CAPS Community Liaisons

Request a program 

Use this program request form to request a Community Liaison program, speaker, training, or tabling representative.

Community Liaisons are Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) staff members who serve as bridge builders with student communities on campus that face additional barriers and stigma about accessing mental health care.

In their role, the Community Liaisons serve as a conduit with their designated campus community. They assist in bringing information about mental health and related services to the community and listen to the needs of the community so that information can be shared back with CAPS and with Cornell Health more broadly.

While all Community Liaisons are CAPS therapists, they are not the “designated therapist” for members of that student community. Rather, they can help students within the community by answering questions about mental health services and support, provide educational presentations, meet with student groups, and generally be a resource for the community.

Meet our CAPS Community Liaisons:

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Community Liaison for
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Students

Shinong Ji, MHC-LP
Counselor/Therapist

Tessa Friedeborn staff photo

Community Liaison for
Black Students

Tessa Friedeborn, LCSW
Counselor/Therapist

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Community Liaison for
Indigenous Students

Wahieñhawi “Hawi” Hall, LCSW
Assistant Director of Counseling & Psychological Services – Equity & Inclusion
Counselor/Therapist

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Community Liaison for
International Students

Elizabeth Jonas, MSW
Counselor/Therapist

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Community Liaison for
Latinx Students

Juliana Garcia, LMSW
Counselor/Therapist

 

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Community Liaison for
Low Income and First Generation Students

Qiana Watson, MA, LMSW
Counselor/Therapist

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Community Liaison for
LGBTQ+ Students

Kimberly VanNorman, LMSW
Counselor/Therapist

How to connect with a Community Liaison:

  • Students with individual questions about their own mental health care can stop by during a Community Liaison's Let's Talk drop-in consultations.
  • Students who would like to request an educational presentation or connection to a student group can email Cornell Health. Alternatively, call Cornell Health during business hours [607-255-5155] and leave a phone message for a particular Community Liaison.

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