Counseling and Psychological Services Staff and Trainees 2025-2026

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.

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.

CJ Polihronakis, Ph.D.
Supervising Psychologist & Assistant Director for Training - Lincoln Center
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology/NYS Licensed
Columbia University - Teachers College

Dr. CJ Polihronakis (he/him/his) is the Assistant Director for Training at Fordham University’s Counseling and Psychological Services - Lincoln Center. A first-generation college student and native New Yorker, Dr. Polihronakis graduated with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University - Teachers College in 2019 after completing his doctoral internship at the University of Maryland’s Counseling Center. Prior to his graduate studies, Dr. Polihronakis graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Georgetown University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English.

Dr. Polihronakis's training and professional experiences have primarily focused on supporting diverse undergraduate and graduate students within university counseling center settings. His professional areas of interest include: multiculturalism, cultural humility, and social justice; identity development; bisexuality, non-monosexuality, and sexual fluidity; LGBTQIA+ students; first-generation college students; men and masculinities; sex, intimacy, and sexual health; family of origin concerns; couples/relationship counseling; and group psychotherapy. Dr. Polihronakis is also incredibly passionate about supervision and training, and he finds great fulfillment in mentoring graduate students as they prepare for their future careers as therapists!

Outside of his professional role, Dr. Polihronakis enjoys trivia and board games, cooking and baking, reading lots of fantasy and psychological thrillers, watching binge-worthy TV series and horror movies, attending Broadway shows, and going on adventures with his mischievous dog (Sirius).

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

Jacob Nacheman, PhD (he/him), is a licensed psychologist in NY, NJ, and PA with a clinical focus on the unique transitions of emerging adulthood, college, and early professional life. Since 2018, Jacob has served as a therapist at Fordham University, providing specialized care to a diverse population of young adults in Manhattan. His approach is primarily rooted in relational and psychodynamic perspectives, integrating mindfulness and acceptance-based practices with an understanding of cognitive principles. By centering the therapeutic alliance, Jacob helps clients explore how attachment patterns and past experiences influence their present well-being, fostering greater adaptability to life’s stressors.

After completing a BS in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and an MS in Education at the University of Rochester, Jacob earned his MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research. His interest in identity formation and doctoral research on mentorship and the therapeutic alliance inform his current work with clients navigating the complexities of their 20s and 30s—a period often defined by shifting career goals, academic pressures, and the evolution of personal relationships.

Jacob is dedicated to working with those developing/questioning their identities, queer folks, neurodivergent individuals, and those navigating traditional as well as CNM/poly relationships. As a queer therapist, he operates from a perspective of multicultural awareness and trauma-informed care, providing an affirming space to process anxiety, depression, and the nuances of growing up or coming out. Whether working with students or early-career professionals, Jacob’s practice emphasizes the development of self-love and resilience through a dynamic, pluralistic, and intersectional lens. 

When not in the professional space, Jacob enjoys hiking, biking, and the outdoors and working with his hands; woodworking, farming, fermenting, and cooking.

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

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 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. 

Fred Heller, MD
Psychiatric Resident
Lincoln Center 

Dr. Fred Heller (he/him/his) is in his 4th year of the psychiatry residency program at Mount Sinai Morningside/West. He was raised in New Jersey and completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at Duke University. His clinical interests include mood disorders, identity development, relational difficulties, and early adult populations. In his free time, Fred enjoys exercise, books, video games, exploring the city, and the company of his cat, Pascal.