Â鶹ÒùÔº

Counseling Center Staff

Danielle Bachant, LCSW, MT-BC - Director (she/they)

Danielle received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree from Temple University. As a Music Therapist, Danielle was inspired by her work with families who were impacted by domestic violence, which lead her to pursue a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Violence Against Women and Children from Rutgers University. Danielle has experience working with various populations including students who are survivors of interpersonal violence, incarcerated individuals, and individuals with mental illness. Danielle is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and works through a client-centered, trauma-informed lens to build a therapeutic rapport. She believes in creating a sense of safety and community through the therapeutic relationship that has the potential to extend past the therapeutic space. In their spare time, Danielle is a cat mom to Petey and Squeak, loves being with her family and loved ones, enjoys making art, and unwinds by watching the Sopranos.

Contact Danielle: dbachant@njcu.edu, 201-200-3517

Damarys Escoto, LCSW - Counselor (she/her/hers)

Damarys received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a Master of Social Work from Kean University. She has experience working with individuals with mental illness, and with various populations in both English and Spanish. Excited to be joining the counseling center and connecting with the NJCU student community, Damarys uses a strengths-based, person-centered approach to create a safe and welcoming space for her clients. She believes the therapeutic relationship is a partnership and also the key to successfully reaching therapeutic goals. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and exploring new restaurants (which- recommendations are always welcome!).

Contact Damarys: descoto@njcu.edu, 201-200-2146

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Christian Rodriguez, LCSW - Counselor (he/him/his)

Christian is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at NJCU’s Counseling Center, where he is committed to creating a compassionate and supportive space for students. He earned his Master of Social Work degree from Touro College, which provided him with a solid foundation in clinical practice and therapeutic approaches. Over the years, Christian has had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, military veterans, and those facing serious mental illness (SMI). He gently incorporates psychodynamic approaches to help clients explore and make sense of the deeper emotions and experiences that shape their lives. Outside of work, Christian finds joy in swimming, playing the piano, and spending time with his two wonderful cats. These simple pleasures bring balance to his life, allowing him to connect more deeply with the students he supports.

Contact Christian: crodriguez31@njcu.edu, 201-200-3519

Languages spoken: English, conversational Spanish

Cassandra (Cassie) Montgomery - Graduate Intern (she/her/hers)

Cassie Montgomery (she/her) is a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, where she is completing her coursework online. She is working toward her goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2021. Cassie is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for individuals of all backgrounds. She is passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges with empowerment, respect, and empathy. Outside of work, Cassie enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Contact Cassie: interncc@njcu.edu, 201-200-3142

Bazga Tanvir - Graduate Intern (she/her/hers)

Bazga is a hardworking and compassionate first-generation Pakistani-American student and a proud born and raised New Yorker. She is currently in a graduate program pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Â鶹ÒùÔº, where she is a Summa Cum Laude student. Bazga earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree from The City College of New York in 2023. Bazga is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, allowing her to connect with clients across the South Asian community. 

As a graduate intern at the NJCU counseling center, Bazga is passionate about creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for all her clients. She has a strong background and interest in working with clients who are handling anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family issues, life transitions, and multicultural issues. Bazga wants to empower her clients to discover who they truly are by encouraging self-awareness and strengthening their self-esteem. She would like to help and guide each client toward living their most authentic life. In Bazga’s free time, she enjoys reading, making chai and coffee, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, exploring museums, watching movies and Korean Dramas.

Contact Bazga: btanvir@njcu.edu, 201-200-2069

Languages Spoken: English, Urdu, Hindi, and PunjabI 

Hafsa Dawood, BA - Outreach Coordinator (she/her/hers)

Hafsa Dawood is currently serving NJCU Counseling Center as an Outreach Worker. She proudly graduated from Â鶹ÒùÔº, with a BA in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude and is currently enrolled in MA Educational Psychology. As an undergraduate, she was President of NJCU Psychology Society and EOF Honor student of Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. During her years at NJCU she earned several awards for her exemplary academic performance and leadership skills. Her role as an Outreach worker is to regularly connect with students to raise mental health awareness through prevention, awareness, education and stigma reduction. Her involvement in enhancing emotional well-being and achieving personal and academic goals in the NJCU community is her way to make sure that everyone continues to grow. Hafsa is inspired daily by her sons. In her free time, she likes to hike, watch movies and play video games. 

Contact Hafsa: hdawood@njcu.edu, 201-200-3158

Languages spoken: English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi

Field Placement Bachelor Students:

Katherine (Kat) de la Cruz (she/her), Social Work

Christian Spletzer (he/him), Psychology

Nana-Afua Owusu (she/her), Psychology