Staff
The Counseling Center's clinical staff consists of a director, an associate director, assistant directors, licensed psychologists, licensed counselors, licensed social workers, a registered dietitian, a psychiatrist, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. In addition, we have a robust staff of trainees including clinical mental health counseling and doctoral interns. Our administrative professional staff provide support for administrative operations of the center.
- Administrative Team
- Medical Team
- Counseling Team
- Doctoral Interns
- Masters Interns
- Administrative Support Staff
Administrative Team |
Misha Bogomaz, Psy.D., ABPP, Fellow AGPASenior Director
Pronouns: He/Him I’m Dr. Misha Bogomaz, Senior Director of the UNF Counseling Center, licensed psychologist, fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and American Board of Group Psychology. I oversee all student mental health services for the university, including strategy, delivery, and continuous improvement. My work focuses on helping leaders and teams strengthen judgment and accountability so they can remain effective in uncertain environments. I’m also among the 4% of psychologists who are board-certified.
Leadership Philosophy statement: Leadership is the disciplined practice of maintaining virtue under pressure while cultivating the moral and psychological conditions for people to face reality, think clearly, and grow through uncertainty, suffering, and change. 
April Mattedi, B.S.Assistant Director, Administrative Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers April holds degrees in Business from Kilgore College and Education from Towson University. With a strong background in leadership and operations, she currently supervises the Support Team, manages budgets and all human resources functions. A driven entrepreneur, April launched a thriving small business and earned international recognition as the 2007 International Framing Champion. She is also the co-founder and Vice President of the Duval Car Club for Cancer Awareness, where she channels her passion for community impact and advocacy. 
Melissa Miller, DSW, LCSWDirector
Pronouns : She/Her/Hers Melissa 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. 
Shana Sopko, M.A., LMHC-QSAssistant Director, Group Therapy Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Shana is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Group Therapy Coordinator. Shana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Experimental Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Arts in Counseling Education from the University of Central Florida. Before transitioning to the mental health field, Shana spent 20 years in Corporate America, gaining valuable insight into stress management, work-life balance, and personal growth. This ultimately led her to pursue her calling in counseling. Shana takes an integrative, multi-cultural approach to counseling and supervision that is both person-centered and trauma informed. She is also a Certified ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) Practitioner, a method of therapy that facilitates trauma treatment through eye movement techniques. In her free time, she loves pottery, watching obnoxious television, raising her grand dog, and spending time with family and friends. 
Joel Stephen Turner, Psy.D.Assistant Director Training Programs
Dr. Joel Turner received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University. He received a Master of Psychology degree from DMU, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Franciscan University of Steubenville. His therapeutic work is informed by Interpersonal, Emotion Focused, Psychodynamic, and Attachment-based theories. Joel’s therapeutic interests include the psychology of spirituality and religion, family of origin conflict, interpersonal neurobiology, and attachment. His approach to therapy is grounded 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. |
Medical Team |
Sydney McInnis, APRN, DNP, PMHNPAdvanced Practice Registered Nurse
Anjali Pathak, M.D.Psychiatrist
Jane Sander, DNP, APRN, PMHNP/FNP-BCPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner |
Counseling Team |
Natalie Bartlett, M.S., LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Nat is a dedicated Licensed Mental Health Counselor who earned their master’s degree from Jacksonville University. They joined the counseling center in spring of 2023. Nat's first passion was being an outdoor professional and they are passionate about integrating this expertise into their counseling practice to empower individuals through experiential learning. They specialize in working with the neurodivergent and gender expansive LGBTQIA+ community. They work with an array of topics such as social anxiety, depression, family of origin concerns, relationships, and identity development. They use an integrative, multi-cultural approach with all clients that is person-centered to best meet the client where they are at. When Nat has free time, they are planning their next adventure outdoors, eating out at a local favorite, or laying in a hammock soaking up the Florida sun with their cat. 
Hector Colón, M.S.Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Hector is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who earned his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jacksonville University. Hector joined the university counseling center as a counseling intern in August 2024. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of North Florida in 2012 and transitioned from a career in software engineering to Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Hector uses an integrative approach, drawing from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and Gestalt theories. He is passionate about helping clients navigate anxiety and process trauma. Outside of counseling, Hector enjoys playing guitar, skateboarding, playing video games, and supporting the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Carrie Cragun-Atchison, Ph.D.Licensed Psychologist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Carrie takes a warm, collaborative approach in therapy that is grounded in psychodynamic, attachment, and person-centered perspectives. She enjoys helping students feel less anxious and more confident in themselves and their relationships.
Carrie has a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from the State University of New York, University at Albany. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Minnesota’s Counseling Center and her post-doctoral residency at Cornell University’s Counseling Center. She works part time at the UNF Counseling Center and part-time in her private practice.
Outside of work Carrie is often at her kids’ sporting events and activities. Fun fact: Carrie had a stint as a clown face painting and entertaining kids at birthday parties. She still utilizes her face painting skills for Jags games!
Lisha Day, M.S., NCC, LMFTLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Lisha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received her Master’s in Marriage, Family, and Couple’s Counseling from Stetson University. She also received Certificates in Play Therapy & Expressive Arts as well as Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Lisha has experience working with a multitude of populations and specializes in mood disorders, complex trauma/attachment wounds, neurodiversity, and relational issues. Her approach is integrative, focusing on mind-body connection through emotion-focused techniques, somatic awareness, and experiential interventions. In her free time, Lisha enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, yoga, and cooking. 
Jessica Guididas, MSW, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Jess is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master of Social Work degree and Pre-Professional Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Georgia and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree from the University of New Hampshire. Jess utilizes a strength-based and collaborative approach integrated with components of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution focused techniques to fit the individual’s needs. She does her best to create a safe space where clients can explore a variety of concerns. Jess specializes in working with individuals with concerns related to adjustment, anxiety, stress management, emotion recognition and regulation, interpersonal/relationship concerns, depression, family of origin concerns, identity exploration, and self-care. In her free time, Jess enjoys spending time with her family and loved ones, reading, going on long walks, cooking and baking, and doing art projects. 
Gelila Jones, M.A., LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Languages spoken: English 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., LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Melissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. 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, MSW, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Michelle 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, M.S., LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Alison has been part of UNF since 2020 working with our athletes. Before graduating in 2021 with her master's in clinical mental health here at UNF, she obtained her first master's in sports performance enhancement and injury prevention from California University. She is currently a part of the mental performance team in athletics working with both teams and individuals on their mental performance and mental health needs. Alison believes each person is unique and encourages clients to embrace their individuality. She helps her clients build upon their strengths as well as help them move through their feelings/struggles and towards the life they envision. In her free time, you can find her spending time at different UNF sporting events with her family or on the baseball field with her boys. 
Trevor Lynch, M.S.Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Trevor is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and has received his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. Trevor has professional experience in experiential education working with a multitude of populations in the outdoors. He is focused on helping people find acceptance and understanding as well as a sense of power in changing their lives. Trevor utilizes person centered theories, cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as existential/humanistic theories. In his free time, Trevor enjoys rock climbing at the local gyms, surfing, and playing with his adventure cat Bodhi. 
Hannah McDonald, M.S., LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Hannah is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who joined the counseling center in the spring of 2023. She received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. Hannah has experience working with teens, young adults, and military service members and their families. Her clinical interests include anxiety, racial and ethnic minority issues, relationships, disordered eating, and body image concerns. In her free time Hannah enjoys reading, spending time in nature, kayaking, fishing, and playing guitar. 
Benjamin Milano, MSW, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Ben is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received his Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Florida. Ben is passionate about creating a space where clients can feel safe enough and valued enough to explore who they really are. He is interested in working with all different types of clients but is particularly equipped to treat concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, self-compassion, and existential questions surrounding meaning and worth. Ben primarily practices person-centered, experiential, and relational therapy and draws from modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness. Outside of therapy, Ben enjoys video games, reading, watching TV shows/ movies, live music, taking walks, and playing pickleball. 
Jessica Pecina, MSWRegistered Clinical Social Work Intern
Jessica is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Florida. She is deeply committed to creating a safe, compassionate space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. Jessica's clinical interests include anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and substance use. She takes a person-centered, and strengths-based approach to therapy, drawing from modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and attachment-based theories. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time at the beach, cooking, reading, and being with her family. 
Kathy Penza, M.S., LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Kathy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, who is passionate about creating a safe space, where clients feel seen, heard, and free to be their authentic self. She received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida and has experience working with children, teens, and young adults. Kathy’s therapeutic approach is person-centered and integrates strength-based, emotion-focused, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapies. In her free time, Kathy enjoys spending time with family, going to the gym, listening to podcasts, and attending her children’s sports events. 
Kristen Robinson, M.S., LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Kristen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor 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. 
Lily Sarfaraz, Psy.D.Post-Doctoral Resident
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish Dr. Lily Sarfaraz is a Post-Doctoral Resident and received her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Florida School of Professional Psychology in Tampa, FL. She is a UNF alumna and is proud to continue serving the UNF community. Lily is passionate about honoring individuals' unique values, experiences, and autonomy. Her approach to therapy is integrative and trauma-informed, using elements of psychodynamic and interpersonal theory to guide her interventions. Her clinical interests include working with individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, PTSD, women's issues, chronic pain, and identity concerns. In her free time, Lily enjoys training in martial arts, cozying up with a sci-fi, fantasy, or romance book, watching 80's/90's pop culture classics, and listening to podcasts covering strange, dark, and mysterious happenings. 
Jade Stewart, MSW, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Jade is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master's in Social Work here at the University of North Florida. Jade obtained her bachelors in psychology and bachelors in sociology, with a concentration in social welfare, through UNF as well. She has experience working in housing, veteran services, and with children and adolescents. She utilizes a holistic approach and integrates aspects of client centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused brief therapy. Jade's goal is to provide clients with a safe and supportive environment and her clinical interests include anxiety, relationships, and family of origin concerns. In her free time, Jade enjoys cooking, exploring nature trails, and playing lacrosse. |
Doctoral Interns |
Allison Green, M.A., M.S.Doctoral Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Allison is a doctoral intern pursuing her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Point Park University. She has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults managing suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, adjustment/stress, and substance use. Through previous placements, she has facilitated skills-based groups for college populations navigating suicidal ideation and supported students through important milestones in their academic and personal growth. Her background also includes working with children and adolescents in diverse clinical and community spaces, where she has helped develop literacy initiatives and therapeutic rock-climbing programs.
Grounded in interpersonal theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Allison provides a compassionate, collaborative space for clients to explore what brings them to therapy. Recognizing that modern life can feel heavy at times, Allison thoughtfully integrates lightness and play when it serves her clients' goals. Meeting clients where they are on the continuum between structure and flexibility, she tailors her approach to individual needs. For clients who benefit from structure, sessions focus on building practical coping skills and internal resources. For those seeking room to breathe, therapy opens up space for creative exploration and self-discovery. Ultimately, Allison aims to help clients unpack past patterns, connect with what is deeply meaningful to them, and find sustainable ways to invite ease back into their busy lives.
Outside of her clinical work, Allison enjoys rock climbing, traveling, catching sporting events, watching reality television, and keeping a hopeful eye out to spot her very first campus Osprey.
Brooke Llerena, M.A.Doctoral Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Brooke is a doctoral intern pursuing her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Indianapolis. She brings extensive experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, chronic illness, and grief. In past clinical settings, she also used psychological assessment to evaluate attentional difficulties, neurodivergence, and mood or personality concerns to develop a holistic understanding of clients’ distinct perspectives, strengths, and lived experiences. At UNF, she is especially passionate about supporting first-generation college students, as well as those navigating perfectionism, exploring relationship dynamics, and looking to develop an authentic identity anchored in their core values.
Brooke aims to create a warm, affirming space that fosters clients’ unique journeys toward overall well-being. She thoughtfully integrates interpersonal theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques to guide processing of difficult experiences, facilitate the development of practical coping skills, and restore clients’ trust in their ability to manage daily stressors. Brooke works collaboratively with clients to foster a mutual understanding of how they view themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Her approach focuses on helping clients channel their self-discovery and personal growth into a deeply meaningful and fulfilling life.
Outside of work, Brooke enjoys caring for her growing collection of plants, listening to music, playing video games with her partner, and having one-sided conversations with her dog.
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Masters Interns |
Marissa DurnanCMHC Intern
Marissa Durnan is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at the University of North Florida. She takes a person-centered and integrative approach to counseling, creating a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, emotions, and goals. Her clinical interests include anxiety and stress, body image concerns, relationships, life transitions, and building confidence while navigating identity, values, and personal choices. She also incorporates mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies based on each client’s unique needs.
Gilbert FigueroaCMHC Intern 
Jenna GiordanoCMHC Intern
Jenna is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at the UNF Counseling Center. In her counseling approach, she draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered Therapy to help clients build self-compassion, resilience, and self-discovery. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can heal, grow, and explore their experiences at their own pace.
Jenna’s clinical interests include working with clients navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, eating concerns, and obsessive thoughts. She is particularly interested in supporting clients as they navigate identity development, adjustment, relationships, and the unique challenges that can accompany the college experience. Jenna holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Florida and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNF.
Outside of her professional roles, Jenna enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, reading, walking her dog, and searching for scenic places to hike.
Bonnie PreisslerSocial Work Intern
Bonnie is a Clinical Social Work Intern grounded in person-centered and strengths-based practices. Her interests include anxiety, stress, life transitions, resilience, and supporting veterans and military-connected students. Bonnie earned her BSW at the University of North Florida and is currently pursuing her MSW at UNF. She is also a Master Gardener Volunteer and is currently earning a certificate in Horticultural Therapy/Therapeutic Horticulture through the University of Florida, with an interest in incorporating nature-based approaches into social work practice. Outside of work and school, Bonnie enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and being with her family, cats and dogs. 
Sara SusenCMHC Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Sara Susen is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at the University of North Florida. Utilizing person-centered, emotion-focused and attachment theory frameworks, she provides a safe space for clients to process emotions, uncover strengths, and reach personal goals. Sara incorporates strengths-based, solution-focused, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs.She aims to empower individuals to better understand themselves, their core values, and life directions.
Sara earned her B.S. in Child Psychology from the University of North Florida in 2025. She is currently completing her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida.
Outside of counseling, Sara enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with her family, going to the beach, playing trivia, going on cruises, and singing karaoke.
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Administrative Support Staff |
Stephanie BartoloAdministrative Secretary
Stephanie moved from Ohio to Saint Augustine with her husband and three children in 2013. She has worked at the Counseling Center since 2021 and absolutely loves her job and getting to know all the students that come in. She relaxes by spending time by the pool with a good book. She also enjoys going to concerts, live shows and sporting events. Come by and say Hi!
Lourdes Hartwell, M.A., M.A.M.Executive Secretary
Lourdes serves as the Executive Secretary for the Counseling Center at UNF. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Management from Briarcliffe College, a Master of Arts in Management from American Public University and a Master of Arts in English from Southern New Hampshire University. Originally from the state of New York, Lourdes specialized in providing high level administrative services at Stony Brook University Hospital and academic campus for over twenty years.
Joanne NashAdministrative Secretary
Joanne is happy to be at UNF and a front desk support staff for the counseling center. She grew up in State College, Pennsylvania and relocated to Jacksonville in 2018 after twenty-five years of service with Penn State University where she earned an Associate’s in Letters, Arts and Sciences from the College of Liberal Arts. She enjoys walks on the beach, being a Grammie, and volunteering at the historic Florida Theatre. |