Need Help Now?
If you would like to speak with a clinician for crisis support 24/7, please call 855-854-1747. You can also text or call 988Lifeline.
All CAPS staff can be reached at 805-437-2088.
Professional Staff
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Kandy Mink Salas, PhD
CAPS Interim Director
Dr. Kandy Mink Salas is a long time Student Affairs professional and faculty member. Most recently, she has served for 11 years as an Associate Professor in the Department of Higher Education at Azusa Pacific University (CA). Prior to her time as a faculty member, she spent twenty-eight years as a Student Affairs professional at the University of San Diego and at California State University, Fullerton, where she served as Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Mink Salas also served as Associate Provost for Student Success for three years at Azusa Pacific University.
While at Cal State Fullerton, Dr. Mink Salas completed two terms as Interim Director of the Student Health and Counseling Center, and while Associate Vice President she had oversight for Counseling and Psychological Services, including the hiring of a new Director and supervision oversight for 10 psychologists and various post-doc interns.
Dr. Mink Salas received her Ph.D. in Higher Education/Student Affairs from Claremont Graduate University (CA), her M.S. in Counseling and Human Development from Minnesota State University, and her B.A. in English and Women’s Studies from UCLA.
Dr. Mink Salas has a passion for mentorship and has worked with hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students over the years in providing guidance and coaching, particularly on career development. She was awarded the NASPA Region VI Sandra Kuchler Excellence in Mentoring Award in 2009, the NASPA Region VI Distinguished Service to the Profession Award in 2015, and the NASPA Pillars of the Profession Award in 2018.
Dr. Mink Salas’s academic research has centered on 1) empathetic leadership and advising in higher education, 2) the undocumented college student experience, and 3) the encouragers and barriers to college student women leaders from a variety of cultural backgrounds. She received the NASPA Ruth Strang Award for Outstanding Contributions to Literature Concerning Women in Higher Education in 2013.
Dr. Mink Salas and her husband Edward Salas have been married for 20 years and enjoy movies, puzzles, and sports (Go Dodgers!). She grew up in La Puente, CA with her parents Robert and Julia Mink and she is blessed to have her parents living in the area and doing well. Dr. Mink Salas is a first-generation college student.
kandy.minksalas@csuci.edu -
Jen Maravola, LPCC
Lead Senior Clinician of Administrative and Clinical Services - LPCC License #11198
Ms. Maravola is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She earned her clinical mental health degree from Loyola Marymount University, LA, in 2017. Ms. Maravola is a Veteran of the United States Air Force and started her clinical journey working with Veterans who struggle with substance abuse. Additionally, she worked with Ventura County Foster Youth and their caregivers providing counseling and psychoeducation through Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trust-Based Relational Interventions, focusing on healthy attachment. Ms. Maravola has worked with CSUCI’s student body since 2014. Before joining the CAPS Team, she worked in the Campus Recreation Department overseeing the Channel Islands BoatingCenter, supervising student assistants, and coordinating healthy outdoor activities for students and community members. Ms. Maravola is passionate about the holistic well-being of college students and enjoys supporting them throughout their academic and personal journey at CSUCI.
jennifer.maravola@csuci.edu -
Stacy Udolph, LCSW, CCTP, CGP
Senior Clinician, Training & Crisis Coordinator | Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional | Certified Grief Informed Profesional
LCSW License #18586Ms. Stacy Udolph is a Licensed Senior Clinician at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), where she also serves as theTraining and Crisis Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Irvine, and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She holds specialized certifications as aCertified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)and aCertified Grief Informed Professional (CGP).
With a counseling orientation grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused techniques, Ms. Udolph integrates mindfulness practices to support her clients in managing life’s challenges. Her clinical interests include the treatment of anxiety and depression, with a particular emphasis on self-esteem and self-worth, as well as issues related to grief and loss, relationship dynamics, and the unique experiences of first-generation learners.
In her role at CAPS, Ms. Udolph plays a vital part in crisis intervention, staff development, and the training of emerging clinical professionals. Passionate about prevention and mental wellness, she also presents on a variety of topics and leads therapeutic groups to foster connection and resilience.
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Mayra Cortes, LCSW
Clinician - LCSW License #82241
“As a first generation, bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am committed to helping people live authentic and empowered lives. I earned my bachelor’s degree in applied psychology and sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and later pursued my graduate studies at the University of Southern California.
My approach to therapy incorporates the use of Polyvagal Theory while utilizing evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, Crisis Intervention Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Over the course of my career, I have gained experience working with diverse, minority, and multicultural populations across various settings and age groups. I have successfully supported individuals facing mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, adjustment reactions, grief and bereavement, ADHD, pain management, and chronic illness.
Being human first and foremost, I believe that true healing occurs through the connection and trust established within the therapeutic relationship. My practice is grounded in compassion, empathy, and integrity. I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for my clients, fostering an environment that enhances well-being. I am dedicated to honoring each person's unique path. As a therapist, my primary focus is not on fixing or dictating what you should do. Instead, I'm deeply invested in joining you on a journey into the unknown, valuing and acknowledging the profound wisdom that already resides within you. Together, we will create a space for exploration and curiosity, examining what is and isn't working for you. I am dedicated to helping you rediscover your forgotten strengths and empowering you to recognize that the key to your own healing lies within yourself. Through collaboration, we will seek to find ways to make difficult experiences more manageable, foster a stronger connection with your body, gain insight into your patterns, and uncover possibilities for change. It's essential to remember that you are your greatest resource, and while I may provide guidance, you ultimately lead the way.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I actively prioritize self-care. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, connecting with nature, reading, and cherishing precious moments with my family.”
mayra.cortes@csuci.edu -
Cynthia Saenz, LCSW
Clinician - LCSW License #23777
Cynthia Saenz (she/ella) is a licensed clinical social worker. She is a bilingual bicultural Latina of Mexican heritage and a first generation college graduate. She earned her undergraduate degree in 1993 in Mechanical Engineering. Her long-held interest in social work and volunteer role as an advocate for survivors of sexual assault led to her transition into social work. She earned her Master in Social Work from University of California Los Angeles in 1999.
Ms. Saenz has worked in various settings including Ventura County children’s mental health and related juvenile justice services, public school, medical and integrated health, and community-based non-profit counseling centers. She has experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, and trauma. She is familiar with the needs of under-resourced communities in Ventura County and has worked primarily with Latinx immigrant communities.
Most recently, Ms. Saenz has been working with caregivers and resource families with dependent children in the county foster care system. She also has experience as a member of a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion task force for a community based organization.
She has experience in trauma-informed attachment focused interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy. She is strength-based in her work with clients while identifying and exploring challenges, unmet needs, and coping/self-care strategies. Her intention is to provide the client with a safe space that is nonjudgmental, validating, and empowering so that they can work towards healing and improved well-being.
Confidential Campus Advocate
For immediate Campus Advocate assistance, please contact the telephone numbers below as indicated for services within the Coalition for Family Harmony, Oxnard:
Monday to Friday (exceptions during holidays); 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(805) 983-6014; inform the person you are calling from CSUCI and are seeking services.
24 Hour Bilingual Crisis Hotline: 1-800-300-2181
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Mental Health Peers
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Angel Acosta-Garcia
1:1 Outreach CoordinatorMajor/Year: Psychology / 4th Year
My Future Goal: To become a clinical psychologist
My Go-To Campus Spot: Gateway Hall
My Interests:
•Batman
•Listening to music
•Playing video games
•Coaching little league -
Angela Sanabria
Social Media CoordinatorMajor/Year: Psychology / 4th Year
My Future Goal: To get my PhD and become a professor
My Go-To Campus Spot: The library or the grass outside Del Norte
My Interests:
•Cooking
•Trying new coffee recipes
•Marvel, Anime, and Harry Potter
•Spending time with family and boyfriend -
Caren Rios
Social Media & Campus Events CoordinatorMajor/Year: Psychology / 4th Year
My Future Goal: To become a mental health therapist
My Go-To Campus Spot: The library
My Interests:
•Drawing
•Reading
•Hiking
•Listening to music -
Daniela Duran
Social Media & Campus Events CoordinatorMajor/Year: Psychology / 4th Year
My Future Goal: To become an academic counselor
My Go-To Campus Spot: The library
My Interests
•Crocheting
•Meditating
•Listening to music
•Going to the theater -
Mahlee Bender
Disability Accomodations and Support Services (DASS) CoordinatorMajor/Year: Psychology / 4th Year
My Future Goal: To get my PsyD
My Go-To Campus Spot: My dorm
My Interests:
•Hiking
•Drawing
•Cooking
•Painting -
Marshall Mee
Campus Events CoordinatorMajor/Year: Psychology / 4th Year
My Future Goal: To go to medical school
My Go-To Campus Spot: The courtyard next to the north quad
My Interests:
•Reading
•Research
•Photography
•Video games -
Monique Calatayud
Disability Accomodations and Support Services (DASS) CoordinatorMajor/Year: Psychology Major / Stats and Data Analyst Minor / 4th Year
My Future Goal: To develop and refine psychological assessments
My Go-To Campus Spot: Mom's Wok Kitchen
My Interests:
•Reading
•Drawing
•Going to the gym
•Collecting TY Beanie Babies -
Ruthie Foster
Social Media CoordinatorMajor/Year: Psychology / 3rd Year
My Future Goal: To become a licensed clinical social worker
My Go-To Campus Spot: Belltower East Courtyard
My Interests:
•Reading
•Thrifting
•Roller Skating
•Going to the beach