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, LMHC, NCC

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)

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH24180
• 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

Michael Alliston, MA, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Michael joined Stetson University Student Counseling Services in October 2024 as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. He was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and is the son of a military family. Michael graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology at Kennesaw State University in 2019 before relocating to Orlando, Florida in December of the same year. He always had a goal and desire to help others and realized to get closer to his dream he needed to continue his education. Thus, the following year after moving, he began his counseling career at the University of Central Florida and earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling by the end of 2022.

Since graduation, Michael has worked with several private practices and agencies gaining knowledge and experience as a professional counselor. He has assisted individuals affected by mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral concerns, grief/loss, and trauma. He believes that no matter the obstacle or challenge, every individual has the inner strength to rise up and face them head on. He meets the individuals where they are at in their journey and offers compassion, support, and guidance as they work collaboratively to face these challenges as they arrive.

Outside of work, Michael can be found enjoying time with friends and family. He often enjoys music, sports, video gaming, and occasionally winding down reading books. His most recent book began diving into was called The Last Wish, the introduction to the Witcher series.

Contact Michael at [email protected]

Education

• MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, UCF
• BS, Psychology, Kennesaw State University

Licensure/Training and Certification(s)

• Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH 24247

Primary Therapeutic Approach(es)

• Humanistic Therapy
• Person-centered Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Multicultural Therapy

Interest Areas

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief/Trauma
• Stress
• Self-Esteem
• Relationship Concerns
• Stress Management
• Anger Management
• Coping Skills

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