INFORMATION FOR
Dr. Jill Guzman was named first Chief Wellness Officer at William Paterson University in January 2026. Dr. Guzman leads the university in developing stronger partnerships with state, regional, and local healthcare systems and related agencies. She works across the University on initiatives focused on improving the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff. Dr. Guzman is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She was the Director of Counseling Health and Wellness from 2013-2025. She joined William Paterson in 2003 and has been instrumental in the transformation of the center to become a comprehensive and holistic healthcare facility providing innovative care to all students. She has implemented a comprehensive sports medicine program for athletes on campus and works collaboratively with Department of Athletics and Club Sports to ensure the safety of students engaging in sports.
Her leadership has been central to the launch of recent programs. Guzman secured a $462,000 Mental Health in Higher Education: Community Provider Partnerships and Professional Development Grant from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to expand student mental health services on campus, including creation of an innovative student relaxation lounge for the neurodivergent population located in the University's Cheng Library. As co-chair of WP's annual Wellness Day program, which she helped establish in 2022, she organizes community health and wellness activities on a day when no classes are scheduled.
A critical member of WP's emergency response leadership team, she served as co-chair of the University's COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team. Her expert counsel to the administration regarding pandemic policy and evolving protocols allowed the University to maintain business continuity with minimal incidents or outbreak. Her work during the pandemic was recognized by the State of New Jersey with a 2023 New Jersey Governor's Team of Excellence Award, and by William Paterson University with the President's Medallion at the 2023 Commencement ceremony. In 2024, she was named an NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes honoree in the Health Care Professional category.
Guzman is an integral member of the William Paterson community. She has served on numerous University-wide committees, including the Women's History Month Committee, the Students of Concern Committee, and the Director's Council. Currently an adjunct faculty member in William Paterson's School of Nursing, teaching pediatric nursing on the graduate level, she has been a clinical preceptor for the program's doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree nursing students, as well as athletic training students, and guest lectures in University courses on a wide variety of medical and behavioral health topics. Guzman also has published research on concussions and somatic symptoms in primary care.
Guzman provides administrative oversight for the Director of Counseling, Health & Wellness who supervises medical and mental health practitioners and support personnel to ensure the delivery of high-quality health care, mental health counseling, case management, health promotion, and educational outreach services to WP students. She serves as the final decision-maker on medical cases requiring clinical consultation. When additional staffing is needed, she provides direct medical services to students.
Prior to joining William Paterson in 2003, Guzman was an emergency department nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Passaic and later a patient care coordinator in the emergency department at Wayne General Hospital. She also served as a pediatric nurse practitioner at North Hudson Community Action Health Centers in West New York from 2000 to 2013.
Guzman is a graduate of Villanova University with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She holds a master of science degree in nursing, pediatric nurse practitioner, from Seton Hall University, and a doctor of nursing practice from William Paterson University.
Daisy is a NJ board Licensed Clinical Social Worker, supervisor and educator who has been in practice for 25 years working primarily with young adults and families in acute care settings. Her treatment interests include family systems treatment, disaster mental health, grief, suicide loss and suicide survivorship, and the transcultural experiences of first generation Latino students adjusting to college.
She is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work and a Clinical Associate Member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. She is certified in NJ as a Disaster Response Crisis Counselor and is also certified as a Suicide Prevention Specialist by the American Association of Suicidology. When she has time away from work, she enjoys nature travel. She is fluent in Spanish.
Nicole joined the Counseling, Health and Wellness Center (CHWC) in August 2021 as the Assistant Director. Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor through the NBCC. Nicole has worked in a variety of counseling roles for over 20 years in higher education including St. John's University, Columbia University and Bloomfield College.
In addition, she has previous experience in private practice specializing in couple's and individual counseling. Nicole earned her Master's degree in Counseling from New York University and a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from The College of New Jersey. She has a true passion for working with college students as they cope with issues such as anxiety, depression, identity development, relationships and family dynamics. Her approach is often goal-oriented with an integrative approach drawing from a variety of theoretical models such as cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies. During her time away from work she enjoys puzzles, word games, time with family, corny jokes and musicals.
Michelle has been a dedicated member of the William Paterson University community since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science & Mathematics with a minor in Psychology from Felician University and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration in Leadership Studies from William Paterson University.
Before joining William Paterson University, Michelle worked at the Division of Developmental Disabilities, providing essential support to case managers and the regional director across three NJ counties. Michelle firmly believes that a student’s journey through college extends beyond academics. Though her role may not involve direct student interaction, she finds fulfillment in being part of a department that supports students in navigating their college journey.
Avery joined the Counseling, Health & Wellness Center in January, 2010. He comes to the University with training both in Family practice and Sports Medicine. He is a graduate of New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University and New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Browne has extensive and diverse training in sports medicine and family practice, including Rural Medicine in Dillingham Alaska and Emergency Room Medicine in San Pedro, Honduras. He did his Fellowship with Overlook Hospital in Sports Medicine and has served as team physician for several institutions. He currently practices at Montefiore Medical Center and serves multiple roles in NY/NJ.
Anique is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey with a deep passion for helping individuals heal, grow, and reclaim their sense of self. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University and holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Rutgers University.
Much of her work centers around supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. She uses CBT and DBT, with experience in Partial Care and IOP programs. Her approach emphasizes empowerment, skill-building, and collaborative goal-setting.
Caroline joined CHWC in June 2023 as the Counselor, Coordinator of Clinical Outreach. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) in NJ. She holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a BA from Bloomfield College.
Her specialties include life transitions, grief, trauma, and interpersonal challenges. She has 20+ years in higher education and is fluent in Spanish.
Liz joined the Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center in September 2017 as a Counselor, the Alcohol and Other Drug Coordinator, and graduate student clinical supervisor. She has supervised and counseled across residential, in-home, outpatient, and partial hospitalization settings.
Her approaches include mindfulness-based and solution-focused counseling, enhanced with dialectic and cognitive behavioral techniques. She holds multiple licenses and certifications.
Fazia joined the Counseling, Health & Wellness Center in January, 2011. She graduated from William Paterson University (BSN) and Seton Hall University (MSN). She is board certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner and enjoys providing primary and women's healthcare services to WPU students.
Fazia was a Nurse Manager at Hackensack University Medical Center and worked in inpatient obstetrics for over 20 years.
Jessica joins CHWC as the Multicultural Counselor/Specialist and a clinical supervisor. She earned an MA in Clinical & Counseling Psychology from WPU and a BA from FDU. She previously trained at CHWC in 2009.
Her approaches include CBT and solution-focused therapy for trauma, relationship concerns, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Jorge joined CHWC in 2021 as an intern while earning his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at WPU and later returned as a part-time counselor. He also works with first responders as a Clinical Certified Trauma Professional focusing on PTSD and addiction.
He applies solution-focused approaches to anxiety and depression. He is a proud WPU alumnus.
Lisa attended Ramapo College and joined CHWC in 2022 as an Education Program Assistant, beginning at WPU in 2017 in Residence Life. She is often the first point of contact for students and connects them to providers.
Lisa has 15+ years of experience in education and enjoys assisting students in their academic and personal growth.
Sarah joined CHWC in July 2023 as an RN and earned her BSN at NYIT in 2016. She has worked in Med-Surg, Step Down, PACU, same-day surgery, and five years in Emergency Nursing.
Her goal is to empower students with knowledge for informed health decisions and a healthier campus community.
Sueyla has been with CHWC since May 2023. She earned an AAS from PCCC and RN licensure in 2015. Past roles include School Nurse, Recovery Room Nurse, and Public Health Nurse. She is fluent in Albanian and is a Wayne, NJ native.
Tiona joins CHWC under the NJ OSHE grant. A WPU alumna, she holds an MFA in Creative & Professional Writing, an MA in Clinical & Counseling Psychology (Licensure Track), and a dual BA in Psychology and English.
She has experience across nonprofit mentorship, treatment facilities, and counseling centers, and enjoys a range of creative pursuits.
