Counseling and Psychological Services Staff and Trainees 2023-2024

Jeffrey Ng, Psy.D.
Director, Rose Hill/Lincoln Center/London
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology/NYS Licensed
Rutgers University

Dr. Jeffrey Ng (he, him, his) is a licensed clinical psychologist and has served as CPS' Director since 2011. Dr. Ng received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Rutgers University and his undergraduate degree in human development from Cornell University. Prior to joining Fordham in 2008, he worked at New-York Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.

Dr. Ng’s professional interests include university mental health, liberation psychology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness-based interventions, interpersonal neurobiology, and masculine identity development. As an immigrant and first-generation college student, he is especially interested in reducing identity-based mental health and educational disparities and working with students from low-income, underrepresented, and marginalized populations. Dr. Ng's clinical approach is informed by a phenomenological, social justice, Buddhist, and systems-focused framework, and privileges the exploration of depth, meaning, context, and subjectivity in the therapeutic process.

Dr. Ng is fluent in Spanish and Cantonese, is an avid sports and sci-fi fan, and lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, son, and 4 cats.

Yael Uness, Ph.D.
Associate Director and Coordinator of Counseling, Lincoln Center
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology/NYS Licensed
The University of Connecticut

Dr. Yael Uness (she, her, hers) is the Associate Director of Fordham University’s Counseling and Psychological Services office, Lincoln Center campus. Her responsibilities include coordinating all counseling services for this office, consulting with members of the community, and organizing and leading our group therapy program at the Lincoln Center office.

Dr. Uness received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut in 2008 and is licensed in New York State. Her research interests and areas of publication center around providing support and clinical services for women, international students and people with backgrounds involving immigration. She is also passionate about supervision of clinical services, group psychotherapy and use of expressive writing and journaling to benefit emotional health.

Finally, Dr. Uness is a candidate at NYU’s Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. This helps her to develop a deeper ability to understand the individuals with whom she works, both at CPS and in her private practice, where she treats individuals and also runs a group psychotherapy program.

Miriam Burt, Psy.D.
Associate Director and Coordinator of Counseling, Rose Hill
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology/Licensed
Rutgers University

Dr. Miriam Burt (she, her, hers) is the Associate Director for the Rose HIll Campus and has been at CPS for 14 years. Prior to arriving at CPS, she was a staff psychologist for Counseling & Psychological Services at Princeton University, where she specialized in serving students with eating disorders as well as students with a history of self-harm. She received her undergraduate degree from Boston University and her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers, The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Her research interests center around native language use in therapy and its implications on the therapeutic relationship. Dr. Burt practices from the use of self within a psychodynamic framework and has also been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Her professional interests include identity development, eating disorders, diversity and multicultural issues particularly around the use of mother tongue, supervision and training, and she thoroughly enjoys working with college student populations. Her preferred pronouns are she/her/hers and she is fluent in Spanish, being of South American descent. Outside CPS, Dr. Burt enjoys spending time with her immediate and extended family, traveling, the theater, and yoga.

Erika Greene, LMSW
Supervising Counselor and Training Director, Rose Hill
Masters in Social Work
Fordham University

Erika Greene (she/her/hers) worked with underserved people living with AIDS and HIV at the Family Health Center of Harlem before coming to CPS. Her clinical approach integrates psychodynamic principles, acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment theory, family systems therapy, and trauma-informed care. Erika's clinical interests include identity-formation, anxiety, learning differences, trauma, and personality disorders. She works with clients through a biopsychosocial-spiritual lens, and she believes that the exploration of intersecting identities is critical in the therapeutic process. Erika is a champion of group therapy as a uniquely transformative treatment modality, a safely held space in which clients can experiment with seeing and being seen differently, connecting more deeply with their peers, and cultivating more meaningful, authentic relationships with others, and with themselves.

Jacob Nacheman, Ph.D.
Supervising Counselor/Outreach and Group Therapy Coordinator, Lincoln Center
PhD in Clinical Psychology
New School for Social Research

Jacob Nacheman (he/him/his) is staff therapist and outreach coordinator at Fordham University CPS Lincoln center. After completing a BS in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and MS in Education with a specialty in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at the University of Rochester, Jacob completed a MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the New School for Social Research. He has worked with adolescents and emerging adults in various domestic and international settings, teaching English language and literacy in Latin America and Europe and elementary through high school general and special education in New York. Jacob is deeply interested in young adult mentorship and completed his doctoral dissertation with a comparative study of arts-infused and traditional mentorship programs among NYC youth and young adults. Beginning at CPS in 2018, Jacob approaches psychotherapy from a psychodynamic orientation, integrating mindfulness and acceptance based practices with an understanding of cognitive/behavioral principles. Jacob is driven to work from a perspective of multicultural and pluralistic awareness and the intersectionality of identities, LGBTQAI+ and queer theory, adjustment, and trauma-informed care to support clients in the development of self-love, patience, and greater adaptability to subjective life stressors.

Mariaisabel Zweig, Psy.D.
Supervising Psychologist and Coordinator of Training & Group Therapy Services, Rose Hill
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology/ Chestnut Hill College

Dr. Mariaisabel Zweig (she, her, hers) provides individual and group psychotherapy, supervises trainees, assists in training, and coordinates group services at Fordham University's Rose Hill campus. She considers it a privilege and honor to witness and be of service to her clients on their journeys. With a rich background from her postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University, Dr. Zweig brings a blend of relational psychodynamic, family systems, and person-centered therapy approaches to her work. Her professional interests include LGBTQ+ issues, identity development, family conflicts, eating disorders and body image, and diversity and multicultural issues, particularly around biracial identity. Beyond her professional role, Dr. Zweig loves theater, singing, and befriending the cats and dogs of her neighborhood.

Alice Feng, LMSW
Supervising Counselor/Coordinator for Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice Initiatives and Outreach Coordinator, Rose Hill
Masters in Social Work
Fordham University

Alice Feng (she / her / hers) is a graduate of Fordham University’s Master of Social Work program. Upon graduating, she completed a postgraduate fellowship at CPS. Prior to her time at Fordham, Alice worked with NYC public school students in afterschool programming.
Alice's clinical approach is rooted in relational psychodynamic therapy. This means that she believes that early developmental experiences are central to emotional development and to shaping responses to problems in life. It also means that she sees the therapeutic relationship as a mutual process of discovery. Alice is passionate about working with clients and helping them cope with life transitions and navigate interpersonal relations. She strives to be sensitive to the needs of clients while fostering their existing strengths.
Outside CPS, Alice enjoys exploring the five boroughs, cooking and eating, and being in nature.

Dina Stella, M.Ed, LMSW
Staff Counselor/Athletics Specialist, Rose Hill
Master's in Educational Psychology -Temple University
Master's in Social Work-Lehman College

Dina Stella (she/her/hers) is a licensed social worker and psychotherapist trained in trauma systems and cognitive behavioral therapy. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from Temple University and a Master's in Social Work from Lehman College. Dina has extensive experience in child welfare, working in foster care and with court adjudicated youth.

Dina has a special interest in supporting clients during life transitions and working to increase self awareness, develop healthy behaviors and increase emotional well-being. Dina focuses on understanding the challenges and pressures of being a student and ensuring every person is seen and understood; aware that each individual responds differently based on their life experiences.

Jené Toussaint, LMSW
Supervising Counselor and Coordinator for Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice Initiatives/Lincoln Center
Master's in Social Work
Silberman School of Social work

Dedicated to liberation and healing Jené Toussaint (she/her) is continually inspired by authentic conversations and creating spaces where people feel supported and heard. Jene’s professional experience includes therapeutic, community organizing, and advocacy work in New York City.

Jené’s work and life are grounded in anti-oppressive, anti-capitalist principles and black feminist thought. As a black woman with roots in the American South and the Caribbean, she brings a commitment to understanding history, culture, and the impact that racism and other intersections have on individuals and communities, especially in her practice. Continuously encouraged by examples of revolutionary practice, especially in communities of color, Jené has been involved in Cuba solidarity work, and grassroots organizing towards collective healing and social change. Jené is passionate about increasing our collective capacity to dismantle white supremacy and patriarchy as a pathway to liberation.

Jené trained as a psychotherapist with Critical Therapy Institute and has studied with several organizations such as: Training for Change, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center (PPSC), and People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. She has taught at New York University Silver School of Social Work and has presented at various conferences, schools, and universities in the NYC area. Jené is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of New York and holds a Master’s Degree (MSW) in social work from Silberman School of Social work. Outside CPS, Jené enjoys getting lost while taking long walks, cooking, and being in or near the ocean.

Dave Cazeau, LCSW
Staff Counselor, Rose Hill
M.Phil. in Social Welfare
Graduate Center of CUNY
Master's in Social Work
Silberman School of Social Work
Master's in Counseling Psychology
Pace University

Dave Cazeau is a PhD candidate in the social welfare program at GC at Cuny. He is also a licensed clinical social worker and practicing psychotherapist in NYC. Dave’s current research interests include improved access to mental health care for BIPOC spectrum clients, as well as culturally competent and supportive modalities in providing mental health care to individuals who are socially marginalized. In addition to having his MSW, Dave has also earned his Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Pace University, and completed a fellowship with the CUNY Graduate Center’s Wellness Center, where he further developed his clinical skills as a therapist.

John Abbamonte, Ph.D.
Part-Time Staff Counselor//Rose Hill/Lincoln Center
PhD Counseling Psychology/NYS Licensed
University of Miami

Dr. John Abbamonte (he, him, his) is a NYS licensed psychologist and part-time staff counselor at Fordham CPS. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the APA-accredited program at the University of Miami. Dr. Abbamonte attended Fordham University for his undergraduate education,
and is happy to return to provide psychological services. At Fordham, Dr. Abbamonte majored in
Psychology and minored in Philosophy. He also received an M.A. in Psychology from Rutgers
University.
His clinical style is an integrative mix of psychodynamic, existential, and behavioral traditions. Dr.
Abbamonte always tries to use a lens of cultural humility to understand his clients’ unique strengths,
values, and ambitions, and work with them to create a therapeutic relationship based on trust, safety,
authenticity, and self-awareness. His wide range of training, both in and outside of college counseling centers, allows him to offer a flexible approach to serve clients from diverse cultural and identity backgrounds. He believes change is made through a combination of helping clients achieve insights about themselves, exploring relational dynamics which unfold in their lives, and providing psychoeducation and concrete skills to help empower them to move towards their goals.
Dr. Abbamonte has training and clinical experience working with college students, veterans, and the general public. During his internship at Southern Illinois University, he worked as a part of the DBT program providing both individual and group psychotherapy. Dr. Abbamonte’s clinical interests include
general well-being and mental health, personality, mood disorders, lifespan development, the development of meaning and identity, and emotional regulation.

Kate Dotson, MHC-LP
Master's in Counseling for Mental Health
New York University

Kate Dotson (she, her, hers) received her Master’s in Counseling For Mental Health and Wellness from New York University. She received her Bachelors of Science in Education in Youth and Social innovation, with a focus on emerging adulthood, from the University of Virginia. Kate views therapy as a partnership and works collaboratively with her clients to create a vulnerable space through which therapeutic work can take place. Her work is rooted in psychodynamic and internal family systems lenses, emphasizing the importance of early experiences in shaping how we show up in our present lives. Kate’s clinical interests include trauma, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and women’s issues. Outside of session, Kate enjoys spending time outside, traveling, aerial silks, and cooking.

Emily Johnson, LMSW
Staff Counselor, Lincoln Center
Masters in Social Work
New York University

Emily Johnson (she/her /hers) is a part-time individual and group psychotherapist at Fordham University CPS Lincoln Center. She completed her MSW from New York University after receiving her undergraduate degree from American University studying sociology and justice. Emily’s holistic clinical approach utilizes psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care. Her clinical experience ranges from working with ages four years old to seventy in hospital, school, mental health clinic settings. Her clinical interests include working with young adults, neurodivergent folks, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, and the power of group therapy. Emily believes that therapy is not simply about making you feel better, but rather, is about helping you learn how to feel, process, grow from, and adapt to the challenges life throws your way with greater resilience, self-understanding, and self-love.

Brandon Ellis Brown
Staff Counselor, Rose Hill & Lincoln Center
Baruch College

Brandon Ellis Brown, MA, is a graduate of Baruch’s Mental Health Counseling master’s program. Born in the Bronx, his experiences as a Black gay male have fostered an interest in understanding the nuances of intersectionality and health equity. His research interests include stigma and discrimination within LGBTQA+ groups and People of Color. He has aspirations to continue his research and create easier access for mental health services for the aforementioned populations. He approaches therapy through an integrative, but primarily psychodynamic lens. Bringing awareness to systems of oppression as well as having empathetic and individualized care are also core factors of his therapeutic style.

Liz Woods, MA
Student Counselor, London campus
Masters in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
University of Roehampton

Liz (she, her, hers) obtained her Masters in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Roehampton, London. She has broad experience working in the University sector, the NHS and in private practice. In her clinical practice, Liz focuses on emotional and psychological awareness and wellbeing, personal fulfillment, finding meaning, attachment and mindfulness practice including mindful self-compassion. Liz works relationally with clients, placing them at the centre of the work, and strives for a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Rosalie Cirillo
Office Manager
Rose Hill

Rosalie Cirillo is the Office Manager of CPS’ Rose Hill Office and a FCRH alumna. She worked as an insurance underwriter for 15 years and as a substitute teacher for 5 years. Rosalie joined Fordham University’s Enrollment Services Group in 2010 and has been working at CPS since 2015. Languages: Limited working Spanish and professional working Italian. Rosalie enjoys hiking, yoga, gardening and cooking in her free time. Preferred pronouns: she/her/hers.

Jazenda Garcia
Office Manager
Lincoln Center

Jazenda Garcia is the Office Manager for the CPS Lincoln Center office. She is also a Fordham University alumna. Jazenda is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She enjoys being a part of a great team and staff.
Sally (Qi) Shi, MA, MEd

Sally (Qi) Shi (she/her) received her Master of Arts and Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Vanderbilt University. Originally from China, she provides therapy in both English and Mandarin. Sally works relationally and experientially, viewing therapy as a dynamic space where clients can safely experiment with new ways of being and relating. She believes that even our most difficult emotions can become powerful sources of wisdom and change.

Her clinical interests include working with young adults navigating life transitions, relational challenges, and the experiences of international students. Her research has focused on how glimmers of positive affect—such as excitement, joy, and faith—can be explored, expanded, and harnessed in therapy to support emotional healing, flexibility, and the rewiring of neural pathways for lasting change.

Outside of session, you can often find her bouldering, reading, or catching a film at an art cinema.

Nadia Lyall, MHC-LP
Teachers College, Columbia University, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Teachers College, Columbia University, Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling
Seton Hall University, B.A. in Psychology
Pronouns: she/they

Nadia Lyall (she/they) holds dual Master’s degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University in Counseling Psychology and Mental Health Counseling, and earned their B.A. in Psychology from Seton Hall University. Their therapeutic style is collaborative, warm, and insight-driven as it is rooted in psychodynamic theory, mindfulness, and positive psychology. Nadia is especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating anxiety, perfectionism, identity development, immigration-related stress, and past trauma. They also have a deep interest in exploring conflict within relationships, helping clients better understand the emotions and patterns that shape connection and rupture. As a Latina therapist, Nadia brings cultural insight and compassion to her work, supporting clients from marginalized backgrounds in reclaiming their narratives and building lives that reflect their values. Outside of session, Nadia enjoys collaging, drawing, watching films, and going on long runs to recharge and reflect.

Rendahui Wu, MHC-LP

Teachers College, Columbia University

Dahui (she/her) received her Master of Arts and Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her undergraduate degree in Developmental Psychology and French Studies from University of Minnesota. Having lived in China, France, and the U.S., she is interested in how cultures and relationships shape people's development. Prior to becoming a postgrad fellow, Dahui finished her internship at Fordham CPS as a graduate trainee, working with Fordham students of diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about helping students navigate life changes, role transitions, identity exploration, self-acceptance, and meaning-making. Dahui sees therapy as a collaborative process between the therapist and the client. She strives to create a safe, welcoming environment to support clients with cultural sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, painting, cooking, and photography. Dahui is fluent in English and Chinese and speaks conversational French. She provides therapy in English and Mandarin Chinese.

I look forward to working with you soon!
Sargam Mitra

Sargam Mitra (she/her) is a graduate intern at Fordham CPS’s Rose Hill campus, and a second-year master’s student in the Mental Health Counseling program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology from Ashoka University in India, where she also completed minors in Performing Arts and Sociology/Anthropology. Sargam’s clinical interests include identity development, relational challenges, emotionaldysregulation, anxiety, mood disorders, and expressive arts therapy—inspired by her own background in performance. She is particularly passionate about offering culturally responsive care to emerging adults and international students navigating questions of belonging, meaning, and personal growth. Her clinical approach is rooted in psychodynamic principles and shaped by empathy, collaboration, and cultural humility. In her free time, Sargam enjoys singing, attending acting and movement workshops, traveling,learning new languages, and exploring the city with friends. She is fluent in English and Hindi.

Narise Ramlal

Narise Ramlal (she/her) is a second-year clinical psychology PhD student at Fordham University. She graduated from Hofstra University with a BA in psychology and a minor in English. Her clinical interests include working with adults. Her research interests focus on addressing barriers to mental health care and how intersecting stigma and discrimination contribute to health disparities. Prior to coming to Fordham, Narise worked as a research assistant with suicidal patients in emergency department settings. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to concerts, and exploring the city.

Meira Wagner

Meira (she/her/hers) is a second-year social work student at New York University Silver
School of Social Work. As an undergraduate student, she studied Psychology at Touro
University in New York City. Meira is passionate about cultivating an affirming,
compassionate, and supportive environment with her clients. Her clinical interests
include depression, anxiety, family and relational issues. She is excited to support
students in navigating life changes and role transitions. Recreationally, Meira enjoys
running, watching sports, reading, arts and crafts, and spending time at Trader Joes.

Sarah Andrusier

Sarah Andrusier (she/her) is a second year doctoral student pursuing a PsyD in Clinical Psychology with a Health Emphasis at Touro University. She previously worked at the Veterans Affairs, where she researched identity continuity and helped develop treatments for diverse populations. Her clinical interests focus on young adults, identity challenges, and the influence of community on mental health. Collaborating with clients across diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and life experiences has reinforced her commitment to cultural humility and adaptable care. Sarah is committed to delivering evidence based, culturally responsive care that meets each client where they are.

Xiao Zhou

Xiao Zhou (she/her) is a second-year master’s student in the Mental Health Counseling program
at Teachers College, Columbia University. Before entering the counseling field, she worked as a
UX researcher and earned a master’s degree in East Asian Studies from Duke University. Her
passion for counseling grew out of her work with diverse individuals via ethnographic research,
user interviews, and mental health volunteer work. As a woman of color, international student,
and career changer who has lived in both China and the United States, Xiao brings a nuanced,
cross-cultural perspective to her clinical work and is committed to creating a warm, safe, and
culturally responsive therapeutic space. Her clinical interests include supporting college
students navigating life transitions, cross-cultural adjustment, academic stress, relationship
challenges, and minority stress. In her free time, Xiao enjoys practicing yoga, watching movies,
spending time in nature, and exploring new coffee shops. She provides therapy in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

Didayinta Adi

Didayinta “Inta” Adi (she/her/hers) is a second-year master’s student in the Mental Health Counseling program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the City University of New York in 2022. In addition to her native Indonesia, Inta was also raised in Germany, Kenya, Qatar, and the U.S. Her upbringing has greatly influenced her clinical interests, which include working with cross-cultural individuals, counseling the globally mobile, and understanding the development and treatment of adjustment-related stress. She previously worked as a psychosocial assistant at a school for twice-exceptional children and was a volunteer research assistant in the cognitive learning lab at her alma mater.

At home, Inta is a proud cat parent of two darling felines: Paopao and Mochi. She is also an avid snow globe collector and enjoys cooking, drawing, and painting in her free time.

Alexandra Kastamonitis

Alexandra Kastamonitis (she/her) is a second-year doctoral student in the PsyD program at Touro University. Originally from Long Island, NY, Alexandra earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology on the pre-med track at Stony Brook University, followed by a master’s degree in psychology from New York University.

Her clinical interests include working with children, adolescents, and their parents in navigating mood disorders, personality disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. She has experience and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), including DBT for Children (DBT-C).

Alexandra’s research background focuses on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), early-life stress, and neuropsychological development. She is passionate about helping young individuals heal from early adversity and develop the skills they need to thrive in the context of their identities and life circumstances.
Alexandra is fluent in both English and Greek.

Xinwan Zhang

Xinwan (she/her) is a second-year master’s student in the Mental Health Counseling program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Barnard College. She is passionate about working with people from diverse backgrounds and supporting them within their unique contexts. Her experiences living in China and the US have shaped her professional interests in the role of culture in how people perceive and experience mental health and mental disorders. She aims to apply this understanding to the development of more culturally attuned mental health services. Xinwan is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese.

Kaan Kideys (he/his)

Hi, my name is Kaan, I am a second year doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Saint Elizabeth University and I am excited to start my externship here, working with the students at Fordham! I am passionate about working with young adults and am excited to be here to help you navigate a time in life that can be unpredictable and challenging, yet also an exciting time to discover oneself, to hope, to dream, and move toward a life that is authentic and feels right to you. I consider myself to have an evidence-based, integrative approach to therapy and believe that regardless of the techniques used, the therapy should be tailored to the person sitting in the room with me, including your life experiences, background and identities, and unique personhood. I treat therapy as a sacred place and consider myself to be person-centered in that I want to provide a nonjudgmental space for you to be seen, understood, and accepted as you are and I hope to be here with you as you navigate this time in your life, with all the challenges, difficulties, and possibilities.

When I am not a busy doctoral student, I like to hang out with family, friends and the dog, exercise, travel, go to the beach, go to concerts, and read.

Christie Cantor

Christie is a second-year master’s student in the Mental Health Counseling program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She approaches therapy with empathy and collaboration, drawing from psychodynamic and solution-focused practices to support clients navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal challenges. She earned a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Italian from Northeastern University. During that time, she worked as a research assistant in the Lazar Lab where she studied mindfulness meditation and cognitive function. Currently, she serves as a team lead in the Cognitive Neuropsychology Lab at Teachers College, where she studies resilience and executive function. Outside of her clinical and academic pursuits, Christie enjoys traveling, baking, gardening, golfing, and painting.

Jackie Rieger

Jackie (she/her) is a second-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology PhD program at Fordham's Lincoln Center campus. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Entrepreneurship & Management from Johns Hopkins University, where she was also a member of the varsity track and field team. Jackie is interested in working with children and young adults, and studying how family dynamics, family socialization, and siblings with disabilities impact children’s development. She is passionate about helping young people explore their formative experiences and navigate their path into adulthood. In her free time, Jackie enjoys cooking, playing soccer and tennis, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

Caroline Galo Cowen

Caroline Galo Cowen (she/hers) is a second-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at Fordham. She got her Bachelor's degree with a major in Psychology and a concentration in Neuroscience at Williams College. Prior to starting at Fordham, Caroline worked at Weill Cornell Medicine in the Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, leading a research project on community-based dissemination of services to older adults in NYC. She is primarily interested in working with emerging adults, with research interests surrounding recognition of need and access to services in a college population. She is so excited to be here at Fordham CPS! Outside of school and work, Caroline likes to spend time with loved ones, go to workout classes, try new coffee shops, and read!
Linda Chamberlin, MD

Dr. Linda Chamberlin is in her 4^th year of the psychiatry residency program at Mount Sinai Morningside/West, in the Global Mental Health track. She completed the MD/PhD program at Drexel University with a PhD in neuroscience, focusing on the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Dr. Chamberlin had a leading role in the Philadelphia Human Rights Clinic, especially in coordinating forensic evaluations of asylum seekers, and training clinicians to do so. She earned her BA in philosophy from the University of Southern California, and completed the postbaccalaureate premedical program at Columbia University. Clinical interests include adolescence and early adulthood, cross-cultural experiences, and identity development.

Austin Katona, MD

Dr. Katona (he/him) is a second-year child & adolescent psychiatry fellow at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He received his bachelor's degree from University of Delaware, his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, and completed his adult psychiatry training at Montefiore Medical Center. He will be joining CPS at Rose Hill in a psychotherapy-only role for the Fall 2025 Semester. He has varied professional interests including child/adolescent/young adult mental health, first episode psychosis, psychopharmacology, administrative psychiatry, and medical education.
Laura Rosado Philippi

Laura Rosado Philippi, a proud Puerto Rican native, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Anthropology at Fordham University. As the first in her family to study abroad, Laura is deeply grateful for her family's unwavering support and the sacrifices they made to help her achieve her goals. Her passion for mental health and community empowerment drives her commitment to making a positive impact through her work. Laura is dedicated to spreading hope, resilience, and empowerment both within her community and beyond, and she is eager to contribute to the mission of Counseling and Psychological Services at Fordham University.

Kaela Ysabelle Calderon

Kaela Ysabelle Calderon (she/her/hers) is second-year undergraduate student in Fordham University Lincoln Center. She is currently pursuing two degrees in Psychology and Communication & Culture. Kaela has a background in child development and early childhood education through her work in two different preschools. She also is adept at working with teenagers and young adults through her work as a Resident First-Year Mentor in the Office of Residential Life and through her retreat work for youth drug and alcohol use prevention.

Kaela is currently exploring how she can integrate psychology in the business realm through marketing and public relations. She is interested in how she can work with consumers’ perspectives of a brand/product and how businesses can accommodate those. Additionally, Kaela keeps school psychology in the back of her mind as a potential career field. Outside of academics, Kaela loves reading (ask her about her favorite series!), music (kpop, specifically), and video editing (she has a Youtube channel, ask her about it!).

Emma Eitmann

Emma Eitmann is a senior at Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus, majoring in psychology. She is passionate about understanding systemic barriers experienced by minority populations and exploring institutional belonging among individuals with disabilities. Her research interests include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), child and adolescent development, and the implementation of school-based interventions. Emma plans to pursue a Ph.D. in School or Counseling Psychology with a focus on intervention implementation for children with or at risk for developing socio-emotional difficulties or disabilities.
Aveena Khan

My name is Aveena Khan (she/her), and I’m a senior on the pre-medical track with a major in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Though psychiatry is my dream profession after med school, I am also a researcher on two environmental science projects: one based in Fordham that tackles air pollution in NYC, and another for the Bronx Zoo, which is focused on the various turtles species within the Bronx River.

While I do love sharing what I’m working on, I’m also a huge moviegoer, football watcher (not the American kind), and anime fan, so feel free to chat to me about any of those topics, too! As a peer counselor, I aim to connect with my fellow undergrads of all grades, interests, and backgrounds to build a welcoming, supportive environment here at Fordham.

Deniz Gur

My name is Deniz Gur (she/her), and I’m a junior in the Rose Hill Honors Program double-majoring in Psychology and Anthropology with a minor in Peace & Justice Studies. I am passionate about the intersections of mental health, culture, and social equity, and about creating inclusive spaces for Fordham students on campus. I am also a Commuter Assistant and Social & Cultural Coordinator for Commuter Student Services, a psychology Research Assistant, and President of In the Margins Book Club. In my free time, I enjoy reading, exploring the city, gaming, and spending time with my cat.

Pooja Tongya

My name is Pooja Tongya (she/her) and I’m currently a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Marketing at Lincoln Center. I work as a behavior technician and do ABA therapy for children on the autism spectrum. I’m also a research assistant at the Rose Hill campus for the Raposa Lab. During my free time I love to travel, read books, go to museums, and create abstract paintings. After undergrad I plan to pursue a masters and/or a PsyD in Clinical Psychology and hope to open my own practice one day. I am looking forward to being a part of the CPS department and meeting new people!

Isabella Persaud

My name is Isabella (she/her), and I’m a senior studying Psychology and Women’s Gender Studies at LC. I’m passionate about supporting mental health awareness in fellow first-gen students on campus. I enjoy reading, baking, and photography. After college, I hope to continue my education in clinical psychology working with pregnant-abled people and moms. I look forward to working with you and creating meaningful connections that foster an inclusive Fordham community!

Mia Garcia

My name is Mia Garcia (she/her), and I am currently a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in English. Outside the classroom, you might find me either as your Ram Van driver, Secretary for WomeninSTEM, or your FUEMS EMT (though hopefully you won’t need me for the latter). In my downtime, I love to read, bake, and create—whether that’s photography, visual arts, or writing. I’m a big museum goer and a victim of buying a $7 matcha latte if it means having a good time. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in nursing with a specialty in psychiatry. Being a peer counselor to me means centering the connections I make, which will give me a foundation for the future people I work with. I look forward to connecting with all of you!