Staff

Our Counselors

Carolyn Bershad, Ph.D., L.P., Director, Counseling and Wellness Services
Carolyn received her B.A. from Binghamton University, an M.A. from the University of Hawaii in Asian Studies, and a second M.A. from the University of Hawaii in Cultural Anthropology. Her doctorate is from The Pennsylvania State University in Counseling Psychology, and she is licensed as a psychologist in New York and Illinois.  Carolyn joined SUNY Cortland in August 2012, and brings with her over 20 years of clinical experience in university counseling centers and over thirty years experience in higher education. Areas of interest include multiculturalism, identity development, trauma and gender socialization.

Kathryn Gallup, MSW, LCSW-R, Senior Counselor
Kathryn earned her B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in American Studies and a Master’s of Social Work from Syracuse University.  Prior to coming to SUNY Cortland in 2012, Kathryn worked in the substance abuse and mental health fields providing short- and long-term therapy for individuals, families, groups, and couples, as well as crisis intervention.  Kathryn has experience in and passion for helping individuals struggling with shame, grief, stress and anxiety, interpersonal challenges, and problematic family of origin dynamics; through improving self-awareness and learning more effective ways to navigate life’s challenges, she works to help individuals move to a place of inner peace, personal growth, and healthier relationships with self and others.  

Roueida Ghadban, Ph.D., L.P., Senior Counselor
Roueida earned her B.A. from Ottawa University, her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research. She has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field in the area of psychological assessment, psychotherapy, trauma, crisis intervention, substance abuse, gender identity, depression and anxiety. Roueida is particularly interested in the impact of life experiences on self-identity across the life span. In working with students, her aim is to encourage them to engage in a collaborative process of self-discovery that enables them to expand their awareness and understanding of their needs, internal conflicts, motivations and patterns of behavior so that they can live their lives more fully and more successfully.

Stacey Massari, M.A., M.S.W., L.C.S.W., Senior Counselor

Stacey attained her B.A. in Sociology from SUNY Oneonta, an M.A. in Community Psychology with a minor in Forensic Psychology from the University of New Haven, and a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University.  Stacey has experience with a variety of populations in both residential settings and a community services agency, as well as in secondary education as a School Social Worker. She is most passionate about working with teenagers and young adults in their journey of self-discovery. She works to facilitate enhanced feelings of self-efficacy in students, so they become more aware of their individual strengths and are better able to overcome to life’s obstacles. She also has a special interest in family dynamics and how family history may impact an individual's sense of self. She works with students to overcome relational challenges so that they do not interfere with emotional growth and academic success.

Jennifer Talarico, M.S., LMHC, Senior Counselor

Jen obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Northeastern University and her M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She has experience in providing mental health and substance use counseling to individuals, couples, family systems, and groups. Jen’s areas of interests are in helping individuals with body image, self-identity, life transition, relationships, and challenging emotions of anger, shame, and grief. Her therapeutic approach incorporates mindfulness-based and trauma-informed care to increase insight and self-awareness.

Our Psychiatric Provider

John Ringhisen, PMHNP
John Ringhisen is a board certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who graduated Suma Cum Laude and valedictorian from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2019.   He successfully completed a one-year Addiction and Pain Fellowship in July 2020.  He is a founding member and Business Director for the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program at SUNY Upstate, provides consultation services to the Catholic Charities Men's Shelter on Clinton Street, and outpatient psychiatric services to SUNY Cortland's student body.