Staff Directory

Kristie Perez, MSW, LCSW

Director

Kristie Perez begins her journey as Director of Counseling at Stetson in August 2023. She grew up in the Midwest and attended Grand Valley State University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Kristie has worked in mental health for over 25 years and has operated and managed her own agency for the majority of her career. In her agency, she specialized in working with families and young adults, assisting them through the difficulties of court involvement and trauma. She is a licensed clinician in both Florida and Indiana and has overseen and provided crisis care for hundreds of families.

Kristie is a first-generation college student and enjoys helping others express themselves and reach their fullest potential. She enjoys helping students navigate the daily demands of college while still practicing healthy self-care. Her most fulfilling work is done when students become confident and find positive approaches to problem-solving situations.

In college, Kristie enjoyed being an RA, Sorority Rush Director, and serving in the Student Senate, as well as being an English tutor. She believes that college is an opportunity to get to know yourself and develop skills you will use for a lifetime.

Compassion fatigue and self-care are of prime importance to her. Anyone that knows Kristie knows that she always has a positive outlook and is a high-energy person. Outside of work, Kristie enjoys dancing, photography, practicing mindfulness and using Snapchat with her friends and family. She enjoys traveling across the world and exploring new countries and cultures.

Her favorite quote is “Be the change you wish to see in the world” by Mahatma Gandhi.

Contact Kristie at: [email protected] 

Education

• MSW, Social Work, Grand Valley State University 
• BS, Psychology, Grand Valley State University 

Licensure/Training and Certification(s)

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Florida, SW21077
• Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification 
• Video Game Therapy 
• Art Therapy
• First Aid and CPR Certified 

Primary Therapeutic Approach(es)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Reality Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Interest Areas

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood Management
• Self-Esteem
• Body Image
• Family Conflicts
• Anger Management
• Trauma
• International Student Adjustment
• LGBTQIA++

Tiffany Toussaint, MSW, LCSW, QS, TCYM

Associate Director

Tiffany joined Stetson University Student Counseling Services in August 2021. She hails from the beautiful island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands where she was born and raised. In 2005, she relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida where she attended Bethune-Cookman University and later graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Tiffany's heart for helping others grow into their full potential holistically continued to blossom into a passion for social work. This led to her attain a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida in 2012. Over the years, Tiffany has worked with a number of local agencies to affect change in the lives of many.

Tiffany's passion is working with individuals who have experienced trauma. The goal is to help individuals identify areas of trauma in their lives and empower them to find tools to cope and ultimately heal from the experience. Tiffany is also skilled in working with individuals who experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The collegiate experience is a journey that is filled with many challenges; however, this experience has the potential to literally change your life in so many wonderful ways. One of Tiffany's greatest joys is to empower individuals to navigate life's ebbs and flows while attaining and maintaining wellness.

One of her favorite quotes is "When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." Audre Lorde

Contact Tiffany at [email protected]

Education

• MSW, Social Work, University of Central Florida
• BS, Criminal Justice, Bethune-Cookman University

Licensure/Training and Certification(s)

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Florida, SW17240
• Qualified Supervisor, MSW
• EMDR Trained Therapist
• Trauma Conscious Yoga Method Practitioner
• Mental Health First Aid Instructor
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified Trainer
• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Trained Therapist
• QPR Trainer

Primary Therapeutic Approach(es)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Cognitive Processing Therapy
• Multicultural Counseling
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Play Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
• Strength-Based Therapy

Interest Areas

• Trauma
• Relationship Issues
• Anger Management
• Behavioral Issues
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Family, Couples and Relationship Counseling
• Adjustment and Life Transitions
• School Issues
• Self Esteem
• Spirituality

Erika Lohmus, MA, LMHC, QS

Assistant Director

Erika joined Stetson University Student Counseling Services in August 2016 and moved into the Training Coordinator role in June 2021. She has worked in a variety of settings including community agencies, schools, inpatient behavioral health programs and a rehabilitative juvenile justice facility for males. For almost 20 years, Erika has assisted individuals and families affected by mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, behavior disorders, substance use, grief/loss, trauma and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Outside of work she is passionate about sports, music, cycling, the outdoors, and social justice. "Even through its difficulties, college was the best four years of my life. I hope to support students through their own developmental journey of self-awareness, resiliency and success."

In her role as Training Coordinator, Erika is responsible for facilitating the training of the Student Counseling Services Graduate Counseling Interns.

Contact Erika at [email protected]

Education

• MA, Counseling, Webster University
• B.A., Psychology, University of Central Florida; Minor: Sociology 

Licensure/Training and Certification(s)

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Florida, MH13934
• Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy, University of Central Florida
• Qualified Supervisor, MHC
• Global Citizenship Training at Stetson
• Safe Zone Trainer
• Adult and Child CPR/First Aid/AED Certified
• Mental Health First Aid Trained

Primary Therapeutic Approach(es)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Integrative Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Expressive Therapies

Interest Areas

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Wellness
• LGBTQIA++
• Substance Use
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Athletics
• Stress Management
• Mindfulness
• Depression
• Anger Management

 

Dulce Barrera, MA

Mental Health Counselor

Dulce joined Stetson University Counseling Services in August of 2020 as a Graduate Counseling Intern. Upon graduation, she transitioned into a staff role as the Part-time Multicultural Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern. In November 2021, She joined our staff as a full-time Counselor. Dulce is of Mexican descent and is fluent in Spanish. She has spent the last eight years both volunteering and working in the non-profit sector empowering immigrants, first-generation students, and working-class families across Central Florida. Her lived experiences as a first-generation student, social worker, social justice advocate and now counselor has inspired her to highlight the dire mental health need within diverse communities of color. Outside of therapy, Dulce enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, watching scary movies, and exploring the outdoors. She believes there is good in everyone and empowers each student as they take a lead in creating and navigating a life unique for them.

Contact Dulce at [email protected]

Education

• MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rollins College
• BA, Social Work, University of Central Florida

Licensure/Training and Certification(s)

• Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern IMH21384
• Current Clinical Supervisor:
  Erika Lohmus, MA
  Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Florida, MH13934
• EMDR Trained Therapist
• Psychological First Aid Online Training Certificate
• CALM - Counseling on Access to Lethal Means
• Baker Act and Suicide Prevention Training Certificate
• QPR Trainer

Primary Therapeutic Approach(es)

• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Multicultural Counseling
• Humanistic Therapy
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Strength-Based Therapy
• Expressive Arts Therapy

Interest Areas

• First-Generation College Students
• Undocumented and DACA Students
• LGBTQIA++
• Adjustment and Life Transitions
• Grief
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Trauma

Stephanie Apuli, MA

Mental Health Counselor

Stephanie (she/her) joined Stetson University Counseling Services as a Pre-Practicum Trainee in November 2020 to assist with our Outreach Program and rejoined the team as a Graduate Counseling Intern in August 2022. She returned to the team as a Part-Time temporary Counselor in August 2023. Stephanie has volunteered with the Crisis Text Line as a crisis counselor for almost 4 years gaining valuable experience in basic counseling skills and training. Through volunteering her time to help others in crisis, she has found an interest in working with the college community. As a person of color, she understands the importance of diversity and inclusion in both outreach and counseling services on college campuses. Stephanie approaches counseling through an individual and holistic lens, using practices tailored to each client’s unique life experiences and cultural identities. Her goal is to create a warm and non-judgmental safe space where everyone can be their true authentic selves. She believes that each person is the expert of their own life, which is why it is important to work collaboratively with each individual on their goals in therapy.

• MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rollins College
• BS, Psychology, University of Central Florida

• Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern IMH24320
• Current Clinical Supervisor: Erika Lohmus, MA
  Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Florida, MH13934
• LGBTQIA++ Safe Zone Training at Stetson University
• Trained Crisis Counselor – Crisis Text Line
• CALM – Counseling on Access to Lethal Means
• Baker Act and Suicide Prevention Training Certificate
• Psychological First Aid Training
• ICS 100 Training
• Marchman Act Basics

• Crisis
• Suicidal Ideation
• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Multicultural Counseling
• Self-Care
• Mindfulness
• First Generation College Students

Nicole Currie

Administrative Support II

Nicole joined Stetson University in October 2011 as a part-time office assistant with Stetson Health Services, working with immunizations records for all incoming students. Nicole then joined us as our administrative specialist, providing a professional and welcoming environment as the first contact within Student Counseling Services, maintaining and protecting confidential records, facilitating communication, maintaining budget and supplies and working alongside our professional staff. She is also the Administrative Assistant for Wellness and Recreation, monitoring and maintaining the daily office budgets for all areas within Wellness and Recreation since February 2012.

Nicole enjoys student contact and helping direct them to the proper resources to better assist them. She is also the Founder of the Hatters Helping Hatters Food Pantry, which is located in our office at Griffith Hall and serves on the Poverty and Homelessness Committee at Stetson.

Contact Nicole at [email protected]

Education

• AS, Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Licensure/Training and Certification(s)

• Global Citizenship Training at Stetson
• Safe Zone training at Stetson
• Adult and Child CPR/First Aid/AED Certified
• Mental Health First Aid Trained