Meet the Staff

• Lori Lacy, PsyD

  Director

  Lori is a licensed psychologist (PSY 26032) and has been on staff at the UCC since 2011. Lori earned a master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific University. In addition to overseeing the UCC’s groups and workshops program, she is passionate about clinical supervision and leadership development. Her areas of clinical interest include spiritual integration, women’s issues, food and body image concerns, and identity development.

• Grace Kim, PhD

  Training Director

  Grace is a licensed psychologist (PSY 18558) and has been on staff since 2001. Her primary role is to serve as training director for the advanced practicum training program. Grace received her doctorate in clinical psychology and master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Her main areas of interest include supervision and training, multicultural counseling, Asian American mental health, faith/spirituality, mindfulness, and women’s issues.

• Kim Cross

  Administrative Assistant

  Kim has worked at APU since 1998. She came to the University Counseling Center with experience working in areas such as the Office of the President, Residence Life, and the Office of Campus Ministry. She loves working in the college setting and serving people. She has a great connection with students and parents, as one of her daughters earned a bachelor’s degree from APU in 2003.

• Mara Clark, MS, LMFT

  Marriage and Family Therapist

  Mara Clark is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC 33670) and has been on staff at the UCC for more than 20 years. She received a masters in sports psychology from Cal Poly Pomona and an MFT from APU. Her areas of interest include working with athletes, relationship issues, family of origin issues, personal growth, and trauma. She is also a trained and certified EMDR therapist.

• Patricia Becerra, MSW, LCSW

  Clinical Care and Crisis Coordinator

  Patricia is a licensed clinical social worker (LCS 26901) who joined the UCC team in 2017 after providing mental health services in community-based and hospital settings. She completed her training at Smith College School for Social Work in 2007 and has extensive training in trauma-based counseling and working with minority populations. As a Latina psychotherapist, she seeks to understand each student’s culture and strengths, even when in crisis. Patricia is fluent in Spanish.

• Nathaniel Fernandez, PhD

  Outreach Coordinator

  Nathaniel is a license-eligible psychologist who joined the team in 2018. He earned a doctorate in clinical psychology and a master’s in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. His areas of interest include cultural identity development; sexual and gender identity development; working with marginalized, first-generation, and undocumented students; training and supervision; and preventive programming. In addition to providing therapy, Nathaniel coordinates outreach to students, staff, and faculty, including training, workshops, and awareness events.

• Alissa Melendez, PsyD

  Psychologist

  Alissa is a licensed psychologist (PSY 28454) who joined the UCC team in 2019. She earned master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific University and has worked with the college-age population for more than 7 years. As a Latina psychotherapist, Alissa provides clinical counseling services, outreach presentations, and consultation service to the APU community. She values providing a safe, supportive environment to diverse students who are facing emotional, interpersonal, academic, and identity development challenges. Her areas of clinical interest include identity development, relationship issues, multicultural counseling, grief and trauma, working with marginalized and first-generation college students, prevention programming, and training and supervision.

• Emiliany Vargas, AMFT, APCC

  Emiliany Vargas is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 106145) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC 7434) who joined the UCC team in 2022. She received a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Master of Arts in Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Emiliany has experience working in school-based, university, and community mental health settings. She is fluent in Spanish, shares a dedicated interest in multi-cultural issues, and uses an individual’s cultural and faith background to inform treatment. Emiliany aims to provide students with the quality mental health services they deserve.