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.

Meg Bishop, LCSW, MSW, MS Ed.

Per Diem Therapist

Education:

• B.A., Trinity College (Connecticut)
• M.S Ed., Fordham University
• M.S.W, 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, 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.

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.

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.

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

Sarah Caffrey, M.S.
Doctoral Intern

Education:

• B.A., Hobart and William Smith Colleges
• M.A., Fairfield University
• M.S., Palo Alto University

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: My approach to therapy is integrative, with primary influences of psychodynamic, client-centered, solution-focused, and strength-based approaches. I value the importance of the clinical relationship and work to establish a safe space for all student concerns.

Interests: My clinical interests include, but are not limited to, identity development, minority stress, risk and resilience, learning abilities and disabilities, and educational assessment. Personal Interest include singing/music, party planning and traveling.

Liz Hilby, M.A., LPC
Doctoral Intern

Education:  

• B.A. in Psychology, Southern CT State University
• M.A. in Clinical Practices in Psychology, University of Hartford
• Psy.D Candidate, University of Hartford

Language(s) spoken: English

Therapeutic approach: I take an integrative, collaborative, and strengths-based approach to therapy. My intentions are to foster meaningful and supportive therapeutic relationships and to understand students’ current struggles, unique experiences, social contexts, and goals for the future.  My clinical orientations include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, interpersonal and psychodynamic approaches.

Interests: Anxiety, stress management, social anxiety, OCD, phobias, panic attacks, performance-related anxiety, emotional regulation, relationship issues, identity development and exploration, and multicultural and diversity issues. My personal interests include running, hiking, cooking, and watching the NY Giants (hopefully not lose…).

Aaron Rosales, M.A.
Doctoral Intern

• B.A. in Psychology, Columbia University
• M.A. in Psychology, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
• M.A. in Theology, Fuller School of Theology
• Ph.D. Candidate, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology

Language(s) Spoken: English, Spanish

Therapeutic Approach: The goal of my therapeutic work is to help you create a rich and full life, while accepting the pain that inevitably comes.  First, I teach psychological skills to handle painful thoughts and feelings more effectively so that they get less in the way.  Second, I help to clarify what is most meaningful to you so that purpose and values provide a strong foundation for commitment to taking your next steps.  This approach is called “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” and I love using it to help you get out of your mind and into your life.

Clinical Interests: Anxiety, Burnout, Mindfulness, Multiculturalism, Pain, Social Justice, Spirituality, & Trauma

Practicum Students:

Hope Evelyn, B.A.

Practicum Student

Education:

• B.A., University of Connecticut
• M.S.W. Candidate, University of Connecticut

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic approach: I approach therapy using a strengths-based and collaborative process. I believe the rapport built between therapist and client is pivotal in establishing respect and trust, which makes growth possible.  It think it is important to provide a nonjudgmental and supportive space for clients in an effort to empower them to be their own agents of change. However, I realize that every individual has different contexts, life approaches and past experiences that will have an impact on their unique individual needs. Ultimately, I believe in meeting my clients where they are at and supporting taking steps toward their own personal therapeutic goals.

Interests: Clinically, I have a strong interest in working with students of color on campus. I also have interest in meeting with students regarding mental health, burnout, self-care, adjustment issues, social justice, diversity issues, as well as advocacy work. My personal interests include cooking or baking and spending time with family and friends.

Julie Freedman, M.Ed., CMPC
Practicum Student

Education:

• B.A. in Psychology, Kenyon College
• M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Sport and Performance Psychology Clinical, Boston University Practices
• Psy.D. Candidate, Springfield College

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: My primary focus is to develop and grow a collaborative relationship between client and clinician. I recognize that each individual is unique and I aim to tailor my approach to best support and meet the client’s goals. Through a person centered lens, I use a strengths-based approach and utilize tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Interests: Eating disorders, sport and performance enhancement, student-athletes, and transition. I also enjoy boxing, watching sports and cooking!

Martin Lewerk, B.A

Social Work Intern

Education:

• B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut
• M.S.W Candidate, UConn School of Social Work

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach that draws from multiple modalities centered on a strengths based collaborative perspective. Ultimately, I aim to focus these frameworks in an effort to build a productive therapeutic relationship with my clients. I hope to be a valuable mental health resource who meets clients where they are at with a client centered perspective.

Interests: Interpersonal communication, coping skills for anxiety and depression, relationship issues, emotional regulation, social skills, mental health and online mediums social justice and multicultural issues. I also enjoy playing video games, strategy board games and working out.

Kurt Roggendorf, PhD
Social Work Intern

Education: 

• B.A., Psychology, Michigan State University
• Ph.D., Organizational Psychology, Alliant International University
• M.S.W. Candidate, University of Connecticut

Language(s) Spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: Therapy is a collaborative partnership where we develop a mutual therapeutic relationship to address client-centered issues in a curious, non-judgmental, and compassionate way.

Interests: My clinical interests include identifying strengths and supportive structures, coping skill development, addressing substance use/abuse, suicide prevention, group therapy, spirituality/meditation and the use of mindfulness to reduce stress and enhance health, resilience and insight.

Gabrielle Roy, M.A.

Practicum Student

Education: 

• B.A., Psychology & Sociology, University at Albany, SUNY
• M.A., Clinical Psychology Practices, University of Hartford
• Psy.D. Candidate, University of Hartford

Language(s) spoken: English

Therapeutic Approach: I try to facilitate a collaborative space for clients to explore their current stressors in an accepting environment.  I recognize that entering therapy can be both a scary and incredibly empowering decision and seek to make the experience as positive as possible!  I work from primarily a cognitive-behavioral perspective, but also incorporate psychodynamic and emotion-focused theories when appropriate all through a multicultural lens.  Basically, I seek to understand current distress by discussing associated thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, but also explore how past experiences, upbringing, and relationships may impact how individuals cope with events later in life through a multicultural lens.

Interests: My clinical interests include transitional stress in college (e.g., independence, autonomy), identity development, relationship (family and intimate) concerns, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and social justice.

Wendy Shores, B.A.
Practicum Student

Education:

• B.A., University of Vermont
• Psy.D. Candidate, University of Hartford

Language(s) spoken: English

Therapeutic approach: I believe in seeing all students both holistically as well as a sum of their parts and I take an integrative and collaborative approach to therapy for this reason. Each person has a different set of needs and will respond to different modalities of treatment. I believe, however, it is important to acknowledge and understand the ways in which past experiences influence our present day thoughts and behaviors. Most importantly, I am dedicated to supporting students and creating a safe space for all.

Interests: Clinically, I have really enjoyed working the LGBTQIA+ population, especially during emerging adulthood. At UConn, my particular areas of interest include working with college-aged students with adjustment difficulties, interpersonal relational problems, anxiety, and depression. I also have a strong interest in social justice as it pertains to intersectionality, multicultural and diversity issues, and women’s issues. My personal interests include comedy (both writing and watching), cooking for friends and family, swimming, and getting outside as much as possible!