Contact Information:

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. She is passionate about leadership development, clinical supervision, and promoting holistic wellness and belonging for students. Her areas of clinical interest include faith 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 of future mental health professionals, multicultural counseling, Asian American mental health, and identity development in emerging adults, faith/spirituality, mindfulness, and women’s issues.

  • Kim Cross

    Administrative Assistant

    Kim has worked at APU since 1998 and joined the UCC team in 2010. Kim came to the UCC with experience working in areas such as the Office of the President, the Office of 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 she is also a proud APU Mom. One of her daughters earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at APU.

  • Mara Clark, MS, LMFT

    Marriage and Family Therapist

    Mara 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 master’s in sports psychology from Cal Poly Pomona and a masters in marriage and family therapy 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.

  • Liza Campos, LMFT

    Clinical Care and Crisis Coordinator

    Liza is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT 113256) who joined the UCC team in 2023. She earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Azusa Pacific University. As a Latina psychotherapist, she is passionate about providing therapy services to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and supporting them in moments of crises. Liza is bilingual in English and Spanish. Areas of interest and experience include trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, multi-cultural issues, self-esteem, and identity development. Liza strives to empower individuals to discover their own strengths and resources to overcome life’s challenges.

  • Nathaniel Fernandez, PhD

    Psychologist/Outreach Coordinator

    Nathaniel is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY 34106) who joined the team in 2018. A multiracial Angeleno, Nathaniel holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a master’s in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. His areas of clinical interest include sexual and gender identity development; ethnic and cultural identity development; and working with marginalized groups such as first-generation students, first nations peoples, and undocumented students. Nathaniel is also passionate about training, supervision, and preventive programming. As outreach coordinator, Nathaniel manages the Peer Educator Internship Program and coordinates outreach to students, staff, and faculty; including training, workshops, and awareness events.

  • Alissa Melendez, PsyD

    Psychologist/Group Coordinator

    Alissa is a licensed psychologist (PSY 28454) who joined the team in 2019. She received her master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific University. As a Latina psychotherapist, Alissa values providing a safe, supportive environment for diverse students facing emotional, relational, academic, and developmental challenges. Her areas of clinical interest include identity development, relationship and family of origin issues, grief, trauma, and working with marginalized and first-generation college students. Alissa is also passionate about providing training, supervision, animal-assisted intervention, and group therapy.

  • Emiliany Vargas, MA, LMFT, APCC

    Marriage and Family Therapist

    Emiliany is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT 140893) 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 a Master of Arts in Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Emiliany has experience working in university, school-based, 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.

Full Menu