É«ÖÐÉ«

Skip to main content

CAPS Staff

Staff photo 2023

Meet the Staff

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) Staff:

Maribel (Mari) Diaz | Director of Clinical Services & Multicultural Specialist  

Dr. Mari Diaz joined É«ÖÐÉ« University in February 2022. Dr. Diaz is a clinical psychologist specializing in psychotherapy with experience and interest in multicultural counseling, gender and women's issues, identity development, and interpersonal and relationship concerns. She has worked in university counseling centers since 2002. Prior to É«ÖÐÉ«, she served as Training Director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HIll's Counseling Center's American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited Health Services Psychology internship. Dr. Diaz uses an integrative approach to psychotherapy that includes developmental, multicultural, and interpersonal components. 

Dr. Diaz earned her doctorate in clinical psychology and a master's degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed an APA-accredited Health Services Psychology internship at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Counseling Center. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with minors in Women's Studies and African-American Studies from Oberlin College. 

Outside of CAPS, she enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with family, friends, her dog, and being outdoors especially near water. 

Mari Diaz Headshot

Rosemarie Williams | Director of Operations & Outreach

Rosemarie Williams, M.S, LPC. joined É«ÖÐÉ« University in August 2015.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). She holds a master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College and brings over ten years of experience in the mental health field. Her diverse background includes work in college counseling, outpatient services, residential programs, psychiatric rehabilitation, and family-based settings. Rosemarie uses this extensive experience to create an integrative counseling approach tailored to each client’s needs. She is deeply committed to enhancing mental wellness on campus and is actively involved in outreach efforts within the É«ÖÐÉ« community. Outside of her professional work, Rosemarie enjoys various outdoor activities and is certified in Wilderness First Aid.

Rosemarie Williams Headshot

Kelly Waechter | Assistant Director 

Kelly Waechter, MA, LPC, joined É«ÖÐÉ« University in August of 2015. Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. Kelly earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver and bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Prior to É«ÖÐÉ«, the bulk of her counseling experience took place in Denver, Colorado where she worked in residential, outpatient, and family based settings, treating both adolescents and adults. Her counseling interests are vast but include using the mind/body connection, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral tools to assist people through daily life challenges. On her free time she loves outdoor activities, fostering for local animal shelters, reading, and being with her family.

Kelly Waechter Headshot

Josh McSparin | Assistant Director  

Joshua McSparin, MS, joined the É«ÖÐÉ« University staff in August 2019.  He earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical & Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania.  Josh has extensive college counseling experience; completing his graduate internship in Kutztown University’s Counseling & Psychological Services & working as a Counselor at Northampton Community College.  With more than 10 years in the mental health field he has served as Assistant Director of a psychiatric crisis facility, Director of an outdoor experiential therapy program for at-risk youth & he is co-founder of Reset Outdoors.  These varied roles have been elemental to the development of his counseling approach; integrating Mindfulness-based psychotherapy with the healing impact of nature. He is also an ACA certified kayak & stand up paddle board instructor whose self-care interests include quality time with his family, building custom furniture, travel, & listening to public radio.  

Josh McSparin Headshot

Jill Sober-White | Staff Counselor 

Jill Sober-White, MAPC, LPC, TGM joined É«ÖÐÉ« University in August 2023. Jill received her Master's Degree in Pastoral Counseling from É«ÖÐÉ« Theological Seminary and her Bachelor's in Secondary Education-Social Studies at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. Jill completed her graduate practicum experience at Lehigh Valley Hospice and graduate internships at É«ÖÐÉ« College Counseling Center and Mid Atlantic Rehabilitation Services (MARS). Her experience prior to É«ÖÐÉ« University has included in-patient and out-patient drug and alcohol counseling, clinical supervisor for therapeutic foster care, mobile therapist, Alcohol and Other Drug specialist at Kutztown University counseling center and private practice. Jill is a Therapeutic Game Master and runs therapeutic tabletop role playing games for concerns ranging from problem solving and relationship building to anxiety, social anxiety, depression, grief, etc. Currently, Jill is completing coursework to become a Certified Geek Therapist. Jill is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts of the USA, is a Disney fan, enjoys the outdoors, cooking, quilting, soccer, football, competitive marching band, video games and time spent with family and friends. 

Jill Sober-White headshot

Aileen Thompson| Community Support Coordinator 

Aileen Thompson, MSW, LSW joined É«ÖÐÉ« University in December 2023. She is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania and earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Aileen obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the Pennsylvania State University, along with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Prior to É«ÖÐÉ«, Aileen was a case manager in both the non-profit and corporate sectors. Aileen has a variety of experience working with children and families in solution-based case management, as well as adults involved in class-action lawsuits. Aileen’s passion lies in empowering people to develop a higher quality of life, taking into account their expressed needs, background, and resources available to them. In addition, Aileen is passionate about advocacy, social justice, and improving systems. In her spare time, Aileen enjoys meditative drumming, painting, traveling, and most importantly, spending time with friends and family.

Aileen Thompson staff photo

Melissa (Mel) Miller | Office Manager

Melissa has been with É«ÖÐÉ« since August of 2013.  Starting part time in the International Studies office and then moving on to the Offices of Intercultural Advancement & Global Inclusion, to a full time position.  At the end of the Fall 2017 semester, Mel accepted a position in the Counseling Center Office.  In her spare time Mel enjoys reading, warm weather, weekends at their family cabin at Lake Wallenpaupack, cooking for her family and spending time with family and friends.

Mel Miller Headshot
 

Haley Zorger | Intern 

Haley Zorger, M.A. joined the É«ÖÐÉ« University CAPS staff in August 2023. She is a fifth-year student enrolled in the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology program at Immaculata University. She completed her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Immaculata University in August 2022 and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy at Ursinus College in 2018. Her previous employment and clinical experience have been in residential, outpatient, and drug and alcohol treatment programs. As a result of her experience, Haley has counseling interests including substance use, meditation, and holistic approaches to wellness. Outside of the Counseling Center, she enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and writing.  

Haley headshot

Sam Hof | Intern 

Samantha Hof, M.S.Ed. joined the É«ÖÐÉ« University CAPS staff in January 2024 as a counseling practicum student. She is a master’s student enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the College of William and Mary. She completed her previous master's degree in Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania and has a bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Scranton. Her previous career was as a Career Counselor at various colleges and universities including the University of Pennsylvania, Widener University, Lehigh University, and Muhlenberg College. Sam is welcoming of all students wherever they are on their journey and will utilize a variety of modalities and techniques to meet clients where they are. She looks forward to working collaboratively with students to move to where they want to be. Outside of her counseling program and practicum, Sam enjoys spending time with her family, being in nature, cooking, and gardening.  


Josselyn Alvarenga | Intern 

Josselyn Alvarenga, B.S. joined the É«ÖÐÉ« CAPS Staff in August 2024. She is a second year doctorate student enrolled in Lehigh University's Counseling Psychology program. She obtained her Bachelors in Psychology from Lafayette College in 2020, and after graduating, she has been working with autistic youth and families. Josselyn has counseling interests in promoting neurodiversity, self care, social justice, and using cognitive behavioral tools. Josselyn enjoys hanging out with her dog, dancing, and going on nature walks. 


Sophia Wendt | Intern 

Sophia Wendt joined CAPS in August 2024. She is a second year master's student enrolled in Lehigh University's Mental Health Counseling program. She graduated with her undergraduate degree in psychology, with a minor in athletic coaching from Southeastern Louisiana University. Sophia's previous clinical experience includes working as a school-based therapist in elementary schools. Some of her volunteer work includes working with Project One Goal and TOPSoccer. Her counseling interests are broad, but include working with everyday stressors, athletics, and holistic approach to healing. Outside of CAPS, Sophia enjoys running, playing soccer, and spending time with loved ones.