17³Ô¹Ï

Meet Our Staff

Bringing Hope When You Need It The Most

Patricia Meza Parada, B.A.

Administrative Assistant II

Ms. Meza earned a bachelor's degree in secretarial administration at Laica Vicente Rocafuerte University in Guayaquil, Republic of Ecuador. She joined the 17³Ô¹Ï Psychological Services team in 2008, and provides administrative support for the college's Psychological Services and Health Services departments. She also provides a welcoming reception for students who want to make an appointment for psychological services.

A valued member of our team, she assists staff with outreach event planning, coordination and registration. In addition to office operations, she utilizes her fluency in Spanish to enhance communication with Spanish-speaking students and members of the broader community. Committed to her professional development, she has completed training in Emergency Mental Health, CPR Adult and is a certified QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Trainer.

She is also a recipient of 17³Ô¹Ï Classified Employee of the Quarter Award in Fall 2010. A caring, enthusiastic professional, she demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting students during their 17³Ô¹Ï experience.

 

Alexis Donato, LMFT
Department Chair, Counselor/Instructor

A licensed marriage and family therapist, Alexis Donato understands the courage and strength it takes to recognize the need to get extra help in counseling. She is genuinely interested in you and everything your school/life experience entails. With so many changing aspects of your life to juggle, she can help you identify what's really important and help you develop effective strategies to achieve balance and take care of yourself. Whether you need a compassionate ally, a sounding board for tough relationships, or ideas about how you can have a healthier approach to school/life balance, she supports your journey through an engaging, collaborative dialogue. Students who have worked with Alexis say that she is warm, friendly, caring, and honors each student's unique story.

"It is always so meaningful for me to witness students' growth as they overcome obstacles, process difficult experiences and feel empowered to make changes that improve their lives."

Her counseling approach utilizes mindfulness based, somatic, and cognitive therapies, positive psychology and self-compassion. She believes that even though counseling can be serious, it can also be fun and lighthearted. She hopes to remove stigma around the topic of mental health and asking for help because anyone can benefit from counseling and personal growth.

A member of the 17³Ô¹Ï faculty since 2015, she provides confidential personal counseling to 17³Ô¹Ï students in the on-campus Psychological Services & Personal Counseling Office (SRC 5400), and also teaches CNSL 72: Stress, Wellness & Coping.

Fluent in American Sign Language and a professional in the mental health and wellness field since 2001, Alexis holds a bachelor's degree in deaf studies from CSU Northridge and a master's degree in clinical psychology from Gallaudet University. Before coming to 17³Ô¹Ï, Alexis has worked for five years in community mental health and an educational setting for 13 years as a counselor at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont where she provided school-based counseling for students, ages 5 through 22, and their families.

In addition to her work at 17³Ô¹Ï, she maintains a small private practice where she sees adults in Campbell, California. In her free time, she enjoys Zentangle, yoga, the beach, knitting, and spending with her husband and children.

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Lisa Slede, LMFT
Counselor

A licensed marriage and family therapist, Lisa Slede is committed to helping facilitate growth in every student she meets. Her counseling approach features a mix of empathy, mindfulness confidentiality and stress-reduction practices, as well as effective cognitive techniques and narrative therapy. Her mission is to meet you wherever you are emotionally, academically and socially, and accompany you throughout your college journey. She loves working with college students, helping them identify and adapt to change, and assisting each student to grow in positive, healthy ways.

"I strongly believe that long-term change starts with self-acceptance. The progress of setting and achieving your goals, and overcoming obstacles that may get in your way comes by taking small but powerful steps. These powerful steps then result in new mindsets and new skills."With 17 years of experience as a counseling professional, she also has a background in corporate training, including team-building, personal development and cross-cultural communication.

In addition to speaking English, Spanish and French, she has lived in numerous global locales, including Panama, Mexico and France, as well as many areas of the U.S.A member of the 17³Ô¹Ï faculty since 2016, she provides confidential personal counseling to 17³Ô¹Ï students through the on-campus Psychological Services & Personal Counseling Office (Room 2120), and teaches the college's CNSL 72: Stress, Wellness & Coping course.

She holds a bachelor's degree in international relations from the University of Colorado, a master's degree in business administration from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and a master's degree in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University. Licensed since 2005, she began her counseling career in several school-based settings. She has worked for the San Mateo County Human Services Agency for four years where she was responsible for providing mental health services to clients of all ages who resided in the rural Pescadero coastal community. She also provided mental health services and case management to high-risk adolescents for eight years through the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services agency.

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Clifton Der Bing, PsyD Counselor/Instructor

As a Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Clifton Der Bing understands that college years can be a very challenging time when various stressors affect the wellbeing of students. With this in mind, Dr. Der Bing offers 17³Ô¹Ï students a supportive, nonjudgmental space to talk in private about how major stressors affect academic, social, and even personal goals.

Using an integrated therapeutic approach that is tailored to each student's cultural sensitivities, Dr. Der Bing enjoys working as an ally who empowers students to overcome life difficulties through the development of healthy techniques that enhance mindful wellness. His goal is to support 17³Ô¹Ï students toward learning how to glide smoothly through a world saturated with stress.

Dr. Der Bing has an extensive history providing individual, couples, family, and group counseling to diverse populations. He also takes pleasure in conducting wellness workshops and providing outreach to students on the importance of maintaining mindful self-care practices.

A member of the 17³Ô¹Ï faculty since 2016, Dr. Der Bing provides confidential personal counseling to 17³Ô¹Ï students in the on-campus Psychological Services & Personal Counseling Office (Room 2120), and he also teaches the college's CNSL 72: Stress, Wellness & Coping course.

In addition to being a Psychological Counselor/Instructor at 17³Ô¹Ï, Dr. Der Bing is yoga instructor who enjoys practicing the art of mind and body development. Dr. Der Bing also maintains a wellness center and private practice in San Jose, CA.

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Jenny McGrath, LMFT
Part-Time Counselor

Ms. McGrath holds a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Art from CSU, Chico. She is an Art Therapist and believes the creative process can be a great tool for self-expression and an enrichment to talk therapy. Creating art can decrease stress, increase feelings of wellbeing, and provide insight.

Ms. McGrath was a post-graduate intern at 17³Ô¹Ï Psychological Services & Personal Counseling from 2014-2016. She loved being part of the 17³Ô¹Ï community and supporting students here. She has also worked with San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services providing mental health services to adults and children. Most recently she worked within the South San Francisco school district providing therapy to students in special education and their families.

She is thrilled to be back at 17³Ô¹Ï. She recognizes the strength it takes to seek support and feels it is an honor when students share their stories. Her counseling approach includes empathy, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral techniques. Jenny provides a safe and compassionate space for students to work through challenges, develop new coping strategies, and reach their goals.

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Sylvia Branca, Intern

As an MFT Trainee, Sylvia Branca is committed to supporting 17³Ô¹Ï students through their journey of self-discovery. She is compassionate and caring and knows that life brings many stressors that can be difficult to navigate alone. She believes that the path toward mental wellness is unique to each of us and strives to foster a welcoming, judgment-free, and accepting therapeutic space where all students can safely explore difficulties, challenges, and obstacles that may be holding them back from living more peaceful and enriching lives. 

As an immigrant herself, Sylvia is passionate about removing the stigma associated with counseling for first-generation and all 17³Ô¹Ï students. She recognizes the courage it takes to seek counseling and genuinely believes that we all have times in our lives when we can benefit from a little extra help. Sylvia is interested in all that you bring to the counseling space. She listens carefully and works collaboratively with you to identify concerns and develop strategies to support you and your goals. Her counseling approach utilizes aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness.

Sylvia truly loves working with college students. "I feel enormous privilege at being able to accompany students on their journey of personal growth." Sylvia is certified in Mental Health First Aid and has completed over 200 hours of suicide and crisis support to individuals in Santa Clara County. As a member of the San Jose State faculty since 2015, Sylvia also teaches classes in Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development. Sylvia provides confidential personal counseling to 17³Ô¹Ï students in the on-campus Psychological Services & Personal Counseling Office (SRC 5400). 

In addition to working on her M.S. in Clinical Psychology at San Jose State University, Sylvia holds a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and a M.A. and B.A. in Psychology (Developmental) from San Jose State University. In her free time Sylvia enjoys reading, walking in nature, watching football, and spending time with family and friends. 

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Sean Hodson, Intern

Sean is a former student at 17³Ô¹Ï who is now back on campus to support current students as an MFT Trainee at the Mental Health & Wellness Center. Currently in his second year in Palo Alto University’s M.A. in Mental Health Counseling program, where he also earned a B.S. in Psychology and Social Action. His unique academic journey includes attending five colleges and universities, managing a personal learning disability, and being a collegiate athlete. In addition to his academic pursuits, Sean has spent the past 10 years coaching baseball with youth, collegiate, and professional athletes.

Sean brings a wealth of experience and empathy to his role as a therapist trainee. He understands firsthand the pressures and complexities of being a student at any stage, and he is committed to helping students navigate their own unique challenges. 

Sean believes that being a college student, at any age, is not just about earning a degree or preparing for a career. It is also about self-discovery, which can be equally, if not more, challenging and valuable than coursework. He strives to empower students to develop resilience, self-awareness, and effective coping strategies that will serve them well beyond their college years. 

Outside of his professional and academic commitments, Sean enjoys cooking, hanging out with his dogs, yoga, and getting outside on a hike or a ballfield. His holistic approach to mental health and well-being is informed by his varied life experiences and his passion for continuous personal growth.

Sean is excited to be a part of the 17³Ô¹Ï community once again and looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of its students through his work at the Mental Health & Wellness Center.

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Ulric Wu, Intern

Ulric Wu obtained their BS in clinical psychology with a minor in computer science at the University of California San Diego. He is now a second-year graduate student at Palo Alto University’s MA in Counseling program, with an emphasis in marriage, family, and child counseling. Ulric has previously provided mental health services to young children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and to local bay area high school students. Now, Ulric is utilizing his education and experience to support 17³Ô¹Ï college students in navigating the academic, social, and personal challenges of life.

Using a person-centered base, Ulric conducts his practice with the values of non-judgement, empathy, and genuine human connection. Ulric additionally draws tools from a variety of theoretical counseling models to provide a tailored experience. With formal education in substance abuse, couples, family, and multicultural counseling, Ulric is committed to creating an accepting and healing space for students of all cultural and contextual backgrounds.

In the future, Ulric hopes to obtain his Marriage and Family Therapist license, and he is dedicated to supporting the mental health of those with immigrant family backgrounds. In his free time, Ulric enjoys playing video games, experiencing nature through hiking, and spending quality time with friends and family.

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