The Staff

All CAPS staff can be reached at 805-437-2088.

Professional Staff

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  Kirsten Gabriel, Ph.D.,

  Director - CA License PSY23461
  Undocumented Student Ally Trained

  she, her, hers

  Dr. Kirsten Gabriel is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist and licensed to practice in California, Colorado, and Nevada. She is currently the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Georgia. She completed her internship at the University of Maine Counseling Center and postdoctoral training at the University of Nevada Las Vegas CAPS. She has been a practicing psychotherapist since 1997 in a variety of outpatient and inpatient settings, including as the Manager of the Employee Assistance Program at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Assistant Clinical Director at UCSB CAPS.

  Dr. Gabriel works with adults of all ages experiencing a range of challenges including relationships and academically-related problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance misuse, life transitions, care giving, and identity development. She has worked extensively with non-traditional college students, military veterans, and their families. She specializes in behavioral threat assessment and management consultation. She practices a culturally informed, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy approach to healing. Dr. Gabriel is collaborative, evidence-based, and solution-focused in her work.

  kirsten.olson@csuci.edu
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  Mayra Cortes, LCSW

  Clinician - LCSW License #82241

  she, her, hers

  “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
• 

  Grenisha Holmes, LCSW

  Clinician - LCSW License #82385
  Undocumented Student Ally Trained
  

  she, her, hers

  Mrs. Holmes is a Licensed Clinician who earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology degree from Tennessee State University and her Masters of Science in Social Work from University of Tennessee. She is currently the Outreach Coordinator for CAPS at CSUCI. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mrs. Holmes has vast experience in working for Local, State, and federal Government Agencies. She is well connected in the Ventura County Community as it relates to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Ventura County. She has extensive Experience working in Trauma, Minority Populations, Geriatric Population, Crisis Intervention, Family Systems, Couples and Group Therapy Modules as well as Judicial Systems. Mrs. Holmes purpose is in creating a safe and secure place for students to discuss their mental health related concerns which may affect their day to day life and educational journey. It takes tremendous courage to acknowledge that you are not quite yourself and to reach out for support. Through therapy, I want to help students reduce negative thoughts/behaviors and create more effective and adaptive thought patterns that allow for healthy living. My goal is to help clients achieve a stable, long-lasting sense of self that encompasses all areas of life by providing a safe and supportive environment through which clients can thrive. CAPS is able to provide short term individual and group psycho-therapy that is problem-oriented and solution-focused. Provide consultation, resources, and referrals to students, faculty, and staff as related to mental health needs. Her goal is to help students identify their strengths and ability to set personal and therapeutic goals in which they can begin to develop and practice creating healthy boundaries and relationships for the betterment of their lives and future.

  grenisha.holmes@csuci.edu
• 

  Jen Maravola, LPCC

  Clinician - LPCC License #11198
  Undocumented Student Ally Trained

  she, her, hers

  Ms. Maravola is an 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
• 

  Alexis McKenna, LMFT, PhD

  Clinical Case Manager - LMFT License #110240
  Certificate in Telemental Health and Digital Ethics
  Janina Fisher Certified Trauma Treatment Professional, Level 1
  Undocumented Student Ally Trained
  

  she, her, hers

  Dr. McKenna is an experienced counselor and educator. For over 20 years, she has combined private practice with university instruction, and a deep commitment to a personal spiritual practice based on the Western mystical traditions. As a university professor, she has directed a research program and supervised students in the field. While in private practice, she managed a clinic, supervised community outreach programs, and worked with individuals, couples, and families. She is a Fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery (FAMI). This certification is given to those who have completed a three-year intensive training program in The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM). She has been a guest speaker at both professional and community conferences, written a newspaper column, and coordinated a national speaking tour. Dr. McKenna is eager to support CSUCI students in accessing critical mental health services.

  alexis.mckenna@csuci.edu

• 

  Stacy Udolph, LCSW

  Senior Clinician, Training & Outreach Coordinator
  LCSW License #18586
  Undocumented Student Ally Trained

  she, her, hers

  Ms. Udolph is a Licensed Clinician who earned her Bachelor’s Degree at UC Irvine and her Master’s in Social Work from USC. Her professional interests include treatment for anxiety and depression with focus on self-esteem and self-worth, relationships, grief and loss, and issues specific to first generation learners. Her counseling orientation is cognitive behavioral, solution focused with special emphasis on mindfulness. Ms. Udolph enjoys working with community members to promote strong partnerships for aftercare planning, presenting on various topics related to wellness and prevention, and conducting groups. She also supervises social work trainees.

  stacy.udolph@csuci.edu

• 

  Justin Nguyen, DO, MPH

  Psychiatry Resident

  Dr. Justin Nguyen is a psychiatry resident at Community Memorial Health System in Ventura, California. He provides psychiatric care for students at CAPS at CSUCI under the supervision of his program director Dr. Joseph Vlaskovits. Dr. Nguyen attended high school locally at Adolfo Camarillo High School and earned his bachelor's degree in psychobiology at UCLA, where he engaged in student activism and recruitment of students of color into higher education as part of the Vietnamese Student Union and the Community Programs Office. He then completed both his medical degree and master’s in public health at Touro University California. After graduating from medical school, he completed a transitional year residency in Ocala, Florida before returning to California for his psychiatry residency. Outside of his role as a resident, Dr. Nguyen is also involved with various advocacy organizations including the California Physicians Alliance, American Psychiatric Association, and the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association. In his free time, he enjoys watching anime, playing video games, and going to breweries and wineries.

• 

  Harper Wayne

  Practicum Clinician

  Undocumented Student Ally Trained

  she, her, hers

  “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” — Brené Brown

  Harper Wayne is a Practicum Clinician currently in her second year of her MSW program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She earned her bachelor's degree from Boston University in Journalism with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. While studying journalism, she worked on projects surrounding entrepreneurship and women in business. Previously, she interned at the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.

  Harper aims to create a holistic therapeutic space for students amid the quickly changing college space. She believes through utilizing your own strengths, change and growth is always possible. Harper’s professional interests include grief and loss, anxiety, self-worth, mindfulness, and our relationship with technology.

  harper.wayne@csuci.edu

Confidential Campus Advocate

Coalition For Family Harmony

• 

  Ana Tougas, AMFT

  CSU Channel Islands Confidential Campus Advocate - Associate MFT License #102297
  Undocumented Student Ally Trained

  she, her, hers

  “It takes more than one person to bring about peace- it takes all of us.” - Rosa Parks

  Ms. Tougas is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She earned her clinical mental health degree from California Lutheran University (CLU) in 2017. Ms. Tougas started her clinical journey working within the CLU Community Counseling Services Center working with individuals, families and children who struggle with trauma, posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and self-confidence. Additionally, she worked with Lakeside Family Counseling and Intervention Services in Ventura, providing community counseling and psychoeducation through Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is certified in the Trauma Resource Model, Level I.

  Ms. Tougas previously worked with CSUCI’s student body from 2015 through 2020, serving in the Wellness and Athletics and the Wellness Promotion and Education departments while administratively supporting staff, faculty, graduate students, student assistants/students, including interacting with Ventura County community members.

  Rejoining the CAPS Team as a Clinician in November of 2021, Ms. Tougas counseled CSUCI students and embraced training opportunities with CAPS Clinicians through the Spring semester of 2022.

  Ms. Tougas is a compassionate and resilience-focused therapist who aspires to safely assist, motivate, and support individuals through their academic and personal journeys. She is honored to serve in her new role as the CSU Channel Islands Confidential Campus Advocate, an extension of the Ventura County non-profit organization, Coalition for Family Harmony Rape Crisis Center to support University staff, faculty, and students to transcend and to flourish.

  campusadvocate@csuci.edu

Administrative Support Staff

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  Criss Malta

  Administrative Coordinator

  she, her, hers

  “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can” - Frida Kahlo

  Criss Malta is an alum of California State University, Channel Islands. She received her bachelor's in both psychology and Chicano/a Studies in 2019. As a student, Criss was actively involved in various multicultural organizations and worked as a student assistant for the New Student Orientation department. She shares that this was the start of her passion of pursuing a career in Higher Education. Criss is a proud first-generation college student, who aims to support first-generation college students, underrepresented populations and underserved students navigate their academic journeys. She plans to receive her masters in Higher Education Leadership to continue working within the Division of Student Affairs to provide continuous support to students navigating college.

  criss.malta881@csuci.edu

Mental Health Peers

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  Brooke

  Mental Health Peer Program Support Coordinator

  “Hello Everyone! My name is Brooke and I'm a 4th year Psychology student. I'm the Program Support Coordinator for the MHPP. I'm also a student assistant at Extended University and the President of the Active Minds Chapter here at Channel Islands. I have a passion for helping others and seeing them blossom into their true selves! I love to play video games, read books and listen to music in my free time!"

• 

  Hailey

  HRE & DASS Outreach Coordinator

  "I’m a senior Psychology Major and Sociology Minor. I intern for the MHPP as the HRE and DASS Outreach Coordinator. I also work for Inclusive Student Services as a Student Assistant. One of my favorite things about working with students is being able to be a resource. Asking for support can be vulnerable so I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help. In my free time, I love going to the gym, reading, or getting outside."

• 

  Mayela

  Mental Health Peer Outreach Coordinator

  "I’m a first gen senior at CSUCI! I’m from Oxnard so I was born and raised locally. I’m the 1:1 Peer Outreach Coordinator for the MHPP. I’ve really enjoyed doing this type of work with my teammates and the students that come in. I especially enjoy connecting with students through our program and relating with them about social and academic concerns. Outside of MHPP, I work as a barista, I enjoy pop culture and true crime podcasts, and going to festivals or concerts."

• 

  Melissa

  Social Media Coordinator

  "I’m a fourth-year, first-generation college student majoring in Psychology! I’m currently interning at the MHPP as one of the Social Media Coordinators as well as working as a psychology tutor at the Learning and Resource Center. One of my favorite things about this position is getting to work alongside students and watching them grow more self-assured and confident! My version of self-care usually includes baking, going to the beach, or cozying up with a good book."

• 

  Sierra

  Confidential Advocate Outreach Coordinator

  I'm a fourth-year, first-generation college student majoring in Psychology! As the Confidential Campus Advocate Outreach Coordinator, my roles within the program is to provide support to our Confidential Campus Advocate. I also work at the Main Housing Office as a Desk Assistant. Something I truly love about this internship is getting to watch students learn new techniques that they can then apply to their schooling in order to help them succeed. Some of my passions include watching true crime podcasts, reading, and baking."

• 

  Sofia

  Social Media Coordinator

  "I'm a first generation, senior psychology student. I'm one of the social media coordinators and also work as a behavior technician providing in-home services to children on the autism spectrum. I love working with students and providing them with the guidance they seek. Some of my hobbies include reading, cooking, and going on walks."