Emotional Health & Wellness Program for House Staff

Alexandra (Pierlott) Hughes, LCSW
Lead Social Worker
Therapist

Alexandra.Hughes@jefferson.edu

Alex (she/her/hers) has been a therapist on the EHWP team since January 2022. She earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work and Spanish from Seton Hall University. She completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Alex has supported adults experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, adults who are incarcerated, schoolchildren, graduate students, and house staff. She has worked with individuals who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, mood disorders, relationship struggles, and burnout. She is interested in preventative care, helping a person enhance their own resilience, and examining the relationships between people and systems. She enjoys using an eclectic therapy approach and is particularly interested in self-compassion and exploring the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. She likes to meet people where they are and is an active and reflective listener.

When she’s not working, you will likely find Alex reading a book, listening to a podcast, or crushing a workout. She enjoys spending quality time with loved ones and reflecting on her life experiences. Her current walkout song is, “La Copa de La Vida,” by Ricky Martin.

Shawn Blue, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior

Shawn Blue, PsyD, (she/her) is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University.  She conducts individual, couples and group therapy and has specializations in trauma, health and wellness, grief, eating disorders, energy psychology and multicultural psychology. Shawn has extensive work in the area of campus mental health, including Agnes Scott College, Emory University, Vanderbilt University, Princeton University and Westminster Choir College of Rider University and Thomas Jefferson University.  She has particular interests in interpersonal relationships and wellness programming. Shawn received a Diplomate in Comprehensive Energy Psychology (DCEP) credentialing in 2017 which integrates her interests in mind/body health, energy work and wellness interventions. She provides consultation and training on mental health, wellness, and diversity and inclusion.

Shawn loves family walks with their dogs, Gigi and Roman.  You can find Shawn spending time with loved ones, engaging in a wellness activity or enjoying a good laugh. 

Shawn’s walkout song is “I was here” by Beyonce.

Ariel Falkon, LPC
Therapist

Ariel.Falkon@jefferson.edu

Ariel (she/her/hers) is a Texas native who moved to Philadelphia and started working with the EHWP team in January 2025. She has a BA in Sociology and a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M University and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and Pennsylvania.  

Ariel has a background in university counseling and has worked predominantly with students in the health professional schools at the University of the Incarnate Word. She loves to help her clients build and honor stronger senses of self that can weather the storms of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, and burnout. In addition to college students, she has experience working with at-risk teens, families, veterans, and individuals struggling with poverty and homelessness. She is an existential and humanistic therapist but incorporates elements of solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, and mindfulness-based interventions. She has achieved Provider status in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD via Strong Star Training Initiative. Her therapy style is conversational, supportive, and gently challenging.  

Ariel has two very bad cats (Frio and Windy) that she loves very much and a new puppy (Yuki), adding to the general chaos in her home. She has been playing roller derby for a decade and loves to play board games with friends and family, get sucked into a long video game, and attend concerts and festivals. Her current walkout song is “Baddadan” by Chase & Status.   

Meghan O'Meara, NCC, LPC, PhD
Therapist

Meghan.O'Meara@jefferson.edu

Meg (she/her/hers) has been a valued member of the Jefferson community since 2017, first leading the Student Counseling Center at East Falls before making the strategic move to Center City. Joining the EHWP in 2022 as a doctoral intern, she's been making a positive impact ever since. With an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Delaware (where she honed her skills as a student-athlete), a graduate degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from La Salle University, and a freshly minted PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University, Meg is well-equipped to handle just about anything.

Meg's expertise encompasses supporting individuals navigating substance use concerns, relationship dynamics, and the pursuit of life balance. She's passionate about working with college students, medical trainees, and athletes. Employing an eclectic approach, she meets clients where they are and guides them toward where they want to be.

Meg enjoys family time, workouts, coffee (essential), and laughter during her downtime. Her current walkout song—a mashup of Pitbull's “Room Service,” Rihanna's “Where Have You Been,” and Bancali's “Nobody Else”—is a testament to her vibrant spirit (and excellent taste in music…we think).

Jeanette Roman-King
Administrative Assistant

Jeanette.Roman-King@jefferson.edu

Jeanette (she/her/hers) is the Administrative Assistant for the EHWP and Student Counseling Center - Center City. She has been with the Jefferson Department of Psychiatry for over a decade.  She previously worked on the Geriatric Psychiatry Inpatient Unit as a Unit Coordinator and got to meet many residents during their clinical rotations. She is the friendly face and voice who will greet you and answer any questions you might have about the program’s services.  She can also assist with scheduling, billing, and documentation requests.

Jeanette loves spending time with family, going on bike rides, and taking long walks with her dog, Zelda. Jeanette has an identical twin sister, Annette, with whom she is very close and considers her best friend. Her current walkout song is, “Girl On Fire,” by Alicia Keys.

Christopher Ferry, MS, MD
PGY4 Psychiatry Resident

Chris (he/him/his) is a 4th year Psychiatry Resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering at Penn State University and a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University, after which he worked in medical device R&D for several years before attending Cooper Medical School of Rowan University for his Medical Degree.

In his residency training, Chris has had diverse experiences in inpatient and outpatient care settings, helping treat various behavioral health conditions through medication and therapy approaches. Chris was drawn to working with house staff as they are a very high-functioning and motivated population, yet a uniquely vulnerable population.

In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors and taking weekend road trips with his wife and their Jack Russel Terrier, Eli (whose only goal in life is to hunt groundhogs), as well as renovating their old house (mostly enjoys), and watching Penn State sports.

 His current walkout song is, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” by Jake Owen.

Vihasa Govada, MD
PGY4 Psychiatry Resident

Vihasa (she/her/hers) is a 4th year Psychiatry Resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Duke University and her Medical Degree from Florida Atlantic University.

Vihasa has extensive experience working with patients across inpatient, outpatient, and consultation settings, utilizing both medication management and therapeutic interventions. She is passionate about empowering residents and fellows, and she deeply values equity, empathy, and agency. This commitment has inspired her latest project: a podcast for residents and fellows that delves into the “how-to” aspects of life while in residency. The podcast Beyond The Call Room, launched in January 2025, addresses essential topics such as finances, health, relationships, and personal and professional development, aiming to answer many pressing questions but lack the time to explore.

In her free time, Vihasa enjoys rock climbing, running by the Schuylkill River, playing tennis (but pickleball, not so much), and occasionally ensuring her houseplants are alive despite frequent droughts. Her all-time favorite board game is Avalon (yes, it’s a social-deduction game), and she is always up for a picnic with friends. Her current walkout song is, “Whatever It Takes,” by Imagine Dragons.