Elizabeth Mondragon, Psy.D.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Senior Director of Health, Well-Being and Safety Mental Health Initiatives
Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Licensed Psychologist – CA PSY 21471
(951) 827-5531

Dr. Mondragon is a licensed psychologist who received her Psy.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology at the University of La Verne, with a M.S. in Psychology and a B.S. in Criminology.

Dr. Mondragon has over 20 years of clinical experience, with University Counseling Center experience going back from 2003. Dr. Mondragon joined UCR in 2006 as a CAPS staff clinician and completed training as a Psychology intern in the CAPS counseling center.  Some areas of particular interest to Dr. Mondragon include: supporting academic success through increased access to mental and physical health care services to students; reducing stigma and barriers to help-seeking for mental health concerns of a diverse campus community; supporting the unique needs and challenges of first generation college students;  working with individuals who have experienced trauma and sexual abuse;  processing clinical issues around grief and loss; and supporting campus diversity, equity and inclusion through advocacy and education.

Identifying as a first-generation college student, first generation USA citizen, and proud Latina, Dr. Mondragon has a particular passion for the unique and highly diverse UCR campus community and supporting students to feel empowered through their educational experience and beyond.

Dr. Mondragon is a great animal lover but especially her cats and dogs, considers herself a Sci-Fi and Horror fanatic, and loves to spend time listening/singing along to music with friends and family!

Loretta Mead, Psy.D.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Associate Director/Clinical Director
Licensed Psychologist, CA 24298
(951) 827-5531

Dr. Mead joined Counseling and Psychological Services in 2010. She received her master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles.

Dr. Mead is committed to helping others feel better, grow as individuals and have healthy, satisfying relationships. In her role as assistant director/clinical director, she assists in overseeing the daily operations and clinical services of CAPS. She also provided individual, couples and group therapy, is involved in the center’s training of psychological interns, and participates in committees within the campus community.

Dr. Mead values working with diverse individuals with a variety of challenges that include relational dynamics, loss and grief, identity, cultural identity and self-development, as well as first generation college student experiences. She is grateful to be a member of the talented and diverse CAPS team.

Lee Stillerman, Ph.D.

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Associate Director/Crisis Director
Licensed Psychologist, CA PSY21971
(951) 827-5531  

Dr. Stillerman has worked at UCR CAPS since 2009. He has extensive training in multicultural competencies and enjoys working with diverse orientations, cultures and worldviews. Dr. Stillerman has a special interest in humor and is interested in the intersection between humor and well-being.

Before UCR, Dr. Stillerman worked at counseling centers at New Mexico State University, the University of Hawaii, Boston College, CSU Long Beach and UCLA. He earned his Master's degree in counseling psychology from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and his Ph.D. from New Mexico State University.

In his current role as Assistant Director/ Crisis Director Dr. Stillerman helps to plan, direct, and oversee the day to day operations in the center and assumes additional oversight and responsibility for urgent care services, working closely with campus partners to coordinate crisis intervention and stabilization for students with high acuity. Dr. Stillerman is a College & University Suicide Prevention Specialist, accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.

Jennifer Hung, Psy.D.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Associate Director/Training Director
Licensed Psychologist, CA PSY 21949
(951) 827-5531

Hello! Welcome to CAPS! Dr. Hung has had the honor of serving UCR college students for more than thirteen years, and one of her favorite aspects of UCR is the rich and resilient life stories UCR students bring to campus. While Dr. Hung did not receive her undergraduate training at UCR, she attended our sister campus at UC Irvine. Dr. Hung completed her doctorate in clinical-community psychology at the University of La Verne. Throughout Dr. Hung's career, she has worked in various settings, including college counseling centers, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health clinics, and private practice. Despite working in all these settings, Dr. Hung's clinical interests remain the same. She has a particular interest in identity issues, social justice, immigration, acculturation, trauma, BIPOC, and the impact of racism/discrimination.

As CAPS's associate director/training director, Dr. Hung oversees the APA-accredited doctoral health service psychology internship program and provides a wide range of clinical services to the campus community. Her extensive experience and understanding of diverse backgrounds enable her to utilize an integrative approach in working with students, taking into consideration the interactions of larger systems (e.g family, community, societal…etc) and the individual. Finally, the underlying principle in Dr. Hung's clinical practice is to honor the students' identities, values, life experiences, strengths, and other aspects that makeup who they are as a person, fostering a sense of understanding and respect.

Personal interests: Lego, Marvel movies, puzzles, paddleboarding, podcasts, and biography-nonfiction books.   

Eyrn Parks, Ph.D.

Pronouns: He/Him/His 
Assistant Director
Licensed Psychologist, PSY 20429 
(951) 827-5531 

Eyrn majored in Psychology and Public Service at UC Riverside and then earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern California in 2002. He has worked with a number of different ethnic and cultural groups of different ages across a variety of settings including substance abuse, community mental health, residential, and outpatient settings. Most of his experience, however, has been from his 11 years at Riverside County Behavioral Health where he worked as a psychologist, trainer, chair of the Adverse Incidents Committee, and supervisor at an adult services clinic. He has worked at UCR CAPS since 2017 as a licensed Counseling Psychologist and has been an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine since 2015. 

Eyrn strives to work collaboratively with a style and method that most suits the individual. He enjoys working with and learning from people from all cultures and backgrounds. His theoretical orientation is primarily person-centered and cognitive-behavioral, attempting to integrate the latest research findings when possible. His therapeutic interests include self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and anger-management. 

His personal interests include cycling, running, and travel. He currently hosts the podcast and KUCR radio show “Let’s Get Psyched.”

Farid Azhir, LMFT

Pronouns: He/Him/His 
Staff Therapist  
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT 48161 
(951) 827-5531  

Farid joined Counseling and Psychological Services in 2015. Prior to earning his Master's degree in Counseling at California State University Fullerton, Farid also received a B.S. in kinesiology with an emphasis on physiology of exercise. During his research which was to investigate the impact of physiological changes on weight control exercises. He gravitated towards undeniably power of psychological constructs to maintain a healthy life style, that's when he decided to focus his graduate study in the area of psychotherapy and his journey continues to enrich his enthusiasm in everlasting learning and how to serve others humbly and sincerely. 

Prior to joining UCR, he had the privilege to serve K-12 students and their families who required a variety of mental health services. His passion for exploring the influence of cultures and how it impacts therapy has taken him to five continents around the world. He immersed himself in cultural experiences that at first glance did not seem alike, however became a firm believer that a nonjudgmental deeper view reveals credulous simplicity of the very fabric that tightly bounds us together “Love & Respect." 

Farid loves nature and enjoys learning about different cultures. He believes nature influences culture and culture influences our perspective. This perspective then filters our thoughts and, our thoughts cradle our feelings, our relationships, and our lives. 

Sarah Pemberton MSW, LCSW

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Staff Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW # 25339
(951) 827-5531

Sarah studied psychology at Scripps College where she received her B.A. Sarah received her Master’s in Social Welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has worked in community mental health settings in Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as University of California settings in which she is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive practice..

Sarah comes to UCR with a varying degree of experiences. She started her professional career as a therapist in Los Angeles and Orange counties working in an outpatient Department of Mental Health contracted clinics, serving a diverse population of families. She came to work at UCR in 2008 working within Student Affairs as the first Student Affairs Case Manager for the campus.  She worked to advocate for students that were facing a variety of challenges navigate the university and access all the resources it has to offer. 

Sarah started as a Staff Therapist at UCR CAPS in 2013, working in individual and group settings to support UCR students with their mental health needs. For years now Sarah has conducted the mandated substance abuse assessments for the campus.  Sarah’s therapeutic practice is rooted in a psychodynamic approach to build on client’s internal resources and to better understand one’s reactions to challenges in their life, and how to reshape those reactions. Sarah also has extensive experience working with solution focused therapy that will pull upon skills based as well as relational approaches to helping client’s meet their treatment goals. Her ability to assist clients that are at a crossroads within relationships, family dynamics, planning for the future or any type of life change is very effective for her clients.

Ayoka Bell, Psy.D.

Pronouns: yeye 
Staff Psychologist  
Licensed Clinical Psychologist - CA PSY 27676 
(951) 827-5531 

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Sacramento, Dr. Bell earned both master’s and doctoral degrees from John F. Kennedy University.  

Dr. Bell brings clinical experience from past work in public education and safety, community mental health, inpatient behavioral health, and primary care-behavioral health integration. Dr. Bell provides clinical supervision to pre-doctoral interns at CAPS, serves as liaison with UCR African Student Programs, and is a founding member of the UCR Transgender and Gender Diverse Clinical Consultation Team. Dr. Bell’s therapeutic approach is integrative and collaborative, drawing from various treatment modalities based on individuals’ unique needs. Dr. Bell is passionate about providing support around issues of diversity. With the aim of empowering people of all abilities, backgrounds, and identities, Dr. Bell strives to create a therapeutic space that feels safe and free of judgement. 

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Bell enjoys birding, hiking, biking, boating, and travelling as well as spending quality time with loved ones worldwide. 

Nicky Pitsavas, Psy.D. 

Pronouns: They/She
Staff Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSY 29303
(951) 827-5531

Dr. Pitsavas obtained a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Chicago. As a generalist, Nicky offers a variety of service modalities, including individual, couples, groups, and outreach presentations.  Nicky is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Nicky’s clinical conceptualization is grounded in psychodynamic and attachment theories.  Nicky sees the therapeutic relationship as an important vehicle for change through which clients can explore and practice new ways of relating to others.  Nicky describes their work as relational, collaborative and transparent, encouraging clients to participate actively in their treatment planning and to provide feedback openly on their experience of counseling.  Nicky believes that all individuals strive toward healthier lives and that people make the best decisions they can based on their background and the options available to them.  Thus, Nicky also strongly believes in psychoeducation to help clients expand their knowledge of community resources.  Nicky regularly incorporates cognitive behavioral strategies to help clients reshape unhelpful ways of thinking and acting and to develop more adaptive coping strategies.  Nicky has a particular passion for working with sexual and gender minorities, undocumented immigrants and other marginalized populations.  Social justice guides not only their clinical work but also their professional and personal life.

Nicky enjoys many hobbies in their spare time.  These include camping, playing with her dogs and cats, and a host of manual and creative activities.  Nicky, their wife, and their children love to sing and go on hikes together.  Science fiction and fantasy are among Nicky's favorite genres whether for reading or watching movies.  As a previous Senior Desktop Analyst, Nicky is an avid technology consumer and thrives on learning how things work.

Tina Luis-Brown, M.S.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Staff Therapist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT 33683
(951) 827-5531

As a first-generation graduate of the UC and Cal State University systems, Tina strives to help students. As a bi-racial, bilingual woman of color, Tina provides a safe, confidential space for students and invites first-generation college students, BIPOC, QTPOC/LGBTQIA+ students, undocumented students, and others to consider the counseling experience. She uses a multicultural healing framework that includes an integration of therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral (MBCBT) modalities informed by neuroscience. In her work, Tina invites each person to share their unique experiences and needs and to develop or enhance nurturing practices, emphasizing affirming and humanizing care that is insight-oriented, person-centered, trauma-informed and body inclusive. 

Tina has devoted much of her career to the healing arts as well as training and educating community members in mental health awareness, wellness practices and destigmatizing mental health, among other topics. She has had extensive experience working with young adults, student parents and families who feel marginalized. Her approach prioritizes helping individuals increase their sense of empowerment, agency, authenticity, and self-knowledge while developing skills needed to navigate and minimize barriers to care. She is the Undocumented Students Program liaison and engages in other forms of outreach on campus with an understanding of a student’s unique life experiences in the context of multicultural and intersectional identities.

Heather Johnson M.S.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 
Staff Therapist  
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT 103173  
(951) 827-5531 

Heather Johnson was born and raised in Southern California and studied psychology and philosophy at Cal State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Heather received her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. She has special training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Heather has a diverse professional background working with those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and various other diagnoses. Heather has a special interest in working with those who have experienced sexual and relationship violence, as well as those who have experienced trauma related to the criminal justice system. Heather uses an integrative and varied approach to tailor services to the individual, family, or couple. Heather believes in working together as a team to determine goals and treatment that meet the client’s needs, while providing a safe and empathetic environment. In addition to her work as a therapist, Heather enjoys providing professional training and consultation in the areas of trauma informed care, self-advocacy, and mental health awareness.

Heather enjoys Disneyland, building Legos, reading, exploring new restaurants and cuisines, and baking. "Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.” – Albus Dumbledore 

Danielle Nicole Kapi'olani Larin, M.A., AACTS, HTS

Pronouns: She/They/'O ia
Staff Therapist   
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
CA LMFT 103879
FL MT4948
(951) 827-5531  
 

Danielle Larin is a CA Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (103879) and a Florida Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MT4948). She identifies as Native Hawaiian. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UC Riverside and her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Danielle is an Advanced Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (ACCTS) and a Somatic EMDR Practitioner. She is a subject matter expert on Historical Trauma and Intergenerational Trauma, having trained under Mother Iya Affo, Chief in the village of Ouida (West Africa) and a High Priestess in Vodoun (Yoruba, Orisha). Danielle has specialized training in Hawaiian and Indigenous health and healing from the University of Hawai'i- West O'ahu, studying Ho'oponopono under Loea Lahela Kruze and Loea Lynette Paglinawan, La'au Lapa'au under Kumu Konane Brumblay, and Lomilomi under Kumu Enrick Ortiz. As such, her therapeutic approach incorporates her clients' traditional knowledge systems and methods of healing in the restoration of their mental health.

Danielle has a diverse professional background having spent much of her career working in community mental health settings supporting individuals with a range of mental health concerns. She was an Educationally Related Mental Health Specialist in Los Angeles and San Bernardino County K-12 school districts working with students within Special Education and in non-public school settings. She has extensive experience with underserved communities, including students in foster care, undocumented families, and gang affiliated individuals. She has extensive experience with BIPOC Perinatal & Postpartum mental health concerns, having completed her instruction with Postpartum Support International and the Seleni Institute. Danielle is also a Certified Lactation Education Specialist.

In addition to her work at UCR, she is a presenter and consultant on culturally responsive trauma-informed mental health care and a fierce community advocate for the elimination of health disparities. She is particularly interested in improving the research on Native Hawaiian historical trauma mental health care and closing treatment gaps between Traditional and Western mental health care.

Danielle’s favorite movies are Jurassic Park & The Hobbit: An unexpected journey. Her favorite anime is Bleach and she is mildly obsessed with boba tea. She has advanced fluency in Italian and can read and write in Spanish.

Jarrett Ellington, Psy.D.

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Staff Psychologist III
Licensed Psychologist, CA PSY 24978
(951) 827-5531

Jarrett received his Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree from Fuller Seminary Graduate School of Psychology in 2010. Jarrett completed a post-doctoral residency at Kaiser Permanente’s Central Bay Consortium (Chemical Dependency Recovery Program) in 2011. Prior to joining UCR, Jarrett worked at the University of San Diego and Caltech as a staff psychologist, supporting students struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol & other drug concerns, adjustment/transition, relationship issues, spiritual concerns, etc.

Jarrett is the CAPS Group Therapy coordinator & CAPS liaison to UCR Athletics & Sports Medicine. Jarrett is also a clinical supervisor within the APA-accredited Health Psychology Internship program at CAPS. Jarrett strives to “meet people where they are at” and provide a safe, non-judgmental environment in which students can explore their concerns.

Jarrett’s hobbies include running, hiking (being outdoors in general), traveling, watching Laker’s basketball, and drinking iced coffee.

Hana Carmona-Martinez, Ph.D.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Staff Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist – CA PSY 25510
(951) 827-5531

Dr. Carmona is a licensed clinical psychologist who completed her undergraduate degree at UC Los Angeles and earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Fuller Seminary Graduate School of Psychology. She completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, specializing in young adult mental health and identity development. Her clinical interest is in supporting healthy transition to adulthood, especially helping clients navigate experiences of cultural diversity, gender diversity, neurodiversity, chronic illness, and trauma.

Dr. Carmona has been providing therapy services, psychological assessment, clinical supervision, and organizational consultation for over 12 years in a variety of community-based clinics and hospitals. She is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and other evidence-based therapy practices. However, her approach is to tailor treatment to each person based on their needs and what would be most culturally congruent for them.

For self-care and fun, she explores new restaurants, bakes cookies, watches murder mystery shows, and plays with her dog.

Jasmine De Alba, MSW, LCSW

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Staff Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW 88229
(951) 827-5531 

Jasmine De Alba received her B.A. in Psychology from Vanguard University in 2012. She went on to earn her Master's in Social Work with a concentration in Community Mental Health from California State University, Fullerton in 2015. She prides herself on being a first-generation college student and the first in her family to earn a higher education degree.

Jasmine has years of experience working in different areas of social work, including clinical practice, crisis support, research, advocacy, student affairs, government affairs, and community outreach. Before joining UCR, she provided mental health services at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, California State University- Sacramento's Counseling Center, and various Medi-Cal funded mental health outpatient clinics in California.

She is passionate about increasing access to mental health support services for marginalized populations and values self-compassion and holistic wellness in her work with students. Through her training, professional career, and experience as a first-generation American of Salvadoran descent, she strives to create a safe place and establish a connection with diverse populations by exploring cultural norms, addressing stigma, integrating different psychological theories and systems frameworks, providing psychoeducation, as well as utilizing her bilingual skills (Spanish) to accommodate the individual's native language. Her clinical interests include BIPOC mental health, immigration and first-generation experience, life transitions, and relationships.  

Jasmine enjoys visiting Disneyland with her family, traveling to scenic locations, trying new restaurants, and watching The Office.

Karina Frausto, MSW, LCSW

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Staff Therapist  
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW 95008
(951) 827-5531 

Karina Frausto completed her B.A. in Psychology at California State University, San Bernardino and later went on to complete her Master of Social Work degree in 2017, with an emphasis in Child Welfare. Since then, Karina has had the privilege to work with people from different backgrounds in various settings, including medical/healthcare, community mental health, and university counseling. Karina is experienced in working with individuals adjusting to life changes, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Karina strives to provide strength-based, client-centered, safe, non-judgmental, and trauma informed care to each one of her students. Karina incorporates various theoretical orientations and approaches to individualize care to best meet each student where they are and support them to reach their goals. 

Karina is a bilingual, 1^st generation Mexican American, and 1^st generation college graduate born and raised in Southern California. Her own personal experience with immigration and in higher education has influenced her passion in working with people who may have similar experiences.

During her time away from work, Karina loves to travel, try new foods, and spend time with her furbabies (corgi and two kitties). 

Martha Christina Sagrero, Psy.D.

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Staff Psychologist  
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, CA PSY 32232 
(951) 827-5531 

Dr. M. Christina Sagrero received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UC Riverside and her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process because everyone is unique. Dr. Sagrero’s motto is “we only become stronger through healing, growing, and knowing.”

Dr. Sagrero has extensive experience working with diverse communities overcoming challenges such as trauma, loss, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and low self-esteem. She takes a great deal of pride in tailoring her approach to a client’s specific needs and interests. She also values the courage her past and current clients possess to allow her to step into their lives and innermost experiences. Her therapeutic style is integrative, culturally-enriched, and embracing; it’s an individualized, flexible, and multi-theoretical based plan focused on meeting the particular needs of the people she works with. 

Dr. Sagrero is bilingual in Spanish, loves a good street taco, the LA Dodgers, traveling, music, and family time.

Sarah Sawaf, DSW, MSW  

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 
Outreach Coordinator 
(951) 827-5531  
 
Dr. Sarah Sawaf is a proud UCR alumna and first-generation college student. She received her B.A. in psychology from UCR, MSW from the University of Southern California (USC), and her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree from California Baptist University.

Before UCR, Dr. Sarah worked at the California State University, San Bernardino Counseling Center.  She is passionate about mental health promotion, prevention, and stigma reduction. She is dedicated to providing education about mental health and CAPS services, promoting social justice, working with and supporting underrepresented and marginalized groups, and giving back to UCR. She currently co-instructs the Mental Health Allies program and serves as the Co-Chair of the Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition Higher Education Subcommittee.

Dr. Sarah enjoys traveling, being outdoors, spending time with loved ones (including her fur babies), and watching football.

Gloria Vera

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella 
Mental Health Services Program & Financial Coordinator
(951) 827-5531 

Gloria has been with the UC system for over 20 years. Prior to working at UC Riverside in 2005, she was a staff member at UC Irvine. Gloria has been with CAPS since 2010 and has held various positions in her time here at UCR. Gloria is enjoying her current role as the Mental Health Services Program and Financial Coordinator, she works behind the scenes to take care of the needs of the staff and students at CAPS. She also helps support the front desk to help students get appointments when needed. Gloria loves working at UCR and finds joy in seeing how CAPS can help students with their mental health and connection to resources. 

Gloria enjoys spending time with her family and baking goodies to share with her family and friends. 

Maria Reyes   

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella 
Mental Health Services Administrative Support Lead   
(951) 827-5531   

Maria started as a temp in 2014 and became staff in 2016, she is currently enjoying her role as Mental Health Services Administrative Support Lead. She is an essential part of CAPS, who you can expect to interact with in many different capacities. She schedules student appointments, provides general information to callers and is one of the first faces to greet everyone who walks into the office. You can also expect to work with her if you are collaborating with CAPS on an event. Maria loves working at UCR and is proud to assist CAPS in the process of helping students in need with their mental health and connection to resources.

Maria loves to cook, bake, decorate, garden and do home improvements. She loves people and enjoys helping others. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family as well as taking mini vacations.
 

Sidney Aguirre

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Administrative Assistant II
(951) 827-5531

Sidney has been with UCR since 2019 and is currently enjoying her role with CAPS as an Administrative Assistant II. She is an essential part of CAPS who you can expect to interact with in many different capacities. She schedules student appointments, answers general questions that callers may have, supports staff needs and is one of the first faces to greet everyone who walks into the office. You can also expect to work with her if you are collaborating with CAPS on an event. Sidney loves working at UCR and is proud to assist CAPS in the process of helping students in need with their mental health and connection to resources.

Sidney enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors in her free time.

Priscilla Medor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Administrative Assistant
(951) 827-5531

Priscilla Medor is the latest addition to the CAPS team working at the front desk as a temp. Prior to this, she graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University, worked in a child psychology research lab, and up until the summer of 2022, lived in New York. Priscilla is one of the first faces you will see when you walk into CAPS. An advocate for mental health and therapy, she enjoys working with students and helping them begin or navigate CAPS services and resources. She oversees scheduling, the call center, and various other administrative tasks.

Priscilla proudly identifies as a first generation, queer, Caribbean/Haitian American woman. During her free time, she enjoys meditating, going on nature walks, exploring various cities in California, and catching up with her New York friends. 

Nichole Sparks, MPA

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Business Operations Manager

(951) 827-5531

Nichole Sparks is the Business Operations Manager for Health and Psychological Services (HAPSS) which consists of Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services and Student Affairs Case Management departments. As HAPSS Business Operations Manager, Nichole oversees the financial, human resources, and administrative processes for the HAPSS departments. Nichole has worked as a finance, human resources and administrative operations professional for over 20 years, which includes positions at UCOP, UC Berkeley, CSU East Bay, Stanford University and the San Francisco Sherriff’s Department. She is a graduate of CSU Hayward with a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Moriah Conant, PsyD

Pronouns: They/She
Postdoctoral Fellow
(951) 827-5531 

Moriah received her bachelor’s degree in counseling at Grace College. She received her master’s degree in psychology and doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy.

Before coming to UCR, Moriah gained clinical experience working in various settings such as community mental health centers, a university counseling center, and a group private practice. In those settings, Moriah has worked with presenting issues like identity development, religious trauma, depression, anxiety, and complex trauma.

Moriah utilizes a relational approach in therapy, meaning that both the client and the therapist come into the session as authentic people and the work of therapy is co-created between the therapist and the client. They also use approaches like feminist psychology and LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychology to consider areas of diversity and tailor treatment to the needs and identities of the client. 

In their free time, Moriah enjoys sewing, drinking good coffee, and spending time with her cat.

Elise Chan, M.A.

Pronouns: She/Her
Predoctoral Psychology Intern
(951) 827-5531 

Elise is a Clinical Psychology (PsyD) doctoral candidate at the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Scripps College in Claremont, CA, and received her master’s degree in psychology at the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. 

Before working at UCR, Elise gained experience in various clinical settings, including a university counseling center, community mental health, and group private practice. She has experience working with a diverse range of clients on various issues, such as navigating transition/adjustment, identity development, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and ADHD. Elise’s therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, culturally sensitive, and strengths-based. She prioritizes creating a safe, judgment-free space to support individuals according to their unique needs and goals.

Elise is trilingual (English, Cantonese, Mandarin). She was born and raised in Hong Kong and has also lived extensively in Southern California. Her experiences as an international student have influenced her passion for working with individuals navigating acculturation across various contexts and her desire to advocate for and support international students. 

In her free time, Elise enjoys exploring new restaurants, listening to music, and spending time with her loved ones.

Romy Nam

Pronouns: She/Her
Predoctoral Psychology Intern
(951) 827-5531 

Romy is currently completing her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. She received her bachelor’s degree in human development from California State University, Long Beach, and her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Biola University.

Romy has worked with a diverse population of adolescents and adults of varying ages in community mental health clinics, college counseling centers, and hospital settings. She has clinical experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, adjustment/transition, trauma, spiritual concerns, etc. Identifying as a second-generation Korean American, Romy is particularly interested in supporting young adults through challenges related to cultural identity development, first-generation college student experiences, acculturation, and immigrant family dynamics.

Romy enjoys using a relational approach in therapy and believes the therapist-client relationship can be a powerful avenue for change and healing. She also prioritizes drawing from various treatment perspectives and collaborating with clients to determine a plan that most effectively meets their unique needs.

On her days off, Romy enjoys going on walks, playing guitar, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Grace Pang, M.A.

Pronouns: She/Her
Predoctoral Intern 
(951) 827-5531   

Grace received her bachelor's degree in psychology at Oral Roberts University and is currently completing her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. Prior to joining UCR, she gained clinical experience working in various settings, including university counseling centers, community mental health centers, and an outpatient neuropsychiatric center. As part of her training, she provided treatment services to diverse individuals presenting with depression, anxiety, trauma, identity and spiritual concerns, as well as neuropsychological assessment for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders and older adults with neurodegenerative diseases.

Her clinical practice emphasizes a relational and healing-oriented approach, focusing on facilitating a new corrective relational experience and enhancing each individual's innate capacity for healing and growth. She is passionate about She integrates different therapeutic approaches to tailor treatment to each client’s idiosyncratic presenting problems and background. 

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, playing the piano, and watching Netflix.

Briana Trujillo

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella 
Undergraduate Student Assistant for Outreach, Social Media & Marketing

Briana is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Riverside, majoring in Psychology and Public Policy. She is deeply passionate about promoting mental health awareness and advocating for conversations around mental well-being.

As the undergraduate student assistant, Briana assists the Outreach Coordinator in creating social media posts and flyer graphics for on-campus initiatives to spread awareness of the counseling services provided for students. On top of creating social media content, Briana helps provide outreach through tabling for CAPS.

Briana’s journey in mental health advocacy began in high school, where she served as the President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter. In this role, she devoted a space for open dialogue about mental health.

Upon joining UCR, Briana continued her advocacy by joining the NAMI at UCR and soon became the President. Through this leadership position, she strives to foster a culture of understanding and support, ensuring students have access to mental health resources during challenging times. Briana is willing to put in the time and effort above what was expected about the services of the CAPS office. 

In her free time, Briana enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones and playing with her three dogs, who never fail to bring joy to her day.

Nia Pascual

Pronouns: They/Them
Graduate Student Assistant for Outreach, Social Media & Marketing

Nia is a second-year graduate student at the A. Gary School of Management (AGSM) studying Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Before pursuing her Master’s Degree, they earned their Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management and a Minor in Psychology at UCR.

At CAPS, Nia is putting their creative skills to use by developing social media posts and flyer graphics for on-campus initiatives to increase awareness of counseling services to the UCR Student Body. These initiatives are not only behind the screen, as Nia can also be found tabling for CAPS and sharing resources in person. 

Outside of CAPS, Nia is heavily involved with the UCR Graduate School of Business. In addition to being an Ambassador for the school, Nia is also on the Marketing Teams for Women in Business and the AGSM Student Association. 

In their downtime, Nia can be found taking care of their own mental health by taking photos of local bands around Southern California and exploring boba shops with friends.