Meet the Staff

Colleen Szefinski, LPC, LCADC – Director

Colleen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Saint Peter’s University and her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Frostburg State University in Frostburg Maryland. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Prior to joining CAPS as Assistant Director in 2004, Colleen worked in the Behavioral Healthcare field for fifteen years. She has worked clinically with adolescents and adults in community and hospital-based settings, and has been in supervisory positions since 2001.  She started her career at Catholic Community Services, where she worked for 12.5 years providing an array of counseling services, as well as managing and developing outpatient addiction programs. She has interfaced with many community agencies, including school systems, hospitals, DYFS, drug treatment programs, Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, and the criminal justice system.  Colleen was promoted to Director of CAPS in February 2020.

Gail Conte, LAC, Senior Counselor

Gail received a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies and Master’s in School Counseling from Saint Peter’s University, and is a Licensed Associate Counselor.

She has accumulated mental health experience while working in the CAPS department as Administrative Assistant for over 18 years, with responsibilities for the department’s management of clinical activities, and her increasing role with client engagement and screening.  She has co-facilitated psychoeducational groups, and collaborated with campus partners to provide wellness activities and events for the student body.  She has been state trained in suicide prevention, and worked as a volunteer on the NJ suicide hotline assessing risk, deescalating callers, and providing resources. Gail transitioned into the Senior Counselor position in March 2022.

Teriz Michael, LCSW, Clinician III

Teriz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from School of Visual Arts in New York City, and her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

Prior to joining CAPS, Teriz gained her experience by working in a large Christian private practice, and at Rutgers UBHC with young adult IOP clients. She started her career as a clinical intern at Catholic Charities where she worked with youth in partial care, followed by her second clinical internship at a private counseling center in East Brunswick.

Teriz immigrated to the United States while she was in elementary school and lived in Jersey City for many years. Being a first-gen college student and a mother of college students, she deeply enjoys working with college students and young adults as they navigate this important stage of life. Teriz loves people, cats, nature, and books. She also enjoys good food, hot drinks, and everything artistic.