Misha Bogomaz, Psy.D, ABPP, Fellow AGPA
DirectorLanguages Spoken: English and Russian
Deborah is the Assistant & Clinical Director of the Counseling Center and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with experience and interest in psychotherapy for anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, severe and persistent mental illness, and autism spectrum disorders. She is trained in Mindfulness Meditation and EMDR. Deborah received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Jacksonville University, her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Florida, and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Fielding Graduate University.
Deborah Baker, PhD
Assistant Director / Clinical DirectorLanguages Spoken: English
Dr. Misha Bogomaz is a Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified in Group Psychology, Certified Group Psychotherapist, and a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. He is also President of the American Board of Group Psychology for the 2023-2024 year. He believes in inclusive leadership that celebrates differences and takes into account various constituents. Dr. Bogomaz leads the efforts of providing mental health services to the university community while cultivating a thriving workplace. In his free time, he enjoys fitness, Latin dancing, reading, TV shows, listening to lectures, playing video games, and spending time with his family.
Kathryn White, Psy.D.
Psychologist and Director of TrainingLanguages Spoken: English and Russian
Katie is a staff psychologist who received her Doctor of Psychology from Roosevelt University’s Clinical Psychology program. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. She also works with students experiencing chronic pain and ongoing medical problems. She helps clients get to know themselves more deeply, understand how they came to be that way, and work towards an identity and life of which they can be proud. She strives to assist clients in cultivating greater compassion for themselves and their shortcomings, fulfillment in their relationships, and intentionality in the life they create. In her free time, Katie enjoys everything nature has to offer, and she is, unabashedly, a “crazy plant lady.” She also loves practicing yoga and joyful movement and spending time with her pup and loved ones.
Michael Malec, PhD, LCSW
Associate DirectorLanguages Spoken: English
Dr. Malec is the Associate Director of the Center and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. His clinical interests encompass a wide variety of psychological and social concerns including anxiety, depression, life transition, adjustment, and relationships. Originally from Pennsylvania, Michael received his Master of Social Work degree in Clinical Social Work from Florida State University in 1986 and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Florida in 2005. Prior to beginning at the Counseling Center in 1990, he worked in community mental health in St. Augustine, FL, and in an inpatient setting in Jacksonville. Dr. Malec utilizes an integrative person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused approach in his work with clients.
Sydney McInnis, APRN
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Jane Sander, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Anjali Pathak, M.D.
Psychiatrist
AKimberley LaMora, M.S; RD, LDN
Registered DietitianKimberley LaMora is the Registered Dietitian for the Eating Disorder Management Team at the UNF Counseling Center. She currently holds a M.S. in Applied Nutrition. She has a wide range of experience working with pediatric, young adult and adult populations. Outside of work Kim enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, reading and being outside.
Havey Baer, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health CounselorHavey Baer graduated with a Master of Science degree from the University of North Florida's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and body image concerns, anxiety disorders, trauma, identity development, LGBTQIA issues, and crisis management. She utilizes a therapeutic approach that incorporates cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, solutions-focused, and client-centered therapies with the ultimate goal of helping clients feel empowered physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. In her free time, you can expect to find her practicing yoga, curled up reading a good novel, or exploring the beautiful trails and bodies of water that are abundant in North Florida.
Caterina (Cat) Eppolito, M.A; MFA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health CounselorCaterina Eppolito is a licensed counselor and writer who earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Florida. Her interests revolve around wellness—the connection between mind and body, mindfulness, and health psychology. Her clinical framework is client-centered and solution-focused with creative approaches sprinkled in.
Xavier Hill, M.S; RMHCI
Mental Health CounselorXavier joined University of North Florida’s counseling department in September of 2022. He has his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Newberry College where he played collegiate basketball, and his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stetson University. He looks to create a calm and welcoming space by using an integrative approach to counseling that is trauma-informed, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and here and now experiential techniques. Xavier clinical interests are abundant and include, but not exclusive to anxiety, athletics, performance, stress, depression, adjustment, and life transitions.
Gelila Jones, M.A; LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor orEnglish and Amharic (Ethiopian)
Gelila is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and received Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Marshal University. She considers herself a mental health generalist with personal and professional experience regarding a variety of cultures and subsets of people. She enjoys supporting and addressing relationship and family issues, as well as anxiety and depression. She believes that the stress of juggling the demands of life, anxiety, depression, and/or struggles in relationships, may improve with better insight and coping skills, which may be gained through the empowering process of personal counseling. In her clinical work, she draws upon the person-centered and cognitive behavioral theoretical models of counseling. Her clinical interests include exploring and further understanding the impact that physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being have on one another, with an emphasis on natural or alternative approaches to healing. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, restaurant outings with her husband and friends, exercising, and her children's extracurricular activities.
Melissa La Manna, M.S; LMHC
Eating Disorder Treatment Team CoordinatorMelissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Coordinator of the Eating Disorder Management Team. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Florida and her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Melissa has prior experience in elementary school teaching and working with students that have special needs. She utilizes an integrative approach to her work that encompasses person-centered, psychoanalytic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Melissa also enjoys spending time with her family, cycling, yoga, and exploring new restaurants.
Michelle Lasky, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social WorkerMichelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master's in Social Work from Cleveland State University. Michelle has experience in diverse settings and specializes in trauma, substance use concerns, and mood concerns. Michelle utilizes Solution Focused Brief Therapy interventions and CBT as well as other helpful modalities to support clients in clarifying their goals recognizing their strengths and seeking solutions in their lives. In her free time, Michelle enjoys cheering on Cleveland sports teams, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Michelle Lasky, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social WorkerMichelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master's in Social Work from Cleveland State University. Michelle has experience in diverse settings and specializes in trauma, substance use concerns, and mood concerns. Michelle utilizes Solution Focused Brief Therapy interventions and CBT as well as other helpful modalities to support clients in clarifying their goals recognizing their strengths and seeking solutions in their lives. In her free time, Michelle enjoys cheering on Cleveland sports teams, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Alison Leapley-Williams
Mackenzie McGehee
Melissa Miller, DSW; LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social WorkeMelissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with seventeen years experience working as a therapist. She received her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from Florida Atlantic University and her Doctor of Social Work degree from University of Tennessee. Melissa is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist through Trauma Institute International. She is also a Certified Master ART Practitioner, which is a form of trauma treatment that utilizes eye movement. Melissa uses a person-centered approach and utilizes a variety of treatment modalities to meet the needs of her clients.
Liza Provenzano, M.Ed; LMHC
Licensed Mental Health CounselorLiza has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for over fifteen years. During this time, she has developed expertise working with trauma and LGBT issues. Throughout her career she has gained valuable experience in the areas of case management, crisis intervention and domestic violence.
Kristen Robinson, M.S; RMHCI
Mental Health CounselorKristen is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and has received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Adventist University in Tennessee. Kristen excels in working with a multitude of topics including depression, anxiety, family of origin concerns, and phase of life transitions. In her free time, Kristen likes finding new restaurants, watching movies, and listening to live music.
Alana Rollins, B.A.
Mental Health CounselorAlana is a current student in the Master of Social Work graduate program at UNF. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of Florida. Alana gravitates toward cognitive-behavioral and client-centered approaches to therapy. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, identity development, and self-esteem in young adults. Alana is especially interested in the effects of perceived racial discrimination and trauma on the psychological well-being of members of historically marginalized groups. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, and planning her next trip to the mountains.
Shana Sopko, M.A; LMHC
Licensed Mental Health CounselorShana is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Group Therapy Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Experimental Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Arts in Counseling Education from the University of Central Florida. She uses an integrative, multi-cultural approach in her counseling work that is person-centered and trauma-informed with solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Shana's clinical interests and experiences encompass a wide variety of psychological and social concerns including LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity development, adjustments, and relationships.
Jade Stewart, RCSWI
Mental Health CounselorJade is a current student in the Social Work Graduate Program at the University of North Florida. She completed her undergraduate degrees at UNF as well, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with a concentration in Social Welfare. Jade is a proud Duval native, as she was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She has professional experience working with people without housing, children and youth who are struggling in school, and in veteran services. Jade is also certified in Mental Health First Aid and the Children's Functional Assessment Rating Scale. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, substance use, women's issues, relationship issues, stress, family conflict, and finance-related stress. She utilizes a holistic approach and integrates aspects of client-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy. Jade's goal is to provide clients with a safe and supportive environment, to help students be the best version of themselves, and assist them in identifying and accomplishing their desired goals. In her free time, Jade enjoys cooking, exploring nature trails, and playing lacrosse.
Joel Turner, Psy.D.
Post Doctoral ResidentJoel is a doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University. He received a Master of Psychology degree from DMU, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and is expected to graduate with his doctorate upon the successful completion of his internship at UNF.
Joel's approach to therapy is based in an appreciation of the uniqueness of each individual, the resilience of the human person, and the universal desire for flourishing. His primary goal in therapy is to collaborate with each person and create a genuine relationship where safety and trust promote understanding, acceptance, insight, and growth.
Matthew Wehrle
Lily Sarfaraz, M.S; M.A.
InternLily Sarfaraz is a Doctoral Intern from the Florida School of Professional Psychology, where she is expected to earn her Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) upon the successful completion of her internship at UNF. She is a UNF alumni and is experienced in completing psychological assessments within the private practice setting, and providing individual and couples psychotherapy to veterans and their families. Lily's approach to therapy is trauma-informed, while also integrating psychodynamic and interpersonal theory to guide her interventions. Her clinical interests include working with survivors of sexual assault, PTSD, women's issues, and multicultural and identity concerns. Lily's hobbies include training in martial arts, watching 80's/90's pop culture classics, and listening to murder mystery podcasts. She is also an animal lover and spends most of her free time with her fiancé, future stepson, three dogs and cat.
Jessica Starken, M.A.
InternMy name is Jessica Starken and I am currently a doctoral intern pursuing my doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Some of my clinical interests include working with individuals struggling with identity development and life transitions, anxiety, depression, academic stressors and learning disabilities, substance use issues, and interpersonal difficulties. I primarily practice from a Cognitive Behavioral lens but also take an integrative, holistic, multicultural approach towards meeting the needs of my clients. In my free time I enjoy spending time in nature doing anything outdoors such as going to the beach, hiking, kayaking, and camping.
Andrea Cadavid, B.S.
Intern
Greta Johnson, B.S.
Intern
Andrew Lovelady, B.A.
Intern
Benjamin Milano, B.S.
Intern
Monica Moreno, B.S.W.
Intern
Jessica Scott, B.A.
InternJessica is a current student in the Master of Social Work program at UNF. She previously taught English at an international school in Shanghai where she helped integrate restorative justice practices. Last year, she assisted with a research project based on trauma-informed professional development for high school teachers in Jacksonville. She gravitates toward client-centered, strengths-based, and narrative therapeutic approaches. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, identity development, and family of origin concerns. In her free time, Jessica enjoys reading and reviewing books, spending time with family, and wishing she could adopt all of the pets on the Humane Society's "Adopt Me!" page.
Desteny Shehata, B.A.
Intern
Elizabeth Smalley, B.A.
Intern
Stephanie Bartolo
Administrative SecretaryStephanie is a caring and loving person. Driven by her desire to help others, she excels at providing a safe and welcoming space for all the clients of the Counseling Center.
April Mattedi, B.S.
Coordinator
Joanne Nash
Office AssistantJoanne is an OPS Office Assistant for the Counseling Center. She is a native of State College, Pennsylvania and relocated to Jacksonville in 2018 after retiring from Penn State University with 25 years of service. She enjoys working at UNF and the counseling center front desk.
Brenda Zelaya, B.S.
Executive SecretaryBrenda is the executive secretary at the UNF Counseling Center. She has a bachelor's degree in communication and is currently pursuing a master's degree in International Affairs at UNF. She finds her job rewarding because she is part of a team where administrative and mental health professionals work together daily to help students succeed in life.