Maddie E. Barron, Psy.D.

Staff Psychologist; Student-Athlete Specialist
Student-Athlete Counseling and Mental Health Services

Education:  

• B.A., University of Cincinnati
• Psy.D., Midwestern University

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: I view therapy as both collaborative and integrative. My approach to therapy integrates theoretical orientations of psychodynamic and relational psychotherapy, as well as interpersonal process. In my work with student-athletes I also emphasize an integration of mindfulness based interventions that are applicable to both daily life and athletic performance. I, like many others before me, view the psychotherapy relationship as the vehicle for change and give careful attention to this when working with both students and supervisees. I often find myself experiencing an immense amount of gratitude in working with students as it takes a tremendous amount of courage to embark on the journey of psychotherapy.

Interests: My clinical interests surround working with student-athletes, as well as clinical presentations of depression, student-athlete identity development, injury recovery, and sport performance enhancement.  I completed a post-doctoral fellowship with a focus on psychological assessment, and enjoy integrating these skills in the assessment and treatment of ADHD at our center. I am also a clinical supervisor and a member of our training team. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and the arts, as well as any and all sporting events which is reminiscent of my earlier years as a Division I student-athlete.

Jonathan Beazley, L.M.F.T., L.A.D.C.

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, D.N.P., A.P.R.N.- B.C.

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.

Susan Blayer, L.C.S.W, M.Div.

Per-Diem Therapist

Education:  

• B.S. in Communications and Psychology, Queens College
• M.S.W., Columbia University
• M.Div., Union Theological Seminary

Language(s) spoken: English

Therapeutic approach: I tend to work from an eclectic foundation that is rooted in person-centered, insight-oriented, humanistic and positive psychology, which draws from more concrete or experiential modalities such as CBT, DBT and mindfulness practices.  I have expertise in the following areas: young adult development and navigating life adjustments/transitions; family systems and blended families; relationships, sexuality, and gender identity issues; bio-psycho-spiritual behavior modification (stages of change); trauma, loss, grief, and abuse recovery; stress reduction, distress tolerance, and mood regulation

Interests: My professional interests include women’s issues, empowerment and support, as well as creative or mind-body therapies that move beyond traditional talk therapy. On a personal note, I enjoy yoga, exercising, road trips, karaoke and dance parties with my daughter and sister, wandering around markets, fairs, and festivals, eating sushi, visiting museums, watching indie movies and reading poetry, hiking in the woods, and gold retriever puppies.

Eric Brueckner, D.O.

Psychiatrist

Education:

• B.S. - Chemistry/Biology, University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign
• D.O. - Medicine,  Western University of Health Sciences
• Residency/Chief Residency - Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: I specialize in psychopharmacology and neurostimulation for treatment-resistant mood disorders.   I stress the importance of establishing the correct diagnosis early in the treatment course, so the best possible care can be rendered.  My approach involves avoidance of polypharmacy (multiple medications) when possible.  My job entails prescribing medication, but even more so, the selection the right medication with the reduction and elimination of the wrong medications. My goal is to provide the best treatment with the least risk.  Patient education and preference is paramount in my practice.

Interests: Clinical-Pharmacology, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.  Personal- Cars/Motorcycles, recording music, good food, and more.​

Laurie Cooper, L.C.S.W.

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.

Erin Cox, Psy.D.

Assistant Director, Director of Outreach

Education:

• B.A. in Psychology and Women’s Studies, Mount Holyoke College
• Psy.D., George Washington University

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach:  My approach to therapy is integrated, including the use of relational, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and psychodynamic techniques through a multicultural lens.  My goal is to create a comfortable environment for students to explore their concerns, and to work collaboratively to find strategies for healing.

Interests: Clinically, I have particular interest and expertise in working with students who struggle with eating and exercise disorders, relationship concerns (social and family), and identity development.  I truly enjoy providing outreach education to the UConn community - promoting strategies for healthy living, social justice, and reducing the stigma around mental health concerns.  On a personal note, I love to travel, hike, and try my hand at photography.

Jennifer Fox, Ph.D.

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 CMHS 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 CMHS.  Outside of CMHS, 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, A.P.R.N.

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, L.C.S.W.

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, M.D.

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, L.C.S.W.

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, L.C.S.W.

Psychiatric Social Worker
Case Manager

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.

David Henry, Ph.D.

Per Diem Therapist

Education:

• B.A., University of Connecticut
• M.S., Southern Connecticut State University
• Ph.D., University of Connecticut

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: Mixed Interpersonal, Object Relations, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Behavioral.

Interests: Fishing, reading, and psychotherapy.

Chetan A. Joshi, Ph.D.

Interim Director

Education:

• B.S. in Pharmacy, University of Pune, India
• M.S. in Pharmacology, University of Missouri
• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri

Language(s) Spoken: English, Hindi, Marathi (clinical services offered in all three languages)

Therapeutic Approach: Understanding brain physiology, environment, and behavior interactions based in the interpersonal neurobiology framework. Integration of western and eastern understanding of psychology and approaches to treatment with a focus on mindfulness and spirituality.  Relational-cultural orientation to all therapeutic interactions.

Interests: Jungian psychology, history, spirituality, astronomy and sports

Maritza Lugo-Stalker, L.C.S.W., Psy.D.

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.

Jennifer L. Petro, Psy.D.

Assistant Director, 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.

JoLynn Powers, Psy.D.

Staff Psychologist

Education:

• B.A., Boston University
• Psy.D., Rutgers University

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: I view therapy as a collaborative process that is focused on problem solving, gaining insight, and building competence.  My lens is a family systems perspective, understanding current relationship patterns in the context of a person’s role in their family.  I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral strategies as tools for managing anxiety and depression.

Interests: Panic and anxiety disorders, life transitions, coping with divorce, understanding relationship functioning from a family systems perspective, sexuality and coming out issues, graduate student issues.

Terese (Terri) Quattro-Cook, L.C.S.W.

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, L.C.S.W.

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, L.C.S.W.

Director of Student Athlete Counseling & Mental Health Services, 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, Ph.D.

Staff Counselor

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, L.M.F.T.

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.

Amanda Waters, Ph.D.

Multicultural Specialist, Staff Psychologist

Education:

• B.A., Biola University
• M.A., Rosemead School of Psychology
• Ph.D., Rosemead School of Psychology

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: I work primarily from an attachment-based psychodynamic approach which uses individuals’ relationships to explore, develop, and change.  Because our cultural identities shape the way we engage with the world, I work alongside students in a holistic manner, supporting growth and flourishing within their context.

Interests: Some of my favorite aspects of my work include participating in the development process of others, creating and implementing outreach and training programs, and considering how to make the world a better place, one step at a time.  I’m grateful for the opportunities to delve into cultural humility, intersectionality, and social justice as well.  I love eating good food, exploring new places, and connecting with people.

Trainees

Alana Coscia, M.A.

Pre-Doctoral Intern

Education:  

• B.A. in Psychology, Skidmore College
• M.A. in Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
• Psy.D. Candidate, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Language(s) spoken: English

Therapeutic approach: I work to meet clients where they are at, creating a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic space, and empowering them to make the choices that are best for them. My approach is centered in Relational Feminist therapies, but I pull from other theories and approaches in order to best help each individual. The context of each person’s life is an important factor for me to understand and I work to keep the impact of any identities, and the intersection of identities, in mind when working with a client.

Interests: My clinical and professional interests include social justice and advocacy work, anxiety, depression, trouble adjusting to life changes, relationship difficulties, sexuality and gender, as well as the impact social media has on our lives. Outside of CMHS, I enjoy reading books and comics, watching Marvel and DC movies and shows, and spending time with family and friends.

Trevor Cote, M.A.

Pre-Doctoral Intern

Education:  

• B.A. in Psychology, Wheaton College
• M.A. in Clinical Psychology, University of Denver
• Ph.D. Candidate, Boston University

Language(s) spoken: English

Therapeutic approach: I use an interpersonal approach embedded with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy strategies which simply means I aim to see and understand who you are and the relationships in your life, what you value and care about, and help you move in a direction to the person you want to be. I strive to create an open, respectful, and collaborative environment that invites exploration into internal and external obstacles that seem to be in the way of experiencing the personal growth and empowerment that lives within each one of us. Overall, I believe therapy is an act of increasing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and support.

Interests: Clinical interests include performance difficulties, identity development, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, stress management, adjustment concerns, and college-athlete mental health. Other professional interests include sport and performance psychology, life transitions, and social justice. I enjoy bringing in mindfulness, self-compassion, and strength-based skills into my therapeutic work. Personal interests include anything related to food, going to sporting and music events, skiing, outdoor activities, and hanging out with my family.