Meet Our Staff

Julie S. Ross, PhD, Director

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Liaison to DOSA office, various ongoing and ad hoc committee memberships

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: I have always been drawn to understand how people become who they are within the environments of family, community, and culture. It is within these contexts that I seek to understand the mental health challenges faced by university students. I have worked with students dealing a wide variety of issues including life transitions, family and relationship concerns, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, and depression. In my role as Director, I focus on college mental health administration, mental health issues in higher education, suicide prevention, staff development, and consultation.

Approaches to Treatment: In meeting with students I aim to co-create a space of genuine and open communication in which trust can grow. My style is relational and interactive, and tools used in treatment vary according to the individual situation. These may include exploration and expression of thoughts and feelings, expanding skills in areas such as stress coping, communication, boundary setting, and more, providing support in problem solving, or some combination of these.

Personal Interests: I love a good psychological mystery novel, growing things indoors and out, spending time with family and friends, all animals (but especially dogs!), cooking gluten-free foods, and relaxing walks in the woods. 

Language(s) Spoken: English

Linda Shane Escoll, PsyD, EdM, Associate Director

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Liaison Program Coordinator, Liaison to Residential Life, Ex College, Athletics, Staff Advisor for Ears for Peers

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: College and graduate student mental health issues including adjustment, anxiety, and depression; impact of sociocultural context; identity exploration; addressing relationship concerns and enhancing skills; coping with loss; family issues; increasing self-esteem and authenticity

Approaches to Treatment: I try to create a safe counseling space to allow for honest communication and open expression of thoughts and feelings. I am interactive and collaborative as I work to understand the experience of the person I’m seeing. I take a practical approach and help with skill building, while I am also interested in all the complexities that make us who we are including family experiences, social and culture contexts, relationship experiences, and day to day life.  

Personal Interests: Being with friends and family and dogs, spending time outdoors to walk or run, watching a good movie or series

Language(s) Spoken: English

Kia Alston, LICSW, Multicultural Specialist, Black and Afro-Latinx Focus

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Liaison to Africana Center

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: As a Jumbo (A’08) and Black Tufts Alum, my areas of clinical interest/expertise include: mental health concerns impacting newcomers, immigrants and refugees; multicultural mental health (specifically students from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds); historically marginalized identities (specifically students of African descent from across the African diaspora); Black Feminist Thought/Black Intellectual Thought; first generation college students; social justice and restorative justice; racial trauma; women’s issues; LGBTQIA+ issues; intersectionality; resilience; positive identity development; college and graduate student mental health; spirituality and religious integration (with a deep cultural awareness centered on Islam/Muslim students); and bilingualism (specifically second language learners).

Approaches to Treatment: My therapeutic style is relational/interpersonal, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, strengths-based, collaborative, warm, kind, supportive and empowering. I work with students from diverse, multicultural backgrounds and seek to improve their functioning, build on their incredible strengths, and help them feel more empowered in an often hostile, invalidating, and oppressive society. I meet my students where they are and respect their power of self-determination. I truly love being a clinician and deeply enjoy the work that I do. My core values of helping others, service, and the importance of healing all shape my approach to therapy. I’ve always been a very empathetic and compassionate person who enjoys helping others. Thus, my role as a psychotherapist is very much congruent with my personality and identity.

My therapeutic approach draws from a diverse therapeutic toolkit that includes Psychodynamic Psychotherapy/Psychoanalysis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness-Based Practices (with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and social justice lens). Additionally, in my therapeutic work, there is a big focus on strengths and how to build on the things that students know and the things that are going well in order to bring about meaningful and positive change in their lives. This includes both the internal and external changes that one needs to make to improve their functioning/quality of life.

Personal Interests: Like most clinicians, I strive for work/life balance by working hard for my students and trying to find time for self-care and a healthy coping skills routine. Quality time is my #1 love language, so I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, including my two-year-old daughter, Ella. I am a huge proponent of prayer and meditation (as I was raised in Islam), and thus, I take my daily spiritual practice seriously. I enjoy listening to Afrobeats, R&B, Hip-Hop, jazz, reggae, reggaeton, bachata and many other forms of cultural music from across the African diaspora along with Top 40 popular music. I also enjoy a good podcast, Ted Talk, or intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking discussion that enlightens, empowers, inspires, and entertains.

Language(s) Spoken: English and Spanish

Lucia Andrade, PhD, Postdoctoral Clinician 

Pronouns: she/her/hers/ella 

Additional Roles: Training for Ears for Peers, Outreach

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Working with first generation college students, Latinx students, and students with historically marginalized identities; identity development and exploration; college student mental health; racial trauma; relationship concerns; crisis stabilization and intervention; suicide prevention; life transitions

Approaches to Treatment: My approach to counseling begins with the development of a safe, warm, and supportive therapeutic space, while my therapeutic style emphasizes collaboration and authenticity. Clinically, I integrate Person-Centered/Humanistic and Relational-Cultural philosophies and a cultural humility lens to treatment. I also incorporate cognitive-behavioral, dialectical and behavioral, and motivational interviewing intervention skills throughout my work. I emphasize the use of students’ personal strengths and stories to help them develop meaning in their relationships and lives.

Personal Interests: I enjoy walking, jogging, and hiking, as well as painting for fun. I also enjoy taking photographs, especially of landscapes and sunsets/sunrises. I have a love for cooking and in turn, tasting all sorts of food/dishes. 

Language(s) Spoken: English, Spanish 

Xi Bi, PsyD (pronounced See Be), Multicultural Specialist, AAPI and International Focus

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Onsite at SMFA, Trans Care Team, Liaison to the International Center, Outreach

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Multi-identities exploration and expansion including acculturation and adaptation for international students; racial and cultural dilemmas encountered by Asian young adults in the U.S.; gender and sexuality exploration; and life stage transitions. Interpersonal concerns such as the impacts of family and intergenerational relationships on individuation in groups on campus; learning to be assertive and cultivating motivation of self-care as marginalized students who experience micro-aggressions and overt racism. Trauma-induced repetitive symptomology and mood disturbance, including but not limited to racial and cultural trauma, gendered trauma, attachment, and emotional trauma.

Approaches to Treatment: I am a culturally sensitive generalist clinician with a background focusing on contemporary psychodynamic and analytic training under a relational, multicultural, intersectional, and postmodern framework. I have clinical passions in applying gender and queer theories, group theories, and object-relations theories to individual and group work. My clinical background allows me to see an individual as a psychological being and a relational being, alternating their sets of selves depending on the relative socio-political positions as well as the historical and spatial context they are in. In treatment, I am attentive to experiences of “invisibility” and “misattunement,” thus will utilize and encourage non-verbal and metaphorical communication with students from all backgrounds. I consider it an honor to participate in your journey of knowing yourself and to facilitate you recognizing and getting out of the “sand-stuck” situation in college life.

Personal Interests: I enjoy living with my beloved dog, cat, fish, and plants, practicing archery, learning and mastering new skills every day (such as skateboarding as of recently), and expecting Boston winter to come to have a sweating snowball fight with friends then lie on the thick snow. 

Language(s) Spoken: Mandarin, English

Candyce Burke Auguste, PsyD, Assistant Director of Racial and Cultural Engagement

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Liaison to Africana Center and Residential Life; Facilitator of OASIS Student Group for Black-identified students; Race Dialogues Committee Member

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Mental health concerns impacting 1st generation college students; students with historically marginalized identities; social justice; racial trauma; interpersonal relationship concerns; women’s concerns; intersectionality; resilience; identity development; graduate student mental health; spirituality and religious integration.

Approaches to Treatment: My therapeutic style is warm, empowering and collaborative. I view it as an honor to walk alongside individuals and bear witness to their experiences. It is a priority of mine to cultivate a supportive, safe and liberated space for people of all backgrounds to be their authentic selves. As an integrative clinician, my work is influenced by a relational, humanistic and social justice lens and based on the specific needs and preferences of the person. I frequently utilize motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, self-compassion and mindfulness skills to foster meaningful change. In addition to making room to explore challenges, I believe that it is essential to focus on an individual’s strengths and both internal and external resources.

Personal Interests: I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, art and crafts and cuddling with my dog. I am super proud of the prayer and meditation space I have created in my home and try to spend time there regularly. I am a self-proclaimed “foodie” and enjoy cooking. About once or twice a month, I upload videos to my YouTube cooking channel! I enjoy listening to jazz, R&B and gospel music and love podcasts that speak to my identities and/or culture. 

Language(s) Spoken: English

Marilyn Downs, PhD, LICSW, Director of Outreach and Group Program

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Liaison to Active Minds, CARE Office, and AS&E Faculty. Member of CMHS team supporting race dialogues. Facilitator of the Survivors Support Group. 

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Growing up with adversity (trauma, neglect, poverty, mental illness, or addiction): sexual assault and interpersonal violence; family and relational conflicts and challenges; living with mental illness. 

Approaches to Treatment: I strive toward a style that is warm, non-judgmental, respectful, and active. I use a blend of therapeutic approaches aimed at helping you gain clarity and develop strategies to feel better. I am interested in seeing you as a whole person; understanding your experiences within your personal, cultural, and social contexts; and supporting your strengths and resilience.

Personal Interests: Connecting with others for meaningful conversation and shared activities; painting and other forms of artmaking. I read a lot, keep a journal, and try to meditate. I love walking in beautiful places. I’m involved in community-based racial justice work. Having a sense of humor helps me keep things in perspective. 

Language(s) spoken: English

Stefan Jadaszewski, PhD, Staff Clinician

Pronouns: he/him/his

Additional Roles: Liaison to LGBT Center and Residential Life, Trans Care Team

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Life transitions and adjustments of undergraduate and graduate students, chronic depression, grief/loss, interpersonal relationships, emotional intelligence, identity development, and supporting LGBTQIA+ students (including support or referrals for gender affirmation processes). 

Approaches to Treatment: I use a therapeutic style that is collaborative and builds on students’ existing strengths. My therapeutic approach integrates elements of various theories of psychotherapy based on the goals we identify together.  I often bring attention to what is happening “here and now” in the therapy room, and how that can inform the questions or concerns that bring a person to therapy. I strive to infuse a multicultural orientation and gender-aware/LGBTQ+-affirmative perspectives into my work.

Personal Interests: Outside of work, I enjoy reading, baking, backpacking, kayaking, and whatever gets me outside.

Language(s) Spoken: English

Mackenzie Jordan, PsyD, Postdoctoral Clinician

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Training for Ears for Peers, Outreach

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Body image and eating concerns, depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ support and identity development

Approaches to Treatment: My approach to therapy is collaborative and client-centered, aiming to create a safe, inclusive space in the therapy room to work together with my clients to make progress towards their goals. I incorporate Cognitive-Behavioral, Emotion-Focused, Strengths-based/Positive Psychology, and Humanistic interventions in my work to empower my clients for their own self-efficacy and resilience. 

Personal Interests: Outside of work, you can find me on the never-ending hunt for my next favorite book, movie, TV show, or musical artist or spending time with my dog, Lilly. I also love to make things for the people in my life, whether that is through baking, cooking, knitting, or some other crafting medium.

Language(s) Spoken: English

Dominique McCoy, LCSW, Mantra Staff Clinician

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Dominique graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and a Minor in Women Studies, and has a Masters in Social Work with a certificate in Trauma Practice from Simmons University. Dominique is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has experience working with individuals who are experiencing esteem issues, transition, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Dominique is passionate about creating change in her community and has dedicated most of her life to helping people overcome their personal struggles and traumas. 

Approaches to Treatment: Dominique utilizes an array of treatment modalities including solution focused, CBT, persons centered and strength based to facilitate growth, healing and transformation in her clients. Dominique uses a collaborative process with her clients as well as holistic modalities in support of emotional integration, wellbeing relaxation, and mindfulness.

Identities: Black, Woman

Language(s) Spoken: English

Dominique is working with us through our partner Mantra Health. Initial appointments are made through our office and follow-up appointments are made through Mantra’s portal at app.mantrahealth.com

Samuel J. Ocasio-Domínguez, PhD (pronounced Samwell), Staff Clinician

Pronouns: he/him/his

Additional Roles: Liaison to the Tufts Latinx Center

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Emotional dysregulation; trauma; racial trauma; 1st generation students; challenges associated with English as a second language; Latinx and Afro-Latinx students; BIPOC students; LGBTQ+ students; Dialectical Behavior Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies.

Approaches to Treatment: I approach therapy with curiosity, humbleness, respect, kindness, humor, and collaboration. I believe that students are the experts on their lives, and as a therapist I support them to identify issues they want to work on, and to facilitate their journey to a more fulfilling life. My therapeutic approach is grounded in social justice, multicultural, multiracial, feminist and culturally informed developmental theories, integrating cultural practices and spirituality when important to the students.

Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time with my dog, my partner, friends, and family. One of my favorite things to do is cooking and sharing my Puerto Rican-Caribbean culinary skills with friends from different cultures. I love music, exercising, and reading.

Language(s) Spoken: Spanish, English

Cate Petrowski, PhD, Staff Clinician

Pronouns: they/them/theirs

Additional Roles: Trans Care Team, Outreach

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Trauma, serious mental illness, family (broadly defined) and relationships, working with LGBTQ+ students, identity exploration and development, grief and loss, arts-based interventions, advocacy and empowerment, and mutual help/peer support.

Approaches to Treatment: My approach is collaborative, affirming, and relational. I utilize a feminist and interpersonal process-oriented lens, and I seek to co-create a space where students feel seen, heard, and empowered. I believe it’s important to understand and discuss how social and cultural contexts influence our lived experience and mental health, and I aim to collaborate with students to explore and build their own personal definitions of wellness and recovery.

Personal Interests: Watching movies and TV shows, thrifting and visiting vintage stores, drawing and other creative activities, learning new things, and spending time with my dog, Frances, and my cat, Theodore.

Language(s) Spoken: English

Xavier Quinn, LICSW, Staff Clinician

Pronouns: he/him/his

Additional Roles: Trans Care Team

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: PTSD, trauma (including experiencing or witnessing violence, sexual assault, partner abuse, hate violence, child abuse/neglect, and accidents/injury), trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse identity development and transition, LGBTQIA+ communities, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism Spectrum), grief, substance use, coping with systemic oppression such as racism, classism, sexism, transphobia, biphobia, and homophobia, resolving inner conflict, and accepting parts of oneself that have previously been suppressed, hidden, or denied. I also have experience working with polyamorous, BDSM, and kink communities.

Approaches to Treatment: I use a strengths-based, non-judgmental, collaborative approach to therapy and incorporate the following modalities, as needed: EMDR (Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization), IFS (Internal Family Systems therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), mindfulness, and empowerment theory. 

Personal Interests: Board games, tarot cards, musicals, spending time outdoors, Buddhism, sci-fi books, TV, and movies 

Language(s) Spoken: English, conversational Spanish

Sophie Ricks, LICSW, Staff Clinician

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Trans Care Team, Liaison to the Women’s Center

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Relationship challenges including concerns around sexual functioning, sexual assault and relationship violence; trauma, anxiety and depression; LGBTQ+ issues including support around the coming out process and navigating gender affirmation processes; concerns around substance use and addictive behaviors; issues of cultural identity and oppression; the impact of medical issues on mental health; mood disorders in the pregnancy/postpartum period and parenting challenges. I love working with students who are new to therapy and may be nervous, skeptical whether this can help, or not sure what to expect. I also enjoy consulting with Tufts parents who may have general questions about mental health issues or resources on campus.

Approaches to Treatment: My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, psychodynamic and relational—I believe the “fit” between therapist and client is a crucial part of treatment success, and encourage students to share questions and feedback throughout our work together. As a therapist I pride myself on being authentic, direct, warm, curious, and active in our sessions, and am able to offer both humor and challenge when needed. I may also use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy to relieve students' distress around certain kinds of trauma when appropriate. My goal for our first session is that you feel comfortable coming back for a second one.

Personal interests: Cooking and baking, walks in the woods, reading and writing, bargain hunting at thrift stores/antique markets/yard sales.

Language(s) Spoken: English

Deborah Siegel, PhD, Staff Clinician 

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Onsite at SMFA, SMFA Liaison, Trans Care Team, Residential Life Liaison

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, depression, self-criticism, identity exploration, trauma informed care, students who have family members living with mental health conditions, creativity and artistic challenges, psychosis and experiences such as hearing voices or having suspicious thoughts, mindfulness and meditation, and reducing mental health stigma.

Approaches to Treatment: Come as you are. Whether you’ve been in therapy before or are trying it for the first time, I aim to make therapy a place to grow and heal, as well as to develop meaningful connection. My style is warm, genuine, and often humorous (if the situation fits). In our sessions, I mix self-exploration and skill building to help students feel more empowered to take on challenges in their lives. Many of the students I work with feel out of place; be it socially, academically, or culturally. I encourage students to unlearn old patterns and become more compassionate and kind towards themselves. My background as an artist helps me to think creatively in session, and I love working with artists of all disciplines. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and as a member of the Trans Care Team, I am available to help with evaluations for students seeking gender affirming medical treatments.

Personal Interests: Spending time with family, friends and my sweet dog, watching documentaries and movies that are “so bad they’re good,” collecting vinyl records, comedy, and exploring art museums.

Language(s) Spoken: English

Bela Skorska, LICSW, Staff Clinician

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Trans Care Team; Liaison to the FIRST Resource Center

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Working with college and graduate students, first generation students, LGBTQIA+ identified folks, historically minoritized groups, immigrants and refugees. My clinical interests include: healing from trauma; understanding the impact of intergenerational, community, and racial trauma; identity development including coming out, exploring gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity;  gender affirming care and providing evaluation and letters for GAHT and GAS; navigating relationship dynamics; managing anxiety and depression;  breaking cycles of abuse and violence; building a healthy relationship to body and self; socio-economic and social justice work; integration of spirituality in counseling (when desired); existential therapy around meaning making and resolving inner conflict.

Approaches to Treatment: My approach to treatment is holistic, relational, intersectional, and psychodynamic. I draw on theories from feminist, queer, and developmental frameworks. I believe in the integration of mind, body, and spirit and understanding an individual in the greater social/relational context. I also incorporate mindfulness, skills-based, and cognitive-behavioral approaches in treatment. I aim to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where we can explore the things that are challenging, as well as celebrate successes and growth. My belief is that you are the expert on your life, and I am honored to join you on your journey (even if briefly) to work collaboratively on building your strengths, fostering self- empowerment, and increasing self-compassion.

Personal Interests: Buddhist philosophy. Hanging out with my dog (and cat when he allows it). Taking walks. Swimming. Reading. Meditation. Art. Drag. Comedy. Indie comic books. Putzing around bookstores and record shops.

Language(s) Spoken: English, Polish

Kyla White, LMHC, LADC, Mantra Staff Clinician

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: College student mental health, substance use, depression, anxiety

Approaches to Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a person-centered approach working to improve distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills.

Personal Interests: Hiking, skiing, and watching the Bruins

Language(s) Spoken: English

Kyla is working with us through our partner Mantra Health. Initial appointments are made through our office and follow-up appointments are made through Mantra’s portal at app.mantrahealth.com

Andrew Yuen, PsyD, Staff Clinician

Pronouns: he/him/his

Additional Roles: Liaison to the Asian American Center

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: I help students manage concerns with anxiety, depression, emerging adulthood, relationship conflicts, grief & loss, family of origin issues, men’s issues, and more. I have a specific interest in working with international students, first-generation students, and graduate students. I enjoy helping people explore their identities (gender and sexuality, racial and ethnic, cultural, etc.).

Theoretical Orientation: I am a generalist clinician who draws from Person-Centered/Humanistic, Interpersonal, ACT, and DBT theories. I prioritize creating a safe, warm, and non-judgmental therapeutic space. I strive to be culturally informed in my work with all my students. My style emphasizes authenticity, compassion, and collaboration. I help students build coping skills and harness their existing strengths.

Personal Interests: I am interested in running, photography, and learning to cook vegan-friendly versions of my favorite recipes. I enjoy reading both American and world history, and science fiction. My favorite video game series are the original Mass Effect trilogy, Fire Emblem, and Legend of Zelda. 

Language(s) Spoken: English

Zara Konarski, PMHCNS, BC, Child Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Trans Care Team, Liaison to Residential Life. Eco Ambassador

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Developmental issues of late adolescence/early adulthood; concerns around emerging/evolving aspects of identity development and their various intersections for college-aged students and beyond; working with individuals that have been impacted by trauma; addressing family and relational concerns and the impact of this on mental health; and working with students that identify as LGBTQ+.

Approaches to Treatment: As a member of the prescribing staff, my primary focus is to provide diagnostic assessments and evaluations for medication consultation and on-going management. Through this role I work to understand mental health concerns and symptoms through the biological, psychological, social and cultural/systemic dimensions of personhood, using a relational frame with integration of mindfulness and skills-based practices into the work.  My hope is that treatment always feels informative and collaborative, as I truly believe that it is when individuals have a sense of agency and empowerment in their care that they are most capable of achieving growth and change.

Personal interests: Spending time by bodies of water and in nature, having meaningful connections with family and friends, creating, cooking and eating delicious food, and finding the humor in everyday life are some of my favorite things.  

Language(s) Spoken: English

Susan Mahoney, PMHCNS, BC, Adult Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Primary Role: Diagnostic assessment and evaluation for medication treatment; ongoing assessment and management of medication for a range of mental health problems; education related to mental health problems, medications, and other treatments; consultation/support for students in crisis.

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Developmental issues of late adolescence/early adulthood and the influence of social class and culture on the student’s experience; students who have experienced trauma/sexual assault, coping with both physical and mental health problems.

Theoretical Orientation:  Eclectic, integrating bio/psycho/social, relational, and mindfulness based approaches to treatment. 

Language(s) Spoken:  English

Priya Sehgal, MD, MA, Pediatric and Adult Psychiatrist

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Developmental issues of late adolescence/early adulthood; racial and ethnic identity development, race related stress, immigration/acculturative stress, Asian-American mental health; gender identity, sexuality, women's mental health; trauma.

Approaches to Treatment: As a psychiatrist, I provide diagnostic assessments and evaluations for medication consultation and on-going medication management using a biological, psychological, social, and cultural framework. I seek to understand how one's intersecting socio-cultural identities—particularly one's ethnic/racial experiences, gender identity, and experiences of immigration and/or acculturation—impact one's current presentation, development, and sense of self.   

Personal interests: Spending time with family and friends, cooking, exercising, playing sports, gardening. 

Language(s) Spoken: English

Coming Soon

Jennifer Granquist, LMHC, Urgent Care Specialist

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Liaison to Career Center and Residential Life

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: My primary interest is making mental health resources, knowledge and skills for navigating life accessible to everyone, especially in times of crisis. Areas of interest and expertise include crisis intervention and risk assessment, trauma-informed care and response, grief, emerging adult mental health, first generation student experience and adjustment, identity development, interpersonal concerns, adjustment and life transitions. I am interested in supporting students in developing resiliency skills to support self-efficacy and advocacy. I am also trained in Expressive Arts Therapy and Koru Mindfulness.

Approaches to Treatment: My approach is collaborative, relational, person-centered, and strength-based. I integrate self-compassion, mindfulness, knowledge of neuroscience and cognitive behavioral therapy including DBT and ACT into practice. Students often leave our sessions with skills for prioritizing mental well-being and bouncing back from life stressors. 

Language(s) Spoken: English

Takahide Watanabe, LMHC, Urgent Care Specialist

Pronouns: he/him/his

Additional Roles: Liaison to the First Center

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: My clinical priority is to provide an emotionally safe place for  students to discuss any emotional disturbances that we work with together and to promote a sense of connectedness among community members through student-centered programming. I am especially interested in working with and learning from students from underserved populations, international students, students struggling with cultural adjustment, first generation college students, and students with concerns about returning from a medical leave of absence.

Approaches to Treatment: I practice bringing collaborative, compassionate, strength based, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness based approaches to treatment. I am an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist.

Personal Interests: Running and swimming, listening to good Jazz.

Language(s) Spoken: English, Japanese

Jennifer Lawrence, MSW, LICSW, On-Call Specialist

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: College student mental health, suicide prevention and intervention, crisis intervention.

Approaches to Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a person-centered approach working to improve distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills.

Personal interests: Hanging out with my pup, Link. Watching the Red Sox. Running.

Language(s) Spoken: English

Julie B. Jampel, PhD, Director of Training

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Additional Roles: Continuing Education Director; Liaison to the StAAR Center and the Fletcher School

Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Developmental issues of late adolescents and young adults, coping with disabilities, family conflict, relationship concerns, loss

Approaches to Treatment: Having a space for honest communication and reflection about oneself and one's life can lead to growth and change.  My approach emphasizes creating that space to facilitate problem-solving, to generate insight and understanding of one's struggles, and to know oneself as well as possible.

Personal Interests: Taking long walks, reading fiction, talking and laughing with friends and family.  

Language(s) Spoken: English

Erica Schonman, MPH, CHES, Mental Health Promotion Specialist

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Primary Role: Engage with students, staff, and faculty to promote mental health at Tufts, plan and present programs and workshops, and learn from Tufts students so we can work together to support student wellbeing.

Theoretical Orientation: I have a public health background and use my public health skills and experience to promote mental health through non-clinical approaches like increasing help-seeking behavior, promoting life skills and resilience, and working with the Tufts community to foster a healthy and safe educational environment.

Personal Interests: I love running (albeit slowly), listening to podcasts, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends.

Language(s) Spoken: English

Andrea Bellizia, Practice Supervisor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Personal Interests: I enjoy being with friends, family, and my dog. I like spending time outdoors hiking, running, or simply just swimming in lakes, pools, or being in the ocean. I also enjoy trying new foods, meeting new people, and seeing new places.

Language(s) Spoken: English