Counseling Center Staff

Danielle Bachant, LCSW, MT-BC - Director (she/they)

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 their 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.

Contact Danielle: dbachant@njcu.edu, 201-200-3517

Damarys Escoto, LCSW - Counselor (she/her/hers)

Damarys received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and master’s in Social Work from Kean University. She has experience working with individuals with mental illness, and with various populations in both English and Spanish. Excited to be joining the counseling center and connecting with the NJCU student community, Damarys uses a strengths-based, person-centered approach to create a safe and welcoming space for her clients. She believes the therapeutic relationship is a partnership and also the key to successfully reaching therapeutic goals. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and exploring new restaurants (which- recommendations are always welcome!).

Contact Damarys: descoto@njcu.edu, 201-200-2146

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Christian Rodriguez, LCSW - Counselor (he/him/his)

Christian is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at NJCU’s Counseling Center, where he is committed to creating a compassionate and supportive space for students. He earned his Master of Social Work degree from Touro College, which provided him with a solid foundation in clinical practice and therapeutic approaches. Over the years, Christian has had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, military veterans, and those facing serious mental illness (SMI). He gently incorporates psychodynamic approaches to help clients explore and make sense of the deeper emotions and experiences that shape their lives. Outside of work, Christian finds joy in swimming, playing the piano, and spending time with his two wonderful cats. These simple pleasures bring balance to his life, allowing him to connect more deeply with the students he supports.

Contact Christian: crodriguez31@njcu.edu, 201-200-3519

Languages spoken: English, conversational Spanish

Maya Clark, BA - Graduate Intern, On Site (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.

Contact Maya: mclark@njcu.edu, 201-200-3124

Rubi Cedeno Garcia – Graduate Intern, Residence Life (she/her/ella)

Rubi joined our counseling center this semester and provides services at West Campus Village. She is thrilled to be on our team and providing services at her former housing community where she worked as a Resident Assistant during her undergraduate career. She is an alumna of New Jersey City University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Women and Genders studies and Pre-Law. Rubi is currently completing a master's in clinical mental health and counseling through NJCU. Born and raised by immigrant parents from Cuba, Rubi is a first generation American and college student who speaks both Spanish and English. She is committed to providing services for clients from diverse backgrounds and is excited to work within the New Jersey City University community, where she herself was nurtured and continues to grow and give back. Rubi works as a trauma-informed Person-Centered counselor, helping clients understand their potential, self-understanding, and increase their self-esteem. Outside of work, she loves writing, traveling, grounding work, spending time with family and her fur baby, visiting bookshops and museums, and advocating for change.

Contact Rubi: rcedenogarcia@njcu.edu

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Silvia Serrano - Graduate Intern, On Site (she/her/ella)

Silvia Serrano is a dedicated first-generation Latina who currently serves as a graduate clinical counseling intern at New Jersey City University (NJCU), where she is also an alumna. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and History from NJCU and has a background in mental health counseling, having previously worked as a practicum counseling intern within NJCU’s Opportunity Scholarship Program. Ms. Serrano is committed to creating safe and inclusive environments that empower individuals. She is fluent in Spanish and passionate about destigmatizing mental health issues in Latine communities and promoting resilience and growth among diverse student populations. Silvia enjoys listening to music, reading poetry, attending concerts, and spending quality time with her cats in her leisure time.

Contact Silvia: sserrano@njcu.edu

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Mya Weems - Graduate Intern, Residence Life (she/her/hers)

Mya Weems (she/her) is a graduate student at New Jersey City University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track joining our team this upcoming semester. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Ohio University in 2020. Ms. Weems spent the entirety of her undergraduate years involved in behavioral science-centered research and places importance on evidence-based practice. Her goal is to create a prosperous environment that utilizes counseling techniques and therapeutic approaches to empower individuals to overcome obstacles and enhance their quality of life. Mya works as a Crisis Counselor who supports clients with empathy, advocacy, and assistance with social services for those experiencing eviction. Outside of work, she enjoys going to concerts, dancing, painting, and reading a good book.

Contact Mya: mweems@njcu.edu

Hafsa Dawood, BA - Outreach Coordinator (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. 

Contact Hafsa: hdawood@njcu.edu, 201-200-3158

Languages spoken: English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi

Field Placement Students:

Emely Garcia Estepan, she/her, Social Work

Angela Ordonez, she/her (English, Spanish), Social Work

Melina Ordonez, she/her (English, Spanish), Social Work

Jayson Paulino, he/him, Psychology