Meet the Consultants

Mario Soto, M.S., AASP Approved Mentor
Owner, Sport Psychology Consultant and Life Coach

Mario is an adjunct graduate professor at both CBU and Santa Ana College. In addition to his teaching duties, he is a full-time consultant to elite athletes, coaches, executives, and corporations looking to enhance their level of performance. Using passion, positivity, educational research, and firsthand stories from high-level performers, Mario provides insight into the science and success of performance. Mario’s ability to connect and inspire individuals, teams, and leaders has yielded exceptional reviews from top sports organizations, elite athletes (Olympic, Pro, & amateur), businesses, and first responders. Mario’s background provides a unique perspective addressing the challenges of coaching, leadership, and performance tailored for individuals or organizations looking to be their best.

Chelsey Neve
Available: In Person and Virtually 

Chelsey holds a B.A. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in sports studies from California State University, Fullerton as well as an M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology from California Baptist University. She comes from a diverse sports background where she played soccer for 15 years and sang competitively. She enjoys traveling both locally and internationally and had the privilege to travel throughout college performing and competing for the United States with Fullerton College Choir. She has been professionally trained in classical voice for 11 years and is a featured artist on a few albums. She is currently working as an adjunct professor at CBU and has a private consulting business under the name Even Mentality. Chelsey hopes to make a difference in the worlds of sports and performance arts.

Shelby Waldron, CMPC
Available: In Person and Virtually 

Shelby graduated from CBU with her Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology in the program's first cohort. She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Dallas, where she was a dual-sport athlete competing in basketball and track and field. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted both qualitative and quantitative research based on student-athletes. Shelby is currently in a doctoral program where she is studying for a PsyD degree in sport and performance psychology. Shelby has worked with team sports as well as with individual athletes from youth to collegiate and has seen the positive effects that sport psychology techniques can bring. She is looking forward to working with you and/or your team to help you master your mindset and reach your full potential in sports and in life! 

Cassidy Gonzales
Available: Virtually 

Cassidy Gonzales graduated from California Baptist University with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and sport and performance psychology, respectively. She has continued to be a part of the daily operations within CBU’s sport and performance psychology program since her graduation in 2020. Cassidy is interested in working with athletes from all sports, but she specializes in volleyball. Cassidy currently works as a mental performance coach for multiple volleyball athletes and also coaches volleyball at both the collegiate and club level. Cassidy’s hope for any athlete she comes in contact with is to help them reach their highest potential and feel capable of overcoming any setback they face, both in sport and life.

Marquis Kidd, CMPC
Available: In Person and Virtually 

Marquis Kidd obtained his B.S. in Kinesiology from Whittier College. He played football, basketball and baseball growing up. As a baseball player, he was a standout in both high school and college. After graduating college, Marquis went on to play professional baseball overseas for 3 years across Canada and Europe. As a professional baseball player, he was named to the Top International Baseball Player list and achieved a top 10 finish in hitting in the 2017 season. Marquis has also coached baseball for over 8 years in which he has worked with numerous athletes at all levels ranging from youth to the MLB. Marquis has a passion for working with athletes and helping others, which has led him to pursue a career in sport psychology. He hopes to use his experiences in sports to help relate better with athletes and create strong relationships to gain the utmost respect and trust amongst clients. Marquis’ goal is to drive people to become the best version of themselves and take their mental game to the next level.