Center for Community Counseling and Wellness

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Cori Bussolari, Psy.D. PSY #20755 - Co-Director/Supervisor

Dr. Cori Bussolari is a Professor in the Counseling Psychology Department at USF where she has worked since 2004. She has published in numerous academic journals and books, and presented at various professional conferences, school and mental health agencies on the topics of grief and trauma — to include disenfranchised grief such as pet loss and ambiguous loss--as well as the human/animal bond, health issues, life transitions, and positive coping. Dr. Bussolari is a licensed practicing psychologist and has also worked in school and hospital settings with chronic and terminally ill children, teens, adults, and their families. Most specifically, her aim is to support people to cultivate, center, and lift-up their strengths as a tool to address current problems. Her profound underlying belief, which informs all of her work, is that within each and every one of us is the innate power to heal and grow.

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Megan Polanin, PhD. PSY #35987 - Supervisor

Dr. Megan Polanin is an Assistant Professor at USF and a licensed clinical psychologist. Her professional experience spans work with children, families, and educators across school, community mental health, and hospital settings. Dr. Polanin’s areas of expertise include clinical training and supervision, school mental health, and caregiver wellbeing and advocacy. At CCCW, she supports trainees through group supervision and professional development training.

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Cristina Collins (she/her/hers), MSIO, AMFT #156870 - Associate

Cristina is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in her second year with the Center for Community Counseling & Wellness. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in International and Multicultural Education at USF, where her research focuses on human rights advocacy and mental health. Cristina is passionate about creating safe, affirming spaces where individuals and communities feel heard, valued, and empowered.

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Jing Rong (she/her/hers), MA, AMFT #158152 - Associate

Jing is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who holds dual Master’s degrees in TESOL and Counseling Psychology. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating complex trauma, identity exploration, neurodivergence, generational trauma, and cross-cultural challenges. Jing also has a particular focus on highly sensitive persons (HSPs). As a bilingual therapist fluent in both English and Mandarin, Jing provides culturally responsive and emotionally attuned care, helping clients move through complex emotional landscapes with depth, compassion, and a focus on empowerment.

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Johnny Yang (he/him/his), MFTi - Trainee

Johnny is a third year student in the USF Marriage & Family Therapy program with an interest in working with individuals and group therapy with issues related to identity, cultural, systemic, career & counseling and LGBTQIA+. He currently works in TRiO and provides college access to low income and first-generation high school youth in San Francisco for numerous years. Johnny is Hmong American and is passionate about social justice and fostering community.

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DayJah Burton (she/her/hers), MFTi - Trainee

DayJah is a second-year student in the USF Marriage & Family Therapy program, engrossed with serving communities of color battling mental health challenges, related but limited to interpersonal challenges, environmental stressors, identity, etc. DayJah is also interested in serving neurodivergent communities, geriatric communities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. In her previous work as an Applied Behavioral Analysis Behavioral Therapist and current work as a Recovery Coach at a mental health rehabilitation center, she hopes to work towards eradicating stigma surrounding mental health and continue fostering safe spaces where clients feel heard, seen, and valued.

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Sanjeet Heyer, (she/her/kaur) - MFTi - Trainee

“Kaur” reflects my Sikh identity & the values of equality, authenticity, & sovereignty that guide my work.

Sanjeet, in her final year of USF’s Marriage & Family Therapy program, approaches therapy as a genuine conversation — one built on connection, curiosity, and trust. She meets clients where they are, creating space for stories to unfold naturally and at their own pace. With respect and cultural humility, Sanjeet invites collaboration and honors each person’s unique lived experience. Her work is grounded in resilience and hope, supporting people as they move through life’s experiences toward greater understanding, growth, and confidence.

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Melanie Kimes, (she/her/hers) - MFTi - Trainee

Melanie is currently in her final year of the Marriage & Family Therapy program, having been drawn to this field by her own transformative journey of self-exploration and self-love through therapy. She is passionate about increasing access to mental health support for underserved communities, especially communities of color and those in low-income areas. Melanie's therapeutic approach is client-centered and informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) principles. She offers a non-judgmental space where individuals can feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate trauma, seek self-discovery, or simply need space to process their experiences.