Student Wellness Services Staff
SWS Leadership
Dr. Krystal Mayers-Pagan, DHSc, MPH, CRT, University Director of Student Wellness Services
Dr. Mayers-Pagan is an advanced public health practitioner and serves as the University Director of Student Wellness Services at Fairleigh
Administrative Staff
Sara Barbar, Office Manager of Student Wellness Services
My name is Sara Barbar, and I have been working for Student Health Services at FDU for almost 5 years now. I am a Certified Medical Assistant and have been working as one since 2014. I love working at FDU and interacting with the students. The title I love most, though, is Mom. I love being a mom, it is the most rewarding yet challenging thing ever. I think being a mother and working at the university really changes my outlook on things because I always think, “What if this were my child?”. It really helps me go above and beyond for the students, as I hope someone would for my kids.
Ceciley Smith-Cruz, Wellness Coordinator: Student Wellness Services
Meet Ceciley Smith-Cruz, a proud alumnus of Fairleigh Dickinson University who navigated the challenges of completing her undergraduate degree during the pandemic. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from FDU, Ceciley is thrilled to contribute to the university’s community in a role she wished existed when she was a student. With a profound passion for assisting underrepresented youth, she brings over 6 years of experience in providing support in diverse settings such as employment services, public assistance programs, and nonprofits. Outside of her professional life, Ceciley indulges her creative side by exploring art at museums, painting, and participating in festivals and events. She is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of students and the community at large.
Barbara Pujols, BSW, Wellness Coordinator: Student Wellness Services
Barbara Pujols is a dynamic and multicultural social worker with extensive experience in education and non-profit sectors. As a Wellness Coordinator at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metro campus, she combines her academic pursuit of a Master’s degree with hands-on expertise to foster a culture of well-being. Barbara’s mission is to leverage education as a transformative tool, promoting wellness and enhancing mental and emotional health, particularly within BIPOC communities. Outside of her professional role, Barbara is an avid explorer of culture and creativity. She can often be found immersed in literature at local bookstores, performing at open mic nights, or curating unique finds in vintage thrift shops. Her love for the arts extends to frequent museum visits, where she draws inspiration for her work in wellness and community engagement.
Leticia Espino, Office Manager of Student Wellness Services: Office of Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
Leticia loves keeping things organized and helping our team work their best every day. Before joining OMEW, she was a student and earned both
Jasmine Epps, Office Manager of Student Wellness Services: Office of Health Wellness
Hi, my name is Jasmine Epps. I am the Office Manager for Student Health Services. I have been in health care for over 7 years, and I love every
Lydia Romero-Borjas, Medical Records Administrative Assistant
Lydia is thrilled to be part of the SWS team. With a decade of experience in healthcare, she brings a thoughtful and steady approach to supporting
Office of Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Bill Maurice, LPC, LCADC, Psychological Counselor
Bill is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over twenty years of experience in the field of counseling and psychotherapy. His prior background was in business while serving as a recruiter for executive search firms. As a Psychological Counselor of the FDU community for the past ten years, Bill thrives in his passion for helping students excel, both personally and professionally, as they work towards reaching their maximum potential. Some of his personal hobbies include reading, writing, learning, and sharing quality time with friends and family.
Charles J. Imbimbo, MA, MSW, LCSW, Psychological Counselor
Charles J. Imbimbo, MA, MSW, LCSW has worked as a counselor at Student Counseling and Psychological Services for 18 years and has been in higher education for over 3 decades. He has certifications in social work supervision from the National Association of Social Workers and in mindfulness and psychotherapy from the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy—affiliated with the Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry. His interests include reading, music, nature, and fine food and wine.
Laura Bancone, MA, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, NCC, Psychological Counselor
Laura is a licensed professional counselor and licensed professional art therapist. She has experience working with diverse populations, including young adults in different clinical settings. She has helped individuals with anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health diagnoses. Laura has training in art therapy and is skilled in combining those techniques with a humanistic, solution-focused, and strengths-based approach to therapy. Her welcoming, creative, humorous, and flexible approach to treatment helps individuals take confident steps in their treatment.
Diamond Carnall, MS, LAC, NCC, Psychological Counselor
Diamond is a Licensed Associate Counselor with extensive experience working with college students and athletes. She integrates acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to provide effective care. She uses a person-centered approach, tailoring therapy to fit each individual’s needs and creating a space built on trust, empathy, and empowerment.
Aysha Khawaja, LSW, Psychological Counselor
Aysha is a compassionate and dedicated licensed social worker with a strong commitment to helping individuals achieve emotional well-being. She obtained her MSW from NYU. Aysha’s clinical approach is rooted in a client-centered model, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs are met as they work toward their therapy goals in a collaborative and supportive environment. In her practice, Aysha incorporates Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy, blending traditional therapeutic techniques with an understanding of Islamic values and perspectives. She also utilizes trauma-informed practices to ensure that clients feel safe, heard, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey. Aysha works with clients facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, and she is committed to helping each person navigate their struggles in a way that honors their personal and cultural background. Outside of her professional work, Aysha enjoys reading, traveling, and engaging with nature, which she believes are important for nurturing both the mind and spirit.
Kimberly Monestime, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Case Manager
Kim Monestime, MSN, APRN, is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Boston College. She has extensive experience as a PMHNP, working in diverse clinical settings including county mental health programs for the homeless, community and hospital health clinics, and college mental health. Kim is passionate about reducing mental health stigma and empowering communities through education and advocacy. Her practice focuses on treating vulnerable populations, including immigrants, young adults, and those with complex mental health needs such as trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders. She views her patients as partners in their own mental health care, recognizing that mental health is just one aspect of their multifaceted individuality. Helping patients navigate their journeys by fostering a safe and nonjudgmental space for healing and growth. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys photography, traveling, and staying active through sports and recreational activities.
Shadya Hamdan MA, LAC, NCC, Psychological Counselor
Shadya is a Licensed Associate Counselor who creates a warm and collaborative space where students can feel seen, supported, and understood.
Office of Health and Wellness
Maria Krause, RN, BS, MAS, MSN, APN-C, Adult Nurse Practitioner/Case Manager
I have been an Adult Nurse Practitioner for over 10 years. I am able to see clients and assess, diagnose, and treat both illness and injury. I began my nursing career 34 years ago in a hospital focusing on medical, surgical, and emergency nursing. While working in a nursing management position, I completed my Master of Science in Nursing with a postgraduate certificate in Adult Health Primary Care. I am a Board Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner and licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I worked primarily in Wellness and Functional Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Field Health Nursing, Case Manager, Occupational Health, Aesthetic Nurse, Adjunct Nursing lecturer /clinical Instructor, and Director of Operations, Employee Health and Wellness.
Tamarra Hill-McDowell, DNP, FNP-BC, BSN, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner/Case Manager
Dr. Tamarra Hill-McDowell, DNP, is a family nurse practitioner. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania and then earned her Master of Science degree at Felician University in Lodi, New Jersey. In 2020, Dr. Hill-McDowell completed her Doctorate of Nursing at Frontier Nursing University in Lexington, Kentucky. She holds a national certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
JoAnn Jaworski, RN, Registered Nurse/Case Manager
JoAnn Jaworski is a Registered Nurse (RN) with strong experience in patient education, student health, hospital critical care, cardiology, surgical pre-op and post-op care, pediatrics, medical office responsibilities, and comprehensive wellbeing. Her certifications include Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). JoAnn is passionate about working with students and teams to keep our community healthy, happy, learning and growing every day.
Shannon Saymaz, RN, Registered Nurse/Case Manager
My name is Shannon. I am passionate about caring for the whole person: body, soul, and mind. I believe that being a good nurse is to be a compassionate listener. I’ve been told I have a witty sense of humor. My hobbies are reading poetry and attending musicals. My favorite place to relax is anywhere out in nature. I am excited to be a part of the Student Wellness Team.
Hasham Mahmood, RN, Registered Nurse/Case Manager
Hasham is a dedicated Registered Nurse with experience in emergency, intensive care, and college health settings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in