{"id":21,"date":"2018-05-08T13:32:18","date_gmt":"2018-05-08T13:32:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/counseling-and-psychological-services\/?page_id=21"},"modified":"2026-03-31T15:34:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T19:34:16","slug":"meet-the-staff","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/counseling-and-psychological-services\/about-caps\/meet-the-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n
\n
\"Melissa<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Melissa Shuman Zarin, PhD <\/strong>
\nDirector<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader: Understanding Self and Others (Monday)<\/a>, Meaning After Loss<\/a>, and Koru Mindfulness<\/a><\/p>\n

Education:
\nBA, Kenyon College in May 1990 (major in Drama and Psychology); MA and Ed.M. in Psychological Counseling in 1995 at Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University in 2001. Dr. Zarin is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and coordinates the Mental Health First Aid Program<\/a> with Dr. Uy.<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nPrior to coming to MSU, Dr. Zarin spent 10 years at Stevens Institute of Technology specializing in college mental health, outreach and prevention, and training and supervision. She started in 2012 as a staff psychologist and in 2014 became a Supervising Psychologist, and the Coordinator of the Peer Education program. In 2016, she was promoted to Assistant Director and Coordinator of Outreach and Prevention.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nMindfulness, Women\u2019s Issues, Grief and Loss, Outreach and Training, Supervision, and Suicide Prevention.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
\"Tiffany<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Tiffany Ciprian, LCSW <\/strong>
\nStaff Clinician, Coordinator of Outreach and Prevention<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader: Koru Mindfulness<\/a>\u00a0and CAPS Mental Health Ambassadors<\/a><\/p>\n

Education:
\nMs. Ciprian earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Barnard College (2007) and her Master of Social Work Degree from Columbia University (2009).<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nPrior to joining CAPS, Ms. Ciprian served as the Associate Director of Counseling and Wellness at New York Institute of Technology College (NYIT) in NYC for 6 years. During her time at NYIT she provided individual counseling, crisis intervention and mental health consultations. She also served as the advisor to the Campus\u2019s Peer Health Education team and managed the department\u2019s outreach programming. Prior to her time at NYIT, Ms. Ciprian worked at the NYC Department of Health SBIRT Clinics (2009-2015). Ms. Ciprian provided both direct counseling and clinical oversight of the SBIRT Clinic\u2019s behavioral health team.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nMulticultural counseling, wellness, identity, cross-cultural issues, working with international students and underserved populations, consultation and outreach, loss and grief.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Ivonne De Pascual, LPC <\/strong>
\nStaff Clinician<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader: Meaning After Loss <\/a>and\u00a0Becoming You<\/a>
\nLet’s Talk Counselor<\/a>: Monday 1-2:30 pm<\/p>\n

Education:
\nBA Rutgers University, 2005 (major in Psychology) MA in Counseling in 2010, Montclair State University.<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nMs. De Pascual is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) in the State of NJ. She has over 24 years of experience in higher education. She served as an EOF Counselor at Essex County College (ECC) from 2008 until her appointment as a Staff Clinician at Montclair State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services. She also facilitated incarcerated re-entry groups at ECC from 2005 to 2013. She has been a clinician in private practice since 2013 where she works with a wide variety of mental health concerns. She is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She recently became certified in Souldrama and is pursuing her certification in Psychodrama. Ella habla espa\u00f1ol.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nPositive Psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, grief and loss, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, group work, Souldrama, Psychodrama, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ community, overcoming trauma and childhood issues, emotional regulation, procrastination, working with minorities and ESL students, first generation college students, immigration\/acculturation challenges, and supporting students in their academic journey by providing a safe space to help them reach their potential at a personal, academic, and professional level.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
\"Friedman<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Nancy Friedman, PsyD<\/strong>
\nStaff Psychologist<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader: Health Issues Group<\/a>, Managing Moods and Relationships<\/a>, and Understanding Self and Others (Thursday)<\/a>
\nLet’s Talk Counselor<\/a>: Tuesday 11 am-12:30 pm<\/p>\n

Education:
\nDr. Friedman earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in American History from Harvard University (1989) and a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), Rutgers University (1998).<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nBefore coming to CAPS in February 2000, Dr. Friedman completed an APA-approved pre-doctoral internship at Elizabeth General Medical Center (now Trinitas Hospital) in Elizabeth, NJ. Prior to completing her doctorate, Dr. Friedman trained at Douglass College Counseling Center (Rutgers University), Lenox Hill Hospital (New York), and the Metropolitan Center for Mental Health (New York).<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nPsychodynamic Psychotherapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), group psychotherapy, the psychological impact of chronic health issues, adjustment to\/experience of college among non-traditional students, and GLBTQ+ issues.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Charisma Jackson, LCSW<\/strong>
\nStaff Clinician, Group Therapy<\/a> Coordinator<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader: Understanding Self and Others<\/a> and First Gen<\/a><\/p>\n

Education:
\nMs. Jackson received her Bachelor\u2019s degree in both Communication and Sociology from Rutgers University and earned her Master\u2019s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Ms. Jackson is also a certified school social worker, certified in non-violent crisis intervention and holds a Seminar Training in Field Instruction certification from Fordham University.<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nPrior to joining CAPS, Ms. Jackson served as a personal counselor at Bloomfield College\u2019s Wellness Center. During her time at Bloomfield College, she provided individual counseling, crisis intervention and outreach services. Prior to her time in higher education, Ms. Jackson spent over 15 years providing outreach, counseling and referral services while working in various community and school settings. She has a wide range of experience working with diverse populations including at-risk youth, underserved families, and special education.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nLGBTQIA + issues, women issues, life transitions, cross cultural issues, first generation college students, intergenerational trauma, underserved populations, relationship and family issues, group psychotherapy and community outreach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Sharon McNulty, LPC, NCC, ACS, DRCC, CCTP <\/strong>
\nStaff Clinician<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader: Understanding Self and Others <\/a>and Transitions<\/a>
\n<\/a>Let’s Talk Counselor<\/a>: Thursday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm<\/p>\n

Education:
\nBS, University of Scranton, Major: Psychology Minor: Health and Human Services. Scranton, PA, M.Ed., University of Delaware in College Counseling\/ Student Personnel Administration, Newark, DE, M.A. Ed., St. Peter\u2019s University in Teaching, Jersey City, NJ.<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nPrior to coming to MSU CAPS, Ms. McNulty has served initially as a clinician, and then as the Counseling Center Director or Acting Director for five New Jersey colleges\/universities.\u00a0 She has certifications as a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and a Clinical Certified Trauma Professional.\u00a0 She has served as an adjunct professor for a Counseling Psychology master\u2019s program and has supervised master\u2019s interns. Ms. McNulty has dedicated her career to her passion for the development and empowerment of diverse college students.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nCollege Student Development, Surviving Domestic, Sexual Violence and\/or Trauma, Cultural Humility, Outreach, Women’s Issues, Student-Athletes, LGBTQ+ Issues, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Jhonel Richards, LCSW<\/strong>
\nStaff Clinician<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Education:
\nMs. Richards earned her Bachelor\u2019s degree in Forensic Psychology from\u00a0Fairleigh Dickinson University\u00a0(2015) and her Masters degree in Social Work from\u00a0Rutgers University\u00a0(2017).<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nPrior to joining Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Montclair State University, Ms. Richards served as a Clinician at Rutgers Counseling and Psychological Services for five years. There, she provided individual and group counseling within the Next Step Program, CAPS\u2019 highest level of care. In addition, she served as the DBT Consultation Team Lead for two years, providing clinical leadership, supporting a DBT informed model, and fostering team collaboration and case consultation. She was also the founder of the Black Professional Staff Affinity Group at RU CAPS, demonstrating her commitment to community building, equity, and support for underrepresented professionals. Before transitioning to college counseling, Ms. Richards worked as a clinician within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care\u2019s school-based programs, supporting children, adolescents, and families across a range of clinical needs.<\/p>\n

Ms. Richards is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and holds CYT-200 certification, as well as certification in the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method. She integrates evidence-based and holistic approaches in her work, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and restorative yoga to support client healing and growth.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Ms. Richards has experience as an MSW intern supervisor and holds her SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction) certification. She also possesses the clinical supervisory certification required to supervise Licensed Social Workers (LSWs) toward independent licensure.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nMs. Richards has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her clinical interests include, but are not limited to, anxiety, OCD, trauma (including racial trauma and oppression), self-esteem concerns, life transitions, identity development, LGBTQ+ concerns, academic stress, emotional dysregulation, and relationship and family challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
\"Elvira<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Elvira Rudner, M.D.<\/strong>
\nStaff Psychiatrist<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Education:
\nDr. Elvira Rudner is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in Finance from Pace University in addition to bachelor\u2019s in science from Columbia University. She received her medical degree from University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, presently known as Rutgers Medical School, Newark.<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nDr. Rudner completed her Psychiatry Residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. She has subsequently worked as a Psych ER attending at the University Hospital in Newark and served as a clinical instructor within Rutgers\u2019 Medical School Psychiatry Department. In addition to CAPS, Dr. Rudner practices psychopharmacology and psychotherapy in her private practice in Ridgewood, NJ.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nDr. Rudner specializes in mood disorders and anxiety, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, and attention deficit disorders.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n<\/div><\/div>
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Diane Sosa, LPC, NCC<\/strong>
\nStaff Clinician<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader:\u00a0Understanding Self and Others\u00a0<\/a>
\n<\/a>Let\u2019s Talk Counselor<\/a>: Thursday 3:00 pm \u2013 4:30 pm<\/p>\n

Education:
\nMs. Sosa earned her Bachelor\u2019s degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University (2013) and her Master\u2019s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University (2015).<\/span><\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nPrior to joining the CAPS team at Montclair State University, Ms. Sosa served as a Senior Staff Psychotherapist at Stevens Institute of Technology\u2019s Counseling and Psychological Services for over seven years, providing individual counseling to students with a wide range of emotional, adjustment, and mental health concerns. She currently works with students experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, women\u2019s issues, life transitions, relationship and family challenges, identity development, and academic stress. Ms. Sosa also brings extensive experience from community mental health settings, including over six years in a psychiatric clinic supporting individuals with mood disorders, behavioral concerns, and socioeconomic stressors. In addition, she serves as an adjunct Psychology Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Ella habla espa\u00f1ol.<\/span><\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nMs. Sosa is particularly interested in supporting women, first-generation college students, underserved populations, and high-achieving individuals navigating perfectionism, stress, and self-esteem concerns. Her integrative therapeutic approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), psychodynamic therapy, and Positive Psychology, emphasizing collaboration, compassion, and practical skill-building. Her areas of interest also include college student development, cultural humility, outreach, women\u2019s issues, student-athletes, LGBTQ+ concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and mindfulness.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n<\/div><\/div>
\n
\"Jennifer<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Jennifer Strollo, PsyD<\/strong>
\nStaff Psychologist
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let’s Talk Counselor<\/a>: Tuesday 3 pm-4:30 pm<\/p>\n

Education:
\nDr. Strollo earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan (1995) and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (2000), renamed Alliant International University. Dr. Strollo\u2019s dissertation and area of interest are in understanding and treating adolescent suicide.<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nDr. Strollo has been a professor at MSU since 2008, in both the graduate and undergraduate psychology departments as well as taught and supervised at her doctoral college. She has provided long-term psychotherapy to students referred from MSU in her private practice in Montclair. Prior to teaching and providing therapy, Dr. Strollo was the Training Director at Berkeley Mental Health in California, where she hired and trained interns and staff at a large culturally diverse clinic.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nDr. Strollo serves on the board of the Essex-Union County Association of Psychologists (EUCAP) which supports NJPA and APA in its mission, purpose and programs. As a member of the training board, she takes part in dynamic meetings with local clinicians who have expertise in the field of psychology, while also providing continuing education credit for psychologists.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n<\/div><\/div>
\n
\"Jade<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Jude M. Uy, PhD, RYT<\/strong>
\nStaff Psychologist, Coordinator of Prevention<\/a> and Wellness Programming<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader: Managing Moods and Relationships<\/a>, Koru Mindfulness<\/a> and Beyond Surviving; Survivors of Suicide Attempts (SOSA)<\/a>
\nLet’s Talk Counselor<\/a>: Friday 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm<\/p>\n

Education:
\nDr. Uy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purchase College, SUNY, where he majored in Psychology. He completed a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Hunter College, CUNY, and received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In addition, he completed Yoga Teacher Training, 200 level. Dr. Uy is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and coordinates the Mental Health First Aid Program<\/a> with Dr. Zarin.<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nPrior to joining the CAPS team at Montclair State, Dr. Uy served as a Staff Psychologist at Seton Hall University\u2019s Counseling and Psychological Services for over three years. Past experiences include teaching at Fairleigh Dickinson University, St. Peter\u2019s University and Seton Hall University. Dr. Uy completed an APA approved pre-doctoral internship at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, NJ, with rotations in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, School Wellness Consulting and Treatment of Sex Offenders. Dr. Uy has served as the former Board President for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s New Jersey Chapter and currently serves as the Chapter’s Clinical Advisor.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nDialectical and Cognitive Behavior Therapies, Mindfulness, OCD, depression, anger, addictions, men\u2019s issues, sexuality, identity, self-injurious behaviors and emotion regulation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
<\/figure>
\"\"\n<\/div>

Sudha M. Wadhwani, PsyD <\/strong>
Staff Psychologist<\/strong>
Group Co-leader: Connecting Across Cultures<\/a>
Let’s Talk Counselor<\/a>: Wednesday 11 am-12:30 pm
Education:
Dr. Wadhwani holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University (1991) and a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), Rutgers University (2000).
Relevant Experience:
Dr. Wadhwani is a NJ Licensed Psychologist who joined the CAPS team in 2006, after working at Mount Holyoke College Counseling Center for 6 years prior. She has served as a founding Steering Committee member of the National Association for University and College Counseling Center Outreach (AUCCCO), as well as having leadership positions in other state and regional associations. Dr. Wadhwani has received numerous awards for her collaborations and commitment to outreach, increasing access to support, and building opportunities for connection on campus. She coordinates the Let’s Talk program, and facilitates Mosaic Women and Connecting Across Cultures groups. Dr. Wadhwani completed an APA-approved pre-doctoral internship at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst \u2013 University Health Services Mental Health Unit and obtained post-doctoral training at Cambridge Health Alliance Asian Mental Health Clinic, Harvard Medical School. Her dissertation research focused on the needs and help-seeking behavior of South Asian college students, a topic on which she has written a book chapter, as well as other publications and presentations. She also has experience working in non-profit agencies and in private practice.
Professional Interests:
Connection and belonging, immigration\/acculturation issues, coping with barriers, grief\/loss, anxiety disorders, creating collaborations with campus partners.
<\/div><\/div>
\n\n
\"Westreich<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Lisa Westreich, LCSW, RYT<\/strong>
\nCase Manager, Referral Services<\/a> Coordinator<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader: \u00a0Becoming You<\/a>, Beyond Surviving; Survivors of Suicide Attempts (SOSA)<\/a> and Koru Mindfulness<\/a>
\nLet’s Talk Counselor<\/a>: Monday 3-4:30 pm<\/p>\n

Education:
\nMs. Westreich holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin \u2013 Madison, and a Master\u2019s degree in Social Work from Columbia University. In addition, she completed Yoga Teacher Training, 200 level.<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nPrior to joining CAPS, Ms. Westreich provided counseling and referral services in various settings to the elderly, pregnant\/parenting teenagers, people with AIDS and those struggling with substance abuse.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nLGBTQIA+ issues, body image issues, use of meditation and spirituality in treatment, cross-cultural issues in seeking mental health services, recovery utilizing 12 Step models, end of life issues, grief and loss, and coping strategies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
\"Khabir<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Khabir Williams, LCSW, LCADC
\nStaff Clinician, Coordinator of Alcohol and Other Drug Program<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Group Co-leader: Dropping Knowledge: Conversations Amongst Men<\/a><\/p>\n

Let’s Talk Counselor<\/a>: Wednesday 3-4:30 pm<\/p>\n

Education:
\nMr. Williams holds a Master’s Degree from Rutgers University in Clinical Social Work with an Addiction Counselor Training Certification.<\/p>\n

Relevant Experience:
\nIn addition to the CAPS team at Montclair State University, Mr. Williams also serves his community through his private practice based in Newark, NJ. Past experiences include serving as a co-occurring mental health clinician at several mental health agencies in Newark, East Orange, New Brunswick and within private practice.<\/p>\n

Professional Interests:
\nMr. Williams has clinical experience working with diverse populations from differing cultures, ethnicities and social-economic backgrounds. Experience includes but is not limited to trauma, anxiety, depression, men\u2019s issues, first generation college students, adjustment challenges, couples and family conflicts, acute mental health challenges, personality disorders, child\/adolescent\/young adult behavioral modification, mentoring and substance misuse.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n<\/div><\/div>
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n

Diane McKernan
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Administrative Assistant<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>
\n<\/div><\/div>
\"\"\n<\/div>
\n

Jackie Konopka
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Program Assistant<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>
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