Meet the Staff
Robert Agnoli, LCSW, CPAIP
Director of Counseling Services
Phone: 630-844-5423
Email: ragnoli@aurora.edu
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years of experience in providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families and managing programs. Prior to coming to AU, I developed several programs for men in Chicago that focused on healthy relationships and responsible fatherhood. I have trained locally and nationally on a variety of topics including domestic violence’s impact on children, healthy relationships, and ethical decision making.
Tasha Simmons, LCSW
Staff Counselor
Phone: 630-844-7558
Email: tashasimmons@aurora.edu
Hi, I am Tasha, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I received my bachelor's degree in social work in 2013 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I took a year off to volunteer through AmeriCorps in south Florida, and then I returned to U of I to get my masters in social work with a specialization in schools.
This is my first year working at AU and I am excited to be a part of the Spartan Family! I approach counseling with a compassionate and empathetic heart. My wish is to provide a safe space for the individual to speak their truth. I have an integrative approach to counseling which is solution focused and supportive of the individual as the experts in their own lives. When it comes to mental health, I have many interests including but not limited to; women's issues, identify development, depression, and relationships.
Crystal Zepeda, LSW
Staff Counselor
Phone: 630-844-3689
Email: czepeda@aurora.edu
Hi! My name is Crystal and I am a licensed social worker. I received my bachelors degree in Sociology with a concentration in health and human services from DePaul University in 2018. I spent two years working in social services as a family support worker for the Head Start preschool program before returning to graduate school for my masters in Social Work. I graduated from Lewis University in 2022 and spent the last two and a half years as a school social worker.
As a counselor, my goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. I understand the challenges of navigating life’s difficulties, and I bring a compassionate, empathetic approach to our work together. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or family issues, my priority is to help you explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
I hold a certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a powerful tool that helps identify and change negative thought patterns. I also incorporate motivational interviewing, which encourages open dialogue and empowers you to find your own path forward. I believe in meeting you where you are and collaborating with you to build the skills and resilience needed to overcome life’s hurdles.
As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the importance of perseverance and personal growth. My experiences have shaped my passion for helping others navigate their own journeys, especially when facing unique challenges such as balancing academic pressures, family dynamics, relationship issues, or mental health struggles.
Available services
Individual services
Our individual services are designed to be short-term. Often a few individual meetings can help you better identify, understand, and resolve the barriers that may be interfering with your sense of personal well-being and/or academic success. These confidential services are for AU students in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
All services are free and confidential.