Counseling Staff

Dr. Allison Peters

Dr. Allison Peters, (she/her/hers) received her M.A. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, and her B.A. at UC San Diego.  Before coming to CSUSM, Dr. Peters worked clinically with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly in various settings including community mental health centers and in her training at the USC, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Mount St. Mary’s University student counseling centers.  She was active in program development and administration in community mental health.  She was an instructor of clinical psychology courses at the graduate level and served as the Practicum Training Director for the Clinical Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs at the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles.

Her passion is working with young adults and college students with concerns about anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, transitions, self-esteem, formation of identity, as well as self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. She works from an eclectic perspective, with a belief that the best therapy is ultimately about self-discovery that is best nurtured in a safe and supportive space, free of judgment and guided by the client.  

She has a passion for clinical training and clinical supervision. Dr. Peters provides Supervision of Supervision and secondary supervision for our Psychology Interns.

CA Lic. PSY24321 

Dr. John "Jay" Howell

Dr. John “Jay” Howell, (he/him/his) received his Psy.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University – Seattle and his M.S. in Social Work from University of Texas – Austin.  He completed his psychology internship at the University of Washington Counseling Center and has received formalized training in two community mental health clinics, a male adolescent inpatient facility and an alternative high school. 

Before joining Cal State San Marcos Student Health and Counseling Services, Dr. Howell worked for seven years at Seattle University’s Counseling and Psychological Services. He is a generalist clinically and has expertise, training and experience in college developmental and mental health concerns.  He utilizes an integrative approach for psychotherapy drawing upon psychodynamic, interpersonal, developmental and different cognitive-behavioral therapies. 

Areas of special interest include anxiety and depression, mindfulness, men and masculinity, gender and sexual identity, alcohol and substance abuse, couples counseling, multicultural issues, and grief and loss. Dr. Howell provides clinical supervision to Psychology Interns.

CA Lic. PSY 25920

 Dr. Juan Alvarez

Dr. Juan Alvarez, (he/him/él) is a bilingual counselor who strives to provide multi-culturally competent student services in English and Spanish. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Washington State University, and his B.A. in Cognitive Science at the University of California, Irvine. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Student Health and Counseling Services at California State University San Marcos, and an American Psychological Association accredited psychology internship in Health Service Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado Counseling Center.

Dr. Alvarez is passionate about college mental health and has worked in college mental health centers in Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and California. He is a generalist clinically and has experience working with a variety of presenting concerns typical of the college student population, including anxiety, depression, identity development, relationship issues, transitions, and sexual identity. Areas of special interest include Latinx mental health, working with Student-Athletes, sports psychology, and mindfulness.

 

Dr. Alvarez has experience providing individual, group, and couples therapy. He utilizes an integrative approach drawing from humanistic psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and self-compassion. Dr. Alvarez provides clinical supervision to Psychology Interns.

CA Lic. PSY 30185

Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy

 

Dr. Lissa Lim

Dr. Lissa Lim, Orientation and Didactic Training Coordinator, (she/her/hers/ella) is a bilingual counselor who specializes in Latinx mental health, sexual trauma, immigrant communities, and first-generation college students. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in Psychology at CSUSM, and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Her treatment approach is integrative, rooted in Feminist-Multicultural, Interpersonal, and Person-Centered therapy. What this means for clients is that she attends to the ways relationships shape and affect us, attends to experiences of power and oppression, and focuses on empowering clients to heal in ways that are consistent with their sociocultural context. She also emphasizes empathy, compassion, and authentic connection, and uses a Trauma-Informed perspective when working with all clients. Dr. Lim founded the SHCS Health Assistance Fund, and co-founded the Gender Equity Center.

For self-care, Dr. Lim enjoys joyful movement like dancing, yoga, and exercise. She loves to garden and has a bountiful veggie and fruit garden. She enjoys cooking and considers herself a foodie, and can share some great local restaurant recommendations. She enjoys reading and is often in the middle of at least three different books at one time. She is a cat lover and fosters cats and kittens from a local shelter. She is also an extrovert and loves spending time with family and friends.

CA Lic. PSY  30077
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Dr. Ryan Stevenson

Dr. Ryan Stevenson, (he/him/his) received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and his Masters of Social Work from the University of Utah. He completed his psychology internship at the UC – Santa Barbara’s Counseling and Psychological Services and his post-doctoral fellowship at UC – San Diego’s Counseling and Psychological Services. He has experience working in university counseling centers, community mental health, rape crisis centers, and private group practice. Prior to joining CSUSM’s Student Health and Counseling Services he worked at UCSD, the VA in San Diego, and on a clinical trial treating veterans with PTSD. He also taught a course called Strategies for Academic Success for three years in graduate school and he enjoys helping students with these skills in therapy and in campus workshops.

Dr. Stevenson has experience providing individual, group, and couples therapy. He utilizes an integrative approach drawing from interpersonal, mindfulness, feminist-multicultural, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Areas of special interest include PTSD/trauma, working with veterans/service members, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, multicultural issues, men and masculinity, conflicts around religion and spirituality, performance psychology, and substance abuse.

Dr. Stevenson enjoys working with students from diverse backgrounds and providing a safe space for healing and growth. Dr. Stevenson is the coordinator of the MSW Internship Training Program and also provides clinical supervision to the Psychology Interns.

CA Lic. PSY 27441 

 Dr. Leah Tappero

Dr. Leah Tappero, Psychology Internship Training Coordinator, (she/her/hers) received her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Psychology from San Diego State University. She was born in Cambodia and moved to the U.S. at a young age, and grew up in San Diego County. After enjoying much sunshine for most of her life, Dr. Tappero moved to the Pacific Northwest for her doctoral program, and got to experience all four seasons and learned to love coffee and hiking. She received her M.S. in Counseling, Family and Human Services and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon. Dr. Tappero completed her pre-doctoral internship at California State University, Long Beach Counseling and Psychological Services. She completed her post-doctoral residency at the University of California, San Diego Counseling and Psychological Services.

Utilizing an integrative therapeutic approach, Dr. Tappero includes interventions from Interpersonal, Emotion-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral and Client Centered therapy in her work with clients. Some of her special interests includes Asian/Asian American mental health, first generation college student concerns, immigrant, refugee, & acculturation issues, and multicultural/diversity issues. When working with Dr. Tappero she helps clients explore and examine how relational, social, educational, and cultural factors impact life experiences. She takes a holistic view and adapt her roles to meet clients’ needs, creating a safe, supportive, and accepting space for clients to feel empowered to make decisions about their life. Dr. Tappero believes that therapy can help clients work towards creating positive changes to heal and live authentically. Dr. Tappero’s multicultural identities and life experiences shapes her work as a mental health provider. She is passionate about serving and supporting members of underrepresented and marginalized populations.

In her free time, Dr. Tappero enjoys spending time with her family, friends and three dogs. She likes reading and listening to audiobooks. She considers herself to be a foodie and likes exploring different restaurants, coffee, and boba shops.

CA Lic. PSY 28653

Marcy Ryan, LMFT

Marcy Ryan, LMFT (she/her/hers) has provided therapeutic counseling to individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. She has worked collaboratively within a broad array of community care systems including county mental health, residential treatment, hospice, schools, and in private practice. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist her humanistic approach specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients cope with strong emotions and manage high-risk behaviors.

Other interests include the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, grief/loss, attachment, trauma, family and relationship struggles. She holds a B.A. in Human Development from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara. Prior to moving home to San Diego, she worked for Casa Pacifica, Centers for Children and Families, becoming Clinical Supervisor for their Therapeutic Behavioral Services program serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. 

Marcy is dedicated to inclusive practices supporting students while fostering a sense of safety and belonging.  She enjoys connecting with students from all different backgrounds and providing treatment that highlights her client’s individual strengths. Marcy is passionate about student social emotional health and wellness.  

CA Lic. LMFT 53126

Dr. Jazmine Brown
 

Dr. Jazmine Brown (she/her/hers) earned her B.A. in Psychology at Azusa Pacific University, as well as her M.A. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego. She completed post-doctoral training at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, an American Psychological Association-accredited internship where she provided mental health services to incarcerated individuals. Dr. Brown has also previously worked in community mental health, both in inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment facilities.

Dr. Brown has experience providing group and individual therapy. She utilizes an integrative approach, drawing from a Feminist-Multicultural lens and employing Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Narrative therapy, Client-Centered therapy, and other third-wave skills. She tailors her therapeutic methods to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual while creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment for exploring thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Dr. Brown employs these approaches to help individuals overcome obstacles, manage stress, and develop efficient coping skills. Her special interests include African American/Black student mental health, current and former student athletes, race-related stress, depression, current and former foster youth, and life transitions. Other areas of interest include anxiety, trauma, substance use, relationship issues, and faith and spirituality.

In her free time, Dr. Brown enjoys reading, swimming, attending concerts, spending time with family, and trying new coffee shops. She also loves to snuggle with her two French Bulldogs, Duke and Dexter

 

Supervised by Dr. Allison Peters

Dr. Sara Heinemann

Dr. Sara Heinemann, (she/her/hers) received her PsyD. in Applied Clinical Psychology and has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at UC San Diego’s Counseling and Psychological Services before joining CSUSM. She also has worked at a psychiatric facility as well as a community counseling center for teens in crisis in downtown Los Angeles. She also taught and lead two ADHD groups at UCSD and enjoyed working with LGBTQ teens and young adults.

Dr. Heinemann has experience providing individual, group, and family therapy. She uses a positive psychology approach drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches in her practice. Areas of special interests include anxiety, depression, adjustment to college life, LGBTQ, ADHD and focus, interpersonal concerns, multicultural issues, social anxiety, mindfulness, and assertiveness training. 

Dr. Heinemann will meet clients with where they are at, and will help them feel safe, and slow things down. She enjoys helping students to gain better control over their life, mindset, and choices.

In her free time, Dr. Heinemann enjoys reading, writing fiction, painting, and attending live music concerts.  She also enjoys spending time with her cat Kitkat, her own personal cougar at home.

Supervised by Dr. Allison Peters

Dr. Melvin (Mel) Walker, Jr.

Dr. Melvin (Mel) Walker (he, him, his), is in his post-doctoral role as Clinical Counselor, Black Student Focus. He earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Hofstra University (Long Island, NY). He completed his APA-accredited, pre-doctoral internship at Student Health & Counseling Services, CSUSM and received formalized training at two university counseling centers and a Veterans Affairs medical center in New York. He earned his B.S. in Sociology at the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer. After honorably discharging from the service, Dr. Mel received his M.A. in Psychological Science from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Hofstra University.

Dr. Mel utilizes an integrative approach to psychotherapy, drawing upon cognitive-behavioral, schema, trauma-informed, and interpersonal approaches. He particularly focuses on establishing a strong relationship with the people he works with.  His areas of interest include suicide, sexual & complex trauma, romantic relationship challenges, Veterans, people of color, and men’s issues. In his free time, Dr. Mel enjoys many forms of exercise, traveling, movies, food, watching his favorite sports teams, and spending time with his family and friends. 

Supervised by Dr. Allison Peters

Patrick Enrico

Patrick Enrico, M.A. (he/him/his) is a doctoral intern with experience in college counseling mental health. Patrick grew up in Central California and started his journey at a two-year community college before transferring to Seattle University and majoring in psychology. After earning his Bachelor’s in Psychology, Patrick started graduate school at Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) in San Diego, CA. Patrick earned his Master’s of Psychology while gaining clinical experience with diverse populations. Patrick’s clinical experience includes working with people in short and long term treatment, depression and anxiety, substance misuse, gender and identity development, grief and loss, and trauma. After earning his Master’s degree, Patrick gained additional experience with college counseling students focusing on mental health and substance misuse. 

Patrick uses client focused treatment as part of his integrative approach in working with clients. To custom-tailor treatment based on client’s needs, Patrick draws from his background in Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, and Humanistic Therapies. Patrick also places a strong emphasis on integrating identities, intersectionality, culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to the client’s growth and treatment. Patrick brings an open heart and mind with each client to meet them where they are and collaborate towards the client’s goals with mental health. Patrick’s other areas of interest include LGBTQ+ identities, relationships, social anxiety, co-dependency and boundaries, mind/body connection, self-esteem, and connection with mother-nature as part of mental and physical health. 

Patrick spends his free time with friends and family, cooking, exercising, riding his motorcycle in the twisties, salsa dancing, playing chess, exploring scent through essential oils, and traveling. Patrick’s biggest and most rewarding joy in life is helping others. 

Supervised by Dr. Jay Howell

Zachary Grounds

Zachary (Zach) Grounds, M.S.C.P. (he/him), is a psychology intern who provides services in English. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from UC San Diego. Upon graduation, Zach worked 12 years with justice system-involved clients utilizing motivational interviewing and behavioral interventions to decrease system contact and to enhance self-efficacy. He then earned his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is currently a doctoral candidate earning his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Baylor University. During his doctoral program, Zach has worked in clinical settings including community behavioral health, substance use treatment, and specialty courts such as Mental Health Court and Drug Court. His doctoral research is focused on burnout and its relationship to the resilience factors of hope, optimism, social support, and psychological flexibility. 

His treatment approach integrates feminist-multicultural therapy with third-wave cognitive behavioral interventions, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy and mindfulness. He values mindfully examining the intersections of identity in the contexts of systems to grow self-efficacy and empower clients toward wellness and reaching goals that align with their values. Zach’s areas of interest include trauma/PTSD, depression/anxiety, identity development, LGBTQ+, substance use treatment, and multicultural issues. Zach enjoys cooking, hiking, music, movies, traveling, and creating art. 

Supervised by Dr. Ryan Stevenson 

Emma Keenan

Emma Keenan, M.A. (she/her/hers) is a Psychology intern. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Oregon, then went on to receive her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) in San Diego, CA. She is currently a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program at CSPP in San Diego. Emma has worked with clients with diverse identities and concerns, including working at a trauma focused wellness center for women identifying adults, Sharp Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, and with college students at a long-term community mental health clinic serving the greater San Diego community.

In working with students, Emma utilizes an integrative approach to psychotherapy focusing on the students' needs. With this approach, she draws from different modalities including Psychodynamic, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, and mindfulness to tailor treatment to best help students. She values creating safe spaces for students to be vulnerable and explore relational dynamics, contexts, and systems that impact an individual’s experience. Emma’s areas of interest include trauma, grief & loss, relationships & power dynamics, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and identity issues.

In her free time, Emma enjoys the beach, researching sharks, and reading fantasy literature! She finds joy in spending time in nature with her leopard gecko and any kind of sweet treat.

Supervised by Dr. Lissa Lim

Karolyne Stucki 

Karolyne Bastos Stucki, M.A. (she/her/they/them) is a doctoral intern from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. They earned their B.A. in Psychology with honors summa cum laude and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has experience working in community mental health, university department clinic, and private practice settings. Karolyne has research and clinical interests in the development, implementation, and evaluation of culturally competent, evidence-based treatment for youth, adults, and families from diverse communities. 

Karolyne is Brazilian-American and has special interest in working with Latinx/e, LGBTQIA+ and disability communities. She feels passionate about working with members of her communities to decrease barriers to care, increase access to evidence-based care, improve the quality of therapeutic relationships, and increase optimization of skills. Karolyne utilizes purposeful integration of skills from multiple therapies to best fit client needs, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy and third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies (DBT, ACT, RO-DBT). They utilize humanistic, biopsychosocial, and feminist theory to address clients' intersectionality. Karolyne enjoys playing dungeons and dragons, video games, creating art, music, and spending quality time with their family/friends/cats.

Supervised by Dr. Juan Alvarez
Provides therapy in English, Portuguese, & Spanish