University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

Dr. Karen Levinson, Ph.D. 
Associate Director, Counseling

Dr. Levinson has been affiliated with SHAC since January 2004, becoming a full time employee in August 2004.  She works as a staff psychologist and coordinates the graduate student training program which is staffed by practicum students.  Dr. Levinson earned her degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Delaware, and is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania.   She has worked in a variety of settings including college counseling (University of Delaware and Temple University), Friends Hospital, and community mental health centers (Northwestern Human Services and Community Council For Mental Health and Mental Retardation).

Assistant Director, Counseling and Coordinator of Graduate Training

Dr. Brown is a Staff Psychologist at SHAC. She received her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. In addition, she has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Human Services from Chestnut Hill College. Alissa completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Rochester counseling center, and Postdoctoral Fellowship at USciences. In addition to university counseling, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health, medical and psychiatric hospitals, public schools, and private practice. Alissa’s areas of interest include anxiety, body image and eating disorders, interpersonal relationships, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as campus outreach and consultation.

Dr. Mark Onusko, Psy.D.

Dr. Onusko is a staff psychologist at SHAC. He recently earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. Mark comes to USciences with a familiarity with university culture having completed a pre-doctoral internship at the University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center, as well as training at Northwestern University Counseling and Psychological Services. He also has experience working in a variety of other settings including high schools, community mental health centers, and psychiatric hospitals. Mark's areas of professional interest include anxiety, depression, LGBTQ issues, body image, stress management, identity development, and interpersonal relationships, as well as prevention and mental health administration.

Alicia Miller, BA, Health Information Data Analyst

Alicia graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a BA in Psychology. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Public Health at USciences part time while simultaneously working full time at SHAC. She manages all aspects of the Student Health Insurance Plan including enrollment, waivers, and education about benefits and accessing services; as well as coordinating counseling center client scheduling and registration. She has a strong interest in how multiple factors interact and influence health outcomes, particularly regarding sexual health and health disparities. Alicia's dual role as a student and staff member allows her to better understand student needs and helps her to interact with them efficiently and perform as a student advocate to promote SHAC services and to help get students useful information and resources.

Dr. John Applegate , M.D., Consulting Psychiatrist.

Dr. Applegate received his training in Psychiatry at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and before that his medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. While in residency he worked at the University of Pennsylvania’s counseling center. Since graduation he has been working at the Philadelphia Veteran’s Hospital outpatient mental health clinic and maintains a private practice in Center City as well. He serves as a volunteer faculty member of the University of Pennsylvania teaching medical students and residents in Psychiatry. His areas of professional interest include the management of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and understanding the relevance of cultural and spiritual dimensions of mental health concerns.

Ashley Liston-Avnaim

Ashley is currently working on a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Eastern University and is completing her internship at SHAC. She obtained a BA in Theological Studies from Lee University. She has worked in a variety of settings including university residential life, in the Philadelphia school district and at a drug and alcohol recovery community in North Philadelphia. Ashley is interested in working with groups of people who have historically had difficulty accessing mental health services, immigrant and refugee populations, trauma, and adult children of substance-dependent parents. Additionally, she has intentions to pursue certification as a spiritual director.  

Elizabeth Merrell

Elizabeth is an intern at SHAC and working on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling at Eastern University.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has completed two 100 hour practicums, one in a private counseling setting and another working with victims of domestic violence. She has worked with adults with traumatic brain injuries, MR, and a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, family and relationship concerns, pedophilia, and aging concerns. Elizabeth is interested in working with those experiencing or processing trauma and utilizing expressive arts therapy as a supplement to traditional psychotherapy.

Lauren Ward

Lauren is a graduate intern from Temple University’s Counseling Psychology Masters program.  She had previously earned an MA in French Studies from NYU.  Since 2009 Lauren has volunteered at Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR), Philadelphia’s rape crisis center, providing crisis counseling to survivors of sexual assault and their families.  Prior to interning at USP, Lauren has worked in the areas of higher education, workforce development and adult education.  She particularly enjoys working with young adults and has developed an interest in women’s issues, personal trauma, LGBTQ issues, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and adjustment and relationship issues. Her other interests include multicultural, crisis, and career counseling.