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Brooks College of Health
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Staff

group of UNFCC staff in peace plaza

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

Misha Bogomaz Headshot

Misha Bogomaz, Psy.D., ABPP, Fellow AGPA

Center Director
misha.bogomaz@unf.edu

 

Pronouns: He/Him
Languages Spoken: English and Russian

Dr. Misha Bogomaz is a Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified in Group Psychology, Certified Group Psychotherapist, and a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. He is also President of the American Board of Group Psychology for the 2023-2024 year. He believes in inclusive leadership that celebrates differences and takes into account various constituents. Dr. Bogomaz leads the efforts of providing mental health services to the university community while cultivating a thriving workplace. In his free time, he enjoys fitness, Latin dancing, reading, TV shows, listening to lectures, playing video games, and spending time with his family.

Deborah and Bodi Headshot

Deborah Baker, Ph.D.


Assistant Director
d.baker@unf.edu

 

Pronouns : She/Her/Hers

Deborah is the Assistant Director for Clinic Operations of the Counseling Center and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with experience and interest in psychotherapy for anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, severe and persistent mental illness, and autism spectrum disorders. She is trained in Mindfulness Meditation and EMDR. Deborah received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Jacksonville University, her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Florida, and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, ‘playing in the dirt’, and spending time with family including her dog, Bodhi.

Melissa Miller Headshot

Melissa Miller, DSW, LCSW


Clinical Director
melissa.miller@unf.edu

 

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.

Katie White Headshot

Kathryn White, Psy.D.


Director of Training
kathryn.white@unf.edu

 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Katie is a staff psychologist who received her Doctor of Psychology from Roosevelt University’s Clinical Psychology program. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. She also works with students experiencing chronic pain and ongoing medical problems. She helps clients get to know themselves more deeply, understand how they came to be that way, and work towards an identity and life of which they can be proud. She strives to assist clients in cultivating greater compassion for themselves and their shortcomings, fulfillment in their relationships, and intentionality in the life they create. In her free time, Katie enjoys everything nature has to offer, and she is, unabashedly, a “crazy plant lady.” She also loves practicing yoga and joyful movement and spending time with her pup and loved ones.

Medical Team

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Sydney McInnis, APRN, DNP, PMHNP


Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
sydney.mcinnis@unf.edu

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Jane Sander, DNP, APRN, PMHNP/FNP-BC


Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
jsander@unf.edu

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Anjali Pathak, M.D.


Psychiatrist
n00906209@unf.edu

Nutrition Team

Kimberley LaMora Headshot

Kimberley LaMora, M.S., R.D., LDN


Registered Dietitian
n01543910@unf.edu

 

Kimberley LaMora is the Registered Dietitian for the Eating Disorder Management Team at the UNF Counseling Center. She currently holds a M.S. in Applied Nutrition. She has a wide range of experience working with pediatric, young adult and adult populations. Outside of work Kim enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, reading and being outside.

Counseling Team

Havey Baer Headshot

Havey Baer, M.S., LMHC


Licensed Mental Health Counselor
h.baer@unf.edu

 

Havey Baer graduated with a Master of Science degree from the University of North Florida’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and body image concerns, anxiety disorders, trauma, identity development, LGBTQIA issues, and crisis management. She utilizes a therapeutic approach that incorporates cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, solutions-focused, and client-centered therapies with the ultimate goal of helping clients feel empowered physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. In her free time, you can expect to find her practicing yoga, curled up reading a good novel, or exploring the beautiful trails and bodies of water that are abundant in North Florida.

Natalie Bartlett Headshot

Natalie Bartlett, M.S., RMHCI


Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
n.bartlett@unf.edu

 

Nat is a dedicated Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern 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. 

Lisha Day Headshot

Lisha Day, M.S., NCC, RMFTI


Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
lisha.day@unf.edu

 

Lisha is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern 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. 

Xavier Hill Headshot

Xavier Hill, M.S., RMHCI


Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
x.hill@unf.edu

 

Xavier joined University of North Florida’s counseling department in September of 2022. He has his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Newberry College where he played collegiate basketball, and his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stetson University. He looks to create a calm and welcoming space by using an integrative approach to counseling that is trauma-informed, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and here and now experiential techniques. Xavier clinical interests are abundant and include, but not exclusive to anxiety, athletics, performance, stress, depression, adjustment, and life transitions.  

Matthew Hood Headshot

Matthew Hood, M.S., LMHC


Licensed Mental Health Counselor
m.hood@unf.edu

 

Matthew is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who received his Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of North Florida. He has experience working with many populations and specializes in trauma and eating disorders. He utilizes background theories and therapies, along with dialectical behavior interventions, to help clients understand themselves on a deeper level, assisting them in becoming a better version of themselves. In his free time, Matthew enjoys surfing, golfing, and sipping on a hot cup of coffee. 

Gelila Jones Headshot

Gelila Jones, M.A., LMHC


Licensed Mental Health Counselor
n00959867@unf.edu

 

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 Headshot

Melissa La Manna, M.S., LMHC


Eating Disorder Treatment Team Coordinator
m.la-manna@unf.edu

Melissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Coordinator of the Eating Disorder Management Team. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Florida and her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Melissa has prior experience in elementary school teaching and working with students that have special needs. She utilizes an integrative approach to her work that encompasses person-centered, psychoanalytic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Melissa also enjoys spending time with her family, cycling, yoga, and exploring new restaurants.

Michelle Lasky Headshot

Michelle Lasky, MSW, LCSW


Licensed Clinical Social Worker
michelle.lasky@unf.edu

 

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 Headshot

Alison Leapley-Williams, M.S., LMHC


Licensed Mental Health Counselor
a.leapley@unf.edu

 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.

Hannah Lovett Headshot

Hannah Lovett, M.S., RMHCI


Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
hannah.lovett@unf.edu

 

Hannah is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern 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.

Trevor Lynch Headshot

Trevor Lynch, M.S., RMHCI


Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
n00816174@unf.edu

 

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.

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Mackenzie McGehee, M.S., RMHCI


Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
n01491992@unf.edu

Kristen Robinson Headshot

Kristen Robinson, M.S., LMHC


Licensed Mental Health Counselor
k.robinson@unf.edu

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.

Shana Sopko Headshot

Shana Sopko, M.A., LMHC-QS


Licensed Mental Health Counselor
shana.sopko@unf.edu

 

Shana is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Group Therapy Coordinator.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Experimental Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Arts in Counseling Education from the University of Central Florida.  She uses an integrative, multi-cultural approach in her counseling work that is person-centered and trauma-informed with solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral techniques.  Shana’s clinical interests and experiences encompass a wide variety of psychological and social concerns including LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity development, adjustments, and relationships.    

Lily Sarfaraz Headshot

Lily Sarfaraz, M.S., M.A.


Post-Doctoral Resident
lily.sarfaraz@unf.edu

Lily Sarfaraz is a Post-Doctoral Resident who completed her Doctoral (Psy.D.) Internship at the UNF Counseling Center. She is a UNF alumna and is proud to continue serving the UNF community. Lily's approach to therapy is integrative and trauma-informed, using psychodynamic and interpersonal theory to guide her interventions. Her clinical interests include psychological assessments and working with survivors of sexual assault, PTSD, women's issues, chronic pain, and identity concerns. In her free time, Lily enjoys training in martial arts, watching 80's/90's pop culture classics, and listening to podcasts covering strange, dark, and mysterious happenings. 

Jade Stewart Headshot

Jade Stewart, MSW, RCSWI


Registered Clinical Social Work Intern
jade.stewart@unf.edu

 

Jade is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern 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. 

Joel Turner Headshot

Joel Stephen Turner, PsyD


Staff Psychologist
joel.turner@unf.edu

 

 

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.

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Matthew Wehrle, MSW, RCSWI


Registered Clinical Social Work Intern
m.wehrle@unf.edu

Doctoral Interns

Sally Norton

Sally Norton, M.A.


Doctoral Intern
sally.norton@unf.edu

Sally Norton is a doctoral intern and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Spalding University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University and her Master of Clinical Psychology from Spalding. Some of her clinical interests include neurodiversity, identity development, family and relationship concerns, anxiety, and depression. Sally primarily uses a person-centered approach to therapy and will often integrate psychodynamic and interpersonal theories to help meet the needs of her clients. In her free time, she enjoys playing D&D, boxing, yoga, and spending time with her dog Scout. 

Tiffany Parisi

Tiffany Parisi, M.A.


Doctoral Intern
tiffany.parisi@unf.edu

Tiffany Parisi is a Doctoral Intern from Fielding Graduate University, where she is expected to earn her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (Ph.D) upon the successful completion of her internship at UNF. She holds Master degrees in anthropology and public health. Her therapeutic work is informed by psychodynamic, interpersonal, relational-cultural, and attachment-based theories.  Tiffany’s approach to therapy is trauma-informed and grounded in understanding the enduring potential for transformation to exist in the most challenging experiences. Her clinical interests include working with individuals who have experienced trauma, multicultural and identity concerns, and interpersonal and family conflict. Her primary goal is to help clients develop greater personal insight so they can build compassionate relationships with themselves and others.  In her free time, Tiffany enjoys cuddling with her two dogs (Indiana and Ripley), playing video games, and cave diving.

Masters Interns

Hector Colon

Hector Colon


Social Work Intern
n00603646@unf.edu

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 is transitioning from a career in software engineering to Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Hector uses an integrative approach, drawing from psychodynamic, existential, and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) 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.

Kayonna Ford

Kayonna Ford


Social Work Intern
kayonna.ford@unf.edu

Kayonna is a Social Work Intern and is currently pursuing a Master's in Social Work at the University of North Florida. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Spring 2023 at the University of North Florida. In the near future, Kayonna looks forward to becoming more involved within surrounding communities and working with people of diverse populations. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, watching documentaries, and sudoku puzzles.

Image of Jessica Pecina

Jessica Pecina


Social Work Intern
n00856724@unf.edu

Jessica is a Social Work intern currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at the University of North Florida. She received her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of North Florida in 2022. She is interested in helping clients navigate anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and substance use concerns and practices from a person-centered approach. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, arts and crafts, and spending time with her family.

Brittani Wooten

Brittani Wooten


CMHC Intern
n01410074@unf.edu

Brittani is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling intern currently pursuing her master's in clinical mental health counseling from Jacksonville University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of North Florida. Brittani's clinical interests include unresolved traumas, disordered eating, and personality disorders. She is excited to provide support to UNF students while operating from an existential and psychoanalytic approach. In her free time, Brittani enjoys reading and going to Barnes and Noble, cooking, taking her dog, Pickles, on walks, and spending time with friends and family!

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Allison Stark


CMHC Intern
n01430769@unf.edu

Allison is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Jacksonville University and is thrilled to return to the University of North Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is passionate about helping people navigate anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and the complexities of interpersonal and intrapersonal growth. Her mission is to create a safe, welcoming space where clients can truly be themselves and learn to love who they are. Outside of her studies, Allison enjoys spending her free time reading , being a devoted cat mom, and indulging in her latest hyper fixation.

Administrative Support Staff

Stephanie Bartolo Headshot

Stephanie Bartolo


Administrative Secretary
s.bartolo@unf.edu

 

 

Stephanie is a caring and loving person. Driven by her desire to help others, she excels at providing a safe and welcoming space for all the clients of the Counseling Center.

Barrett

Barrett Barnett


Executive Secretary
b.barnett@unf.edu

 

 

Barrett is the Executive Secretary at the UNF Counseling Center. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of North Florida. Barrett manages the counseling center’s social media and website, supports the front desk, completes secretarial tasks, and more! She loves making memes for everyone to enjoy. In her free time Barrett enjoys drawing, video games, TV shows, nature, and roller skating.

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April Mattedi, B.S.


Coordinator
april.mattedi@unf.edu

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Joanne Nash


Administrative Secretary
joanne.nash@unf.edu

 

 

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.