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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Kai Nestal is a Clinical Social Worker trainee in the graduate program at SDSU. He graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Irvine. Prior to interning at C&PS, Kai interned as a counselor at the Epilepsy Foundation in San Diego.

Kai’s therapeutic approach is affirming, compassionate, and collaborative. He focuses on creating a safe space where individuals can explore their identity, process challenges, and work toward healing and growth. He is committed to supporting students navigating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, identity development, and daily life stressors. 

Shareef Salaam, M.A., Psy.D. Intern, brings a warm and culturally responsive approach to his work. His training spans hospitals, schools, community organizations, and nature-based programs, with a focus on integrating Indigenous and eco-therapeutic practices into mental health care. Shareef is passionate about helping students connect with their strengths, values, and sense of purpose.

His current research explores surf therapy as a tool for supporting African American male adolescents, blending nature therapy, cultural identity, and emotional wellness. Grounded in his Gabonese, Ghanaian, and African American heritage, Shareef works to create spaces where all students feel safe, seen, and empowered to embrace their authentic selves, build resilience, and navigate life with confidence and self efficacy.

Grey Walbrink is a Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Intern at C&PS. They obtained their B.A. in Clinical
Psychology at California State University, Fullerton and their M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Azusa Pacific
University. They are currently completing their doctoral program at Azusa Pacific University. Grey has
had experience working with multiple, diverse populations in community mental health, college
counseling, and private practice settings across age ranges.

Grey is passionate about working with the college population and helping students address many of the
emerging concerns often experienced by students regarding academics, relationships, interpersonal
dynamics, and personal identity development. Grey approaches treatment from a client-centered
approach that is informed by psychodynamic, interpersonal, and narrative approaches to therapy,
among others. Their clinical interests include LGBTQIA+ issues, relationship problems, eating and body
image concerns, identity exploration and formation, men’s mental health, and suicidality, among others.
Grey seeks to foster a safe space for all clients and help promote personal authenticity and healthy
living.

Cara Yoo is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainee at C&PS. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and her M.A. in School Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University. She is currently in her final year of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Touro University Worldwide. Cara brings a rich background of experience from working in K–12 schools, higher education, and non-profit residential settings. Throughout her journey, she has been deeply committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds through academic and personal counseling, as well as case management.

Cara is passionate about supporting students as they navigate both their educational and personal paths, always keeping their wellbeing and growth at the center. Cara’s approach is warm, collaborative, and strength-based, grounded in a deep respect for each person’s unique story and cultural context. Her clinical interests include supporting first-generation college students, couples, and individuals exploring the intersection of mental health and faith, as well as those struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder.