Meet Our Faculty & Staff

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department

Our courses are taught by highly-trained licensed mental health counselors and diverse faculty members with clinical experience in the mental health field. Our faculty commit themselves to making the graduates of our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program the most knowledgeable and best prepared professionals in the counseling field. At Molloy, the faculty is committed to service learning, experiential learning and promoting a transformative experience. In our graduate program, courses are taught by highly trained and licensed mental health counselors. Our graduate counseling faculty understands the importance of the counselor professional identity and promotes the growth and development of each student as a professional counselor. We emphasize the importance of scholarly excellence, compassionate understanding, and competent practice.  We believe that an education should not stop with the granting of a degree, so we encourage the continued pursuit of knowledge, scholarly publication, and research as modes of increasing professional competence and contributing to the development of the mental health and counseling fields.

Meet our Faculty

Faculty

  • Kellyanne Brady, Ph.D., Program Director of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Kellyanne Brady Headshot

    Discipline: Master of Science Program, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    E-Mail: kbrady1@molloy.edu

    Website: https://molloy.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/kellyanne-brady 

    Biography: 

    Kellyanne Brady, Ph.D., is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She received a master's degree from Adelphi University in general psychology and later went on to receive her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from New York Institute of Technology. Following her master's degree and working in the mental health field for several years she completed her doctoral degree in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University. Kellyanne also has certification in alcohol and substance abuse counseling.
    Kellyanne has a wide variety of experience in clinical settings, including extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness in inpatient and outpatient settings. She presently maintains an online telehealth practice providing individual counseling. For the past several years, she has worked extensively with clinical counseling students and new counselors, providing clinical supervision and training. As an educator, Kellyanne is passionate about counselor education and values being a mentor for the next generation of counselors. Kellyanne has also provided clinical training to medical and mental health professionals on topics including active listening and motivational interviewing. 
    Kellyanne's present research involves developing an understanding of the professional identity of counselors and ways to improve identity development. Kellyanne is involved with several professional organizations and has presented research at national and state-level conferences. Kellyanne is passionate about advocating for the profession and actively participating in professional organizations. Kellyanne presently serves on the board of ACA NY as treasurer. 

  • Laura B. Kestemberg, Ph.D., Founder, CMHC Department; Project Director of Molloy - HRSA BHWET Pro Grant

    Laura Kestemberg

    Discipline: Graduate Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    E-Mail: lkestemberg@molloy.edu

    Website: https://works.bepress.com/laura-kestemberg/

    Biography: Dr. Laura B. Kestemberg, is a bilingual Spanish-English NYS Licensed Psychologist with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and her Master's degree in Clinical and School Psychology from Adelphi University's Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies. She completed extensive post-doctoral training in neuropsychology. Dr. Kestemberg has worked in a variety of leadership roles in clinical, medical, research, and higher education settings for over 30 years. She has recently trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Integrative Couples Therapy, as well as other clinical and leadership areas. She joined the faculty at Molloy University in 2012 as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and was hired to develop and lead a new Master of Science Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC).

    Dr. Kestemberg has been teaching psychology and counseling courses since 1992 at the doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels at Adelphi University, Fordham University, and now at Molloy in the areas of psychological assessment, psychopathology, psychodiagnostics and treatment planning, counseling theories, multicultural counseling, practicum, and internship. Dr. Kestemberg served as the Chair, Associate Dean and Program Director of the New York State registered and CACREP accredited Master of Science Program in CMHC at Molloy University for 9 years since its inception until September 2021. Dr. Kestemberg served as the Clinical Director at the Center for Autism and Child Development at Molloy University from 2013-2016. She was awarded Molloy University's Research Achievement Award in 2015, the Distinguished Service Award in 2021, and the Ten Years of Service Award in 2022. In 2019, Dr. Kestemberg founded the Mental Health and Wellness Center (MHWC)at Molloy University. The MHWC is a state-of-the-art community clinic providing low-cost mental health services to children and adults and counseling training for our practicum and intern students under live supervision.

    In 2021, Dr. Kestemberg was awarded and became the Project Director of a 4-year, $1,166,668 million U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant under the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Professionals and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. Our HRSA-BHWET Grant focuses on meeting the mental health needs of diverse youth and their families in New York State. This meaningful project increases the number of multiculturally trained practitioners in our graduate program and expands partnerships with healthcare providers serving vulnerable children and transitional-age youth in high need, high demand communities in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, and Suffolk counties.

  • Raymond Blanchard, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, CCMHC

    Raymond Blanchard

    Discipline: Master of Science Program, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    E-Mail: rblanchard@molloy.edu

    Website: https://works.bepress.com/raymond-blanchard/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-blanchard-phd-lmhc-lpc-ncc-43a47035?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

    Area(s) of Specialization: School Based Mental Health Counseling, LGBTQ Affirming Counseling, Clinical Supervision, Leadership in Counseling

    Education:

    • PhD, Montclair State University, 2023
    • MSEd, The College of Saint Rose, 2014
    • BA, State University of New York at Albany, 2011

     

    Biography: Dr. Blanchard is a graduate of Montclair State University’s PhD in Counseling program where he specialized in school mental health and LGBTQ issues in counseling. Serving as a Fellow for the Department of Counseling, Dr. Blanchard engaged in scholarly work and research under the supervision of Dr. Michael Hannon. During his time at MSU, Dr. Blanchard was an active member of his Chi Sigma Iota chapter serving as President from 2019-2020. Additionally, Dr. Blanchard was a CSI Leadership Fellow for the 2020-2021 academic year having served on committees for CSI and conducted important leadership research. Given his specialization during his studies, Dr. Blanchard’s dissertation focused on the concept of induction applied to the experiences of licensed mental health counselors working in New York City school based mental health clinics. 

    He has 10 years of bilingual clinical and supervision experience working with children and adolescents in school based mental health clinic settings across New York City schools. In addition to his clinical and doctoral work, Dr. Blanchard is active in the counseling profession serving on boards such as American Counseling Association of NY (Past President) and the North Atlantic Region of ACA (Chair Elect). Additionally, he continues to be active with CSI serving on their Professional Members Committee. He has presented at local, state, and international conferences and published in counseling journals as a result of collaboration with colleagues doing great and important work for our field. 

    Courses Taught:

    • MHC 5260: Assessment in Counseling
    • MHC 5300: Group Counseling
    • MHC 5160: Developmental Theories
    • MHC 5220: Social and Cultural Counseling 
    • MHC 5350: Community and Crisis Counseling 

     

    Publications:

    • Blanchard, R. (Accepted). Imposter syndrome in school based mental health services. In Williams, C. & Mikolon, T. (Eds.), The making of a mental health professional: Inspirational, motivational, and humorous stories of challenges, victories, and wisdom. Cognella Publishing.
    • Blanchard, R. A. & Stevens, M. (2023). Strength based approaches. In Dermer, S. B. & Abdullah, J. R. (eds.), the SAGE encyclopedia of multicultural counseling, social  justice, and advocacy. Sage Publications, Inc.
    • Hannon, M.D., Ferguson, A. L., Blanchard, R. A., & Santiago, J. E. (2023). Otherfathering and Black men’s mental health: A phenomenological study. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmcd.12289
    • Blanchard, R. A. (2023). Understanding the induction experience of licensed mental health counselors working in New York City school based mental health clinics. [Doctoral dissertation, Montclair State University].
    • Farrell, I., Harrichand, J., Gilfilan, E., Blanchard, R., & McCurach, J. (2023). Advocacy lessons from Chi Sigma Iota’s heroes. Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy,1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/2326716X.2023.218734
    • Johnson, T., LaFauci Schutt, J., Messinger, E., Blanchard, R., Saunders, R., LaFever, C. & DuFresne, R. (2022, Summer). Why CSI?: Revisiting the importance of professional organization membership. Chi Sigma Iota Exemplar, 37(2), 14-17.
    • Stevens, M., Blanchard, R. A., & Harrichand, J. J. S. (2021, Summer). Excellence in the field- From master’s student to professional counselor: Research engagement across the counseling profession. Chi Sigma Iota Exemplar, 36(2), 1-31. Retrieved from https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.csinet.org/resource/resmgr/publications_exemplar/Summer_2021_Exemplar.pdf
    • Blanchard, R. A. (2021) Review of Counseling children and adolescents: Working in school and clinical mental health settings. The Counselors' Bookshelf: Professional Books. Chi    Sigma Iota International
    • Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Rabess, A., Gay, J., Blanchard, R., Morton, F., Bowser, T., Stevens, M., & Sapp, T. (2020). COVID-19 counselor education and supervision resource list. Joint Collaboration between Association for Counselor Education and Supervision and Chi Sigma Iota International. Retrieved from https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.csi-net.org/resource/resmgr/publications/CSI_ACES_Resource_List.pdf
    • Hannon, M. D., Blanchard, R., & Storlie, C. (2019). Microaggression experiences of fathers with children with autism spectrum disorder. The Family Journal, 27(2), 199-208.                   https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480719832512

     

    Recent Presentations:

    • Blanchard, R. (2024). Clinical supervision needs of licensed professional counselors working in school mental health settings [Education session]. NARACES 2024, Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Peer-reviewed).
    • Blanchard, R. (2024). Clinical approaches when working with children and adolescents: A    skills-based approach. HRSA Clinical Internship Training Series, Molloy University.   (Special Invitation).
    • Blanchard, R. (2024). Clinical supervision approaches when working with children and families using the discrimination model approach. HRSA Supervisors Training, Molloy University. (Special Invitation).
    • Blanchard, R. & Sheets, S. (2024). Long term solutions for the myriad problems plaguing child  and young adults in mental health and SUD. Behavioral/Mental Health and SUD Innovations for Medicaid, Medicare, and Duals. (Special Invitation).
    • Blanchard, R. (2024). A discussion focused on counseling children and adolescents and  understanding concepts of human sexuality and high risk behaviors. Coun 611/813  Human Sexuality, Mercer University. (Guest Lecture).
    • Blanchard, R., Duffey, M., Washington, D., Andre, L., & Messinger, E. (2024). Building community between counselor educators & site supervisors for excellence in supervision. Chi Sigma Iota Spring 2024 webinars. (Special Invitation).
    • Blanchard, R. (2023). Inducting licensed professional counselors to work in school mental health settings [Poster session]. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision 2023 Conference, Denver, Colorado. (Peer-reviewed).
    • Blanchard, R., Farrell, I.C., Gilfillan, B., McCurrach, J., & Harrichand, J. J. S. (2022) Professional advocacy: A content analysis of interviews from CSI leaders [Poster session]. Chi Sigma Iota Sponsored Poster Session at the American Counseling Association 2022 Conference and Expo, Atlanta, Georgia. (Peer-reviewed).
    • Blanchard, R. & Protivnak, J. (2022). Preparing clinical mental health supervisees for work in a school mental health setting [Virtual conference presentation]. American Counseling Association 2022 Conference and Expo, Atlanta, Georgia (Peer-reviewed).

     

     

  • Natalie Nieves, Ph.D. Candidate

    Natalie Nieves

    Discipline: Master of Science Program, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    E-Mail: nnieves@molloy.edu

    Website: https://works.bepress.com/natalie-nieves/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-nieves-ma-lpc-ncc-642032122/

    Area(s) of Specialization: Latino/a/x mental health, women’s mental health, multicultural counseling, and Cognitive Behavioral Theory and contemplative practices in counseling.

    Education: 

    • PhD, Montclair State University, ABD
    • MA, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2016
    • BA, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2014

     

    Biography: Natalie Nieves is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a doctoral candidate. She is currently working towards completing her dissertation and earning her Ph.D. in counseling at Montclair State University (CACREP accredited). Natalie has enjoyed teaching at the University level covering undergraduate and graduate courses in topics such as General Psychology, Psychology of Gender, Counseling Theories, Mindfulness in Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Research Methods. Natalie has a strong passion for mentorship within the profession, both clinically and academically. Natalie is an active member of The American Counseling Association (ACA), The Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), The American Educational Research Association (AERA), New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMCHA) and Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), in which she frequently presents current peer-reviewed research with colleagues. Outside of academia, Natalie operates a private practice and provides counseling services to predominantly women of color. Natalie has a strong foundation in multicultural competency and integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and restorative practices, such as mindfulness, to help promote the mind-body connection while honoring her client’s intersecting cultural identities.

     

  • Orsolya Varkonyi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

    Orsolya Varkonyi

    Discipline: Master of Science Program, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    E-Mail: OVarkonyi@molloy.edu  

    Office Location: 30 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre, NY

    Website(s): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-orsolya-varkonyi-phd-837663298/

    Area(s) of Specialization: Clinical Supervision, Diagnostics, Multicultural Counseling and Leadership in Counseling

    Biography: Dr. Varkonyi pursued her studies in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, subsequently earning her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in clinical and academic settings, Dr. Varkonyi has held esteemed positions as a licensed staff member, mental health intern, clinical staff supervisor, and faculty member at the City University of New York. 

    An expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dr. Varkonyi possesses extensive experience in addressing trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorders within both hospital and college counseling center environments. Her proficiency in psychodiagnosis and psychotherapy is complemented by her adept use of advanced, evidence-based cognitive-behavioral techniques to treat a myriad of issues, including stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem challenges, depression, life transitions, body-image concerns, trauma, sleep disturbances, and work-related stress. Dr. Varkonyi’s broad expertise enables her to provide a comprehensive range of clinical services to diverse populations across various settings.

    Dr. Varkonyi’s recent scholarly endeavors have delved into the wellness experiences of immigrant community college learners, a subject on which she has presented at national conferences. Additionally, her research has illuminated the psychosocial stressors that Latinas encounter in university education, further enriching her contributions to the field. She is a frequent presenter on topics such as trauma and race-based trauma within academic contexts.

    A staunch advocate for the prevention and treatment of familial, community, and institutional trauma, Dr. Varkonyi employs an anti-oppressive framework to dismantle barriers that hinder students’ access to essential counseling and mental health services. Her dedication to this cause is reflected in her role as the Legislative and Public Policy Chair of ACA New York. Currently, Dr. Varkonyi serves as an assistant professor at Molloy University, where she continues to inspire and support her students through her unwavering commitment to their well-being and academic success.

    Courses Taught:

    • “Psychodiagnostics”
    • “Career Counseling”
    • “Foundations of Counseling”
    • “Developmental Theories”
    • “Multicultural Counseling”
    • “Social and Cultural Aspects of Counseling”
    • “Assessment in Counseling”

     

    Research Interest:

    • Wellness Experiences of Immigrant Community College Learners
    • Psychosocial Stressors Faced by Latinas in University Education
    • Trauma and Race-Based Trauma in Academic Contexts
    • Prevention and Treatment of Familial, Community, and Institutional Trauma

     

    Presentations/Publications:

    • Varkonyi, O. (2006, April 8-11). Exploring Psychological Distress among Latinas [Poster presentation]. American Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA, United States.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2007, February 10-13). Exploring Relations of Identity and Sexism among Latina Learners [Presentation]. Winter Roundtable, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
    • Goldwinn, A.A., Conybeare, D., Olsen, E.K., Jorgensen, I., Varkonyi, O., & Behar, E. S. (2011, November). Trauma-recall and depressive rumination. Poster presented at the 45th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Toronto, ON.
    • Van Duraniki, B.P., Beardo, C., Rodriguez, B.F., Morales, E., Varkonyi, O., Bjornssonson, A., Weisberger, R.B., Keller, K.B. (2011, November). Psychometric properties of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale in Latinas. Poster presented at the 45th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Toronto, ON.
    • Eisensen, J.L., Menar, L.E., Varkonyi, O., & Rasmussen, A.A. (2012, December). Psychometric evaluation of the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale in body dysmorphic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Poster presented at the 51st annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. Hollywood, FL.
    • Garnurraat, S.L., Eisensen, J.L, Varkonyi, O. (2012, November). Predictors of social adjustment in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Poster presented at the 46th annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. National Harbor, MD.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2013, April 9-13). A Decade of Best Practices in Learning Communities: ESL Peer Mentoring Program at Kingsborough Community College [Symposium]. ACLC Conference, Stamford, CT, United States.
    • Mivillein, M., Garat, A.L., Boiss, A.L., Mancebo, Y.C., Eisenseon, J.K., Varkonyi, O. (2013, November). Impact of life events on the course of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Poster presented at the 47th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Nashville, TN.
    • Sibravsky, N.J. & Varkonyi, O. (2013, May). The importance of assessing core features of OCD. J.L. Eisensen & A.J. Sibravsky (Co-Chairs), Clinical case discussion of a core feature model of OCD: New perspectives on treatment resistance. Clinical case conference conducted at the 166th annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. San Francisco, CA.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2013, April 9-13). A Decade of Best Practices in Learning Communities: ESL Peer Mentoring Program at Kingsborough Community College [Symposium]. ACLC Conference, Stamford, CT, United States.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2015, February 14-17). Assisting College Learners with Race-Based Trauma. [Presentation]. Winter Roundtable, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2017, February 16-18). Community College Learners and Resilience. [Presentation]. Winter Roundtable, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
    • Sibrivaeklen, N., Varkonyi, O., Weisberg, A.B., & Keller, E.B. (2018, April). Five-year course of Social Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in longitudinal sample of Latino adults. In A.S. Bor & N.J. Sibrubian (cochairs), The Harvard/Brown Anxiety Research Project - Phase II: A study on the nature and course of anxiety disorders in African American, Latino, and White samples. Symposium presented at the 38th Annual Conference of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Washington, DC.
    • Silver, A.J., Weisberg, R.B.,Varkonyi, O., & Keller, A.B. (2018, April). Cross-cultural examination of Ataques de Nervios in a diverse sample of adults with anxiety disorders. In A.S. Bjor & N.J. Sibevenka (co-chairs), The Harvard/Brown Anxiety Research Project - Phase II: A study on the nature and course of anxiety disorders in African American, Latino, and White samples. Symposium presented at the 38th Annual Conference of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Washington, DC.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2021, October 15). Mental Health Workshop and Protocols for Assisting Students with Trauma and Race- Based Trauma [Conference Session]. Doctoral Residency, University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, KY, United Sates.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2021, November 11). Mending Minds: Let's Talk Student Wellness [Symposium]. City University of New York, New York, New York, United States.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2024, April 11-13). Exploring Wellness of Immigrant College Learners [Poster presentation]. American Counseling Association, New Orleans, LA, United States.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2024, September 13). Workshop and Protocols for Assisting College Students with Trauma and Race Based Trauma [Online Presentation]. American Counseling Association, Virtual Professional Practice Summit, United States.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2024, December 6). Training Future Counselors and Social Workers: Providing Multiculturally Sensitive Counseling to Immigrant-Origin Community College Students [Workshop presentation]. Molloy University, Rockville Centre, NY, United States
    • Varkonyi, O. (2025, January 4-7). Exploring the Wellness Needs of Immigrant College Learners [Presentation]. Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI, United States.
    • https://iicehawaii.iafor.org/presentation/submission87666/
    • Varkonyi, O. (2025, January 4-7). Psychosocial Stressors Latinas Face in Education [Presentation]. International Conference on Arts and Humanities in Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States. https://iicahhawaii.iafor.org/presentation/submission87644/
    • Varkonyi, O. (2025, February 28-March 1). Exploring Relations of Identity and Psychological Distress among Latina University Learners [Presentation]. NBCCF Bridging the Gap Symposium, Atlanta, GA, United States. 
    • Varkonyi, O. (2025, April 11-13). Exploring Relations of Identity and Psychological Distress among Latina University Learners [Presentation]. American Counseling Association, Orlando, FL, United States.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2025, January 24). Training Future Counselors and Social Workers: Addressing Trauma, Race-Based Trauma, and Microaggressions in College Classrooms and Counseling Centers [Workshop presentation]. Molloy University, Rockville Centre, NY, United States
    • Varkonyi, O. (2025, April 11-13). Exploring Relations of Identity and Psychological Distress among Latina University Learners [Presentation]. American Counseling Association, Orlando, FL, United States.
    • Varkonyi, O. (2025, February 21). Multicultural Counseling Strategies for Immigrant College Learners [Webinar]. NARACES Wellness Committee, United States. 
    • Varkonyi, O. (2025, February 28-March 1). Exploring the Mental Health Needs of Immigrant College Learners [Presentation]. NBCCF Bridging the Gap Symposium, Atlanta, GA, United States. 
    • Várkonyi, O. (2025). Psychosocial stressors Latinas face in education. International Journal in Education, 10(2432-4604), 113–117. https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2432-4604.2025.10
      Várkonyi, O. (2025). Exploring the lived experiences of wellness of immigrant community college learners. International Journal in Education, 23(2189-1036), 265–269. https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-1036.2025.23
    • Várkonyi, O., & Haddad, S. (2025). Addressing the mental health needs of community college learners: Implications for administrators and counselor educators. Manuscript in preparation, Cognella.
    • Haddad S., Bartell, T., & Varkonyi, O. (2025, June 10). Improving Gen Z Educational Outcomes: A Mental Health and Well-Being Approach [Presentation]. The Paris Conference on Education, Sorbonne University, Paris, France. 

Faculty at Graduation

Our Faculty

Dr. Laura Kestemberg, Professor Natalie Nieves, Dr. Kellyanne Brady, and Dr. Raymond Blanchard together at Spring Commencement.

Meet our Staff

  • Marcie Siciliano, LMHC, Clinical Director of The Mental Health and Wellness Center

    Discipline: Graduate Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    E-Mail: msiciliano@molloy.edu

    Biography: Marcie Siciliano is a licensed mental health counselor and has been practicing since 2012. She holds a Master of Education from Hofstra University with a specialization in school counseling and a Certificate of Advance Study in Mental Health Counseling. She holds additional certifications in anger management and family interventions. She has been an adjunct instructor at one of the local universities teaching at the undergrad and graduate level. Prior to coming to Molloy, Marcie was a former clinical director, for a nonprofit agency working with various populations. Her focus was working with clients and families who struggle with addiction. She also worked within the Suffolk County Correctional Facility working with inmates with various mental health and substance abuse concerns. Marcie is an instructor with New York State University Police and teaching about mental health and wellness. Marcie is passionate about mental health, and it should be accessible to everyone who may need services and working with the Clinical Mental Health students to develop future mental health counselors.  

  • Michelle Collura, LMHC, NCC, Clinical Supervisor of The Mental Health and Wellness Center

    Michelle Collura

    Discipline: Graduate Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Office: The Mental Health & Wellness Center

    E-Mail: Mcollura@molloy.edu

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecolluravaldner/

    Area(s) of Specialization: Clinical Supervision

    Biography: Michelle Collura is a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor (#006710). She holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University.

    Throughout her career, Michelle has specialized in treating a variety of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and adjustment disorders, utilizing evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness. She has a particular passion for fostering professional development and growth of counseling students and new clinicians, having run an internship program, where she trains and supervises mental health counseling graduate students. Michelle currently operates Live Happy Counseling, an online telehealth practice where she provides psychotherapy to individuals of all ages.

    Additionally, Michelle served as an adjunct professor, having taught Group Dynamics and Internship II courses at St. John’s University. Michelle remains an active participant in professional organizations including: the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).

  • Nicole Lara, MHC-I, Project Coordinator, Molloy-HRSA BHWET Grant

    Nicole Lara

    Discipline: Graduate Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    E-Mail: nlara1@molloy.edu

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicolelara

    Biography: In 2022 Nicole was hired as the Project Coordinator, Molloy-HRSA BHWET Grant to specifically service the C5: Changing Communities through Compassionate Counseling Children and Youth grant awarded to Molloy's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The grant is a 4-year, $1,166,668 million federal grant focusing on meeting the mental health needs of diverse youth and their families in New York State. This meaningful project increases the number of multiculturally trained practitioners in our graduate program and expands partnerships with healthcare providers serving vulnerable children and transitional-age youth in high need, high demand communities in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, and Suffolk counties.

    In addition to being a Mental Health Counseling intern slated to graduate in May 2025, Nicole previously served as an HR leader for various companies ranging from Fortune 500s to startups in NYC. Nicole currently offers psychotherapy services at Helping Hands Psychotherapy in RVC and at Molloy University's Mental Health & Wellness Center where she works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and groups. She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) where she presented at the 2024 Convention Expo, the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) where she served as the 2023-2024 Student Representative Board Member and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) where she was recently awarded as a 2024 NARACES Emerging Leader.

Meet our Graduate Assistants

  • Gianna Aiello

    Gianna Aiello

    Discipline: Graduate Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    E-Mail: GAiello@lions.molloy.edu 

    Biography: Gianna is currently in her second year of pursuing a master's degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She is working as a graduate assistant at the counseling center, where she assists with various tasks and research. Her volunteer work has equipped her with skills in crisis intervention and de-escalation of high-risk situations. Additionally, she is currently employed, gaining valuable expertise in managing referrals for children and adolescents diagnosed with severe emotional disorders. Gianna looks forward to starting her practicum/internship experience in the Summer of 2025, furthering her clinical experience in the mental health field.

  • Amanda Cannarozzo

    Amanda Cannarozzo

    Discipline: Graduate Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    E-Mail: acannarozzo@lions.molloy.edu 

    Biography: Amanda is a second-year student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She is an active student member of the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) and presented a poster with two of her colleagues titled “Body Dysmorphia in Adolescents as a Negative Result of Social Media” at the NYMHCA conference in Albany in 2024.  Amanda is excited to begin her internship experience in the Summer 2025 semester. She also enjoys pursuing research with her professors through her position as a graduate assistant.

Contact

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Suite 248
30 Hempstead Avenue
Rockville Centre, NY, 11570