Counseling Center Staff
Counseling Staff
Deborah Baker, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Deborah Baker is Assistant Director of the Counseling Center and a licensed psychologist with experience and interest in psychotherapy for anxiety and depressive disorders, personality disorders, severe and persistent mental illness, and autism spectrum disorders. She also enjoys running groups and workshops, and is trained in mindfulness and EMDR. Deborah received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Jacksonville University, her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from University of North Florida and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Fielding Graduate University. During her time off, she enjoys cooking, nature, and spending time with family.
Christy Brown, M.A.
Christy Brown is a licensed mental health counselor. She received her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Florida, and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Florida; she also has formal training in the fine arts. Christy is trained in EMDR therapy for the treatment of trauma, which is her specialty, and has a particular interest in exploring existential and spiritual concerns. In addition to the Counseling Center, Christy also works at the Women's Center of Jacksonville and has her own private practice. In her personal time she enjoys mountain biking, making art, and eating good vegetarian food.
Carrie Cragun, Ph.D
Internship Coordinator
Carrie Cragun is a licensed psychologist, the Internship Coordinator, and a member of the Eating Disorder Treatment Team. Originally from Colombia, she received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and her doctoral degree in counseling psychology at the University at Albany, State University of New York. After finishing her doctoral internship at the University of Minnesota she completed her postdoctoral residency at Cornell University. Some of her clinical interests include eating disorders and body image, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, identity development, and diversity and multiculturalism. She also enjoys helping students address social anxiety through her “Building Your Social Confidence” group. In her free time, she enjoys expressing her creative side through face painting and crafting origami cranes.
Michael Malec, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Michael Malec is the Associate Director of the Center and 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 in Clinicial 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 as a full-time counselor at the Counseling Center in 1990, Michael worked in community mental health counseling in St. Augustine, and at a hospital inpatient psychiatric unit in Jacksonville. In his free time he enjoys physical fitness activities (e.g., swimming) and is an avid fan of all the Cleveland, Ohio pro sports teams.
Rene Monteagudo, Ph.D.
Director
René Monteagudo is the Director of the Counseling Center and a licensed psychologist. Originally from Miami, René received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida and his doctoral degree in counseling psychology from Indiana University. He completed his doctoral internship at the Penn State Counseling Center. René specializes in student development, training, supervision, group therapy, LGBT and Latino/a populations. He works from an integrative model that incorporates a diversity sensitive approach. When not at the Counseling Center, you can find René enjoying time with his family and friends.
Steven Montesinos, M.A.
Steven Montesinos is a licensed mental health counselor with special interests in men’s issues, depression, stress management, sports psychology, and identity and career development. He uses a combined psychotherapeutic approach in his work, incorporating aspects of person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and interpersonal process approaches. Steven is a gender-sensitive therapist and enjoys working with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Steven earned his B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Florida. He completed his counseling internship at Jacksonville University, and has experience in career development, drug and alcohol treatment, and private practice. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, watching sports, and enjoying time with his family.
Kristen Perez, M.Ed.
Kristen Perez is a licensed mental health counselor and member of the Eating Disorder Treatment Team. Her clinical interests include working with students facing a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, identity development, relationships, and eating disorders. Kristen earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Master of Education in Counselor Education from the University of North Florida, where she completed her graduate internship. She has experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, and currently splits her time at the Counseling Center with private practice work. In her free time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family and practicing yoga.
Noelle Pomeroy, M.S.
Noelle Pomeroy is a registered mental health counseling intern with experience and interest in working with those who are dealing with issues related to gender identity, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and adoption/identity concerns. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan, and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida, where she completed her internship. She is currently a doctoral candidate in clinical sexology at the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists, and works in private practice as well.
Liza Provenzano, M.Ed.
Outreach Coordinator
Liza Provenzano is a licensed mental health counselor and the Outreach Coordinator. Liza’s interests include working with trauma, substance abuse, depression, and LGBT issues. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Jacksonville University and a Master of Education in Counselor Education from the University of North Florida. Liza has work experience with case management, crisis intervention, domestic violence, and community mental health. In her free time, Liza enjoys hosting parties for friends and family, exploring new places, and trying new restaurants.
Zully Rivera-Ramos, Ph.D.
Zully A. Rivera-Ramos is a psychology resident with experience and interest in multicultural counseling, particularly in regards to sexual orientation, gender identity, and Latina/o issues. Originally from Puerto Rico, Zully is fully bilingual in Spanish and English. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology (with a minor in women and gender studies) from the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras and her doctoral degree in counseling psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Zully completed her doctoral internship at the Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center where she specialized in LGBT-affirming psychotherapy and group counseling. Her approach to therapy is informed by interpersonal, psychodynamic, and cognitive theories, while incorporating multicultural and feminist perspectives. She has a collaborative style and actively works to promote client empowerment. In her free time, Zully enjoys spending time with her family.
Amie Thomas, MSW
Amie Thomas is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Florida. She enjoys working with students on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, life transitions and adjustments, stress management, and interpersonal work. She received her undergraduate degree in social work from Auburn University and her Master of Social Work from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Amie has previous work experience in medical social work/case management, advocacy, community mental health, and program administration. When not at work, she enjoys comedy, cooking, and travel.
Lauren Yerkes, Psy.D
Eating Disorder Treatment Team Coordinator
Lauren Yerkes is a licensed psychologist and coordinator of the Eating Disorder Treatment Team at the Counseling Center. She has special interests in working with identity development, eating disorders, depression, trauma, interpersonal relationships, substance abuse, LGBT issues, and family of origin concerns. Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 2003 and her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in 2010. She completed her doctoral internship at Indiana University Counseling & Psychological Services and her postdoctoral residency at University of Georgia’s Counseling & Psychiatric Services. In her free time, Lauren loves to travel, go to the beach, and spend time with family and friends.
Medical Staff
Anjali Pathak, M.D., Psychiatrist
Rose Turner, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nutritionist
Marilyn Dahl, R.D., Registered Dietician
Counselors in Training
Skylar Hollabaugh
Dino Liverano
Naorah Lockhart
Administrative Support Staff
Julia Brumfield, Administrative Secretary
Jackie Cook, Office Assistant
Diane Engelhardt, Office Assistant
Mary Gates, Office Manager
Cindy Harper, Executive Secretary
