Who We Are
A Counseling Center Accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc.
Florida Gulf Coast University Counseling and Psychological Services is a department within the Marieb College of Health and Human Services. Our services are designed to provide accessible and quality counseling, psychiatry, consultation, instruction, education, and assessment for students. Our services are based on acceptance, understanding, respect, and care for all who seek services. All currently registered students are eligible for services in the counseling center.
The staff is comprised of full-time and part-time professional counselors and therapists. Licensed psychologists, masters level counselors, and graduate level interns under the supervision of one of the licensed clinicians provide needed assistance. A psychiatrist and registered dietitian are also available for consultation.
- View our Mission, Values, and Goal Statements - Download PDF
- View our Multicultural Values and Diversity Statement - Download PDF
Meet Our Team
Jon Brunner, PhD
Senior Director, Counseling and Wellness Services
Dr. Jon Brunner is a Florida licensed psychologist. He is a founding staff member
of FGCU beginning his employment in 1996.
Contact Dr. Brunner
Brian Bakalar, EdD, LMHC, NCC
Director of Consultation and Case Management
Dr. Brian Bakalar has a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, focusing on mental
health and violent behavior from FGCU. Dr. Bakalar is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor
(LMHC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Higher Education Case Managers Association
(HECMA) member.
Contact Dr. Bakalar
Allison Jedinak, PsyD
Director of Clinical Services
Dr. Allie Jedinak is a licensed psychologist with doctorate in counseling psychology.
Contact Dr. Jedinak
Julie Rego, EdD, LMHC, ACS, CCPT
Director of Outreach and Prevention
Dr. Rego has a Doctoral Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision.
Contact Dr. Rego
Laura Wright, PhD
Training Director
Dr. Laura Wright is a licensed psychologist and has worked at CAPS since 2005. Dr.
Wright serves as Training Director and founded the American Psychological Association-accredited
Doctoral Internship at FGCU.
Contact Dr. Wright
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Psychiatry
Toggle More InfoNicole Millich, APRN
Bio coming soon.Staff Psychiatry Provider
Office: SCCC - 300 -
Clinicians
Toggle More InfoKymm Carlson, MA
Kymm Carlson attended Bucknell University in Pennsylvania where she earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Business and Spanish. After working for more than two decades in the corporate world, Kymm decided to pursue her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Florida Gulf Coast University which she completed in 2022. Kymm is currently a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in the state of Florida working towards becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Kymm utilizes an integrative theoretical approach with an emphasis on person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based therapies tailored to meet each individual client’s needs. Her areas of clinical interest include generalized, social and performance anxiety, depression, academic and work stress, interpersonal relationships, chronic pain, grief and loss, career counseling, sports psychology, and personal empowerment.
Kymm is dedicated to providing a safe space and judgment-free environment for self-expression and to explore challenges and solutions. Life is difficult for all of us at times and counseling can help provide profound and long-lasting benefits. Whether it be to overcome hardship, restore mental wellbeing, or improve self-esteem and confidence, Kymm believes answers lie within and we all have the ability to heal, grow, thrive, and prosper.
Staff Clinician and Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Office: SCCC - 300Dennis Christoffersen, PsyD, MSSW, MBA
Dr. Christoffersen (AKA “Dr. Dennis”) joined the CAPS team in June 2016 after 20 years working in college health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He provides individual, couples and group counseling, outreach, clinical supervision for trainees and coordinates testing services at CAPS. Dr. Christoffersen received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago and completed his doctoral internship training in child and pediatric psychology at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago. He holds a Master’s of Science of Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida in Tampa.
In addition to his interest and extensive experience in college health, Dr. Christoffersen has worked as a child psychologist in public agency and private practice settings and a substance abuse counselor in a variety of substance abuse treatment programs. He has experience in crisis intervention, trauma recovery, recovery from addictions, child and family therapy, psychosocial factors related to learning disorders and has worked in a wide range of practice settings. With regard to college health, Dr. Christoffersen’s professional interests include anxiety and stress management, wellness, performance improvement, couples’ therapy, suicide prevention, clinical supervision and training, integrative health care and outreach to LGBTQ-identified and other students. He appreciates the unique challenges and rewards that come with college life along with the extraordinary opportunities created for personal growth and positive change.
Staff Psychologist
Office: SCCC - 300Jeannie Corredor, PhD
Dr. Corredor earned her Ph. D. in Counseling Psychology at University at Albany, State University of New York in 2003. She completed her internship at Maimonides Medical Center, a community mental health center in Brooklyn, NY.
Dr. Corredor is a bilingual (English-Spanish) licensed psychologist of Puerto Rican heritage with over 10 years of experience in providing psychological services, including psychological assessments, to a diverse population. She incorporates mindfulness, cognitive behavior therapy and a strengths-based approach to help individuals overcome emotional distress, reduce maladaptive coping and enhance their resilience. Dr. Corredor believes in collaborating with clients to achieve greater life satisfaction and overall well-being. Her professional interests include multicultural issues, working with first generation to college populations, incorporating holistic approaches to enhance wellness and treating mood disorders, as well as supervision and training.
Staff Psychologist
Office: SCCC - 300Bianca Fontanez, MA
Bianca completed both of her degrees at Florida Gulf Coast University: BA in Communications and MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Go Eagles! Bianca is working towards her licensure and has experience in the mental health field including serving those with substance abuse, suicidality, anxiety, depression, grief, and life-stage transitions, LGBTQ+, self-esteem, and relationship concerns. She practices an integrative approach to therapy using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Existential Therapy. Bianca strives to exert a warm, caring, and prosperous atmosphere in her therapy sessions to guide her clients those their life journeys.
Bianca enjoys self-care activities such as playing softball, listening to EDM, puzzles, dancing, and massages. Bianca values outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, biking, and rollerblading. She loves spending time with her partner and their 5 dogs, traveling to new places, meeting new people, and exploring new adventures.
Staff Clinician and Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Office:SCCC - 300Jody Magras, MA, LMHC
Jody A. Magras was born and raised in the United States Virgin Islands. He attended Rollins College in Winter Park (FL), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Jody has been a counselor in higher education for more than 16 years. He started working at the FGCU CAPS office in November of 2015. Jody is dedicated to helping students navigate and grow through the developmental tasks of this age group, including, but not limited to: becoming autonomous and developing healthy relationships, identity development, clarifying purpose and developing meaning in one’s life, etc. He believes in holistic treatment, which considers the effects of biological, spiritual, cultural, environmental, and social influences. In addition to individual counseling, he also runs several counseling groups.
Jody has particular professional interests in understanding and treating depression, non-suicidal self-injury, culture shock and adjustment issues, performance and social anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, self-esteem, identity development, anger management, self-care and wellness, and resiliency. He is Certified in Clinical Hypnosis and has advanced trainings in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Jody also serves on the Collegiate Life Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CLASP) initiative at FGCU.Staff Clinician
Office: SCCC - 300Jessica Matthews, MS, LMHC
Jessica Matthews is a licensed mental health counselor who completed her master’s degree in Community Counseling from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois in 2009. After graduation, Jessica gained experience providing mental health and family stabilization services to youth while working at a clinic for at-risk youth and families in crisis. She also served as an addictions counselor for adolescents at an inpatient treatment facility, providing individual, group, and equestrian therapy to teens. In 2010, Jessica expanded her experience in mental health by serving as a clinician in a community mental health setting, providing outpatient therapy to both adults and children. In 2015, Jessica returned to her alma mater and began providing mental health therapy to college students at EIU, before moving to Florida in 2019. As a counselor at CAPS, Ms. Matthews provides individual, group, and couples counseling to FGCU students. She co-facilitates a medical support group on campus for students experiencing chronic health conditions, as well as she leads a Stepping Stones group at CAPS. Jessica utilizes a strength-based approach with individuals and often incorporates cognitive behavior therapy, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness skills into her practice. Her areas of interest in counseling include working with anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, and adjustment issues.
Staff Clinician
Office: SCCC - 300Alex McAllister, MA, LMHC
Alex earned a Master of Arts degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in May of 2011. He has been working at CAPS since he served as a graduate assistant there during the 2010-2011 academic year and became a member of the CAPS team right after graduation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Transactional Analysis, and Gestalt are his main approaches to therapy in both individual and group settings. His 11 years of experience at CAPS and 2 years of experience treating co-morbid disorders at the Salvation Army provide a strong foundation to address concerns presented by university students. Alex strives to approach each client as unique and takes a holistic point of view that considers biological, spiritual, cultural, environmental, and social influences. While effective in working with a wide range of concerns, Alex specializes in working with clients who present with characteristics typical of spectrum disorders, social anxiety, and interpersonal communication struggles.
Clinician
Office: SCCC - 300Adam McCabe, PhD
Dr. McCabe earned a doctorate from Hofstra University in 2014. His training has been in Clinical Psychology with a strong emphasis on Cognitive-Behavioral therapies. However, he has incorporated a prominent Acceptance-based practice into his work. He has extensive experience practicing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Mindfulness-based therapies. He maintains a special interest in approaches that build resiliency and wellness in students as a proactive measure of instilling stability and hope when confronting the rigors of academic and personal life.
Staff Psychologist
Office: SCCC - 300Wendy Powell, MS, LMHC
Wendy completed her undergraduate degree at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Community Agency Counseling from The University of Memphis. Wendy has had a variety of experience in the mental health field including, serving as program director at an adolescent partial hospitalization program, residential substance abuse counselor, and private practice clinician. She has advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Structural Family Therapy. Wendy incorporates a strength-based approach with all of her clients.
Wendy’s professional interests include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide prevention, and self-esteem issues. Wendy strives to provide a safe and caring environment for all her clients. Her goal when working with clients is to provide an objective and compassionate vehicle to promote individual health and contentment in all areas of life. She works to create a non-judgmental, collaborative environment for all her clients many of whom are facing family stress and academic pressures. Her style has been described as authentic, caring, and humorous.
Staff Clinician
Office: SCCC - 300Rebecca Sherry, MS, LMHC, MCAP
Rebecca attended the University of North Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Master’s Level Certified Addictions Professional, and a Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida. Rebecca has additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Rebecca’s professional interests include substance use issues and concerns, trauma, and career development. Her approach to therapy integrates person-centered, strengths-based, and motivational interviewing techniques. Rebecca also has a passion for training and clinical supervision and works closely with our trainees at CAPS.
Outside of CAPS Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, chasing around two toddlers, and riding her Peloton.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Office: SCCC - 300Cassie Sirmans, MA, LMHC
Cassie Sirmans attended Florida Gulf Coast University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her counseling style is integrative with a cognitive behavioral focus. Cassie began her journey with CAPS as a trainee during her Master’s program in 2019. Cassie returned to CAPS and began working as a staff clinician in January 2021.
Cassie has experience working with adolescents, families, and couples. Additionally, Cassie has experience and training working with individuals who have a history and/or are currently struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns. Further experience includes working with individuals struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, interpersonal and relationships.
Outside of CAPS, Cassie enjoys spending her time as a new mom, running Disney races, teaching dance, and traveling as often as possible.
Staff Clinician and Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Office: SCCC - 300Rebecca Wiemerslage, PsyD
Rebecca Wiemerslage, Psy.D. is a Licensed Psychologist and the Group Therapy Coordinator at FGCU CAPS. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles. Dr. Wiemerslage’s therapy style primarily conceptualizes through an integrated interpersonal, cognitive and systemic approach utilizing interventions that promote healthier coping strategies, relationships, and communication with self and others. She currently facilitates two therapy groups, the Emotional Wellness hybrid group of skills and process, and the Women2Women interpersonal process group. Rebecca found her way to Florida first as an intern at FGCU CAPS, then stayed nearby as a postdoctoral fellow at Florida International University, and returned to FGCU as a licensed staff psychologist. Additionally, Dr. Wiemerslage is involved in psychological testing, outreach, CLASP, and group therapy consultation at CAPS, as well as a Board Member and Co-Chair of Event Planning for the Florida Group Psychotherapy Society (FGPS). Outside of the field, Rebecca enjoys spending time outside, finding new pizza spots, going for walks with her family and dog, Siri, and rooting for her Minnesota sport teams.
Staff Psychologist
Office: SCCC - 300Amanda Zoghbi, MA, LMHC
Amanda earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 and received her Bachelors degree in Athletic Training (2018) at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Amanda always knew she wanted to help people and with her diverse background in Athletic Training she understands how our physical and mental health play an important role with the human body. Amanda believes that everyone is unique, therefore, she takes an integrative approach in counseling to meet a client’s specific need, which may include using styles from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Some of Amanda’s area of experience include anxiety, depression, academic stress, self-esteem concerns, and relationship concerns. Amanda is a first-generation U.S citizen and understands the importance of being culturally sensitive with clients who identify from different cultural backgrounds. Her goal as a counselor is to meet clients where they are at in their healing journey and help improve their quality of life. Although Amanda was born in Massachusetts, she has spent her whole life in the Southwest Florida area and does not see herself anywhere else. She enjoys working out, going to the beach, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.
Staff Clinician and Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Office:SCCC - 300 -
Specialized Services
Toggle More InfoBeth Martin, MA, MA
Beth is a licensed School Psychologist in the state of Florida. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree as Teacher of the Handicapped from Rowan University, a Master’s degree in Teaching the Emotionally Disturbed/Socially Maladjusted from Kean University, and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University. She has over 35 years of experience conducting psychological assessments with diverse populations at the grade school, high school and college levels and is proficient in several types of measurements including tests that gauge ability, academic achievement and behavior. She helps students who seek to learn more about their individual learning style and she has a special interest in identifying innate proficiencies to assist students in capitalizing on their strengths in order to achieve maximum academic, career, and personal success.School Psychologist
Office: SCCC - 300 -
Trainees
Toggle More InfoLeah Faber, PsyD, MA
Leah is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at FGCU CAPS. She received a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at Midwestern University in the Chicagoland area. She earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Midwestern University. She earned dual degrees in Psychology (BA) and Business (BA) at Hanover College. Leah has provided services in community, private practice, and university counseling settings. Leah has worked with a wide array of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, loneliness, trauma, identity development, interpersonal, and stage of life concerns. She utilizes an integrative approach with an emphasis on interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance, and strength-based approaches.Post-Doctoral Fellow
Office: SCCC - 300Rachel Coury, MA
Rachel is a Doctoral Intern at FGCU CAPS. She is in her final year of her doctoral program at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She earned a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University. She earned dual degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Rachel utilizes an integrative approach with an emphasis on client centered, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and strength-based approaches. Rachel especially enjoys working with underrepresented populations in counseling. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys traveling, hiking, playing and watching women's basketball, cheering for Cleveland sports teams, and spending time with her cat, Elton.
Doctoral Intern
Office: SCCC - 300Imani Crosby, MS
Imani is a Doctoral Intern at FGCU CAPS. She is in her final year of her doctoral program, receiving a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at Georgia Southern University. She earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Georgia Southern University. She earned her bachelor degree in Psychology at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. Imani has provided services in community mental health, schools and university counseling settings. Imani has worked with a wide array of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, academic distress, trauma, identity development, interpersonal concerns. She utilizes an integrative approach with an emphasis on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), multiculturism, and strength-based approaches. Fun fact: Imani loves football and her favorite team is the Cincinnati Bengals #whodey
Doctoral Intern
Office: SCCC - 300Catarina Reyes-Santinho, MS
Catarina is currently attending Nova Southeastern University, where she is obtaining her Doctorate in Psychology. She is a fifth-year student and matched with FGCU for her Doctoral Internship. Catarina has worked in community mental health, college counseling, and in-patient treatment center for eating disorders. She loved college counseling so much, she decided to come back! Catarina's approach to therapy is integrative, often meeting her client where they are and pulling from various therapeutic techniques. Catarina enjoys working from a body-neutral approach and helping others make peace with food and their own body-image. She also enjoys working with processing childhood trauma and understanding complex family relationships. Catarina frequently uses self-compassion and self-care as therapeutic interventions as she believes you cannot pour from an empty cup! Catarina is a first-generation US Citizen, so she understands the importance of culture and how it may influence our mental health. Catarina aims to create a safe space for everyone who steps into the therapy room with her.
In her free time, Catarina loves to dance, paint, and spend time with her loved ones. She also loves to play with her dog, Loki!
Doctoral Intern
Office: SCCC - 300Alexandra Perrine, MS
Alexandra is currently attending Nova Southeastern University, where she is obtaining her Doctorate in Psychology. She is a fourth-year student and sought out additional training at FGCU during her elective practicum. Alexandra has worked in community mental health and court-mandated families within the justice system. She is eager to work within the college counseling community and continue to diversify her skills. Alexandra’s approach to therapy is integrative, often meeting her client where they are and pulling from various therapeutic techniques. Alexandra enjoys working with processing childhood trauma, conflict within relationships and understanding complex family relationships. In her free time, Alexandra loves supporting her football team, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Doctoral Practicum Trainee
Office: SCCC - 300Lindsey Tague, BA
Lindsey Tague, BA, is a clinician trainee earning her master's in clinical mental health counseling from FGCU.Clinician TraineeOffice: SCCC - 300Natalie Arnold, BS
Natalie Arnold, BS is a master's level trainee earning her master's in clinical mental health counseling from FGCU.
Masters Level Trainee
Office: SCCC - 300Olivia Fry, BS
Olivia Fry, BS, is a master's level trainee earning her master's in clinical mental health counseling from FGCU.
Masters Level Trainee
Office: SCCC - 300Eliana Mezzenga, BS
Eliana Mezzenga, BS, is a master's level trainee earning her master's in clinical mental health counseling from FGCU.Masters Level TraineeOffice: SCCC - 300Alexa Carter, MSW
Alexa Carter, MSW, is a master's level trainee earning her master's in social work from FGCU.Outreach, Prevention & Case Management TraineeOffice: SCCC - 300Kaylin Murphy, MSW
Kaylin Murphy, MSW, is a master's level trainee earning her master's in social work from FGCU.Outreach, Prevention & Case Management TraineeOffice: SCCC - 300Haley Mejia, BSW
Haley Mejia, BSW, is a bachelor's level trainee earning her bachelor's in social work from FGCU.Outreach, Prevention & Case Management TraineeOffice: SCCC - 300Samara Perez, BSW
Samara Perez, BSW , is a bachelor's level trainee earning her bachelor's in social work from FGCU.Outreach, Prevention & Case Management TraineeOffice: SCCC - 300 -
Administrative Staff
Toggle More InfoOlivia Boyan
Bio coming soon.
Administrative Specialist
Office: SCCC - 300Neenah Fornos
Neenah joined CAPS team in September 2014 as Senior Secretary / Client Services. Her previous professional experience includes managing area health clubs. When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with her family, crochet, crafting, indoor cycling, and Crossfit type workouts.
Administrative Specialist
Office: SCCC - 300Holly Mathews
Holly comes from Michigan where she worked in higher education for the last 16 years before joining the CAPS team in January 2017. When not at work, Holly enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys exploring their new home state of Florida.
Administrative Assistant
Office: SCCC - 300Carolyn Pelotte
Carolyn Pelotte joined the CAPS team as a Client Services Assistant on July 1, 2019. Her previous professional experience includes over 15 years of medical administrative experience. While not at work, she likes to spend time with her husband and two boys, she loves nature hikes, movies and family activities.
Administrative Specialist
Office: SCCC - 300