Tevya Zukor, Ph.D., CGP
Director
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Education: Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, George Mason University, MA Clinical Psychology, George Mason University, BS Psychology, James Madison University.
Dr. Zukor is excited to be a part of the University of Mary Washington community and continue his work in college counseling administration and providing services to university students. He completed his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at George Mason University and completed his internship and post-doctoral work at The Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center at Virginia Tech. He is a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) and is passionate about group, supervision, and training. His professional interests include intimate interpersonal relationships, trauma recovery, grief & loss issues, and crisis management. Dr. Zukor utilizes an interpersonal and integrative approach in his work with students with the goal of developing awareness of patterns in relationships, increasing coping skills, and developing a healthy lifestyle.
Tev’s Top Games:
- The Witcher
- Mass Effect
- Dragon Age
- Civilization
- X-COM
Melissa Palguta, Psy.D.
Staff Counselor
Education: Psy.D. & MA from University of Indianapolis; BS from University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Melissa is delighted to be part of the University of Mary Washington community and to continue her experience working with college students. She completed her internship at George Mason University Counseling & Psychological Services Center. She enjoys working in a variety of functions and with a wide range of issues, but she has a particular interest in working with trauma survivors, as well as with diversity and social justice-related issues. She is a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community and she enjoys exploring the strengths and concerns of this group through her work. She primarily works from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, providing students with concrete skills and support to aid them in overcoming personal difficulties and in improving their quality of life. She takes a collaborative approach to treatment, working with her clients to establish a treatment dynamic and therapy goals that work best for them.
Melissa’s Top Games:
- The Sims 4
- The 7th Guest
- The Sims Medieval
- Lunar: Silver Star
- Legends of Zelda
Amira Niori, Psy.D.
Mental Health Coordinator/Staff Counselor
Education: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and MA in Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and MA in Counseling with a concentration in community and agency and BA Psychology from Hampton University
Amira is thrilled to be a part of the Talley Center team again. She enjoyed being an extern and working with UMW students so much that she returned to the Talley Center team as a staff psychologist. Amira completed her internship at the University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Service Center. She also has experience in other settings and forms of treatment, such as; inpatient, private practice, in-home therapy, and case management. Amira enjoys working with the college population and supporting students in such an important developmental time. She has experience with trauma, depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. Amira tends to be collaborative when working with students as her approach to therapy is to meet the student where they’re at. Consequently, Amira is integrative in the type of therapy interventions that she uses. Amira is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Amira is a new mommy and enjoys spending time with her son when she is away from the office.
Amira’s Top Games:
- Call of Duty
- Grand Theft Auto
- Sims
- Mortal Kombat
- Halo
- Alien Shooter
- Def Jam Series
- Mario Kart
Krysta Thomas, LPC
Staff Counselor
Education: Dual MS in clinical and counseling psychology from Capella University. BS in Behavioral Science from New York Institute of Technology
Krysta is delighted to be returning the University of Mary Washington community. She has a dual MS in clinical and counseling psychology from Capella University and is a licensed professional counselor. She grew up as a military child and has lived in Germany and Saudi Arabia, as well as multiple states in the US. She has experiencing with neurodivergence, crisis, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, existential crisis, and substance abuse and has worked with a variety of populations. She primarily works an integrative approach, primarily from a person centered or solution focused perspective, however utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and other techniques help clients develop the skills necessary for success. She prefers to spend her free-time with her daughter and partner and enjoys cooking, crochet, yoga, and travel.
Krysta’s Top Games:
- Fable 2
- Homescapes
- Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man
- Escape Room
Demi Thompson, LPC-R
Staff Counselor
Education: Dual Masters in Human Service Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University
Demi is thrilled to be a part of the Talley Center Team – again! As a graduate student, she completed all of her intern work here at UMW. Having experienced working with the student, she jumped at the opportunity to join the team as a staff counselor. Demi completed her degree work Liberty University and hold dual Masters – Human Service Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Additionally, she holds a certification in resiliency training. Demi has advocated for victims of domestic abuse and violence and sexual assault. She has experience in supporting clients dealing with grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, crisis, and other mood disorders. Demi utilizes an integrative approach to counseling but primarily works from a cognitive behavioral perspective, helping clients to reach their therapy goal and improve their quality of life. She and her family are a proud military family, recently retired but still serving the community. Demi spends her free time writing, reading, and exploring new places.
Demi’s Top Games:
- Taboo
- 5 Seconds
- Uno
- Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man
Jimmy Nguyen, M.Ed., LPC-R
Staff Counselor
Education: Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of William & Mary
Jimmy is excited and honored to be back at the Talley Center! After completing his internship here during his graduate studies, he is now back as a full-time staff counselor. His specialties include international & multicultural populations, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) issues, and the LGBTQ+ community. Jimmy strongly believes in the core principles of self-acceptance and being true to who you are, even when it feels like the world is against you, and he strives to help clients find their inner peace through being authentically themselves. He enjoys helping students work through self-discovery, identity issues, relationship conflict, depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, distress tolerance, lack of motivation, meaning and purpose, and pressures from family and society. Jimmy mainly works from a humanistic, strengths-based, and existential orientation but utilizes a collaborative and integrative approach, incorporating concepts from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, self-compassion, and motivational interviewing. During his free time, Jimmy likes to play video games, work out, learn languages, take photographs, indulge in his sweet tooth, and watch YouTube.
Jimmy’s Top Games:
- Yakuza 0
- Final Fantasy X
- Pokémon Red/Blue
- Honkai Star Rail
- Final Fantasy VII Remake
Debbie Huff
Office Manager
Debbie is excited to be a part of the team at the Talley Center at the University of Mary Washington as the Office Manager. During the academic year, she will be working in the Lee Hall location and assisting the UMW community as well as providing support to the staff. Debbie is a lifelong resident of VA, and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Debbie’s Top Games:
- Ms. Pac Man
- Galaga
- Frogger
Nicole Hicks
Administrative Assistant
Nicole is excited to join the team at the Talley Center. She spent the last 6 years working in the elementary school system and it was a rewarding and wonderful experience. She is very excited about following her passion and serving the college community in her new position. Nicole is from New York but is a country girl at heart. In her spare time, she loves to take walks, trips to the mountains, reading, listening to music, and spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends.
Nicole’s Top Games
- Pac-Man
- Super Mario Bros.
- Wii Bowling
Trainees
Manasveeni Chundawat
Education: Working towards Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Psychology and Interdisciplinary South Asian Studies from the University of Virginia
Manasveeni is very excited to continue her internship at the Talley Center since joining the team in Fall 2023! She is currently completing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Manasveeni has been working with UMW students on topics relating to general anxiety and depression, romantic relationships and breakups, roommate struggles, friendships, academics, family conflicts, trauma, identity exploration, and LGBTQ+ related challenges. Her area of interest is working with clients from immigrant and international backgrounds. Manasveeni utilizes integrative and collaborative therapeutic techniques with a focus on humanistic and person-centered approaches. She has past experiences working as a volunteer and program director for a crisis hotline, a medical scribe in the emergency department, and as the HELPLINE program coordinator for Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. In her free time, Manasveeni enjoys reading, making puzzles or paint-by-numbers kits, and watching Korean dramas or Indian cinema.
Manasveeni’s Top Games:
- 1) James Bond 007: Nightfire
- 2) Mario Kart Double Dash
- 3) Super Smash Bros Melee
- 4) Kirby Airride
- 5) Gardenscaps/Homescapes
Leslie Benfield
Education: Working towards Master of Arts double major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University
Leslie is currently completing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is certified in Crisis Mental Health Coaching and as a Qualified Mental Health Professional-Trainee and has served as an allied health provider and clinical care coordinator for several non-profit healthcare institutions. She is passionate about co-collaborating with individuals to explore opportunities for growth and to achieve their goals while connecting them with valuable resources. In her free time, Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, playing guitar, dancing, and watching Korean dramas.
Leslie’s Top Games:
- Tetris
- Jackbox games (fibbage, quiplash & drawful)
- Go-stop
- Cards against humanity
- Monopoly
Lexie Krane
Education: Doctoral intern currently attending The Chicago School of Professional Psychology working to obtain her Psy.D in Clinical Psychology.
Lexie views therapy as a collaborative, goal-oriented journey intended to bring about meaningful change in individuals’ lives. Lexie integrates a diverse range of evidence-based approaches into treatment plans tailored to each individual. She is committed to providing a nonjudgmental atmosphere for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Lexie has worked with a diverse range of individuals across the lifespan. She is particularly passionate about the treatment of anxiety spectrum disorders. Lexie’s goal is to support and empower clients to gain control over their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors by providing them with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges independently.
Lexie’s Top Games:
- Tetris
- Frogger
- Pac-Man