Counseling Center Staff
VINCENT KIEFNER, Ph.D. – DIRECTOR
Dr. Kiefner is a licensed psychologist in the states of New Jersey and New York. He joined the team of professionals at Kean University Counseling and Disability Services in October 2016 after serving for the previous eight years as associate director for counseling at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York; he also worked as a Staff Therapist at Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey for four years. Dr. Kiefner received his Master’s Degree in college counseling at the University of Delaware and his Doctoral Degree in counseling psychology from Pennsylvania State University. In his role as director, Dr. Kiefner oversees the day-to-day functioning of the Counseling Center. He serves as lead consultant for psychological matters across campus while also providing psychotherapy for individual students.
VIDAL ANNAN JR., Ph.D. – ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Dr. Annan is the associate director in the Office of Counseling and Disability Services. He is a clinical psychologist licensed in New Jersey and New York. Dr. Annan specializes in helping individuals address clinical concerns such as mood and anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and learning-related difficulties, as well as life challenges such as interpersonal conflict, school problems and identity issues. He specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy and often incorporates mindfulness and motivational interviewing techniques in his work with students. In addition to addressing clinical conditions and life challenges, Dr. Annan also works to help students improve their overall success and functioning by increasing their self-awareness, personal management and social skills. Prior to his position at Kean University, Dr. Annan worked as the director of Mental Health Services at the Boys' Club of New York and also as a psychologist at the Behavioral Care Center of New Jersey. A former Kean employee, Dr. Annan worked as a counselor in the EEO/EOF office and Upward Bound program from 2003 to 2007. Dr. Annan obtained his Ph.D. in experimental psychology with a focus on cognitive processing from Rutgers University in 2000 , and his clinical training from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2008.
MEI-LING CHENG, M.A., Ed.S., LPC – MANAGING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Ms. Cheng is a licensed professional counselor in the state of New Jersey. She received her Master’s Degree in counselor preparation at Seton Hall University. She then continued with her education in the Marriage and Family Therapy program, as she desired pursing a deeper clinical training in order to work from a more systemic perspective with families, couples and individuals. When she was a student, she worked with international students, faculty and staff to help them acclimate to their new surroundings. Professionally, Ms. Cheng has been working as a mental health clinician for over 10 years. Her career has afforded her the opportunity to work in a homeless shelter for women and children; therapeutic nursery for children under age five; hospital-based partial-care program for adults; nonprofit outpatient mental health agency for all ages; and in-home services for children and families at high risk. The areas addressed have included adjustment; anxiety; depression; grief; acculturation; parenting; domestic violence; homelessness; behavioral, academic and developmental problems; and various traumas (physical, sexual and/or neglect).
KELLY COPPOLA, LCSW, RYT, SIFI – MANAGING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Ms. Coppola is a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey and New York. She graduated with honors from Fordham University in 2006 with a Master’s Degree in clinical social work. She specializes in working with the college-aged population on a variety of concerns related to stress management, interpersonal relationships, life transitions and executive functioning. Clinically she has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques for ADHD, autism, and mood and anxiety disorders. Prior to her position at Kean, Ms. Coppola worked for Pace University’s OASIS (Ongoing Academic Social Instructional Support) program for college students with various cognitive and emotional differences. She also worked as a clinician and alternative therapies specialist for seven years at the Hallowell Center in New York. She received clinical supervision from Dr. Edward Hallowell, who is a best-selling author and nationally renowned expert in strengths-based approaches to treating ADHD. As a registered yoga teacher, she has a particular interest in the mind-body connection in the treatment of mental health-related issues.
KIMBERLY QUINN, MSW, LCSW, LCADC – COORDINATOR OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG SERVICES
Ms. Quinn is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor in the state of New Jersey. She received her Master’s Degree in social work from Boston University. Ms. Quinn is the coordinator of alcohol and drug services for the student counseling center and oversees all substance-related services. She provides screening, counseling, psycho-educational programming, consultation and referrals. Ms. Quinn has extensive experience working with mental health and substance-related issues, with a focus on the following populations: Greek Life, athletes, veterans and those who present with co-occurring disorders. As the coordinator of alcohol and drug services for the counseling center, Ms. Quinn established and serves as the chair of the University Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Task Force.
JOANNA FEINMAN, Ph.D. – CLINICIAN
Dr. Feinman is a clinical psychologist licensed in New Jersey and New York, and a part-time clinician at the Kean Counseling Center. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from New York University. She has worked extensively with college students in the counseling centers at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and the College of Staten Island. She previously worked in community mental health, providing psychotherapy to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.Dr. Feinman's clinical interests include recovery from depression and anxiety, exploring relationships and family, identity development, multicultural issues and improving self-esteem. Her approach to counseling integrates solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and family systems, with insights from neuroscience.
CARLA VITOLA, M.A., MFT – PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Ms. Vitola is the full-time program assistant at the Kean Counseling Center. She received her Master’s Degree in psychological services and her Professional Diploma in Marriage and Family Therapy from Kean University. While currently working towards her New Jersey licensing, she is a counselor at a nonprofit agency and works through a systemic perspective to help the families, couples and individuals she works with. At the Kean Counseling Center, Ms. Vitola oversees the center’s front desk operations. Along with welcoming and interacting with students, she schedules appointments and manages other administrative duties.