Our Counselors

Tamara Telberg, LCSW-R, Director of Counseling Services

Tamara earned a BA in Music and Psychology, and an MSW from New York University. She completed her post-graduate work at Fordham University's Program in Child and Adolescent Therapy. Her interests include dance, art, yoga, philosophy and social justice including anti-racism work. She spends time with her therapy dog Willow (see her bio below) and enjoys creative projects, mindfulness practices and cooking. Tamara's primary training is in trauma work, Mindfulness Based therapy and CBT. She is also a SoulCollage® facilitator, a creative therapeutic approach using images, imagination and intuition. Her work with students focuses on helping them explore evolving identities, increase self-compassion and self-esteem, and learn to calm the nervous system.

Larry Cerecedes, PhD, Assistant Director of Counseling Service

Larry is a licensed clinical psychologist whose therapy interests include multicultural concerns, family-of-origin issues, first generation college students, and working with students having adjustment challenges. He graduated summa cum laude from California Polytechnic University, Pomona CA, and obtained his doctorate degree from The California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. His other interests include the teaching and training of new counselors, kayaking, and having a good meal.

Laura MacDonald, PsyD

Laura is a New York State licensed psychologist. She has lived and worked in the Hudson Valley for the past 16 years. She has worked at Bard since January 2009, and has a small private practice. Laura graduated from Bard with a BA in Psychology and went on for a MSEd and PsyD from Pace University in New York City.  Laura has worked with clients ranging in age from toddler to geriatric, but loves best doing therapy with adolescents and adults.

Mirelva Colon, LMHC, CASAC

Mirelva was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is a bilingual NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Marist College. Her interests include multicultural counseling, student-athlete concerns, and first generation college students. She also enjoys tennis, hiking, and yoga.

Sherry Ou-Yang, LCSW

Sherry was born in Taiwan and raised in Hawaii. She received her BA in International Relations from Boston University, MA in International Affairs from the New School, and her MSW from New York University. Sherry's clinical experience includes working with children and families, supporting survivors of trauma, and teaching skills to create lives worth living.  Her interests include travel, food, and good writing.  On a typical night, you'll find her eating ice cream and watching The Great British Bake-Off.

Daniel Sullivan, PsyD

Daniel is a licensed clinical psychologist. He completed his BA at Tufts University and PsyD at Yeshiva University.  His professional interests include addictions, trauma, and mindfulness and acceptance based approaches to treatment. Daniel enjoys helping people to develop greater psychological flexibility in the face of life’s challenges. Outside of work he spends his free time running, gardening and exploring the natural wonders of the Hudson Valley.

Matt Samalin,Counseling Intern

msamalin@bard.edu
Matt is an intern at the Counseling Center this year while completing his doctorate at Rutgers University. His work in the past has included working with children, families, and the systems that they encounter. His passions include addressing issues of social justice and equitability, environmental causes, and anything related to dogs (or any animal for that matter.) Other interests include exploring the Catskills with his family, watching good (or bad) films, and eating yummy vegetarian things. He is excited to be a new member of the Bard community, and is looking forward to the year ahead.
 

Jenny Meyer Colman, MD, Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Colman received her medical degree from Columbia University, and earned her BA from Harvard University.

Ilyse Simon, RD, CDN, Consulting Nutritionist

Willow, Certified Therapy Dog

Willow is a mixed breed dog, originally from Georgia. She traveled to the Hudson Valley about six years ago when she became homeless and needed a new family. She is an official member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. She loves it when people pet her and greets everyone with excitement.

Gordon, Certified Therapy Dog

Gordon is a Scottish Terrier living his best life in Kingston, NY. He was born in August 2018 and rescued in October 2018. He lives with 3 other dogs, 2 cats and 4 humans. He thinks Bard students are the BEST. He loves his job as a therapy dog and wears his Alliance of Therapy Dogs tag with pride. His hobbies are bothering the cats, snuggling, chewing pencils and playing with his Bard besties Lavinia and Luke.