Administrative Staff
Irene Benza
Office Manager, Mental Health Insurance Coordinator/Credentialing Specialist
Language(s) Spoken: English
Interests: My work at SHaW - Mental Health.
Personal Interest: Kayaking, connecting with family & friends, dinner & theater, cooking & baking.
Darlene Stewart
Admin Program Support 2
Language(s) Spoken: English
Interests: Outside of the office, I enjoy hiking, boating, and attending UConn games.
Rhonda Prucker
Secretary 2
Language(s) Spoken: English
Interests: Gardening, watching niece and nephew race, spending time with family, vacations, long walks
Clinical Staff
Jonathan Beazley, LMFT, LADC
Alcohol & Drug Interventionist
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology, Pennsylvania State University
- M.F.T., Southern Connecticut State University
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: In my role as the AOD Interventionist, I try to meet students where they are at with their substance use, and through Motivational Interviewing techniques help them find their own reasons to make healthy changes in their behaviors. My work in other therapy modalities (individual, group, family and couples) reflect my training as a gestalt psychotherapist and a marriage and family therapist.
Interests: I have a strong investment in supporting the success of those students trying to recover from substance abuse and other addictive behaviors through our collegiate recovery program. Outreach, especially around educating others about substance abuse issues and reducing the associated stigma, is a central part of my role. Otherwise, I enjoy travel, cooking, drawing, restoring old homes and studying history.
Eric Beck, DNP, APRN-BC
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Education:
- B.S. in Nursing, University of Connecticut
- M.S. in Nursing, University of Saint Joseph
- D.N.P., University of Saint Joseph
Language(s) spoken: English
Therapeutic approach: As a medication provider I use an interpersonal approach combined with evidence-based care to help students achieve their individualized treatment goals in a non-judgmental, safe space.
Interests: Psychopharmacology, thought disorders, holistic care, writing, history, nature, landscaping and sports.
Meg Bishop, LCSW, MSW, MS Ed
Per Diem Therapist
Education:
- BA, Trinity College (Connecticut)
- MS Ed, Fordham University
- MSW, University of Connecticut
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: Joining with students to identify strengths and areas of resilience that will help them create change is at the heart of my approach. Together, we take into account the ongoing impact of close relationships and life events while using concepts and practices from mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR to reduce distress, increase self-efficacy, gain insight, and build a positive sense of self.
Interests: Mindfulness and its application to recovery from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and severe/persistent behavioral health challenges; insight meditation; cooking; and travel.
Laurie Cooper, LCSW
Per Diem Therapist
Education:
- B.A., St. John’s College
- M.S.W., University of Connecticut – School of Social Work
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: I combine aspects of a variety of approaches – including Cognitive-Behavioral, narrative, and psychodynamic – to help clients better understand, manage, and reduce symptoms or behaviors that may be interfering with wellbeing and optimal functioning.
Interests: Clinical interests include anxiety, post-traumatic growth, and mindfulness. Personal interests include running, reading, and poetry.
Jessica Doyle, LCSW
Psychiatric Social Worker
Case Manager
Education:
- B.A. Randolph-Macon Woman's College
- M.S.W. Simmons College, School of Social Work
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: Client Centered, Strength Based, Solution Focused, DBT, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Interests: Clinical interests include depression, anxiety disorders, grief and loss, and preventing suicide.
Personal interests include spending time with family/friends/pets, running, hiking, reading, music, feminism, and social justice.
Susan Dugan, APRN
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology from Tufts University
- M.S.N. in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing from Yale University School of Nursing
Language(s) spoken: English
Therapeutic approach:
- Collaborating with SHaW’s multidisciplinary team in the diagnosis & treatment of mood, anxiety, thought, attention, and addiction disorders
- Utilizing psychoeducation & medication management to minimize symptoms interfering with students succeeding in their educational pursuits, and to minimize symptoms disrupting their interpersonal relationships & sense of well being
Interests: Helping the students of the University of Connecticut to reach their full potentials academically & socially, so that they are empowered to achieve their goals as young adults.
Jennifer Fox, PhD
Staff Psychologist
Education:
- B.S., Union College
- M.A., University of Connecticut
- Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: Psychodynamic, object relations, and interpersonal frameworks strongly influence and inform my work. I also integrate a variety of other therapeutic approaches into my practice, to work collaboratively with students to meet their individual needs. Working at SHaW - Mental Health for the past 20 years has been and continues to be a privilege for me; I enjoy working with students who are in such a dynamic stage of constructing their identities and life direction, I have a great group of trusted colleagues, and I appreciate the many opportunities to engage with the campus community in cultural and outreach events.
Interests: I have specific areas of interest in working with grief/loss, depression, suicide prevention, OCD, supporting diversity and social justice, and practicing mindfulness in the striving for balance in one’s life. I have enjoyed building relationships with people with diverse backgrounds and identities, and aspire to learn and incorporate culturally sensitive and informed approaches in my life and in my work. I also feel very privileged to provide education and supervision to psychologists in training, and this is consistently a favorite aspect of my role at SHaW - Mental Health. Outside of SHaW - Mental Health, I love to spend time with my family and friends, exercise, hike, practice meditation, and hear or tell a great joke. I aspire to maintain a balance in my life that allows me to be fully present and committed in my work of supporting students through a process of change and growth.
Siobhan Gaston, APRN
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Education:
- B.S. in Nursing, University of Connecticut
- M.S. in Nursing, University of Connecticut
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, University of Saint Joseph
Language (s) spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: I enjoy working in collaboration with my clients, empowering them to make informed decisions about the use of medications as part of their comprehensive treatment plan.
Interests: Some of my clinical interests include the management of depression and substance use disorders. Personally, I enjoy listening to good music, and vacationing without an itinerary.
Carlos Gonzalez-Martinez, LCSW
Psychiatric Social Worker
Education:
- B.A., Catholic University (Ponce Puerto Rico)
- M.S.W., University of Connecticut – School of Social Work
Language(s) Spoken: English & Spanish (clinical services offered in either language)
Therapeutic Approach: Interpersonal, Psychodynamic, Reality Therapy and Interpersonal Process.
Interests: Social justice and empowerment, multicultural issues, I enjoy working with college-aged students with adjustment difficulties, interpersonal relational problems, anxiety, depression, mood, and trauma related problems.
Robert Goodwin, MD
Psychiatrist
Education:
- B.A., Yale University
- M.D., Royal College of Surgeons (Dublin, Ireland)
- Psychiatric Residency – Institute of Living (Hartford, CT)
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: Eclectic/interpersonal. I feel that therapy, including decisions about medication, should be a joint enterprise between doctor and patient.
Interests: I have no particular area of expertise but have grown extremely interested in PTSD, especially given the influx of returning veterans. Personal interests include travel, photography, writing (mainly fiction), and pandering to my cat.
Donna Gordon, LCSW
Per Diem Therapist
Education:
- B.A., Hood College for Women
- M.S.W., Yeshiva University - Wurzweiler School of Social Work
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: The most important part of the therapeutic process is building a trusting rapport with a clinician. With this relationship each student will have the opportunity to learn more about him/herself in a safe, non-judgmental environment. I provide strength based, solution focused therapy to help students explore their strengths in addition to the areas in which they need to grow. I also encourage students to learn to use behavioral techniques as a tool of empowerment.
Interests: My professional interests include learning more about the field of Narrative Therapy – how to use creative writing techniques to help students to positively move forward. My personal interests include spending time with my family, cooking and entertaining friends.
Tracy Gruber, LCSW
Psychiatric Social Worker
Director, Clinical Case Management
Education:
- B.A., University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- M.S.W., The Catholic University
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, and Systems. Clinical areas of expertise include: Crisis intervention, clinical assessment, anxiety, depression, and care coordination.
Interests: Areas of professional interest include: Mind/body intervention and research, young adult autonomy/individuation, social justice/empowerment, and suicide prevention. My choice leisure activities include: gardening, hiking, yoga, meditation, reading and spending time with my family.
Maritza Lugo-Stalker, LCSW, PsyD
Staff Psychologist
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology, University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
- M.S.W., University of Connecticut
- Psy.D., University of Hartford
Language(s) Spoken: English & Spanish (clinical services offered in either language)
Therapeutic Approach: I have been a therapist since 1993 and have worked with college students at UConn since 2006. I take a collaborative and compassionate approach in therapy while attending to diversity issues. I utilize an interpersonal relational approach in psychotherapy, while integrating other therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy to focus on trauma recovery.
Interests: Clinical interests include, but are not limited to, working with college-aged students with adjustment difficulties, interpersonal relational problems, anxiety, depression, mood, and trauma related problems. My interests also include working with Latino students and other students of color.
Samantha Morris, PsyD
Staff Psychologist
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology, Springfield College
- M.A. in Clinical Psychology, University of Hartford
- Psy.D. University of Hartford
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: I work from an integrative approach and try to tailor therapy to each person’s individual identity and needs. I incorporate aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, dynamic, interpersonal, and strengths-based approaches. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and strive to create a trusting and safe place for students to explore whatever brings them into my office.
Interests: Clinical interests include, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, phobias, depression, adjustment difficulties, intersectionality and identity development, mindfulness, athletic performance, and managing chronic disease/other physical health concerns. Personal interests include travel, spending time with family and friends, hiking/backpacking, and any other outdoor adventure I can find.
Amy Parent, LCSW
Psychiatric Social Worker
Education:
- Middlesex Community College (AA-General Studies)
- Central Connecticut State University (BA-social work)
- University of Connecticut (MSW)
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: I use a Strengths-based approach to therapy so that my clients are better able to empower themselves through resources they already possess, whether they are aware of them or not. I blend in Mindfulness, Self-compassion, Yoga, CBT, DBT, and Solution-focused frameworks to support change and meet clients in whatever stage of readiness they are currently in. I aim to support clients through the use of validation and through cultivating safety and trust so that they can feel ease when taking steps toward change. I recently completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program and incorporate gentle movement and mind-body connection into treatment whenever possible.
Interests: My clinical interests include radical self-compassion, eating disorders, Self-injurious behavior, addictions, mindfulness, yoga, grief/loss, LGBTQIA+ issues, Social justice, Humor, and family therapy and communication. My personal interests include my 2 rambunctious boys, yoga, cooking, eating, music, nature, movies, reading, learning, crossword puzzles, and laughing with my husband.
Jennifer L. Petro, PsyD
Interim Director of Mental Health, Director of Training
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology, Texas A&M University
- M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Baylor University
- Psy.D., Baylor University
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: Integrative – interpersonal/psychodynamic, person-centered, and cognitive behavioral. Areas of clinical focus have included interpersonal relationship issues, adjustment disorders, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, interpersonal skill enhancement, autism-spectrum disorders, developmental issues of college students, therapeutic support and advocacy for transgender students, and the influence of shame and guilt in relationship dynamics.
Interests: Use of creativity and humor in therapy, training and teaching, program development and outcomes assessment, and campus outreach.
Terese (Terri) Quattro-Cook, LCSW
Psychiatric Social Worker
Education:
- B.A., University of Connecticut
- M.S.W., University of Connecticut
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: I believe the therapeutic relationship is most important to establish trust and create an emotionally safe environment to facilitate positive growth and change. As a clinician, I use an integrated therapeutic approach, with a focus on cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapies, interpersonal, and psycho-educational approaches.
Interests: Clinically, I have an interest and expertise in working with students who struggle with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, academic, family and interpersonal relationship concerns. At UConn, I enjoy being a member of the Training Team and have a particular interest in supervising MSW practicum students. I particularly enjoy teaching. My personal interests include travel, photo journaling, cooking and home decorating.
Graciela Quinones-Rodriguez, LCSW
Psychiatric Social Worker
Education:
- B.A., University of Puerto Rico
- M.S.W., University of Connecticut
Language(s) Spoken: English & Spanish (clinical services offered in either language)
Therapeutic Approach: Contextual, Interpersonal, Psychodynamic, Reality Therapy, and Holistic.
Interests: Clinically, I am interested in depression and anxiety disorders, dual diagnoses, adjustment and acculturation issues, working with people living with chronic conditions, trauma survivors, existential issues, personal growth, relational problems and social skills development, and bereavement. I am focused on multi-cultural experiences and competency, social justice and social action. I enjoy outreach education, programming, leadership development, teaching, supervision, and multidisciplinary team work.
Dawn Shadron, LCSW
Director of Student Athlete Mental Health
Behavioral Science Faculty at UCHC Sports Medicine Fellowship Program
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign
- M.S.W., Loyola University of Chicago
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: Integrative – including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Object-Relations, and Interpersonal Process.
Interests: The connection between mental health and athletic performance. Integration of counseling and psychotherapy with the health care medical model. Direct care, professional consultation, teaching, supervision, and clinical support of student-athletes, teams, coaches, athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians, and other student-athlete support staff. Resilience, coping, and global identity development through the college years.
Chao Song, PhD
Staff Psychologist
Education:
- B.A ., Shandong Normal University, China
- M.A., Beijing Normal University, China
- M.A., Alliant International University
- Ph.D., Alliant International University
Language(s) Spoken: Chinese, English
Therapeutic Approach: client centered integrative approach with a framework of humanistic psychology, existential therapy, multiculturalism, ACT, and DBT.
Interests: international students, identity development, trauma, group therapy, resiliency, professional consultation, teaching, supervision, outreach, cross-cultural research,
Anne Thompson Heller, LMFT
Psychiatric Social Worker
Education:
- B.A. in Sociology & Metro Urban Studies, Augsburg College
- M.A. in Higher Education & Student Affairs, University of Connecticut
- M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, University of Connecticut
Language(s) Spoken: English
Therapeutic Approach: Integrative-Bowenian, Structural, and Brief Strategic models of family therapy, as well as Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, and Dialectical Behavioral therapies.
Interests: Substance use disorders and recovery, coping, resiliency, empowerment, adolescence and emerging adulthood, identity development, and outreach education.