Counseling Center

24/7 Counseling & Crisis Support 

Real-time chat and phone support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (no appointment needed) in Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, French and English.

Connect with a professional counselor at any time.

• Call TELUS at 1-866-743-7732
  • if calling from outside US or Canada, call 001.678.799.7451
• Download the app

Other Resources 

• Canisius Public Safety available 24/7 at 716-888-2330
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline dial or text 988 
• Crisis Textline text HOME to 741741
• Crisis Services 24 Hour hotline 716-834-3131 (For those residing in Erie County) 

Connect with us on Social Media

Our Team

Eileen Niland, LMHC

Director & Counselor 
nilande@canisius.edu

Professional Credentials

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• M.S. in Counselor Education (Canisius University)
• M.S. in Student Personnel Administration (Buffalo State College)
• B.S. in Psychology (SUNY Fredonia)

Experience

• Student Affairs professional (Buffalo State College, New York University and Canisius University), 1985 to present
• Professional background in residence life and college counseling
• Director of Canisius University Counseling Center, 1996 to present

Interests

• Stress and anxiety management
• Adjustment to college
• Cognitive behavioral therapies
• Spirituality and existential approaches
• Mindfulness and self-compassion

Michael S. Cammarata, LMHC

Associate Director & Counselor 
cammaram@canisius.edu

Professional Credentials

• M.S. in Counselor Education (Canisius University)
• B.A. in English (The College of Wooster)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Experience

• Associate Director of Canisius University Counseling Center, Fall 2003 to present
• Director of Counseling Services, Medaille College, Buffalo, NY, 1999-2003
• Community Residence Specialist, People, Inc., Buffalo, NY, 1993-1999

Interests

• Relaxation, stress reduction, meditation
• Treating and managing depression and anxiety
• Holistic approaches to mental health
• Developing meaning and purpose in life
• Cognitive and behavioral approaches to mental health

Steven Maisonet, LMSW

Counselor
maisonel@canisius.edu

Professional Credentials:

• Licensed Master Social Worker
• M.S. in Social Work (University at Buffalo)
• B.S. in Social Work (Buffalo State)

Experience:

• School Social Worker – Buffalo Public Schools
• Residential Domestic Violence Advocate – Haven House
• Crisis Prevention Counselor – Crisis Services

Interests:

• BIPOC and LGBTQIA+
• Gender and Sexuality Affirming
• Bilingual Counseling (Spanish)
• First Generation College Students
• Healthy Relationships

Jay’ana King

Counseling Doctoral Intern
king110@canisius.edu

Professional Credentials

• Counseling Psychology Doctoral Candidate (University at Buffalo)
• B.A. in Psychology (Temple University)

Experiences

• Practicum Student: University at Buffalo Counseling Services (2022 – 2024)
• Practicum Student: Erie County Medical Center (2023)
• Schomburg Fellow / Graduate Assistant at the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention (University at Buffalo – 2021 – Present)
• Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Peer Social Networks Lab (Temple University – 2019-2021)

Interests

• People of color and marginalized groups
• Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma
• Relationships and Social Skills
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Interpersonal Process Therapy
• Video Games / Reading Fiction / Baking Desserts

Nana Akosua Ofori-Amanfo

Graduate Assistant, Outreach Coordinator 
oforiamn@canisius.edu

Professional Credentials

• Current Graduate Student, Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration Program (Canisius University)
• BSc in Accounting (University of Professional Studies)

Experience 

• Assistant Administrator and Tutor, Lotus Educational Centre (2019-2023)
• Intern, Prudential Bank Limited ( 2017)

Fun fact

I love listening to music, it doesn’t matter the genre. If the lyrics make sense and the tune sounds good, I’d listen.

Barbara Zimmerman

Administrative Associate
Zimmerm1@canisius.edu

About Barb:

• From Buffalo, NY
• Canisius University Counseling Center, 2019 to present
• Canisius University Department of Athletics, 2005 to 2019
• Canisius University Office of Sponsored Programs, 2004 to 2005
• Daughter and son-in-law are proud Canisius alumni who met at the college.
• Enjoys the beach, relaxing, and spending time with family and friends.
• Loves animals, likes to travel, including travel to visit family.
• Enjoys working in the Counseling Center.