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Administrative Staff

Laura DiPasquale

Laura DiPasquale, Ph.D.

Director
Licensed Psychologist
ldipasquale@health.fau.edu

Dr. Laura DiPasquale obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Canisius College and her Master's degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Temple University. She holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas, where her research focused on sport psychology and eating disorders in athletes and musicians. Before coming to FAU Laura was an intern at Appalachian State University Counseling & Psychological Services and previously worked at The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders.

Laura enjoys helping students gain a greater understanding of themselves and find new ways to deal with life’s challenges. She is a generalist and works with a wide range of concerns; however she specializes in working with eating disorders, athletes, and trauma.

Outside of work Laura likes to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys going to the beach and most water activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.

Leonette Lee Copeland

Leonette Copeland, Psy.D.

Assistant Director Outreach & Consultation
Housing & Residential Education Coordinator
Licensed Psychologist
lcopeland@health.fau.edu

Once upon a time in a far off land, ehhh maybe I don’t have a story book beginning. However, helping students reach their respective goals is the story book ending of a dream come true. My family taught me the importance of interacting with others from an altruistic spirit. Therefore, I give credit to my family in planting the seed that led me to become the clinical psychologist I am today. It is a joy to be a part of the FAU community, work with CAPS, and collaborate with Residential Life and Housing. Off the clock, I enjoy a variety of activities from spending time with my family, creating music, traveling, and visiting open houses on the market.

Wynsome

Wynsome McLean, LMFT

Assistant Director
mcleanw@health.fau.edu

Wynsome earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia State University, and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialized focus in Couple Intimacy and Sexuality from Richmond Graduate University in Atlanta, Georgia. She a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida, and currently serves as Staff Counselor.

Wynsome is a generalist, however, she integrates Family Systems Approach, Attachment Theory, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral, with elements of Person-Centered Therapy. Wynsome works with students to uncover the impact of past trauma, and how said trauma has contributed to the development of unhealthy thoughts and behavioral patterns that continues to negatively impact present relationships with self and others. A safe, nonjudgmental space is created to partner with students through a journey of discovery, and healing. When not working, Wynsome enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, while continuing her pursuit to find the perfect vegan pizza.

Lory Reyes, Ph.D.

Lory Reyes, Ph.D.

Assistant Director
Research, Assessment & Data Analysis
Licensed Psychologist
loryreyes@health.fau.edu

Lory Reyes, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist who obtained her Doctorate and Masters in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling from The New School for Social Research in New York. Prior to joining FAU, she worked in community mental health agencies, as well as public and private hospital settings. She completed an APA accredited Internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship with the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia, where she specialized and served as a consultant within the Department of Psychiatry, Consultation Liaison – Psychosomatic Medicine Service at HUP, as well as providing short-term psychotherapy for individuals diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders at the Abramson Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Dr. Reyes believes that people are multi-dimensional, and ever evolving, thus her approach to therapy is culturally sensitive, flexible and integrative. Drawing from her extensive training in various modes of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques, she aims to create person-centered treatment in collaboration with her clients.

Areas of professional interest include: motivational issues, anxiety, relationship issues, interpersonal effectiveness, chronic medical conditions, substance misuse, and Zen meditation. Outside of work, Lory finds personal growth and enrichment through international travel, scuba diving, and ballroom dancing.

Katherine Cascio

Katherine Cascio, Ph.D.

Associate Director for Clinical Services
Licensed Psychologist
Pronouns: she/her
kcascio@health.fau.edu

Katherine Cascio, PhD (she/her) earned her doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Kentucky, her master's in counseling from Northeastern University, and her bachelor's in Spanish and psychology from Smith College. Katherine takes a social justice approach to providing therapy, advocacy, outreach, supervision, administrative tasks, and testing. She enjoys working with students with a wide variety of presenting concerns, with a particular passion for serving trauma survivors. She tailors therapy to each student’s needs and preferences, explores clients’ sociocultural backgrounds and their impact on mental health, and considers how students’ and her intersecting identities affect how they work together. Her theoretical orientation integrates interpersonal, feminist, and client-centered approaches; she also draws from motivational interviewing and dialectical behavior therapy. She is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, a short-term therapy approach that uses eye movements to help clients process and significantly reduce symptoms associated with trauma. Katherine provides assessments for transgender and non-binary students seeking gender confirmation medical services and offers affirming support to students exploring their intersecting identities. Prior to joining CAPS, Katherine worked in university counseling centers, inpatient crisis stabilization units, community mental health centers, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. She is originally from Lawrence, Massachusetts and in her free time enjoys exploring Florida's natural beauty, going to Disney World, and watching stand-up comedy.

Julio Rivas, Ph.D.

Julio Rivas, Ph.D.

Interim Training Director
Licensed Psychologist
juliorivas@health.fau.edu

Julio graduated with his PhD in the Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University, and he completed his Pre-Doctoral Internship at FAU CAPS. Prior to his doctoral training, Julio earned his M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of New Jersey. Julio has a passion with working with college students, previously having worked in multiple college counseling centers. During his internship, he loved working with FAU students and stayed on as a full time-staff member.

Julio, particularly, enjoys integrating cultural aspects into counseling. Julio views counseling as a collaborative project to help clients accomplish their goals. His goal is to assist clients understand their core beliefs that guide how they interact with the world and themselves, so clients are able to make choices that are best for them. Julio believes therapy should be empowering, supportive, non-judgement and customized to the client's strengths & viewpoints.

When not working, Julio enjoys spending time with important people in his life, going for mental health walks, watching TV and trying to find the best chicken parm sub in South Florida.

Office Staff

Sasha Drummond

Sasha Drummond, MS

Administrative Services Coordinator
Boca Raton Campus
sdrummon@health.fau.edu

Jennifer Elgert

Jennifer Elgert

Program Assistant
Jupiter Campus
jelgert@health.fau.edu


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Boca Clinical Staff

Ian Griffin

Ian Griffin, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
griffini@health.fau.edu

Education: I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Brunswick and Master's Degree from the University Of Toronto, Canada.

Clinical Experience: I have many years of social work clinical experience. My work has been in acute care and long-term care facilities, inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities. I have experience in Child Protection services, Adult Protection Services, pediatric hospitals, and a HIV Clinic.

Therapy Style: I believe one of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship. I try to provide an accepting, open, safe and trusting environment. I believe individuals possess their own solutions and the therapist can act as a compass helping the individual maneuver their life course. I have developed an eclectic approach to therapy utilizing a strength-based approach, Family Systems Theory, CBT.

Areas of interest: I have a strong interest in working with young adults coping with life transitions and with a mental health diagnosis. I also have experience in providing counseling to individuals experiencing loss and bereavement .In my free time I enjoy training for and running marathons , to date I have completed 35.

Cory Safra

Cory Safra, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Group Coordinator
csafra@health.fau.edu

Cory Safra obtained his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida State University, and his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology. He completed his APA accredited doctoral internship at University of Manitoba Student Counselling and Career Centre, and his Post-Doctoral Fellowship at a diversion program for adolescents before working at the University of Central Florida Counseling and Psychological Services.

Cory has dedicated his career to helping college students and adolescents change, grow, and/or improve their mental well-being. Cory describes his theoretical orientation as integrative with a client-centered framework and drawing from other orientations, including cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, developmental, psychodynamic, and feminist approaches. Cory’s professional interests include abuse recovery/trauma, adjustment, anger/aggression, depression, developmental issues, diversity, and family/interpersonal/romantic relationships, as well as enjoys supervision and training. In Cory’s free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing hockey and volleyball, line dancing, and going to the beach.

Greg Horn

Greg Horn, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Assessment Coordinator
horng@health.fau.edu

Greg Horn, Ph.D. is a Counseling Psychologist, who obtained his Doctorate from the University of Memphis with a doctoral internship at Michigan State University. He completed a Master of Arts in Clinical/Health Psychology at Appalachian State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Spanish minor at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He has studied abroad in Argentina and Spain. Before coming to FAU, he worked at university counseling centers, a residential treatment center, a comprehensive cancer center, a veterans’ hospital, private practice, and taught psychology at a community college.

Greg is passionate about working with first-generation and international students. His therapeutic approach is relational, strength-based and multicultural. He uses humanistic and constructivist theoretical orientations that are informed by feminist, trauma, and social-justice frameworks. During his time outside of the Center, he enjoys taking walks and going to parks with his spouse and daughter. He also enjoys reading, writing, travelling, running, and dancing.

Jodie Mitchell

Jodie Mitchell, Psy.D.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Post-Doctoral Psychology Resident
jodiemitchel2014@fau.edu

Dr. Jodie Mitchell obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Linguistics at Emory University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at FAU. She received her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University where her research focused on foster youths’ experiences of racism while in foster care and exploring the needs of foster youth aging out of foster care. Jodie completed an APA accredited doctoral internship at the University of Central Florida’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Jodie loves working with college students and is very passionate about reducing the stigma of mental health in Black and Caribbean cultures through providing therapy and community interventions/outreach to individuals who have been marginalized by society. Her clinical and professional interests include working with family and relationship dynamics, identity exploration, eating concerns, mood disorders, anxiety, issues related to social justice and multicultural concerns that can impact one’s identity. Jodie’s approach to therapy is an integration of Relational-Cultural and Psychodynamic theories. She believes that the relationship between the therapist and client is a key component to change and values understanding how the client’s cultural background has impacted their lived experience. In addition, Jodie believes that an essential part of the change process is helping the client to understand their past patterns and works with them to establish more adaptive behaviors.

Outside of work, Jodie enjoys being outside in the warm Florida sun, possibly reading a book (most times watching a show on Netflix), going to brunch, connecting with friends and family and finding the best wings at every restaurant that she goes to.

Jennifer Jacobson, Psy.D.

Jennifer Jacobson, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Post Doctoral Residency Coordinator
jjacob59@health.fau.edu

Dr. Jennifer Jacobson obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of North Florida, and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her doctoral internship at Florida Gulf Coast University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and her Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Central Florida CAPS.

Jennifer is passionate about working with college students and being a part of the campus community. In her clinical work, she strives to create a safe, warm, and understanding environment that encourages students to address their needs. Jennifer is also a generalist who uses an integrative approach often drawing from Interpersonal, Humanistic, and Cognitive Behavioral techniques, as well as incorporating elements of Self-compassion. Her professional interests include anxiety, depression, identity growth and exploration, LGBTQ concerns, family and relational dynamics, as well as adjustment issues. Outside of FAU, Jennifer enjoys being around friends and family, going to the beach, and taking road trips.

Jennifer Perry, Psy.D.

Jennifer Perry, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist
LGBTQIA Coordinator
jenniferperry@health.fau.edu

Dr. Jennifer Perry earned her B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University. She has experience in a variety of mental health settings, including residential treatment, inpatient, middle and high schools, home-based, outpatient clinics, private practice, and college counseling centers. She also has experience teaching as an adjunct faculty member and providing clinical supervision to trainees and staff.

Dr. Perry helps students with a wide range of concerns or problems, but specializes in working with clients who have experienced abuse, trauma, or grief. Other areas of interest include working with students who are first generation, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, military or first responders, and students who have been involved in the foster care system. She is passionate about helping students to overcome adversity, develop their personal values, improve relationships, identify strengths, and develop skills for managing emotions. Dr. Perry believes in the importance of mindful living and balancing acceptance with change.

Outside of work, Dr. Perry enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible, usually camping, kayaking, reading on the beach, or listening to live music. She also loves to explore different cultures through travel and takes way too many vacation photos.

Jon Sperry

Jon Sperry, Ph.D.

Counseling Specialist
jsperry1@health.fau.edu

Jon Sperry completed his Ph.D. and Ed.S. in Counseling at Florida Atlantic University. He is currently licensed in the state of Florida as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In addition, he holds a certificate and Diplomate in Adlerian Psychotherapy and is also a Certified Addictions Professional. His past clinical experiences include working as a substance abuse counselor at Broward House, staff therapist at Lynn University's counseling center, and cancer support group facilitator at Gilda's Club of South Florida. He is currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynn University. In addition to providing individual and couples counseling, he facilitates therapy groups and supervises and trains practicum students- as he is a qualified SW, MH, and MFT supervisor in Florida.

Sperry was President of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP) from 2017-2018; and, he is currently the co-editor in chief of the Journal of Individual Psychology (JIP). In 2018, he was appointed as a board member of the International Committee for Adlerian Summer Schools and Institutes (ICASSI) which focuses on Individual Psychology counseling techniques and is hosted in a new country each year. He has served as an ICASSI faculty member since 2015. Sperry has co-authored five books, four book chapters, and various professional articles. He has co-authored have included two editions (2012 & 2020) of Case Conceptualization: Mastering this Competency with Ease and Confidence (translated in Turkish in 2016 and Korean in 2015) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy of the DSM-5 Personality Disorders in 2015. He co-edited Psychopathology and Psychotherapy: DSM-5 Diagnosis, Case Conceptualization, and Treatment in 2015 (translated in Korean in 2020). In addition to publications, he has presented at state, national, and international conferences. He has also conducted invited lectures in countries around the globe- including Bulgaria, The Bahamas, Canada, China, England, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Morocco, Romania, Slovakia, South Korea, Turkey, The United Kingdom, and Uruguay. He delivered keynote lectures in the United States and at two international psychology conferences in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Sperry’s areas of professional interest include: depression, anxiety, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, personality disorders, chronic medical conditions, substance abuse disorders, and group drumming. Outside of work, Dr. Sperry likes to play drums, travel, and spend time with family and friends

Nikki Saltzburg

Nikki Saltzburg, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist
nsaltzburg@health.fau.edu

Dr. Saltzburg obtained a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling as well as a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami.  Before coming to FAU, she worked as a staff psychologist at the counseling center at California State University Northridge.  Dr. Saltzburg did her internship and postdoctoral training at the counseling center at University of California Irvine.

Dr. Saltzburg continues to very much enjoy working with college and graduate students on a diverse range of issues.  Her specialty areas of clinical focus include mental health in the LGBTQ community, students with disabilities, anxiety and stress management, and sexual health and wellness.  She also enjoys providing outreach to the campus community, as well as contributing to the training program at CAPS.

Outside of work, Dr. Saltzburg usually can be found spending time with her family and friends.  She enjoys outdoor activities like playing wheelchair tennis, swimming, and taking walks while listening to music.  She is also likes to cook and watch movies.

Rhonda Seiman

Rhonda F. Seiman, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist
rseiman@health.fau.edu

Dr. Seiman earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University, the Brooklyn Center. Her internship was at Manhattan Psychiatric Center where she specialized in treatment of the severely mentally ill. Dr. Seiman continued on as a staff therapist after completion of the training year. Dr. Seiman completed a two year post-doctoral Fellowship at the Albert Ellis Institute in New York City. Post-fellowship she continued at the Institute as a staff therapist, trainer, and workshop leader. She began to work primarily with college students when she joined the Personal Counseling Center at Brooklyn College. Dr. Seiman is currently a staff psychologist at FAU. She works from a Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy/Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy orientation and believes in the power of change. She uses positive psychology and works with a strengths based approach. Dr. Seiman enjoys helping clients with depression, anxiety, transition, relationship, and grief issues.

Dr. Seiman continues to enjoy working with college undergrad and graduate students on the diverse range of issues that students are managing while at FAU. She has dedicated much time to supervising and training the next generation of psychotherapists and delights in the ability to introduce new ideas and techniques and to continue learning from students and experts in the field. She is a qualified mental health counseling supervisor and licensed as a psychologist in both Florida and New York.

Outside of work Dr. Seiman likes to spend time with her family and friends, play with her dog, and enjoy outdoor activities such as yoga, weight training, running, walking, hiking, cooking, as well as movies.

Mariya Gyorev

Mariya Gyorev, Psy.D.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Licensed Psychologist
Liaison with FAU ISS
Mariya's Email

Dr. Mariya Gyorev obtained her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Before moving to the US, Dr. Gyorev studied Clinical Psychology – Psychoanalytical Perspective in Bulgaria, where she grew up. Prior to her full-time staff position at FAU, Dr. Gyorev completed multiple and diverse master's and doctoral level practicums, an APA-accredited doctoral internship, and a postdoctoral residency at FAU.

Dr. Gyorev's approach to therapy is integrative, based on emotion-focused and psychodynamic theories. She believes healing begins when we attend to and work through our painful emotional experiences in a safe and empathic environment. Dr. Gyorev strives to promote emotional awareness by helping the client develop the ability to listen to, process, and regulate emotions. Additionally, her philosophy views the individual as an integration of mind-body-spirit, and she draws interventions from multiple perspectives to promote meaning, hope, healing, and further growth.

Dr. Gyorev's professional interests include trauma, grief, and relationship difficulties. As an immigrant and former international student, she is passionate about working with and advocating for students on immigrant and non-immigrant visas. She is one of the head representatives for the FAU Let's Talk for International Students program. Dr. Gyorev also works in close liaison with FAU International Students Services.

In her free time, Dr. Gyorev enjoys being in nature, doing yoga, and traveling.

Winnifred

Winnifred Pierre, LCSW

Community Resource Specialist
pierrew@health.fau.edu

Winnifred “Winnie” Pierre graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Winnie continued her educational pursuits at Barry University with a M.S.W. in Social Work. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. Winnie has had experience working in various treatment settings including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient, residential (mental health and substance use), and foster care. As a South Florida native and daughter of Haitian immigrants, Winnie is passionate about providing accessible mental health services to meet the needs of individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds. Her other interests include providing psychoeducation to combat stigma associated with mental health, students who are first generation, and substance abuse. Winnie assists students through coordinating with resources provided within the community. Winnie works alongside staff members to promote overall wellness of students.

Outside of FAU, Winnie enjoys spending time with her loved ones; sightseeing; open mic nights; theatre productions; yoga; exercising; and going on foodie adventures with her sister.

Robyn Bates

Robyn Bates, Psy.D.

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Post-Doctoral Psychology Resident
batesr@fau.edu

Dr. Robyn Bates obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dalton State College, and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. She graduated with her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where her research focused on the frequency and severity of mental health symptoms among LGBTQ+ identifying college students in comparison to heterosexual identifying college students. Robyn’s other research experience includes undergraduate students’ use and opinions of RateMyProfessor.com, and how professor selection was impacted by the use of Rate My Professor; the correlation between narcissistic characteristics and number of selfies on college students’ Instagram; and the correlation between a decrease in positive symptoms by adding yoga and mindfulness techniques to treatment as usual (TAU) in those diagnosed with Schizophrenia and other diagnoses accompanied by psychosis. Robyn completed an APA-Accredited doctoral internship at Northern Illinois University’s Counseling and Consultation Services, where she worked with undergraduate and graduate college students from diverse backgrounds with a range of presenting concerns.

Robyn works with students to address a vast array of concerns and presenting problems in the therapy setting but specializes in working with students who are survivors of trauma and abuse. Robyn approaches her work with clients from a Trauma-Informed Care approach and has a passion for working with complex trauma. Robyn’s approach to therapy mainly integrates Person-Centered, Emotion-Focused, Interpersonal, and DBT theories. Robyn also recognizes the importance of the mind-body connection and spirituality in her therapeutic work with clients. Robyn believes clients are the experts of their own lives and integrates clients’ lived experiences and cultural values into the therapy space. As a member of the community, Robyn has a special passion for working with members of the LGBTQ+ community. Other professional areas of interest include Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, self-criticism, relationship difficulties, empowerment work, sexual health, eating concerns, and severe and persistent mental illness.

When not working, Robyn enjoys spending time with her family and pets. Having recently moved to South Florida from Chicago, Robyn can often be found at the beach, which is a drastic and welcome change of scenery. Robyn is a fan of psychological thriller and mystery books, music and concerts, random history documentaries, coffee, and staying physically active. As a Georgia native, Robyn is a lifelong Atlanta Braves baseball and University of Georgia football fan.

Mary Le, Psy.D.

Mary Le, Psy.D.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Licensed Psychologist
lem@health.fau.edu

Dr. Mary Le obtained her master’s and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychological and Social Sciences at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Le has experience working in a variety of settings including behavioral health centers, psychiatric inpatient hospitals, community agencies, and university counseling.

As a first-generation psychologist born to Vietnamese immigrants, Dr. Le is passionate about working with students from culturally diverse backgrounds. She uses a foundational CBT approach to therapy and integrates a relational and multicultural lens to explore the impact of beliefs, values, and identities. Dr. Le cultivates a safe, non-judgmental space for students to learn more about themselves and ways to improve their overall functioning for a better quality of life.

In her free time, Dr. Le loves spending time at the beach, singing Beyonce songs in Karaoke, watching cheesy K-dramas, and trying to find her Philly food favorites in South Florida (open to recommendations for a Philly cheesesteak and wooder-ice).

Victoria Hrzich, Psy.D

Victoria Hrzich, Psy.D

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Post-Doctoral Psychology Resident
vhrzich@health.fau.edu

Dr. Victoria Hrzich graduated with her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University. Victoria completed her APA-accredited doctoral internship at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. Throughout her graduate training, she gained diverse experience working in college counseling, outpatient mental health, primary care, and VA settings.

Victoria has experience treating a wide array of mental health difficulties. She particularly enjoys working with students dealing with academic concerns, stress management, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. Victoria also has specialty experience in Health Psychology, and is passionate about approaching therapy from a holistic perspective, accounting for the connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

Victoria integrates techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and relational therapies to meet the unique needs of her clients. She believes the therapeutic connection is a key piece to client progress and provides a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment for her clients to feel truly heard and understood.

In her free time, Victoria enjoys pilates, taking walks, going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, and watching football (Go Jets!)

Shelly Francis, LCSW

Shelly Francis, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
franciss@health.fau.edu

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and one of the newer additions to FAU CAPS as a Staff Counselor. I am also a new resident of Florida in the last two years, perhaps you are as well. Prior to Joining CAPS, I lived and worked in Ontario, Canada. I completed my BASc. in Family Studies and Community Social Services through the University of Guelph-Humber in 2007, I then completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Toronto in 2009.

I got my start in postsecondary counseling during my master’s practicum at a community college where I worked with students on personal, career and academic concerns. I went on to work at a number of community colleges and universities with roles ranging from Personal / Mental Health counseling, Career Counseling, Accommodations planning for students with disabilities as well as working as an Instructor part-time for some years. In addition, I’ve worked in private practice with Motor Accident Victims and employees through Employee Assistance programs, providing career & workplace, relationship, eldercare and smoking cessation coaching.

I really enjoy active sessions, with individuals who are engaged and ready to work. I utilize cognitive and behavioral strategies most often in my practice in an effort to hopefully increase flexibility in thinking / behavior towards self, others, and the situation. I firmly believe that each day is an opportunity to take steps towards meaningful change that is realistic for the individual.

On a personal note, I was born and raised in the Caribbean before moving to Toronto as a child. Outside of work, I love being a mom to my toddler daughter and spending time with my family, travel and making photo albums / collages. I also enjoy writing and would like to spend more time on it in the future.

Giscard Petion, M.A., NCC

Giscard Petion, M.A., NCC

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
gpetion@health.fau.edu

Giscard Petion, MA, NCC completed his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida and is completing his doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Practice at Georgia State University. Prior to his graduate training he received his Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida.

Giscard’s therapeutic approach mainly entails the application of humanistic conceptualization and techniques. This approach is focused on authenticity, warmth, and facilitating the self-actualizing potential of his clients. He combines this approach with an intense focus of how the client’s cultural background and systemic issues impact the presenting problem. By combining this approach with CBT interventions Giscard is able to facilitate change by simply focusing on wellness and the human aspect of the counseling relationship.

Giscard’s is a fervent researcher, where his main research interest is athlete mental health. As a former student-athlete, he is very passionate about student-athletes and athlete advocacy. Giscard weaves his knowledge of the athletic environment and mental health counseling to promote healthy well-being and athletic performance in student-athletes.

In his free time, Giscard enjoys, working out, music and enjoying friends and family.


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Davie Clinical Staff

Marisol Blanco

Marisol Blanco, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist
mblanc20@health.fau.edu

Dr. Marisol Blanco is a bilingual in English/Spanish Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University and her M.A and Psy.D. from Nova Southeastern University.

Prior to joining FAU CAPS for her post-doctoral residency and later as a staff Psychologist, she completed her APA-Accredited internship at Citrus Health Network, Hialeah, FL where she worked with a diverse population in terms of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual/gender orientation, disability, education, and religion. Marisol has taught classes as an Adjunct in the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences at NSU and as a Community Instructor at Miami Dade College-KIDS Program. She also has experience working with victims and aggressors of domestic violence and sex offenses, and mandated clients for substance abuse treatment.

At CAPS, Marisol enjoys providing psychotherapy to students and their families, as well as providing supervision of practicum students and interns. She works from the notion that disruptions in establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with the self and others can reflect in a variety of mental concerns. As such, many of her sessions emphasize the development of authentic human connection through increasing willingness for vulnerability, objectivity, and self/other forgiveness. Her professional interests include grief, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, therapeutic art, and hypnosis. Outside of work, Marisol loves to be surrounded by her family, friends, and pets, and to spend time appreciating nature.

 

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Jupiter Clinical Staff

Lewis Jones, Psy.D.

Lewis Jones, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist
lewisjones@health.fau.edu

Dr. Lewis Jones is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with both Masters and Doctorate degrees from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Jones has an array of experience, having worked in the country’s top healthcare companies, as well as in community mental health, inpatient psychiatric units and outpatient clinics, including a practicum placement was with FAU CAPS on the Boca Raton Campus. He has had multi-level experience as well, from frontline staff, to director roles.

Dr. Jones works primarily from a Cognitive-Behavior Therapy approach but strives to tailor his work to each individual client. He has extensive training and experience with exposure work and cognitive interventions. His primary specialties include Anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Eating Disorders. Dr. Jones has also presented both nationally and locally on these topics and is currently on the board of the South Florida iaedp chapter. In addition to his work at CAPS, he also maintains a private practice in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. When not working, Dr. Jones enjoys spending time with his family, yoga, movies and being near the water.

Thuy Nguyen

Thuy Nguyen, Psy.D.

Northern Campuses Coordinator
Licensed Psychologist
ttnguyen@health.fau.edu

Dr. Truong received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida. She then obtained her master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Truong practices psychotherapy from a culturally informed integrative approach that is primarily anchored by interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral theories. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Blair Buckman, Psy.D.

Blair Buckman, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Coordinator
AODA
bbuckman@health.fau.edu

Dr. Buckman received her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the University of Florida before obtaining Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University in San Diego, California. Dr. Buckman believes wellness encompasses multiple aspects of one's life, including the mind-body connection, cognitions and emotions, one's social context and cultural background, and provides a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

She spent several years working at University counseling centers, providing counseling services to undergraduate and graduate students, and focusing on mindfulness, self-compassion, and substance use prevention and education. She is dedicated to helping clients grow and develop into their ideal self and has a strong commitment to tailoring therapy to meet the needs of the client, with the belief the most effective outcomes are a collaborative effort between therapist and client.

Outside of CAPS, Dr. Buckman owns a private practice in Palm Beach Gardens. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family, taking her dog on adventures, cooking, being outdoors, and exercising.

 Last Modified 11/3/23