Meet the Support Team

Get Confidential Support

At Nova Southeastern University, we want you to thrive inside and outside the classroom. That's why we have a whole team of people ready to listen and help with anything that's on your mind. Whether it's stress, relationships, academics, or anything else, we're here for you.

Want to chat with a qualified counselor? No problem! We partner with Henderson Behavioral Health to bring mental health experts right here to campus. NSU's College of Psychology even has professional therapists available. Our awesome Community Care Coaches are students who get it too, and they're always happy to lend a listening ear. Plus, our Student Affairs staff is there to support you in any way they can.

 

Henderson Counselors

Veronica AshwalVeronica is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. She tailors her approaches to your unique goals, blending cognitive behavioral and solution-focused techniques. She has concentrated her clinical experience on working with individuals for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and trauma. Additionally, Veronica conducts therapy in both Spanish and English.

Veronica also works with children and families with innovative play therapy techniques. Her background working as a principal for behaviorally challenged students adds to her clinical insights with children. Veronica is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for patients. She is a compassionate and caring psychotherapist with extensive clinical experience.

Natalie GutierrezNatalia Gutierrez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and her B.S. in Psychology with a second major in Women and Gender Studies from Florida International University. For several years, she has worked in the community serving youth and families by providing individual and family counseling. Natalia enjoys stepping into her client’s world and exploring how their life experiences, ethnicities, genders, socioeconomic statuses, and other identity factors influence their worldview. Her goal is to collaborate with her clients in identifying and reenforcing their strengths and talents. Natalia utilizes a culturally sensitive and client-centered approach when working with her clients and draws from Solution-Focused Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Intersectional Theory, Systems Theory, and Attachment Theory, and utilizes Accelerated Resolution Therapy to assist clients in processing their past traumas.

In her free time, Natalia enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading fiction, trying new recipes, yoga, reflection/art/junk journaling, iced Matcha Lattes, and playing with her dog Roxy.

Karl BackmanDr. Karl Backman is a graduate of University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas and completed his Psychiatry residency training at University of Miami. After residency, he worked in private practice before joining Henderson Behavioral Health and has experience working with various populations.

He has a history of working with several populations including the severe mentally ill and has provided psychiatric services for Nova Southeastern University students through Henderson Student Counseling Services since 2010. 

Dr. Backman also serves as Medical Director for the Broward Sheriff’s Office Drug Court Treatment Program.

Ania TorresAnia Torres is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. She obtained an M.S in Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Ania comes from a Hispanic background, fluent in both English and Spanish. She has worked in community mental health with school-aged children, their families, and young adults. Ania also has experience in advocating and working with first responders and victims of crime. She has a passion for working with young adults, focusing on a person-centered approach.

Ania’s goal is to collaborate with her clients in their journey to self-discovery and authenticity. Together Ania and her clients identify triggers, uncover a deeper sense of self-awareness, and develop healthy coping mechanism that work for their specific needs. Techniques used are evidenced-based and are known to help with decreasing negative thought patterns, valuing self-worth and improving interpersonal relationships.

Jaylin Vidal

Jaylin Vidal is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) providing services to students both in person and via telehealth throughout the state of Florida. She earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University.

Jaylin has experience working with individuals across diverse age groups and backgrounds, addressing a wide range of concerns such as intrapersonal challenges, relationship issues, family dynamics, academic stress, and life transitions. Her therapeutic approach emphasizes creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences. Jaylin collaborates closely with each individual to identify barriers and harness their personal strengths to navigate adversity and foster meaningful growth. Her practice is informed by evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Behavioral Activation (BA), and others, tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances.

Shawnee WongShawnee Wong is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with an undergraduate degree in psychology from Bethune Cookman University and a Master of Science degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. During her senior year as an undergraduate, she conducted a correlational research study on the relationship between health-promoting behaviors and African self-consciousness. Prior to working at student counseling, she provided psychoeducation and counseling to inmates integrating back into society and has clinical experience at a rehab, crisis, and detox center.

She has also worked with children and families in-home for six years and is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT)/trauma-informed care. Shawnee’s professional interests include the correlation between adverse childhood experiences and behavior, the cycle of domestic violence, and the effect of relaxation strategies such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and art therapy on anxiety and depression.

During her free time, she loves to engage in creative writing and listen to 70s–early 00s music across various genres. She also engages in painting, yoga, meditation, and outdoor activities.

Shawnee’s goal is always to provide a safe and solution-focused space by creating a nonjudgmental environment with unconditional positive regard, acceptance, and empathic listening.

Henderson Counseling Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the holiday weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.

 

Community Care Coaches

Community CARE Coaches (CCCs) are student peers who serve as an early intervention measure for the NSU Student CARE Team. CCCs are trained and certified to support your well-being by connecting you to helpful campus resources.

Mythili Batchu


iconmb4084@nova.edu

Rashi Bhoot


iconrb2557@mynsu.nova.edu

Riya Chelagiri


iconrc2279@nova.edu

Angel Cooper


iconac4378@mynsu.nova.edu

Mahati Dharanikota


iconmd2746@nova.edu

Inchara Kumar


iconik205@nova.edu

Emily Martinez


iconem1756@mynsu.nova.edu

As part of the NSU Student CARE Team, Community Care Coaches (CCCs):

  • Focus on a wide variety of issues impacting student well-being
  • Help promote a "community of care" by lessening the stigma associated with connecting students to supporting resources
  • Promote self-care and connect students to resources based on issues affecting college students such as stress management, anxiety, depression, food insecurity, and leadership
  • Create safe spaces for enlightened dialogue, programming, and collaboration on topics that may impact students' well-being
  • Create programs, presentations, workshops, group discussion, and campus awareness events that encourages and educates NSU students on making healthier lifestyle choices

CCCs work collaboratively with the Office of Student Development, Office of Student Disability Services, and the NSU Center for Student Counseling and Well-being. As a CCC, you may also be eligible for ExEL units.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Care Coach, please email nsucareteam@nova.edu

Motivator. Mentor. Resource.


Feeling overwhelmed? Need a listening ear or some helpful advice? Our NSU Graduate Assistants for Mental Health Engagement and Well-being Services are here to help! Think of them as your personal guides to all things mental health and well-being at NSU. They can help you with:

  • Finding the right support: Need individual counseling, group workshops, or stress tips? They can help you find the resources that fit your needs.
  • Crisis intervention: Going through a tough time? They can listen and connect you with the right professional. 
  • Educational workshops: Want to learn stress management or build resilience? They've got workshops and presentations on a variety of topics. 

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Carolina Poll, B.A.


cp2274@nova.edu

Locations:
Mako Residence Hall
2nd Floor, Suite 231D
3300 S. University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33328-2004

Rosenthal Student Center
1st Floor, Suite 121
3300 S. University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33328-2004
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Maria Fernanda Carriel, M.P.H.

mc4762@nova.edu

Locations:
Mako Residence Hall
2nd Floor, Suite 231C
3300 S. University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33328-2004

Rosenthal Student Center
1st Floor, Suite 121
3300 S. University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33328-2004

To schedule an appointment, please call (954) 262-8911 or email gaformentalhealth@nova.edu.

NSU Care Team

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Laura Bennett

Managing Director
Title IX Compliance and Institutional Response to Sexual Misconduct

iconlaura.bennett@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7858

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Joey Jankie

Senior Director
Regional Campus Engagement & Operations

iconjoey@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7249

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Tom Converso

Director
Residential Life

icontconvers@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7059

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Rodney Dorval

Case Manager
Student Conduct and Mental Health Services

iconrd1139@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7607

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Debra B. Futterman, LCSW

Director of Student Mental Health Services
Co-Chair of the NSU CARE Team

icondfutterm@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7126

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Dr. Benjamin Johnson

Dean of Students
Chair of the NSU CARE Team

iconbj379@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7281

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Shane Lam

Associate Director - Field Operations
Public Safety

iconlshane@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-8945

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Shannon Maurice

Assistant Director
Student Conduct and Mental Health Services

iconsm2891@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7608

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Victoria Myer, M.S., CEFP

Director
University Housing

iconvmyer@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7085

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Christina Rajkumar-Castillo

Director
Student Engagement

iconcr1459@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7283

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Dr. Jennifer P. Wilson

Director, Student Disability Services
504 Compliance Officer

iconjwilson2@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7185

Administrative and Support Staff

Chelsea Barrett

Administrative Coordinator II

iconcbarrett1@nova.edu

icon(954) 262-7482