Meet Our Team
Erika Charles is the University’s Chief Well-Being Officer tasked with creating a comprehensive and holistic approach to well-being that prioritizes physical, emotional, social and financial health for all. She also oversees the Cougar Connections Center of Social Work and KUBIT, a multidisciplinary team that provides proactive intervention, caring support and response to students exhibiting disruptive and/or concerning behaviors. Erika received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Master of Social Work from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. After years of service in the mental health and K-12 educational settings, Erika earned her Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership from Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Prior to joining Kean University, Erika served as a lead to school districts in supporting and advocating for at- risk students and families within Intervention and Referral Services, Special Education, 504 Planning, and Transitional Services. She worked on the Traumatic Loss Coalition in support of schools and community experiences with sudden death by way of mobilizing crisis and providing psychological first aid. Erika has also served to support school districts in restructuring policies and procedures to align with NJ Administrate Codes and best Social Work Practice for students with mental health and substance use needs.
Erika is passionate about effecting change on a larger systemic level to ensure social, emotional, and educational needs are met for students and families of all backgrounds.
During her personal time, Erika enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking, reading and traveling.
Dr. Heather Chelton is the Associate Director of the Cougar Connections Center of Social Work. She is tasked with overseeing the growth and success of the department by supervising professional staff, supporting existing services and connecting students to necessary resources to bolster their well-being and academic experience. In addition, Dr. Chelton is the Chair of KUBIT. She is also a three-time alumnae of Rutgers University, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology, Master of Social Work, and Doctor of Social Work.
Dr. Chelton is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), certified clinical supervisor (CCS), researcher, mentor, and leader in the mental health field. Prior to joining Kean University, Dr. Chelton has been a trailblazer in the mental health field, where she has enthusiastically served diverse populations in various behavioral health settings, including residential, educational, outpatient/private practice, and community health. Dr. Chelton has helped students by leading and developing school-based mental health programs. Dr. Chelton has also imparted clinical insight, direction, and professional development to clients, medical providers, and staff in navigating developmental, behavioral, mental health challenges and addiction.
Dr. Chelton recognizes the importance of meeting the intersecting needs of students in all life domains to support them toward their graduation. For over 15 years, she has been dedicated to empowering at-risk students and families, advocating for equity and accessibility of services, resources, and opportunities for all.
Liz O’Donnell serves as one of the Social Workers in Cougar Connections Center of Social Work. Liz received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Felician University and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Previously, she has worked with Kean University for the past three years as an Academic Specialist in the Office of Accessibility Services. There, she provided academic accommodations and support for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities. Liz has also worked in a variety of other settings such as non-profit organizations and private schools in various roles. She has a passion for working with college students and supporting them in all their success.
Zakiyya S. Jordan is a Lead Social Worker in Cougar Connections Center of Social Work. She is a proud alumni of Spelman College and Rutgers University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Social Work, respectively. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and holds a School Social Worker certification from New Jersey’s Department of Education.
Ms. Jordan has extensive experience working in special education, mental health and program development. Zakiyya worked in the South Orange Maplewood School District as a Crisis Intervention Worker. She provided individual and group counseling, as well as coordinated school-wide programs and initiatives focused on social emotional learning, mental health, and student wellbeing in support of students’ academic and social success. She also works in private practice specializing in treating children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety, depression, familial conflict, and transitions related to school or work performance.
After 16 years working primarily in the K-12 educational settings, Ms. Jordan is excited to make her transition to higher education. She is passionate about mental health, education and social justice. She utilizes everything from humor, culture, spirituality, trending topics and life experiences to cultivate genuine connections with those she encounters. She has always focused on the “bigger picture,” looking closely at all the moving parts on a macro and micro level that affect an individual’s life. The Cougar Connections Center of Social Work is the perfect opportunity to further explore intersectionality and social work to eradicate systemic barriers in education.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, going to concerts and shows, trying out new recipes, community service projects with several organizations, or buying books for her never-ending TBR list. More than anything Ms. Jordan loves to laugh and sees laughter as one of life’s greatest coping skills. “I am especially glad of the divine gift of laughter: it has made the world human and lovable, despite all its pain and wrong.”- W.E.B. Du Bois
Aaliyah Robinson is the newly appointed Grant Coordinator for the “Mental Health in Higher Education: Community Provider Partnership and Professional Development Grant.”
She has previously worked for Kean University as an undergraduate student worker and as a part time Academic Specialist for Cougar Connections Center of Social Work. Aaliyah is guided by the values of Social Work as evidenced by her dedication and commitment in addressing the needs of students through research and programming at Kean University.
Aaliyah is officially a Kean University Alumni, as she received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Minor in Gerontology and a concentration in Communications in 2023.
Aaliyah is passionate about the importance of education and mental health awareness.
As a Grant Coordinator, Aaliyah looks forward to utilizing grant funding to bring new opportunities to Kean University students that will be beneficial to their mental health, well-being, and overall college experience. Ms.Robinson is excited to expand resources for mental health and professional development that will be available on campus for all Kean University students and staff.
Aaliyah is also currently studying in the Masters of Social Work program at Kean University with the goal of becoming a fully Licensed Social Worker.