Meet the Counseling Center Staff

Photo of GSUB building

Meet the Counseling Center Staff

Counseling Center Staff

Danielle Bachant, LSW, MT-BC - Director of the Counseling Center (she/they)

Danielle is thrilled to be working with students and staff in the Counseling Center! Danielle received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree from Temple University. As a Music Therapist, Danielle was inspired by her work with families who were impacted by domestic violence, which lead her to pursue a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Violence Against Women and Children from Rutgers University. Danielle has experience working with various populations including students who are survivors of interpersonal violence, incarcerated individuals, and individuals with mental illness. Danielle is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and works through a client-centered, trauma-informed lens to build a therapeutic rapport. She believes in creating a sense of safety and community through the therapeutic relationship that has the potential to extend past the therapeutic space. In her spare time, Danielle is a cat mom to Petey and Squeak, loves being with her family and loved ones, enjoys shopping for unique clothing and jewelry, and enjoys creating art as a form of self-care.

Hafsa Dawood, BA - Outreach Worker (she/her/hers)

Hafsa Dawood is currently serving NJCU Counseling Center as an Outreach Worker. She proudly graduated from New Jersey City University, with a BA in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude and is currently enrolled in MA Educational Psychology. As an undergraduate, she was President of NJCU Psychology Society and EOF Honor student of Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. During her years at NJCU she earned several awards for her exemplary academic performance and leadership skills. Her role as an Outreach worker is to regularly connect with students to raise mental health awareness through prevention, awareness, education and stigma reduction. Her involvement in enhancing emotional well-being and achieving personal and academic goals in the NJCU community is her way to make sure that everyone continues to grow. Hafsa is inspired daily by her sons. In her free time, she likes to hike, watch movies and play video games. 

Maya Clark, BA - Graduate Intern of the Counseling Center (she/her/hers)

Maya is excited to work closely with her fellow students and staff at the NJCU counseling center. Maya received her bachelor's degree in psychology from New Jersey City University in 2020 and has chosen to continue her education at NJCU, completing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She’s a Jersey City resident through and through – which has inspired her to pursue a career in mental health counseling after grasping the need for it in her community. Being born and raised by an educator has influenced her drive to help and teach others in the environment around her. She believes in a sense of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard when working with clients and pushes herself to become more knowledgeable every single day. She is the oldest daughter, helping to raise her three young siblings, and enjoys baking sweet treats for everyone to enjoy.

Jessica (Jess) - Graduate Intern of the Counseling Center (she/her/hers)

Jess joined our counseling center this semester and is thrilled to be here at NJCU. She received her bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and is completing her masters in Clinical Psychology through Pepperdine. Born and raised by immigrants from Mexico City, Jess speaks Spanish fluently and is excited to see clients for counseling in either Spanish or English. Jess works as a strengths-based counselor, helping clients understand how to use their own internal tools to navigate challenges or opportunities. Outside of work, she loves traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and meeting new people - so please do come by and say hello!

Student Worker Team: 

Radiya Elmoujaddidi (she/her) - Social Work & Sociology, BSW Field Placement Student

Genesis Estevez (she/her) - Psychology & Women and Gender Studies

Sanah Khan (she/her) - Psychology 

Stephanie Vilarinho (she/her) - Social Work & Sociology, BSW Field Placement Student