Staff

Misha Bogomaz, Psy.D, ABPP, Fellow AGPA

Director

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 Baker, PhD

Assistant Director

Pronouns : She/Her/Hers
Languages Spoken: English

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, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Director

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.

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.

Sydney McInnis, APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

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

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Anjali Pathak, M.D.

Psychiatrist

Kimberley LaMora, M.S., RD, LDN

Registered 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.

Havey Baer, LMHC

Licensed 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, LMHC

Licensed 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 Intern

Mental 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 Intern

Mental 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., LMHC

Licensed 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., LMHC

Eating 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, LCSW

Licensed 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 Intern

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.

Mackenzie McGehee, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Liza Provenzano, M.Ed., LMHC

Licensed 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 Intern

Mental 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 Intern

Mental Health Counselor

Alana is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern and has received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Florida. Alana excels in working with a multitude of topics including anxiety, racial trauma, identity development, and attachment issues. In her free time, Alana enjoys watching TV with her dogs and planning her next trip to the mountains.

Shana Sopko, M.A., LMHC

Licensed 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 Intern

Mental 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

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.

Matthew Wehrle, MSW, Registered Clinical Social Work Intern

Mental Health Counselor

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.

Andrea Cadavid, B.S.

Intern

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Languages spoken: English and Spanish

Greta Johnson, B.S.

Intern

Greta is a counseling intern currently pursuing her master's in clinical mental health counseling from Jacksonville University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University. She has professional experience working with at-risk youth as well as individuals grieving a traumatic loss. Greta's clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, and family issues. She is excited to support UNF students while operating from a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. In her free time, Greta enjoys reading, making kombucha, playing with her dog, and exploring fun restaurants in Jacksonville!

Andrew Lovelady, B.A.

Intern

Benjamin Milano, B.S.

Intern

Ben is a current counseling intern and is pursuing his Master of Social Work at UNF. Ben has worked with at-risk youth, the special needs population, and spent the last year working with students here at UNF. He received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from Florida State University and transitioned into social work after spending time working with kids and in substance misuse research. He gravitates towards client-centered treatments, mindfulness techniques, and Acceptance and Commitment practices. In his free time, Ben enjoys music festivals, videogames, reading, watching TV shows, and socializing with friends.

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

Stephanie Bartolo

Administrative 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 Nash

Office 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.