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, 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.

Veronica Baker, B.S. - Program Coordinator (she/her/hers)

As a native of Jersey City, Veronica Baker has had the pleasure of working for NJCU for 26 years, and has become a beloved employee amongst faculty, staff, and students throughout her time at the University. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice at Kaplan University. Before joining us at the Counseling Center, Mrs. Baker worked in the Financial Aid office. As Program Coordinator, she handles client intakes one on one, assists with the JED Foundation, oversees and manages work at the center, as well as works closely with student interns. Mrs. Baker also initiates information tables about counseling and assists international students in group sessions at the center. She is an ally of the Gothic Knight Ally Safe Zone program and an active member of BAAFSSO. Mrs. Baker enjoys working with our students to help guide them with access to the services they need.

Carolina Espin, MHC NCC LPC - Counselor/Professional Specialist (she/her/hers)

Carolina is a proud alumna and member of the NJCU community. She is excited to begin a new journey working with students and staff once again. Carolina graduated as Valedictorian from Bergen Community College, and went on to earn her Bachelors in Psychology with a concentration in Art Therapy. She later continued her studies to receive a Masters in Mental Health Counseling with a School Counseling certification. During her time in NJCU, Carolina worked in the Biology and the Counselling Department where she became involved in many school activities and clubs. She was chosen as vice president of the International Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society, Chi Sigma Iota, and graduated in the top percentile of her graduating class. Carolina’s drive to help others led her to pursue a career working with at-risk immigrant youth in the Office of Refugees and Resettlement for unaccompanied children. Carolina believes in the power of therapy using a holistic approach with a client-centered focus while maintaining sensitivity for gender, diversity and multiculturalism. Using genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding, she helps guide others through the many challenges in life. Carolina is also trained in TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). It is her belief that therapy can bring life changing benefits to someone's life and wellbeing. Carolina is also a lifeguard and swim instructor. She combines her skills to help others overcome their fear of water and helps them find a new joy and appreciation for nature. 

Hafsa Dawood, B.A. - 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. 

Abigail Halprin, - Graduate Student (she/her/hers)

Abigail Halprin is a counseling intern at NJCU's counseling center. She recently moved to Jersey City full time and absolutely loves it. Abigail has a great passion for counseling LGBTQIA+ individuals, and prides herself on her affirming counseling qualities. She also has great interest in working with individuals who have OCD, ASD, and ADHD. Her interest started when she worked as an RBT with the ASD community and realized that she wanted to work more with emotional health as oppose to behavioral. Abigail also has an affinity for working with the disability community which she herself is also apart of. When Abigail is not at school or counseling NJCU's students, she loves to collect comics, watch anime, and thrift shop.