Administrative Team
Julie Pearce received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Whittier College and her masters and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Biola University. As a first-generation college student who struggled academically during her undergraduate years until finding mentorship and support, she is aware of the unique challenges, as well as the transformative impact, that higher education can have. Her career has been devoted to collegiate mental health and she is committed to UCS being an accessible and welcoming environment for students that is inclusive and affirming of individual and cultural diversity. She has considerable experience working with students in the areas of adolescent and young adult development, trauma, relational and family problems, applied sport psychology, and the integration of spirituality, religion and psychology.
Anne Eipe, Ph.D.
Assistant Director and Clinical Coordinator
Anne Eipe received her bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Kent State University. She is the Clinical Coordinator at University Counseling Services. Anne’s clinical interests include disordered eating and body image concerns, trauma, multicultural issues, and building self-esteem. She also has an interest in working with international students. Anne has considerable experience providing urgent care/crisis services to students and facilitating suicide prevention training (QPR – Question, Persuade, and Refer) throughout the campus community.
Pat Alford-Keating, Ph.D., ABPP
Assistant Director and Coordinator of Training
Pat Alford-Keating received her doctorate in counseling psychology from Oklahoma State University. She has a passion for training future psychologists. She embraces cultural humility and is committed to providing culturally-informed therapy for all students. As a psychologist, who identifies as LGBTQIA+ herself, she understands the unique challenges experienced by LGBTQIA+ students. Moreover, as a generalist, she enjoys working with clients on a broad-range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family problems, ADHD, trauma, and disordered eating. Other specialty areas include writer’s block, couples therapy, and group therapy.
Counselors & Psychologists
Daniel received this Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, his first Master's degree from Arizona State University, a second Master's degree from CSUN, and his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate University. He is licensed in California both as a psychologist and as a marriage and family therapist. In addition to his work as a general clinician within University Counseling Services, Daniel also serves as the liaison for Men's Issues on campus. His clinical interests include working with men's concerns, issues around sexuality and sexual health, sex therapy, LGBTQ mental health, relationship issues, and couples therapy.
Allison Begley, Psy.D.
Allison Begley received her undergraduate degree in psychology from UCLA (Go Bruins!) and completed her master’s and doctoral degrees from Azusa Pacific University. Allison approaches her clinical work from a collaborative empowerment approach designed to cultivate personal agency while developing appropriate skills to meet present challenges. Areas of clinical interest include: body image and disordered eating concerns, young adult identity development and other life transitions, interpersonal relationship concerns, coping with and healing from trauma, anxiety and depression, substance use disorders, parenting/family issues, and group therapy.
Gabriella Cuaderes, LCSW
Gabriella Cuaderes received both her bachelor’s (Sociology) and master’s (Social Work) degrees at CSUN. She identifies as a mestiza (person of mixed ethnicities) and queer therapist. As a first generation college and transfer student, she is passionate about providing a safe, nonjudgmental space for students with a focus on helping them to build upon their emotional intelligence and self-advocacy skills as they navigate the higher education system. She has special interests in working with highly sensitive people (HSP), survivors of interpersonal trauma, parent scholars and LGBTQIA+ students. Gabriella is fluent in English and able to engage conversationally in Spanish.
Jeffrey Del Bosque, M.A., LMFT
Jeffrey Del Bosque earned his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Biology with a minor in Creative Writing from UC Berkeley, and completed his Master’s degree at John F. Kennedy University, School for Holistic Studies in Counseling Psychology with a focus in Somatic Psychotherapy. Jeffrey is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and is a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Jeffrey also completed the Advanced Studies Program in the practice and teaching of Yoga Asanas and Pranayama at the Yoga Room in Berkeley, CA. Jeffrey has experience working with youth, young adults and their families involved with the criminal justice system; youth, young adults and their families dealing with cognitive and behavioral challenges; and people dealing with chronic and severe mental illness and substance use. Jeffrey has over 15 years of experience leading groups in art therapy, music therapy, relaxation, cognitive skills, mindfulness, movement, substance use recovery, and trauma recovery. Jeffrey strongly believes that all people deserve quality mental health care that supports their personal and unique mental, physical and spiritual needs. Jeffrey works from a holistic perspective and when it is right for clients integrates art, music, mindfulness, sensory awareness, movement, and breathwork into their treatment.
Alison Freeman, Ph.D.
Alison Freeman works with a wide range of issues including self-esteem, relationships, LGBTQ identity issues, and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. She likes to integrate the arts including movement, art and music into her work with students. She completed her post-doctoral training at UC San Francisco Center on Deafness and is fluent in American Sign Language.
Marlon James Briggs, MSW, LCSW
Marlon Briggs received his Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare and Justice and Master’s degree in Social Work from CSUN. Mr. Briggs is registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has professional experience working with domestic violence survivors; those with severe mental health related challenges; foster youth; and young men in the juvenile system. He returned to CSUN in 2019 due to his passion to serve students in navigating school and life balance, as well as finding a sense of self for students in a university setting. He has special interests in working with students from historically disadvantaged and low-income communities, as well as students of color, and students who identify as men. His clinical interests include depression, anxiety, interpersonal trauma, emotional literacy, relationship issues, identity and intersectionality, as well as grief and loss.
Yevgeniy (Eugene) Kogosov, Psy.D.
Eugene Kogosov earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from CSUN and his masters and doctoral degree in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles campus. He completed his APA-Internship at Kansas State University, Counseling Services and post-doctoral fellow at Santa Monica College Wellness Center. He is bilingual in Russian and English. His clinical areas of interest include depression, anxiety, and crisis intervention. He also is passionate about the area of Burnout and Self-Care, as his dissertation focused on this topic.
Aida Kohanteb, Psy.D
Aida Kohanteb received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UC Berkeley and then completed her clinical doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of La Verne. Aida is bilingual and fluent in English and Farsi. Her clinical interests include attachment issues, interpersonal challenges and identity development. Aida maintains an egalitarian and compassionate approach to providing care while simultaneously honoring the unique identities of those she works with to support them in achieving their goals and living a meaningful life. She hopes to provide a safe space for students to share their personal experiences and emotions with the goal of promoting overall wellness.
Hope Ledding, M.A.
Hope Ledding earned her bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley and her master’s degree in counseling psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. Hope is a pre-licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in her final year of gaining experience and training toward full licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Hope has enjoyed providing psychotherapy to a diverse array of community college students, youth, families, and elders, before coming to CSUN. Her therapeutic approach is highly personal and collaborative, focused on creating an environment of warmth, compassion, and respect. Some of Hope’s areas of interest include identity development, multiculturalism, trauma, family and relational issues, humanistic therapy, somatics, and spirituality.
Angel Lira, LCSW
Angel Lira is an alumnus of California State University, Northridge (CSUN) having received both his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy (2013) and his Master's Degree in Social Work (2019). Angel is a first-generation college student and is bilingual in English and Spanish. His experiences as a first-generation college student and first-generation Mexican American have shaped his special interests which includes working with first-generation college students, undocumented students, students from historically underserved or low-income communities, and students who have been part of the juvenile or foster youth system.
Angel is registered with The California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Prior to returning to CSUN as a Counselor, Angel obtained experience working with adult intensive services and transitional-age youth (TAY). He has served as both a therapist and a case manager serving the homeless population, TAY, and other marginalized groups. His clinical interests include depression, anxiety, identity development, relationship concerns, interpersonal trauma, emotional literacy, identity, and intersectionality.
Araceli Mejía, Ph.D.
Araceli Mejía graduated as a first-generation college student from UC Berkeley. While working as a Software Project Manager for a biotech company, her passion in multiculturalism and education was reinforced and fueled her motivation to return to higher education. She earned her M.S. in Counseling at UW Madison and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Arizona State University. As a graduate student she also conducted scholarly research related to well-being, multiculturalism, spirituality and predicting academic persistence among Latinx college students. Her personal and professional journey has influenced her interest in: first-generation college students, undocumented college students, students of color, LGTBQ-affirmative therapy, career development, culturally informed therapy, depression, anxiety, identity development and relationship concerns. In working with college students, she hopes to create a safe space built in trust, respect, care and compassion where students can learn and begin to heal.
Araceli’s passion for serving BIPOC college students is rooted from her own experience of growing up in South Central Los Angeles and being raised by immigrant parents. Spanish is her first language and she also embraces cultural ways of healing.
Marilyn is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years experience helping students of all ages and backgrounds reach their personal and academic goals. She believes in building strong relationships with the intention of empowering students to tap into their own strengths. Marilyn has a background in community based mental health and worked with youth in the foster care, juvenile justice and special education systems. She currently provides individual therapy for CSUN students and runs the Parent Support Group for student parents on campus. Marilyn is the liaison to Residential Life/Student Housing and supports those students living on campus by providing consultations, workshops and Let’s Talk. She knows that asking for help can be scary and difficult but Marilyn is here to listen, openly and nonjudgmentally. Marilyn is a CSUN Alumna, a mom of two college students (one at CSUN) and loves dogs.
Abram Milton received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Chapman University and his masters and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University. Dr. Milton joined University Counseling Services as a staff counselor in October 2018. Within CSUN, he works with university students and has placed a special interest to work with military veterans, Muslim students, men of color, and international students. Dr. Milton also continues his research on Sleep Paralysis as a member of Social Psychiatry Research Unit at the University of California – San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, CA, and his research on Free Arts and Trauma at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. Major psychological research interest include military, veterans, posttraumatic stress, traumatic brain injury (TBI), trauma, substance abuse, addictions, suicide, interpersonal relationship, mindfulness, spirituality, men issues, international students, grief & loss, gender violence, diversity, and university counseling.
Jose Montes is a graduate of the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles campus. His degree is in clinical psychology with an emphasis in multicultural community psychology. He completed an APA internship at University of California, Irvine and was a post-doctoral fellow at University of California, San Diego. He is fully bilingual in Spanish and English and can conduct therapy in Spanish. Jose has a strong passion for multicultural psychology, social justice and involvement. Jose considers himself a Chicano psychologist. His areas of Interest are depression, anxiety, relationships and interpersonal issues.
Sunil Obediah earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from CSUN, his master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, and his doctoral degree in counseling psychology from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. He holds clinical interests in the areas of depression, relational issues, and crisis intervention. In his role as liaison to the International and Exchange Student Center, Sunil is very interested in the concerns and welfare of international/exchange students. Other interests include health psychology; issues faced by South Asians and by graduate students; group psychotherapy; and training of interns at varying levels of experience. Sunil is highly committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for all students to explore their challenges. He works collaboratively with students towards obtaining increased insight and/or the development of symptom relief. He is passionate about supporting students and helping them to achieve their academic and personal goals as they make their way through their degree process.
Juan Alberto Ortiz, Ph.D., Psy.D.
Juan Alberto lived for 30+ years in Mexico where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and later earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy. Later, he moved to New York where he earned his Master’s and Psy.D. in School Psychology, and then completed internships at both SUNY and CSUN. He has provided clinical services in Spanish and English. His clinical interests include: depression, anxiety, interpersonal trauma, cultural diversity, as well as grief & loss.
Amy Rosenblatt earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio University and earned her master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. As an out, gay therapist herself with extensive experience working with Queer and Transgender clients, Amy cares deeply about serving the mental health needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. Amy also has considerable experience supporting the mental health and sport performance needs of individual student-athletes and teams, and takes great pride in working collaboratively to improve student-athlete well-being. Amy has many years of experience with anxiety management, including facilitating improved coping at both the individual and group levels. Mindfulness practices and social justice considerations are frequently woven into Amy’s approach in supporting the mental health needs of our wonderfully resilient CSUN students.
Doreen Salz, LCSW
Doreen received her BA in Psychology at UCLA, MA in Education at CSULA, and Masters in Social Work at UCLA. She has been working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families within school- based settings for the past 25+ years. She has experience working with individuals with a variety of issues/diagnoses, including ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Cognitive Therapy and utilizes this modality when appropriate. Her approach is to consider the whole person in their environment, help them build upon their strengths, and enhance their overall functioning. She is excited to be working with the college population, and is eager to help CSUN students through this challenging but rewarding stage of life.
Jennifer Sato-Veloz, MSW, LCSW
Jennifer Sato-Veloz is a licensed clinical social worker and graduated from the University of Southern California. Her interests include supporting others in coping with depression, grief and loss, Asian-American culture, multiracial/multicultural identity and spirituality. Jennifer enjoys helping others explore their own unique identities, strengths and story. In addition to counseling, Jennifer also holds a Master’s in Soul Care and Spiritual Formation from Biola University. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time in nature.
Judy Schmidt-Levy earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Utah. She joined the staff of University Counseling Services in 1989. Her clinical interests include trainee supervision, career development, eating disorders and couples counseling. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Psychiatry Residency Training, student affairs representative to the faculty senate, and faculty appointee to the Board of Directors of the University Student Union.
Steve earned his bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and his master's and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology. In addition to his general clinical work at UCS, Steve serves as the liaison for alcohol and other drug-related issues and concerns on campus. His clinical interests include: substance use disorders, men's issues, interpersonal trauma, identity development, and relationship issues. Steve loves working with college students and supporting them as they navigate this exciting yet often stressful time in their lives. Any student with concerns about their substance use can call UCS to schedule an assessment with him, in order to be linked with the most appropriate level of support.
Paulette Theresa-Schechtel, MFT, Psy.D.
Paulette Theresa-Schechtel received her bachelor's degree from Cedarville University in Ohio and master's and doctoral degrees from Phillips Graduate University. She completed internships at both CSUN and California Institute of Technology. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at California Lutheran University. In addition to working as a generalist at UCS, she created a support group for African American/Black female students called Sistahood in 2013, and originated WISDOM in 2017, which is a mentorship program that encourages academic achievement for Black female students. Her clinical areas of interest include anxiety, relationship issues, couples’ therapy, and grief and loss, as well as Multicultural Psychology & Social Justice, which she has taught for 15 years. She is committed to helping students maintain psychological well-being as they walk through their academic journey.
Alisa Turner Augustyn, Psy.D.
Alisa Turner Augustyn received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Adler University. She is a licensed psychologist in California, and is committed to culturally competent therapy for all students. Alisa has a special interest in working with first generation students and students identifying as Latinx. Alisa’s approach to therapy is grounded in respect and curiosity. She works to create a safe space for dialogue that honors difficulties, and enables learning and growth. As a generalist, Alisa helps students with issues related to relationships, family, work, grief, abuse and trauma. She can also help with issues that are harder to describe, such as alienation, feeling stuck, self-doubt, and depression or anxiety about social or environmental issues.
Lori Williams received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from CSUN and her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She also received her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Lori is bilingual in English and Spanish and she has a strong interest in community outreach. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, identity development, transitional difficulties, relationship problems, and crisis intervention. Music is one of her greatest passions and as such, she also enjoys the integration of music and mental health.
Psychology Interns
Joshua Chow, M.A.
Joshua Chow (he/him/his) received his Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity from UC Davis. He is currently enrolled with the Clinical Psychology Doctorate Program at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. His clinical interests include work with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, LGBTQIA+ folx, people with experiences of trauma, and communities on the downside of power. He is honored to support students in being curious about their own story and the messages that society tells them. Josh believes the strength and vulnerability that students bring into their brief therapy and group therapy can provide healing, community-building, and the rewriting of challenging narratives.
Seung Yoon (Christina) Lee, M.T.S., MPsy
Seung Yoon (Christina) Lee received her undergraduate degree in Seoul, Korea, her first master’s degree in theological studies in marriage and family from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington, DC, and her second master’s degree in clinical psychology from Divine Mercy University in Virginia. She is currently completing her final year in her PsyD program at Divine Mercy University. She is bilingual in Korean and English and has worked with diverse college students. She enjoys helping students increase self-awareness, manage difficult transitions, and explore their own voices and identity. Her clinical interests include trauma, multicultural issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and identity development. She is also passionate about integrating religion, spirituality, and clinical psychology to decrease stigma in seeking mental health services and increase resources and support.
Cherry Ordoñez, M.A.
Cherry Ordoñez received their bachelor’s degree in development studies and master’s degree in city planning from UC Berkeley. She worked in affordable housing and finance before returning to school for a clinical psychology PhD program at Alliant International University. They have a wide range of multicultural psychology interests including disability, health psychology, trauma, LGBTQ+, first generation, BIPOC especially Filipino/a/x, immigration, veterans, and relationships. She speaks English, Tagalog, and Ilocano.
Social Work Interns
Margaret Brewer, B.A.
Margaret Brewer (she/they) got her Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles with a major in Psychology and a minor in LGBTQ Studies. She is currently a second-year graduate student at CSUN working towards a Master of Social Work degree. As an out, queer-identifying individual, she has a deep passion for supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and has previous experience working as an intern at the UCLA LGBT Campus Resource Center for two and a half years. She hopes to continue working with this community in her counseling career. Her clinical interests include gender and sexuality, identity and intersectionality, and anxiety and stress management.
Leah Reeve, B.A.
Leah Reeve (she/her) received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CSUN and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work. For the past three years, Leah has been working with children and families experiencing homelessness in congregate housing. She also has experience interning as a peer mentor to CSUN undergraduate students, helping them navigate the challenges of university life. Her clinical areas of interest include anxiety, depression, intersectionality and identity, interpersonal trauma, and family conflicts. As a queer, Black multiracial woman, Leah also has a strong passion and interest for advocating for the LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities.
Psychiatrists
Jungku J Lee, M.D.
Jungku Lee attained her medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington D.C. She completed her Internship in Psychiatry at the San Mateo County Psychiatric Residency program and at the University of Colorado Psychiatric Residency Program based in Denver, CO. After graduating from the General Adult Psychiatric Residency training in Colorado, Jungku finished a year of fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry at the UCLA in Southern CA.
Jungku has worked as a Staff Psychiatrist in different Counties over the past 3 decades, including outpatient mental health centers in Ventura County, Los Angeles County and Santa Barbara County. Jungku has worked for almost a decade with the Crisis Team in Ventura, and has worked with the Full-Service Partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating patients who suffer enormously from their serious and persistent mental illness. Additionally, Jungku has engaged in private practice, and has also been working with young college students at the Cal Lutheran University Health Services for many years, addressing their depressive, anxiety, sleep-wake disorders, neurodevelopmental, and other psychiatric conditions.
Irrespective of the client population, Jungku finds the practice of psychiatry hugely rewarding. She is the mother of two young daughters, one still in college, and one recent college graduate. Jungku identifies as a foodie.
Jacqueline Wiebe, M.D.
Jacqueline Wiebe graduated Summa Cum Laude from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology and Cell Biology, and from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA with a Medical Degree. She then completed residency training in Psychiatry at UC Irvine, and an ECT Fellowship at Duke University. She has wide experience in varied psychiatric settings and has had the privilege of working with the university student population for almost two decades. Dr Wiebe has a passion for understanding the biopsychosocial components that contribute to the complexity of clinical presentations in different stages of life. She brings her love of art and science as well as her rich experience of living in different countries and cultures to determine an individual course of treatment. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and pets.
Psychiatric Residents
Manjit Bhandal, M.D.
Jacob Davidson, M.D.
Michael Donath, M.D.
Joshua Finley, M.D.
Jonathan Gomez, M.D.
Nicole Turnier, M.D.
James Randy Mervis, M.D. - Supervising Psychiatrist
Peer Education
Steven Wang, Peer Programs Coordinator
Frederick Orantes, Blues Project Graduate Coordinator
Jenna Ricci, Blues Project Student Coordinator
Eleanor Ghanbari , JADE Graduate Coordinator
TBD, JADE Student Coordinator
TBD, Project DATE Coordinator
Bailey Wukmir, Project DATE Student Coordinator
Administrative Support Staff
Rose Bermudez
Adriana Elegado
Lily Legarda
Cyndi Norris