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
- Nutrition Team
- Counseling Team
- Doctoral Interns
- Master Interns
- Administrative Support Staff
Administrative Team |
![]() Misha Bogomaz, Psy.D, ABPP, Fellow AGPADirector
Pronouns: He/Him 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 Baker, PhDAssistant Director
Pronouns : She/Her/Hers Deborah is the Assistant & Clinical Director 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 the Fielding Graduate University. ![]() Melissa Miller, DSW, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Director
![]() Kathryn White, Psy.D.Psychologist and 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, APRNAdvanced Practice Registered Nurse ![]() Jane Sander, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner ![]() Anjali Pathak, M.D.Psychiatrist |
Nutrition Team |
![]() Kimberley LaMora, M.S., RD, LDNRegistered Dietitian
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, LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
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. ![]() Caterina (Cat) Eppolito, M.A., MFA, LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Caterina Eppolito is a licensed counselor and writer who earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Florida. Her interests revolve around wellness — the connection between mind and body, mindfulness, and health psychology. Her clinical framework is client-centered and solution-focused with creative approaches sprinkled in. ![]() Xavier Hill, M.S., Registered Mental Health Counselor InternMental Health Counselor
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, Registered Mental Health Counselor InternMental Health Counselor
Matthew is a Registered Mental Health Counseling 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, 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, 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, Registered Clinical Mental Health InternMental 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. ![]() Mackenzie McGehee, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
![]() Liza Provenzano, M.Ed., LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Liza has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for over fifteen years. During this time, she has developed expertise working with trauma and LGBT issues. Throughout her career she has gained valuable experience in the areas of case management, crisis intervention and domestic violence. ![]() Kristen Robinson, M.S., Registered Mental Health Counselor InternMental Health Counselor
Kristen is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern 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. ![]() Alana Rollins, MSW, Registered Clinical Social Work InternMental Health Counselor
![]() Shana Sopko, M.A., LMHCLicensed 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. ![]() Jade Stewart, MSW, Registered Clinical Social Work InternMental Health Counselor
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, Psy.D.Post Doctoral Resident
![]() Matthew Wehrle, MSW, Registered Clinical Social Work InternMental Health Counselor |
Doctoral Interns |
![]() Lily Sarfaraz, M.S., M.A.Intern
Lily Sarfaraz is a Doctoral Intern from the Florida School of Professional Psychology, where she is expected to earn her Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) upon the successful completion of her internship at UNF. She is a UNF alumni and is experienced in completing psychological assessments within the private practice setting, and providing individual and couples psychotherapy to veterans and their families. Lily's approach to therapy is trauma-informed, while also integrating psychodynamic and interpersonal theory to guide her interventions. Her clinical interests include working with survivors of sexual assault, PTSD, women's issues, and multicultural and identity concerns. Lily's hobbies include training in martial arts, watching 80's/90's pop culture classics, and listening to murder mystery podcasts. She is also an animal lover and spends most of her free time with her fiancé, future stepson, three dogs and cat. ![]() Jessica Starken, M.A.Intern
My name is Jessica Starken and I am currently a doctoral intern pursuing my doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Some of my clinical interests include working with individuals struggling with identity development and life transitions, anxiety, depression, academic stressors and learning disabilities, substance use issues, and interpersonal difficulties. I primarily practice from a Cognitive Behavioral lens but also take an integrative, holistic, multicultural approach towards meeting the needs of my clients. In my free time I enjoy spending time in nature doing anything outdoors such as going to the beach, hiking, kayaking, and camping. |
Master Interns |
![]() Andrea Cadavid, B.S.Intern
Pronouns: she/her/hers Languages spoken: English and Spanish Andrea is a counseling intern currently pursuing her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNF. She has her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from York University where she played collegiate soccer. Andrea strives to provide a safe space for students to heal, grow, and get to know themselves. She gravitates toward holistic, integrative, and narrative therapeutic approaches with a multicultural lens. Andrea’s clinical interests include eating disorders and body image concerns, athletics, performance, anxiety, and group therapy. In her free time, you can find her reading, drinking coffee, playing sports, at the beach, and traveling.![]() Greta Johnson, B.S.Intern
![]() Andrew Lovelady, B.A.Intern ![]() Benjamin Milano, B.S.Intern
![]() Monica Moreno, B.S.W.Intern ![]() Jessica Scott, B.A.Intern
Jessica is a current student in the Master of Social Work program at UNF. She previously taught English at an international school in Shanghai where she helped integrate restorative justice practices. Last year, she assisted with a research project based on trauma-informed professional development for high school teachers in Jacksonville. She gravitates toward client-centered, strengths-based, and narrative therapeutic approaches. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, identity development, and family of origin concerns. In her free time, Jessica enjoys reading and reviewing books, spending time with family, and wishing she could adopt all of the pets on the Humane Society's "Adopt Me!" page. ![]() Desteny Shehata, B.A.Intern ![]() Elizabeth Smalley, B.A.Intern |
Administrative Support Staff |
![]() Stephanie BartoloAdministrative Secretary
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. ![]() April Mattedi, B.S.Coordinator ![]() Joanne NashOffice Assistant
Joanne is an OPS Office Assistant for the Counseling Center. She is a native of State College, Pennsylvania and relocated to Jacksonville in 2018 after retiring from Penn State University with 25 years of service. She enjoys working at UNF and the counseling center front desk. ![]() Brenda Zelaya, B.S.Executive Secretary
Brenda is the executive secretary at the UNF Counseling Center. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Affairs at UNF. She finds her job rewarding because she is part of a team where administrative and mental health professionals work together daily to help students succeed in life. |