Meet Our Staff

Furman Counseling Staff 2020 - 2021
The Furman Counseling Center staff is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and interns in these fields. As a group, we represent a wide variety of professional interests and specializations, including multicultural issues, wellness, sexual identity, women's issues, eating disorders, and social justice. All of us are committed to providing services in ways that recognize, respect, and value the diversity of Barnard students.
Mary Commerford, Ph.D., Director, Furman Counseling
mcommerf@barnard.edu
Education History:
- Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Fordham University
- M.Div. Ministry, Yale University Divinity School
- A.B. Theology, Philosophy, University of Notre Dame
Professional Interest and Specialties:
- Eating Disorders
- Psychoanalysis
- Spirituality/Religion
- Women and Young Adult concerns
- LGBTQ
Hilary Colenso, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., Associate Director and Training Director
Education History:
- Ph.D. New York University
- M.Sc. University of Oxford, England
- B.A. University of Leicester, England
Professional Interest and Specialties:
- Interested in a broad range of women’s psychological and relationship issues including the loss and transitions, affective disorders, substance use, trauma and abuse.
Research Interests:
- Women’s Substance Abuse and Treatment
Drew Bianchi, M.D., Staff Psychiatrist
Education History:
- Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University
- Residency in Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- M.D. University at Buffalo School of Medicine
- B.A. Psychology, University at Albany
Professional Specialties:
- Evaluation and treatment of psychiatric illness in adolescents and young adults
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Spirituality
Research Interests:
Clinical applications of mindfulness and spirituality in psychiatry
Elizabeth Hantman, M.D. Staff Psychiatrist
Education History:
- Residency in Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University
- Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia and Cornell Universities
- M.D.Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons
- B.A. Psychology, Rutgers College, Rutgers University
Professional Interest and Specialties:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Evaluation and treatment of psychiatric illness
- Psychological development throughout childhood and adulthood
Research Interests:
- Pain symptoms, stress, and psychiatric illness
DeShaunta Johnson, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist
Education History:
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: Columbia University Counseling and Psychological Service
- Predoctoral Fellowship: Yale University School of Medicine
- PhD, Clinical Psychology, Graduate Center, City University of New York
- BA, Dance and Postcolonial studies, Sarah Lawrence College
Professional and Research Interests:
- Complex trauma
- Restorative Justice and Liberation Psychology
- Psychology of oppression
- Transgenerational transmission of trauma
- Depression in Sub Saharan Africa
Anna Lin, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist / Trauma Specialist
Education History:
- Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Adelphi University
- Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- B.S. State University of New York at Stony Brook
Professional Interest and Specialties:
- Trauma
- Sexual violence response
- Multiculturalism and diversity
- Self-regulation skills including mindfulness
- Young adult challenges in identity and career development
Marisa Mabli, LCSW, Coordinator, Alcohol and Substance Awareness Program
Education History:
- Post Graduate Certificate in Spirituality and Social Work, New York University
- MSW, Simmons College
- BA, Social Sciences Interdisciplinary, SUNY Stony Brook
Professional Interests and Specialties:
- Young Adults Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment
- Spirituality
- Outreach and Campus Alcohol and Substance Prevention
- LGBTQ
Kathleen Niegocki, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, Eating Disorder Specialist
Education History:
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, Counseling and Psychological Services, Princeton University
- Predoctoral Fellowship, Counseling and Psychological Services, University of Pennsylvania
- Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Ball State University
- M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Social Psychology, Ball State University
- B.A., Psychology, Earlham College
Professional and Research Interests:
- Eating and body image concerns
- Trauma recovery
- Concerns related to relationships, adjustment, and life transitions
- Cultural and identity concerns
- Positive psychology, mindfulness, and self-care
Christy Dabreo-Otero, M.A., Psychotherapist and Outreach Coordinator
Education History:
- Predoctoral Internship, Kings County Hospital Center
- Ph.D. Candidate Clinical Psychology, St. John’s University
- M.A., Clinical Psychology, St. John’s University
- B.A., General Psychology, Baruch College- City University of New York (CUNY)
Professional Interest and Specialties:
- Women’s concerns and issues
- Identity development
- Emotion regulation and coping with anxiety
- Establishing connections and managing relationships
- Emerging adulthood
Doctoral Interns: none this academic year
Doctoral Externs:
- Kayla Wong, M.A., Doctoral Candidate
Administrative Staff:
- Norinda Del Fierro, B.A., Office Coordinator/Admin. Asst.
- Cachaundra Tarvin, Receptionist
Social Work Interns: none this academic year