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 AGPACenter Director
Pronouns: He/Him Dr. Misha Bogomaz is a Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified in Group Psychology, and a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. He is also Past-President of the American Board of Group Psychology. 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, PlayStation, and spending time with his family 
Melissa Miller, DSW, LCSWClinical Director
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. 
Kathryn White, Psy.D.Director of Training
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 |
Sydney McInnis, APRN, DNP, PMHNPAdvanced Practice Registered Nurse
Jane Sander, DNP, APRN, PMHNP/FNP-BCPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Anjali Pathak, M.D.Psychiatrist
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Counseling Team |
Natalie Bartlett, M.S., RMHCIRegistered Mental Health Counselor Intern
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, M.S., NCC, RMFTIRegistered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
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, M.S., RMHCIRegistered Mental Health Counselor Intern
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. 
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., LMHCEating Disorder Treatment Team Coordinator
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, 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. 
Hannah Lovett, M.S., RMHCIRegistered Mental Health Counselor Intern
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, M.S., RMHCIRegistered 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. 
Benjamin Milano, MSW, RCSWIRegistered Clinical Social Work Intern
Ben is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern 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. 
Shana Sopko, M.A., LMHC-QSLicensed Mental Health Counselor
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, M.S., M.A.Post-Doctoral Resident
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, MSW, RCSWIRegistered Clinical Social Work Intern
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. 
Jessica Taylor, MSW, LCSWMental Health Counselor
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. 
Joel Stephen Turner, PsyDStaff Psychologist
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. |
Doctoral Interns |
Nadia Mazinani, MSDoctoral Intern
Nadia Mazinani is a doctoral candidate pursuing her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University. She has extensive clinical experience conducting comprehensive psychological assessments, with a particular focus on ADHD and Autism evaluations. In addition to assessment work, she has facilitated social skills groups, supported students experiencing academic and executive functioning challenges, and provided targeted interventions to promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Her background also includes running psychoeducational and skills-based groups, where she integrates evidence-based strategies to enhance client engagement and outcomes. Nadia’s therapeutic approach draws from solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, interpersonal theory, and behavioral therapy. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment that fosters trust and openness, while empowering clients to build the skills and confidence needed to reach their full potential. Her clinical philosophy emphasizes collaboration, resilience, and the belief that every individual has the capacity for meaningful change. Outside of her clinical work, Nadia enjoys going to the beach, spending time with her dog, and playing pickleball or tennis with friends.
Nicola Heurich, MSDoctoral Intern |
Masters Interns |
Haiden CaseyCMHC Intern
Trisha EbeloftSocial Work Intern
Sydney SmithsonCMHC Intern
Mikey VelardeCMHC Intern |
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! 
Barrett BarnettExecutive Secretary
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.
April Mattedi, B.S.Coordinator
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. |