Student Wellness Services Staff

SWS Leadership

Tiffany Walker, LCSW, University Director of Student Wellness Services

Tiffany is well astute in providing direct clinical mental healthcare as well as strategic and innovative programming. She is an ethical, social justice oriented leader. She has designed, developed, and delivered training and professional development on trauma sensitive care and mental health literacy that has empowered hundreds of individuals that represent a diversity of organizations such as schools, universities, and community-based organizations. In her role as University Director of Student Wellness Services she is in charge of the department strategy, operations and innovative change required to create a culture of wellness at FDU. Tiffany is passionate about wellness and working with organizations committed to creating trauma sensitive and holistic programs and services that are also strategically implemented so that organizations may engage in data driven storytelling that shares its impact. She completed her undergraduate degree from Widener University and her MSW from Columbia University; she also holds a a school Social Work certificate and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey

Krystal Mayers-Pagan, DHSc, MPH, University Assistant Director of Student Wellness Services

As a public health professional, Dr. Mayers-Pagan strives to improve the health of communities that are at the greatest risk for poor healthcare outcomes. Currently, she serves as the University Assistant Director of Student Wellness Services at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). In this capacity, she influences the health and wellbeing of students by managing and overseeing the healthcare policies, programs, and operations of the Student Wellness Services department. Dr. Mayers-Pagan is passionate about various public health topics however equitable healthcare for adolescents and young adults is at the top of the list. Prior to joining FDU, Dr. Mayers-Pagan worked for Newark Community Health Centers, Inc. as the Chief of Staff, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as an Evidence Based Program Coordinator and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a Public Health Advisor. Her relentless commitment to advocating for health equity also extends to the classroom. Dr. Mayers-Pagan has her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology concentrating in Life Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a Rutgers Alumni who graduated in 2020 with her Masters of Public Health in Global Public Health. In addition, she recently graduated with her Doctor of Health Sciences degree from A.T. Still University. Dr. Mayers-Pagan strives to close the gaps in healthcare and increase access to services in order for students to lead safe and healthy lives.

Administrative Staff

Franco Barragan, CHES, Wellness Coordinator: Student Wellness Services

Franco is a passionate professional with degrees in culinary arts and Health Education and Promotion. He is experienced in nutrition and health education, contributing to Federally Qualified Health Centers, Community-Based Organizations, and research. He is also a Certified Health Education Specialist fluent in English and Spanish, dedicated to underserved populations. Franco is enthusiastic about advancing public health through effective communication and advocacy. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring food places with friends, combining culinary interests with social engagement. Eager to continue contributing to the promotion of health and well-being in communities.

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 was my child”. It really helps me go above and beyond for the students as I hope someone would for my kids.

Nora Tibus, Office Manager of Student Wellness Services: Office of Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

My name is Nora and I have been working at FDU for 5 years this June. Working in the Office of Mental and Emotional Wellbeing is a rewarding job, with the students, staff, and work studies. The department makes every effort to make the students comfortable, safe, and wanting to return . I am excited about the new project and the new beginnings that are happening in the Office of Mental and Emotional Wellbeing.

Cindy Hastie, Medical Records Administrative Assistant

My name is Cindy Hastie, and I have been working with SHS Metro at FDU for approximately 12 years as Administrative Assistant Medical Records. I enjoy working with the students and helping them complete their requirements. After working full time for 10 years, I now continue to assist the department in reviewing records on a part-time basis, enjoying both my job and my new role as “Nana” to my 1-year-old grandson. I grew up and still live in Rutherford, just a few blocks from the original Fairleigh Dickinson campus.

Ceciley Smith-Cruz, Wellness Coordinator: Student Wellness Services

Meet Ceciley Smith-Cruz, a proud alumni 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.

Office of Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Bill Maurice, 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.

Alyssa Paccione, LAC, Psychological Counselor

Hello, my name is Alyssa Paccione, and I am a staff psychological counselor for the Florham Campus. I have received both my professional training and undergraduate degrees from FDU. It is an honor to return to my alma mater and serve the community! I identify as a Narrative therapist. This means I believe the individual is the author of their story and they are the experts on themselves. In my practice, I aim to use client-specific language, encouragement, and active listening to incorporate a warm, empathetic, and multiculturally competent environment. I look forward to supporting you throughout this new and exciting chapter!

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.

Office of Health Wellness

Maria Krause, APN, 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.

JoAnn Jaworski, RN, Registered Nurse

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.