW (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.
Vanessa Casanova, LCSW
Clinical Case Manager
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: MSW (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 Casanova is a licensed clinical social worker providing clinical case management to students at San Diego State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California, San Diego. Prior to joining C&PS, Vanessa worked in various settings such as schools, a foster care agency, local government settings, and a non-profit community clinic. She has experience working with youth, individuals, couples and families and has clinical interests in trauma, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflict.
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.
Yu-An Chien, LCSW, MSSA
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English, Mandarin
Education: MSW (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.
Alexis Chirban, Psy.D.
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: Psy.D., Psychology, William James College
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Spending time in nature (watching a sunrise/sunset, going for a hike), talking to
close friends and meditating
Dr. Alexis Chirban is a therapist who has provided clinical care in various settings, including college counseling, perinatal and substance-use partial hospitalization programs, community mental health, and private practice. She completed her pre-doctoral and postdoctoral internships at SDSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services and is excited to be working with students as a full time faculty member.
Alexis is passionate about empowering individuals and student athletes toward greater well-being by tapping into students' strengths while honoring students' intersecting identities and unique needs. She uses a collaborative and integrative approach to treatment drawing from attachment and humanistic theory, mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Her clinical interests include identity development, anxiety, trauma and working with student-athletes and the LGBTQIA+ communities.
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: MSW, 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
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.
David Howard, LCSW
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English
Education: MSW, San Diego State University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Exercising, engaging in spiritual activities, and remembering I am enough
David Howard is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Prior to joining C&PS, David has provided counseling to college students, military Veterans, and those experiencing homelessness, complex trauma, and addiction. Some of his clinical interests include life transitions, race and identity, spiritual formation, and healthy relationships. He is excited to work with all students, including those who identify as first gen, LGBT+, and men of color.
David understands the challenge of navigating the often oppressive systems of higher education. He views therapy as a collaborative space for students to grow in confidence, purpose, and joy. Outside of work, David enjoys coffee, a good book, and anything out in the fresh air. He is a proud SDSU alum, and he is thankful to support current students on their personal and community journeys toward belonging, healing, and love.
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.
Joyce Lee, Ph.D.
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: Reminding myself of the things that are important to me.
Dr. Joyce Lee's clinical approach is centered on supporting people to feel empowered to create a life that is consistent with their values and goals. Her background is in working with college students as well as military veterans. She brings an eclectic approach to her practice, drawing primarily from cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions. Her research background is on the mental health impact of racial discrimination and how people of color manage related adversities. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, racial/ethnic identity development, multicultural counseling, and supporting graduate students as they navigate unique challenges related to pursuing an advanced degree.
Dr. Lee trained as a pre-doctoral intern at Stanford University Counseling and Psychological Services and as a postdoctoral resident in Clinical Psychology, Psychosocial Recovery and Systems Redesign at the New Mexico VA Health Care System where she primarily worked with Veterans who struggled with severe mental illness in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings.
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: M.S., Marriage & Family Therapy, San Diego State University; 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
Dr. Tri Nguyễn is a bilingual, licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California and Washington State. When he was 10 years old, Dr. Nguyễn and his family immigrated from Việt Nam and settled in San Diego. He is a first-generation college graduate and an alumnus of the Community-Based Block Multicultural Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy programs at SDSU (2010).
Since joining C&PS in the fall of 2022, Dr. Nguyễn has taught in the Bounce Back program, served as a wellness coach for EOP & Guardian Scholars students, and supervised graduate interns. Dr. Nguyễn’s therapeutic approach is structured around collaborative, solution-focused, and narrative frameworks. His work integrates social constructionist ideas, restorative justice, multicultural, and decolonial practices. He also has experience working with couples, APIDA, and military communities.
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
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: M.S., Marriage and Family Therapy, San Diego State University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Biking, walks in nature, playing guitar, listening to music or audiobooks
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 the co-creator and co-facilitator of C&PS's Getting Unstuck workshops. Manuel has extensive experience as a clinical supervisor and trainer, including accreditation by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
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.
Brooke Silveria, ASW
Programs Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English
Education: MSW (Concentration in Admin/Community Development), San Diego State University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Connecting with the present, doing yoga, getting out in nature, or calling my parents
Brooke Silveria is an associate clinical social worker. As Programs Coordinator, Brooke wears many hats within C&PS and is fortunate to support students in several diverse ways. She serves as coordinator for support groups and workshops, Talk It Out, and many other programs offered by C&PS, ensuring they run smoothly and meet student needs. She also coordinates marketing and social media efforts to help spread awareness about C&PS and reduce stigma around mental health. Brooke is a co-advisor for SDSU’s Student Health Advisory Committee, which amplifies student voices and invites feedback about the provision of mental and physical health services on campus (any student is welcome to join!) Additionally, Brooke is co-coordinator of outreach and enjoys speaking with classrooms and other student groups about topics like work-life balance, stress management, and maintaining well-being over the lifespan. If you see her tabling on campus or giving a presentation, feel free to say hi!
Brooke has previously worked in a variety of settings such as community college counseling, dementia care, community mental health, and several social service nonprofits. She has experience directly supporting individuals through individual and group therapy, case management, and education, as well as engaging in broader change efforts including needs assessment, outcomes evaluation, research, program design and development, and advocacy.
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: Slowing things down and being present, opening up and making space for what shows
up, and then taking next 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
Education: MSW, 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).
TRAINEES
Stephanie Alcaraz, M.S.
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: M.S. in Clinical Psychology, California Lutheran University
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Taking a break and spending some time outside
Jessika Castillo, M.S.
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: M.S., Psychology, Mount Saint Mary's University; M.S., Counseling, Option in School-Based
Family Counseling, California State University, Los Angeles
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Taking a walk/working out, crocheting, spending time with my dogs, connecting with
family and friends
Jessika Castillo is a pre-doctoral Clinical Psychology Intern at C&PS and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She obtained her B.A. in Anthropology and Psychology at University of California-Irvine (UCI), her M.S. in Counseling, Option in School-Based Family Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), and her M.S. in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles (MSMU), where she is currently a doctoral candidate. Prior to joining C&PS, Jessika has worked in a variety of settings including K-12 schools, Adult Education schools, and community mental health centers.
Jessika’s clinical interests include Liberation and Decolonial Psychology, cultural identity development, immigration-related concerns, soul wounds, historical/intergenerational trauma, couples, families, and working with historically and systematically excluded communities. Jessika’s approach to therapy is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and empowerment while using a strengths-based and liberation-informed lens.
Valentina Gomez, B.S.
Pronouns: she/her
Languages: English, Spanish
Education: B.S., Psychology, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
My favorite place on campus is: The hot yoga room in the ARC because it helps me relax while getting a workout in!
Malkie Hematillake, M.S.
Pronouns: they/she/he
Languages: English
Education: M.S., Psychology, Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles
My favorite place on campus is: The Turtle Pond
Malkie Hematillake is a Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Intern at C&PS. They obtained their B.A. in Psychology at the University of Kansas, their M.A. in Psychological Research from California State University, Long Beach, their M.S. in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, and they are currently a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. Malkie has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitals, substance use disorder recovery programs, intensive outpatient care systems, and community based mental health care centers. Across settings, Malkie has maintained a strong person-centered, insight-oriented, and strengths focused approach to therapy. Malkie focuses on helping students identify and understand recurring themes within their interpersonal relationships, personal experiences, and relationship to self so that students are able to overcome self-defeating patterns and feel empowered and hopeful across contexts.
Malkie strongly affirms the individual as an expert on their own experiences. As such, they strive to promote a safe and collaborative space for students to process and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Malkie is committed to helping students work through a variety of concerns including LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, acculturative stress, daily life stressors, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity exploration and development, problematic substance use as well as other life challenges.
Anthony Pham, B.A.
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English
Education: B.A., Intensive Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz
When I am feeling stressed, I help myself by: Gaming, working out and laughing with others
Anthony Pham is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainee in the graduate program at SDSU. Anthony graduated with a B.A. in Intensive Psychology and a minor in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Prior to interning at C&PS, Anthony worked at a youth foster home for at-risk, female-identifying youth and has been working in suicide prevention services for over 5 years.
Anthony uses an integrative and collaborative approach utilizing postmodern narrative therapy, social constructionism, and multicultural approaches to promote identity development, cultural awareness, and mental wellbeing. In addition, Anthony’s clinical interests include working with men’s issues, couples, Asian-American mental health, and suicidality.
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.