Forensic Mental Health Student & Alum Profiles

Kendhyl Delacour, Graduate Student

My name is Kendhyl and I am a graduate student in the Forensic Mental Health Counseling program here at John Jay. I obtained my BA in Psychology at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa in 2019. After graduating, I remained in Hawai’i and worked as a case manager for adults with serious and persistent mental illness, housing instability, substance abuse issues, and legal encumbrances. Through this experience I quickly understood that the work I was doing was not only gratifying, but that I wanted to work more closely with those who were entangled within the judicial system. Eventually, I transitioned into a new position as a Behavioral Health Coordinator at a shelter for youth aged 14-24 who experienced similar issues to my previous population of service but was more focused on addressing their mental health issues. While I enjoyed my time in this role, I became aware that if I wanted to provide direct counseling services, I would need to earn a higher degree to obtain this goal. Today, I strive to work as a mental health counselor post-graduation in a correctional facility. I would also like to go back to school and earn a PhD in clinical psychology in hopes to work as an expert witness, manage my own clinical practice, and one day pass on my knowledge to the next generation as a professor. Outside of school, I run my own dog-walking business, am an avid crafter, and love to spend time outdoors.

Angie Aly, Graduate Student

My name is Angie Aly, and I am a graduate student in the FMHC department. I got my Bachelor’s Degree from The College of New Jersey in Biology. I did research for three years in a psychology lab that looked at behavioral modification of alcohol consumption. I joined John Jay because I was interested and passionate in the role that marginalization plays with alcohol and substance counseling. My interests broadened to victim services and I obtained my victimology certification in my second semester. I am currently doing my externship at a private practice, and am very fortunate that I found what I wanted to do career-wise within the FMHC program. I am also one of the CAs here at John Jay. In my free time I can be found cuddling my dog, trying new cooking recipes, and going for runs by the Hudson. 

Ashley Maturo, Graduate Student

My name is Ashley and I am a graduate student in FMHC. I achieved bachelor's degrees in psychology and criminal justice while at the University of Delaware. My academic and professional interests include victimization experiences, specifically as it pertains to victims of child sexual abuse and trafficking. My interest in this population stemmed from a Human Trafficking course I took during undergrad, which included a research project where I performed an in-depth review of child sex trafficking. I recognized child sexual abuse and trafficking victims as a particularly vulnerable subgroup in need of psychological services, and developed a passion for assisting them on their path from victim to survivor. Ultimately, I am working towards receiving a PsyD in Clinical Psychology, but my eagerness to work with this population lead me down the path of LMHC. Here I am able to work towards licensure, provide services, and go back and purse this doctorate degree in the future. Outside of student life, I volunteer with Crisis Text Line as a counselor, as well as with the Center for Safety and Change as a NYS certified Rape Crisis Counselor. In addition to this, I work as a college assistant with the FMHC department.

Sarah Feliciano, Alumni

My name is Sarah Feliciano, and I am the Assistant Director of MA Program Administration for the Psychology department. I obtained my BA in English Literature & Creative Writing with a double-minor in Theatre and Cinema from Binghamton University in 2013. Upon graduating, I worked in several creative and managerial positions until I eventually stumbled across The Sociopath Next Door: The Ruthless Versus the Rest of Us by Martha Stout. My passion for understanding criminal intent was then reignited. I had a keen interest in forensic psychology throughout my life but never believed in my abilities enough to pursue it. Despite facing a learning curve, I was determined to qualify for John Jay’s Forensic Psychology master’s program. I enrolled in undergraduate psychology courses to accrue credits as a non-degree seeking student and eventually became a conditional admit to the FP MA program in early 2018. Shortly thereafter, I switched to the Forensic Mental Health Counseling program as it catered to my counseling interests. In late 2018, I developed an interested in research. I have since been fortunate to conduct research with two faculty. First, through the collaborative JJCBSU project I investigated confessions in intimate partner homicide under Dr. Schlesinger’s direction. Our findings were published in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin in 2020. Second, I spearhead a large, ongoing study on cults under Dr. Raghavan’s tutelage and have been an active member of her intimate partner violence and trafficking lab for nearly 5 years. Though COVID, the growing cult study, and other circumstances have lengthened my time in the program, I will graduate with a dual track this summer. I have served as administrator for nearly two years and will begin teaching for the undergraduate psychology program this July. My long-term goals include earning my Ph.D., conducting forensic evaluations for the court, working with trauma victims in private practice, and teaching. In my spare—albeit little—time, I enjoy thrillers/horror movies, museum trips, and trivia nights with family and friends.

Chelsea Mohammed, MHC-LP, Alumni

My name is Chelsea Mohammed and I graduated with my Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Philosophy from Adelphi University and I then graduated with my Masters in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College. Upon graduating, I was fortunately hired by the clinic I was interning at that works with individuals who have been involved in diverse forms of intimate aggression. Most clients are criminal justice involved and are referred to the clinic at all points along the continuum of supervision and stipulation. I wish I could tell you about my journey about wanting to become a counselor but I am still trying to figure that out myself. I know this is something I wanted to do and am so passionate about. After learning about the criminal justice system, I know helping those who have been involved is something I wanted to do. My educational career at John Jay College has prepared me for becoming the counselor I am today. I attended classes that informed me about working with trauma, assisted with my motivational interviewing skills, prepared me for treatment planning and working with different therapeutic modalities. Throughout my time at John Jay I was also a college assistant for the FMHC program for two years, an academic coach and now an advisor for the program. My long-term goal is to continue strengthening my skills as a counselor and being the best one I can possibly be.