Meet the Team

Dr. Katherine Cascio (she/her) joined CAPS in 2018. She's a licensed psychologist and the Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Dr. Cascio takes a social justice approach to providing therapy, advocacy, outreach, training, and testing. She enjoys working with students with a wide variety of presenting concerns and has a particular interest in serving trauma survivors. Dr. Cascio provides WPATH assessments for transgender and non-binary students seeking gender confirmation medical services and offers affirming support to students exploring their gender and other intersecting identities. Dr. Cascio’s theoretical orientation integrates interpersonal, feminist, and client-centered approaches; she also draws from motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy. She is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, an approach that uses eye movements to help clients process and significantly reduce symptoms associated with trauma. She tailors therapy to each student’s needs and preferences, explores clients’ sociocultural backgrounds and their impact on mental health, and considers how students’ and her intersecting identities affect how they work together. Prior to joining CAPS, Dr. Cascio worked in university counseling centers, inpatient crisis stabilization units, community mental health centers, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. She is originally from Lawrence, Massachusetts. 

Education:

PhD, Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky; doctoral internship and post-doctoral residency, University of Oregon Counseling Center

MS, Counseling Psychology, Northeastern University

BA, Psychology and Spanish, Smith College.

Dr. Christoffersen (AKA “Dr. Dennis”) joined the CAPS team in June 2016 after 20 years working in college health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He provides individual, couples and group counseling, outreach, clinical supervision for trainees and coordinates testing services at CAPS. Dr. Christoffersen received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago and completed his doctoral internship training in child and pediatric psychology at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago. He holds a Master’s of Science of Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida in Tampa.

In addition to his interest and extensive experience in college health, Dr. Christoffersen has worked as a child psychologist in public agency and private practice settings and a substance abuse counselor in a variety of substance abuse treatment programs. He has experience in crisis intervention, trauma recovery, recovery from addictions, child and family therapy, psychosocial factors related to learning disorders and has worked in a wide range of practice settings. With regard to college health, Dr. Christoffersen’s professional interests include anxiety and stress management, wellness, performance improvement, couples’ therapy, suicide prevention, clinical supervision and training, integrative health care and outreach to LGBTQ-identified and other students. He appreciates the unique challenges and rewards that come with college life along with the extraordinary opportunities created for personal growth and positive change.

Dr. Corredor earned her Ph. D. in Counseling Psychology at University at Albany, State University of New York in 2003. She completed her internship at Maimonides Medical Center, a community mental health center in Brooklyn, NY. 

Dr. Corredor is a bilingual (English-Spanish) licensed psychologist of Puerto Rican heritage with over 10 years of experience in providing psychological services, including psychological assessments, to a diverse population. She incorporates mindfulness, cognitive behavior therapy and a strengths-based approach to help individuals overcome emotional distress, reduce maladaptive coping and enhance their resilience. Dr. Corredor believes in collaborating with clients to achieve greater life satisfaction and overall well-being.  Her professional interests include multicultural issues, working with first generation to college populations, incorporating holistic approaches to enhance wellness and treating mood disorders, as well as supervision and training. 

Melanie (she/her/hers) attended Florida Gulf Coast University and earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology as well as a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Public Health Education from the University of South Florida. Melanie started her work with CAPS as a Master’s Level Trainee for the 2019-2020 school year and began working as a clinician in September 2020.  She is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in the state of Florida working towards her licensure. 

Melanie strives to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, gain insight into how that has impacted them, and learn how to build on their existing strengths to live their best possible life. Melanie works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, stress, family conflict, relationship concerns, and other life experiences. She works from a collaborative, strength-based approach and utilizes various therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and person-centered therapy.

Melanie is passionate about ending the stigma associated with mental illness and mental wellness within communities of color by educating others about the unique challenges that people of color face, being aware of our own attitudes and beliefs, and reducing the bias and negative assumptions about seeking help. In her free time, Melanie enjoys coloring, arts and crafts, going to concerts/music festivals, and spending time with her loved ones.

Bianca completed both of her degrees at Florida Gulf Coast University: BA in Communications and MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Go Eagles! Bianca is working towards her licensure and has experience in the mental health field including serving those with substance abuse, suicidality, anxiety, depression, grief, and life-stage transitions, LGBTQ+, self-esteem, and relationship concerns. She practices an integrative approach to therapy using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Existential Therapy. Bianca strives to exert a warm, caring, and prosperous atmosphere in her therapy sessions to guide her clients those their life journeys.   

Bianca enjoys self-care activities such as playing softball, listening to EDM, puzzles, dancing, and massages. Bianca values outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, biking, and rollerblading. She loves spending time with her partner and their 5 dogs, traveling to new places, meeting new people, and exploring new adventures. 

Jody A. Magras was born and raised in the United States Virgin Islands. He attended Rollins College in Winter Park (FL), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Jody has been a counselor in higher education for more than 16 years. He started working at the FGCU CAPS office in November of 2015. Jody is dedicated to helping students navigate and grow through the developmental tasks of this age group, including, but not limited to: becoming autonomous and developing healthy relationships, identity development, clarifying purpose and developing meaning in one’s life, etc. He believes in holistic treatment, which considers the effects of biological, spiritual, cultural, environmental, and social influences. In addition to individual counseling, he also runs several counseling groups.
Jody has particular professional interests in understanding and treating depression, non-suicidal self-injury, culture shock and adjustment issues, performance and social anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, self-esteem, identity development, anger management, self-care and wellness, and resiliency. He is Certified in Clinical Hypnosis and has advanced trainings in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Jody also serves on the Collegiate Life Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CLASP) initiative at FGCU.

Jessica Matthews is a licensed mental health counselor who completed her master’s degree in Community Counseling from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois in 2009.  After graduation, Jessica gained experience providing mental health and family stabilization services to youth while working at a clinic for at-risk youth and families in crisis. She also served as an addictions counselor for adolescents at an inpatient treatment facility, providing individual, group, and equestrian therapy to teens. In 2010, Jessica expanded her experience in mental health by serving as a clinician in a community mental health setting, providing outpatient therapy to both adults and children. In 2015, Jessica returned to her alma mater and began providing mental health therapy to college students at EIU, before moving to Florida in 2019. As a counselor at CAPS, Ms. Matthews provides individual, group, and couples counseling to FGCU students. She co-facilitates a medical support group on campus for students experiencing chronic health conditions, as well as she leads a Stepping Stones group at CAPS. Jessica utilizes a strength-based approach with individuals and often incorporates cognitive behavior therapy, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness skills into her practice. Her areas of interest in counseling include working with anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, and adjustment issues.

Alex earned a Master of Arts degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in May of 2011. He has been working at CAPS since he served as a graduate assistant there during the 2010-2011 academic year and became a member of the CAPS team right after graduation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Transactional Analysis, and Gestalt are his main approaches to therapy in both individual and group settings. His  11 years of experience at CAPS and 2 years of experience treating co-morbid disorders at the Salvation Army provide a strong foundation to address concerns presented by university students.  Alex strives to approach each client as unique and takes a holistic point of view that considers biological, spiritual, cultural, environmental, and social influences. While effective in working with a wide range of concerns, Alex specializes in working with clients who present with characteristics typical of spectrum disorders, social anxiety, and interpersonal communication struggles. 

Dr. McCabe earned a doctorate from Hofstra University in 2014.  His training has been in Clinical Psychology with a strong emphasis on Cognitive-Behavioral therapies.  However, he has incorporated a prominent Acceptance-based practice into his work.  He has extensive experience practicing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Mindfulness-based therapies.  He maintains a special interest in approaches that build resiliency and wellness in students as a proactive measure of instilling stability and hope when confronting the rigors of academic and personal life. 

Wendy completed her undergraduate degree at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Community Agency Counseling from The University of Memphis. Wendy has had a variety of experience in the mental health field including, serving as program director at an adolescent partial hospitalization program, residential substance abuse counselor, and private practice clinician. She has advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Structural Family Therapy. Wendy incorporates a strength-based approach with all of her clients. 

 

Wendy’s professional interests include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide prevention, and self-esteem issues. Wendy strives to provide a safe and caring environment for all her clients. Her goal when working with clients is to provide an objective and compassionate vehicle to promote individual health and contentment in all areas of life. She works to create a non-judgmental, collaborative environment for all her clients many of whom are facing family stress and academic pressures.  Her style has been described as authentic, caring, and humorous.

Rebecca attended the University of North Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Master’s Level Certified Addictions Professional, and a Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida. Rebecca has additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Rebecca’s professional interests include substance use issues and concerns, trauma, and career development. Her approach to therapy integrates person-centered, strengths-based, and motivational interviewing techniques. Rebecca also has a passion for training and clinical supervision and works closely with our trainees at CAPS.

Outside of CAPS Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, chasing around two toddlers, and riding her Peloton.

Cassie Sirmans attended Florida Gulf Coast University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Cassie is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in the state of Florida and is working towards becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor . Her counseling style is integrative with a cognitive behavioral focus. Cassie began her journey with CAPS as a trainee during her Master’s program in 2019. Cassie returned to CAPS and began working as a staff clinician in January 2021.

Cassie has experience working with adolescents, families, and couples. Additionally, Cassie has experience and training working with individuals who have a history and/or are currently struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns. Further experience includes working with individuals struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, interpersonal and relationships.

Outside of CAPS, Cassie enjoys spending her time as a new mom, running Disney races, teaching dance, and traveling as often as possible.

Rebecca Wiemerslage, Psy.D. is a Licensed Psychologist and the Group Therapy Coordinator at FGCU CAPS. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles. Dr. Wiemerslage’s therapy style primarily conceptualizes through an integrated interpersonal, cognitive and systemic approach utilizing interventions that promote healthier coping strategies, relationships, and communication with self and others. She currently facilitates two therapy groups, the Emotional Wellness hybrid group of skills and process, and the Women2Women interpersonal process group. Rebecca found her way to Florida first as an intern at FGCU CAPS, then stayed nearby as a postdoctoral fellow at Florida International University, and returned to FGCU as a licensed staff psychologist. Additionally, Dr. Wiemerslage is involved in psychological testing, outreach, CLASP, and group therapy consultation at CAPS, as well as a Board Member and Co-Chair of Event Planning for the Florida Group Psychotherapy Society (FGPS). Outside of the field, Rebecca enjoys spending time outside, finding new pizza spots, going for walks with her family and dog, Siri, and rooting for her Minnesota sport teams.

Amanda earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2021) and received her Bachelors degree in Athletic Training (2018) at Florida Gulf Coast University.  She is currently in the process of working on her clinical hours to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. Amanda always knew she wanted to help people and with her diverse background in Athletic Training she understands how our physical and mental health plays an important role. Amanda believes that everyone is unique, therefore, she takes an integrative approach in counseling to meet a client’s specific need, which may include using styles from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Some of Amanda’s area of experience include, anxiety, depression, academic stress, self-esteem concerns, and relationship concerns. Amanda also holds a Level One Gottman certification. Amanda is a first-generation U.S citizen and understands the importance of being culturally sensitive with clients who identify from different cultural backgrounds. Her goal as a counselor is to meet clients where they are at in their healing journey and help improve their quality of life. Amanda also helps co-facilitates the Relationship Group offered at CAPS. Although Amanda was born in Massachusetts, she has spent her whole life in the Southwest Florida area and does not see herself anywhere else. She enjoys working out, going to the beach, watching movies and spending time with friends/family. ​

Tania (she/her) is currently a fifth-year doctoral clinical psychology student from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) completing her internship at FGCU CAPS. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Biology/Pre-Med from Lynn University and earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from NSU. Previously, she completed practicums at Wesleyan University CAPS and Barry University CAPS where she provided individual and couples psychotherapy as well as assessments to diverse student populations presenting with a wide range of concerns. Other clinical experience includes completion of a year-long practicum at NSU’s ADHD Assessment Consultation and Treatment Clinic.

Tania is an integrative clinician who utilizes a collaborative, compassionate and warm approach that is psychodynamically rooted but always supplemented and augmented with other modalities including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Having been a former student-athlete and professional tennis player, she enjoys working with student-athletes and individuals of all backgrounds as they navigate life’s challenges. Originally from Canada, she is trilingual in English, French and Polish.

In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her loved ones, reading and baking wholesome organic eats. She resides with her husband and rescue dog, Teddy (a terrier mix).

Diana Bandes, MA, is a doctoral practicum student therapist earning her doctorate in psychology from the Florida School of Professional Psychology.

Kymm Carlson, BA, is a master's level intern therapist earning her master's in clinical mental health counseling from FGCU.

Sarah McKee, BA, is a master's level intern therapist earning her master's in clinical mental health counseling from FGCU.

Camay Monroe, BA, is a master's level intern therapist earning her master's in clinical mental health counseling from FGCU.

Sammi Schams (she/her)

 

Education:

B.A. in Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 2011

M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 2015

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, expected 2022

Specialty Areas:

I see therapy as an opportunity to maximize an individual’s growth and potential. This growth stems from self-understanding and finding your places of empowerment within difficult situations. I primarily work with individuals who struggle with substance use and mental health concerns. I see this relationship as highly intertwined; oftentimes, problematic substance use stems from underlying gaps in mental health wellbeing. I've worked extensively with young adults and adolescent populations with diagnoses of substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and social distress. In working with adolescents and young adults, I am amazed at the resilience and identity development that occurs at this time of life. So often, this time of life can see dramatic improvement quickly as the individual chooses their path and works to develop an identity that aligns with their values.

Karina earned her Bachelor in Social Work from the University of Central Florida in May 2020. Her previous professional experience includes case management and disaster recovery. When not at work, Karina enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with loved ones.

Neenah joined CAPS team in September 2014 as Senior Secretary / Client Services. Her previous professional experience includes managing area health clubs.  When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with her family, crochet, crafting, running, and Crossfit type workouts.

Holly comes from Michigan where she worked in higher education for the last 16 years before joining the CAPS team in January 2017.  When not at work, Holly enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys exploring their new home state of Florida.

Carolyn Pelotte joined the CAPS team as a Client Services Assistant on July 1, 2019.   Her previous professional experience includes over 15 years of medical administrative experience.  While not at work, she likes to spend time with her husband and two boys, she loves nature hikes, movies and family activities.