Counseling Center Staff
The Counseling Center is staffed by licensed psychologists and mental health counselors specially trained to work with young adults.
The Center is also staffed by master’s- and doctoral-level Clinical Psychology and Mental Health Counseling externs, who provide counseling to students under the supervision of licensed staff.
Email: bstarkadler@iona.edu
Dr. Brielle Stark-Adler received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Fordham University. Since receiving her doctorate, she has specialized in collegiate and young adult mental health. Dr. Stark-Adler has clinical experience in a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient psychiatry, outpatient community mental health care, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse, and several college counseling centers. Her professional interests include identity development and individuation, religion and spirituality, romantic relationships and sexuality, and clinical training and supervision.
Email: esavage@iona.edu
Emma received her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State and has trained extensively in university mental health, with a focus on the needs of college students and emerging adults. Emma specializes in working with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. She is particularly interested in attachment and relationship patterns, identity and self-esteem, and navigating the transitions and challenges of emerging adulthood. Emma works from a relational and collaborative approach, helping students better understand themselves and their patterns while developing more effective ways of coping.
Stephanie (she/her) graduated from Columbia University with her M.A. and Ed.M. in Mental Health Counseling and received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. She believes that genuine human connection is at the heart of meaningful therapeutic work and is passionate about creating a warm, culturally responsive space for students exploring identity, relationships, and the transitions of emerging adulthood. Her clinical interests include supporting individuals living with chronic health conditions, working with neurodivergent students, and exploring and processing emotions in therapy, particularly those rooted in early attachment experiences and relational dynamics. Stephanie practices from a trauma-informed lens that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). With curiosity and compassion, she looks forward to walking alongside her clients on a collaborative journey of self-discovery and healing.
Noah (he/him) received his bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut. He joined the Iona University Counseling Center in January 2025 as the Care Coordinator, where he serves as a key connection between students and mental health resources. Noah has extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults across a range of settings, including schools, community programs, and clinical environments. With a compassionate, person-centered approach, he provides care management, helps students navigate both on- and off-campus services, and ensures continuity of care tailored to each individual’s needs. Noah is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel empowered to prioritize their mental health.
2026-2027 Externs
Bella (she/her/hers) is a second-year doctoral student at Touro University Clinical Psychology Psy.D. with a health emphasis program. She graduated from Furman University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She received her M.A. in general psychology from Touro University in 2026. While completing her degree, she works as a research assistant at New York Medical College in the Pediatric Psychology Lab for the hematology/oncology team. Her research interests include care transition, emerging young adulthood, cancer-related cognitive impairment, and identity formation. Bella draws from an integrative lens, pulling on CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic modalities in her therapeutic practice.
Chase Gong (he/him) is a second-year Mental Health Counseling Master's student at CUNY Lehman College. He received his B.A. in English from CUNY Queens College. As a career changer, he brings over 15 years of experience in leadership and client relations. His therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive. He blends psychodynamic exploration with practical CBT tools to foster self-empowerment and authentic growth. Approaching every client from a place of curiosity, he prioritizes creating a safe and accepting environment. Chase's primary clinical interests include LGBTQ+ affirming care, gender identity, sexuality, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). He is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society and a mentee in the Counselors for Social Justice Mentorship Program.
Ceci (she/they) is a second year master's student at Fordham University studying Mental Health Counseling. They graduated from Penn State in 2024 with a double major in Psychology and Acting. While at PSU, they completed an internship with Families First in Missoula, Montana, teaching local students about Positive Psychology through interactive workshops. Ceci also worked as a volunteer crisis counselor on Crisis Text Line. Their clinical interests include working with those in demanding performance roles (athletes/artists) as well as looking into the impacts of injury and medical diagnosis on mental health. Ceci centers the relationship in their work, applying a person-centered modality while integrating empirically based approaches such as CBT and DBT Skills.