Breakout Session Speakers

Laura Acosta
Associate Director, Career Center, California Baptist University
Laura is an associate director in the Career Center at CBU here in Riverside. She has been here since 2014 working with both traditional and online students as she comes alongside them to develop professionally, assisting them to discover, prepare and grow in their ideal career. Prior to joining CBU, she worked in human resources for almost 20 years in a variety of industries including healthcare, financial services, not-for-profit agencies and as a consultant. She credits this experience with being able to practically assist students of any background, age, culture or career goal.

Christopher Barragan, M.A.
Assistant Director, Pastoral Care
Chris is the Assistant Director od Pastoral Care at Biola University for which he manages pastoral care efforts for undergraduate and graduate students. He also leads The Dwelling, an on-campus ministry for students that experience same-sex attraction or identify as lgbtq. If you are looking for Chris, he is probably at Disneyland with his family, enjoying a churro!

Wendy Billock, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, Biola University
Wendy received her Ph.D. in Biology from Loma Linda University conducting research in marine biology, animal behavior, and ecology. She has enjoyed over a decade of leadership experience in higher education, including both academic and administrative duties. In addition, she has served in both professional and volunteer leadership roles in a variety of church and para-church organizations. Wendy Billock holds a 4th-degree black belt in karate and a 3rd-degree black belt in kobudo. Having earned the honored title and responsibility of "Sensei," Wendy Billock has been committed to installing a balance of respect, discipline, and confidence in her karate students of all ages.

Janet Bonome, DrPH
Chair, Department of Health Science, Assistant Professor of Public Health, California Baptist University
Janet Bonome is an assistant professor of public health at CBU. She earned her doctorate degree from Loma Linda University and has research interests in maternal and child health and nutrition. Previously, Janet Bonome worked as a program specialist for the pediatric forensics team at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Aside from her academic life, her primary role focuses on her husband and three sons and maintaining a (mostly stable, often messy) work-life balance.

Lauren Bournique, M.A.
Residence Director, Life Pacific University
This is Lauren's ﬁfth year working as a residence director in higher education. She previously worked at Azusa Paciﬁc University and Taylor University. She received her B.A. in Christian Education in 2011 and her M.A. in Higher Education and Student Development in 2017 from Taylor University. Her thesis work focused on the development of higher education in Liberia post-civil war where she had the privilege of going to Liberia and interviewing faculty and students about their experience with civil war and higher education. For Lauren, she sees education as a key to changing lives and society, and this passion is what drives her to work with college students. She believes when students discover who God made them to be there is nothing that will stop them from changing the spheres of society in which they work!

Greg Bowden, Ed.D.
Professor, Organizational Leadership, California Baptist University
Greg Bowden received his Ed.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego. He spent 18 years practicing leadership at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels, where he worked to become proficient at mentoring women into leadership roles. Greg firmly believes leadership skills can be learned, and the strategies for developing and maintaining healthy relationships in the success of organizations remains central in his work as a professor.

Vicki Bowden, DNSc, RN
Vice Provost, ALO, Azusa Pacific University
Vicki, serves as vice provost at Azusa Pacific University, and is a professor in the School of Nursing, teaching online nursing courses. Vicki Bowden has a variety of faculty support, curricular support and student success offices under her span of care. She believes promoting individual growth is a key component to her leadership roles, and enjoys seeking relationships that support mutual thriving within the realms of personal, professional and spiritual support.

Enid Bozic
Professor and Digital Marketer, Web and Social Media Manager, Vanguard University President and Founder of Imperishable Beauty
Enid is an adjunct professor and digital marketer. She currently teaches about digital advocacy, which takes a hands-on approach to utilizing digital platforms effectively when launching and sustaining a non-proﬁt organization or social enterprise. She also manages the web and social media for Vanguard University. She is also president and founder of Imperishable Beauty, a non-proﬁt organization dedicated to advocating for women leaders and women-led organizations worldwide. After living in New York City for 10 years, she recently moved to Orange County to be closer to family.

Julie Browning, Ph.D.
Professor of Accounting, Director of Master of Science in Accounting, CBU Online
Julie has more than 20 years of experience in various roles within accounting, finance, and higher education. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Chartered Global Management Accountant. She has managed and led teams throughout her professional career in both formal and informal capacities in dynamic environments. She is currently a professor of accounting and the director of the Master of Science in Accounting for the Division of Online and Professional Studies at California Baptist University. Some of Julie's relevant research interests include the impact of high stress work environments on professionals working with servant leadership roles.

Jamie Brownlee-Turgeon, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Education Partnerships for Graduate and Professional Studies, Point Loma Nazarene University
Jamie earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Her continued research is focused on crisis leadership, specifically in a leader's ability to identify and avert crisis. She's had a career in higher education for 20+ years in the areas of enrollment management, student development, academics, retention, and student services. She is considered an innovative, change agent and transformational leader. In her career, she has successfully led a brand change as a brand of a university separated from the other, merged departments in order to unify into one division, turned around plummeting enrollment and retention, and launched fully online degrees with support services. She has taught at a number of universities since 2003, and she currently teaches courses in leadership, organizational behavior, and leading organizational change.

La Shonda Coleman
Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Title IX Coordinator, Pepperdine University
La Shonda serves as Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Title IX Coordinator for Students, and she supervises the Department of Health Wellness and Resilience. La Shonda is a licensed clinical social worker and certified yoga teacher, and she integrates the practice of gratitude as a tool to foster resilience with the groups she serves.

Jimmy Curley
Assistant Residence Director, Azusa Pacific University
Jimmy graduated from APU with a degree in biblical studies and is now working toward a Master of Divinity degree at Azusa Pacific Seminary. Jimmy has been interested in student affairs since he served as a resident advisor an undergraduate student. Along with finishing up the last year of his M.Div. program and working in Residence Life, he also is a children’s pastor at a church in Glendora.

Stephanie D'Auria-Brooker, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology, Vanguard University
Stephanie earned her Ph.D. in Sociology, with an emphasis in gender studies and criminology. She is passionate about teaching students how to apply their education in their everyday lives. Her research interests focus on women in prison and the transition from prison to society. Stephanie is an advocate of prison programs like the inside-Out Prison Exchange program and experiential learning opportunities.

Dirk Davis, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President for Academics, California Baptist University Online
Dirk is the associate vice president for the division of Online and Professional Studies at CBU, who provides innovative, market-driven, entrepreneurial-based leadership in the conservation and development of all academic offerings that serve non-traditional students in onsite, offsite, and online venues. While he assists in the development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan to drive enrollment growth, he directly oversees the development and implementation of standards for online courses and services, including course components, formats, and technical support.

Christina DiMari
Graduate of Simpson University; Author of Cultivating Pearls, Ocean Star, You’re Designed to Shine

Leanne Dzubinski, Ph.D.
Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Intercultural Education in the Cook School of Intercultural Studies, Biola University
Leanne, is associate dean and associate professor of intercultural education in the Cook School of Intercultural Studies at Biola University. Her research focuses on the eﬀects of gender bias on women leaders in both Christian and secular work spaces.

Chip Espinoza, Ph.D.
Dean of Strategy and Innovation, Vanguard University Co-author of Managing the Millennials: Discover the Core Competencies for Managing Today's Workforce
Chip is the co-author of three books about Millennials, which have been translated into several languages. He is also dean of strategy and innovation at Vanguard University of Southern California. Chip keynotes internationally and across the country on how to create an environment in which managers and Millennials can thrive. Chip is a leading expert on the subject of generational diversity in the workplace. He consults in the civic, corporate, and non-proﬁt sectors. His client list features great organizations like The Boeing Company, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, Special Olympics, The Department of Defense and SAS Business Software Systems. Chip is the go-to person for news agencies on the topic of integrating younger workers into organizations. He was named a top 15 Global Thought Leader on the Future of Work by the Economic Times.

Nicole Fannin
Developer of Mindful Body Bootcamp
As a lover of all things healthy, Nicole developed her education and skills in the areas of psychology, fitness, and nutrition. This has led to her co-instructor, Anna McIntire and herself, to develop Mindful Body Bootcamp in Riverside, California which offers fitness infused with relaxation. Nicole is currently obtaining her Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She is a wife and mother of three children, ages 11, 6, and 4.

CLS Ferguson, Ph.D.
Pushcart Nominated Writer and Communication Professor, California Baptist University and Mt. San Antonio College
CLS is a pushcart nominated writer and communication professor with accolades in ﬁlm, academia, and creative writing who speaks, signs, acts, publishes, sings, performs, writes, paints, teaches and rarely relaxes. She has presented over 50 times at communication conferences, published 15 academic articles, two academic books, two full-length literary collections: God Bless Paul and Soup Stories: A Reconstructed Memoir and two chapbooks: The Way We Were and Tumbleweed: Against All Odds. She is raising her daughter and dog in Alhambra, CA.

Aubree Flickeman
Director of Residence Life and Housing, Judson University
Aubree has been in higher education since 2015 and currently serves as Judson University's Dean of Student Life and Leadership.

Wendy Flint, Ph.D.
Director of the IDEA Center, George Fox University
Wendy is the Director of the IDEA Center (Career and Academic Planning) at George Fox University. Prior to George Fox, she was the Chief Learning Oﬃcer at The Learning Oasis (a non-proﬁt to train and advance underrepresented women); Senior VP of Instruction at Ascend Learning; Senior VP of Marketing and Sales at Boston Reed; and tenured faculty at College of the Desert in California where she served as Director of Continuing Education and Elected Chair of Faculty Development (Academic Senate). Wendy holds certiﬁcations in Gallup Strengths Coaching, Gallup Strengths-based Teaching, Evocative Coaching for Teachers, and Appreciative Inquiry. She earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Washington State University; an MBA at Capella University; and a Ph.D. in Education from Capella. During her free time, Wendy does career coaching and writes books. Her most recent published Christian title is Women of Purpose: Live the Life you were Born to Live.

Thomas Frederick, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Program Director for the online MSCP program, California Baptist University
Tom obtained a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminar. A specific focus for Tom is to identify how families can provide rich psychological resources to prevent or cope with burnout. Further, his theological training brings rich Christian spiritual resources that include workplace spirituality into this academic inquiry. Tom is currently a professor at CBU’s Division of Online and Professional studies where he also serves as the program director for the online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology.

Laura Freeman, Psy.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology, California Baptist University
Laura Freeman is a licensed clinical psychologist and tenured associate professor of psychology at CBU. She earned her doctorate degree from Biola University and has specialized training in perinatal mental health, emotion-focused couples therapy, and qualified medical examination. Laura maintains a clinical practice at Psychological Services of Riverside, where she provides clinical supervision to psychology doctoral candidates and offers individual and couples therapy to adults. Her special areas of practice include pregnancy-related issues and and couples therapy. However, her primary focus in life is her family, where her heart is always focused on being a wife and mom. As a working mom, she frequently laughs at the circus she has created and attempts to balance the juggling act.

Katrina Frye
Professor, California Baptist University and Founder and CEO of Mischief Managed
Upon gaining her Masters degree from Claremont Graduate University in Arts Management, Katrina has had the privilege of fostering new conversations around art and business through her company Mischief Managed. She believes that by unveiling the truths behind managing your business as an artist and creative, our society will be changed for the better. Katrina brings her 10+ years in the music, arts, non-proﬁt, and freelance ﬁeld to the next generation of artists and creatives. By day you can ﬁnd her leading workshops around Los Angeles or consulting for creative businesses, and by night a professor in music entrepreneurship and music marketing. On the occasion Katrina is able to speak whether at the United States of Women, Netflix, ArtCenter, Colburn School of Music and more, she is thrilled to champion the message of hope to emerging artists and creatives who have the power to transform our nation.

Jennifer Graffius, D.Min.
Chaplain, Azusa Pacific University
Jenn is the program director for Vocre, a 5-Year BA to MA in Pastoral Studies, and she oversees ministry-focused mentoring and formation for undergraduates, and women-in-ministry initiatives in the Center for Vocational Ministry at APU. She is also the chaplain to Azusa Paciﬁc Seminary students. Jenn is an ordained minister in the ECO denomination, an alum of APU (B.A. 00), and an adjunct faculty member in the APU School of Theology's Department of Practical Theology. She has an MD from Princeton Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Mentoring from the Divinity School at Duke University. She has pastoral leadership experience in church ministry and campus ministry. She is a frequent guest preacher and retreat speaker.

Beth Groves, D.P.A.
Assistant Professor of Public Administration, California Baptist University Online
Beth is a full time Assistant Professor of Public Administration for the Online and Professional Studies Division at CBU. Beth has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the public sector. She has served as the City Manager in two distinct Riverside County cities. Currently she serves as President for Soroptimist International of Corona, a global business women's service organization.

Rebecca Guerrero
Adjunct Professor, School of Education at California Baptist University and social science high school teacher at Rancho Cucamonga High School
Rebecca is an adjunct professor in the School of Education at CBU and is also a social science high school teacher at Rancho Cucamonga High School, where she has taught for the past 17 years. She has worked extensively with UCCI developing integrated coursework for California schools. She has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Rebecca was instrumental in facilitating her school’s WASC accreditation process and supports Rancho Remembers - an interactive experience for high school students who interview veterans from global conflicts. In addition, she is actively involved in her church and provides strategic planning and coaching for organizations.

Jenn Guignard, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership, California Baptist University Online
Jeannette is currently an Associate Professor of Education in Organizational Leadership at CBU. Prior to joining CBU in 2017, Jeannette split her time between teaching at the university level and leading corporate development programs for Harvard Business Publishing. Her passion is helping others to develop and enhance their leadership skills so that they may be successful in achieving their own professional and personal aspirations. She also believes that mentoring and coaching are critical to successful leadership development.

Andrea Gurney, Ph.D.
Faculty, Westmont College
Andrea is a licensed clinical psychologist, professor, and author. She has been working with children, adolescents, and families in her private practice for two decades. Her experience ranges from therapy with individuals, couples, families, and groups, developmental assessments of children and adolescents, school consultatons, and neuropsychological evaluations. Andrea has been on the faculty at Westmont College since 2005. She currently teaches courses in Clinical Psychology, Lifespan Development, Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Marriage and Family, and Capstone Senior Internship in Psychology. She recently published her ﬁrst book, Reimagining Your Love Story: Biblical and Psychological Practices for Healthy Relationships (Kregel, 2019). She earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, an M.S. in Psychological Services at the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A. in Psychology at Wheaton College. She completed a PostDoctoral Fellowship in Couples and Family Counseling and a Pre-Doctoral Internship in Individual Therapy at Harvard Medical School. She spent eight years working at Harvard affiliated Boston Children's Hospital, where she trained under experts in the ﬁeld of developmental and clinical psychology.

Diana Ha
Adjunct Professor, California Baptist University
With roots in the world of education and the literary arts, Diana loves to help students, aspiring writers, and educators rediscover the written word in service of beauty and truth. Diana brings to her workshops her knowledge of linguistics, the skills of a wordsmith, and her high literary standards. An adjunct professor of English at CBU, Diana has taught all aspects of English and writing in its many forms in various school sectors the past 25 years. She publishes in and outside education, and her articles, prose, and poetry feature in magazines and anthologies, available at major bookstores. She taught fifth grade before heading the elementary Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. She discusses culture, writing, and achievement with over 16,000 followers on her blog at holisticwayfarer.com. You can read more of her professional development services at writexpressions.art.

Norlan Hernandez, M.A.
Director of Online & Graduate Student Success, Biola University
Norlan is a proud Nica/Nicoya/Pinolero—terms used to describe someone with Nicaraguan roots. He is father to Aella Mia and husband to Isabel. He is a lover of theology, diversity, leadership, art, and the general acquisition of knowledge. His role includes leading a team that is pioneering institutional efforts in creating infrastructures that support fully online students. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Biola’s Cook School of Intercultural Studies. He holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on culture and society. His research interests include Latin American identity, theology, contextualization, leadership, and diversity & inclusion.

Randa Hinton
Communication and Experiential Marketing Consultant
Randa possesses 10 years of experience in communication strategy and experiential marketing, working with some of the leading nonprofit and academic institutions in Southern California. Randa has produced over 500 events and thrives on helping her clients understand the intersection of strategic thinking and project execution. Graduating in May 2020 with her master's in communication management from the Annenberg School of Communication & Journalism at the University of Southern California. Randa also holds her bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from Biola University.

Tatiana Hoapili
Assistant Residence Director, Azusa Pacific University
Tatiana has a passion for Christian higher education, which gives her the opportunity to incorporate her intersectionality of being a Christ follower and student aﬀairs professional through a transformative experience. Tatiana's goal in higher education is to create a space that encourages seeking identity in God and developing self-authorship for students to extend into every context beyond campus.

Eunice Hong, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Graduate Department of Cook School of Intercultural Studies, Biola University
Eunice is an assistant professor in the graduate department of Cook School of Intercultural Studies at Biola University. Prior to joining the faculty, Eunice served as a pastor at an intercultural, intergenerational church in Downtown Los Angeles for 15 years.

Laura Igram, M.Ed.
Assistant Dean, Community Life, Biola University
Luara has worked in student affairs at colleges throughout California for the past 13 years. She is passionate about supporting students' sense of belonging and growth through justice and inclusion work. In her precious free time, Laura loves playing and painting with her 2 year old daughter Tessa and husband Jonathan.

Ellen Kaminski, M.P.A.
Assistant Professor and the Accounting Program Director in the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business, California Baptist University
Prior to joining CBU, Professor Ellen earned a CPA as an auditor at Soren McAdam, LLP and also worked in private accounting at Gordian Project. She has a Masters in Public Administration, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration from Creighton University. Her research interests include audit quality, group dynamics, audit conflict, and gender dynamics.

Sylvia Kane, Ed.D.
Director of Graduate Education, Chair, Division of Education, Associate Professor of Education, Vanguard University
Sylvia was a public-school educator for seventeen years before coming to VU as the Secondary Credential Cohort faculty leader. She taught the single subject teacher credential courses for seven years before becoming Program Director. Her research interests include Dual Language Programs and effective Teacher Preparation programs. Sylvia has four children and six grandchildren.

Joy Karavedas, Ed.D.
School of Education, Azusa Pacific University
Joy has spent the majority of her career in education from elementary schools to university campuses, and ﬁrmly believes that education is a life-long process with the potential to change the world by changing the person. Joy has spent over 20 years as an educational leader and her interest in leadership now expands beyond education. She has personally witnessed the ability leaders have to maximize the value and potential in each person through their example, support and guidance. Joy's motto is leaders develop people, not policy. She currently serves within the School of Education at APU and is an Adjunct Professor for Brandman University. She received her doctorate in February 2019, with a research focus on developing leadership in mid-level leaders in Christian higher education. Her goal is to expand leadership research to assist all leaders in developing the skills they need to impact those they lead.

Lori Lacy, Psy.D.
Director of the University Counseling Center, Azusa Pacific University
Lori is the Director of the University Counseling Center at APU. Lori earned a master's and doctorate in clinical psychology from APU. In addition to overseeing the UCC's groups and workshops program, she is passionate about clinical supervision and leadership development. Her areas of clinical interest include spiritual integration, women's issues, food and body image concerns, and identity development.

Pamela Havey Lau
Professor, George Fox University and Founder of Real Life Real Image
Pamela is the author of A Friend in Me: How to be a Safe Haven for Other women (David C Cook), Soul Strength: Spiritual Courage for the Battles of Life (Random House) and numerous articles for such publications as Christian Scholar's Review and Christianity Today. A graduate of Liberty University and Colorado State University, she has taught writing and communications at George Fox University and speaks around the country at conferences and retreats. After her three daughters were born, Pamela began teaching writing at private day schools until 2010 when she started her own business, Real Life Real Image, where she writes, edits and speaks. Pamela is married to Dr. Brad Lau, a college administrator. The two make their home near Portland, Oregon with their three daughters.

Amanda Lebrecht
Associate Dean of Student Success, Vanguard University
Amanda Lebrecht is the Associate Dean of Student Success at Vanguard University and has over 20 years' experience in higher education. She has extensive training in student success, retention, and leadership development and regularly engages her institution on matters of inclusive excellence. Over the course of her career she's served as an advocate for students from historically underrepresented and under-served communities.

Lysa Liggins, Ed.D.
Founder, Leaders GROW Leaders
Working in the ﬁeld of training and development for over 20 years, Lysa has a natural dexterity for leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and a Masters Degree in Leadership and Management both from the University of La Verne. She earned an Educational Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University and is presently pursuing her Ph.D. in Global Leadership. Her inspirational talk, Failing Phenomenally has received acclaimed reviews from diverse audiences. For twenty years she worked for Kaiser Permanente, on local, regional, and national levels. In 2016 her Dissertation on "Women in Leadership" was endorsed by the CEO of Kaiser, Mr. Bernard Tyson. Dr. Liggins has blended her twenty-year career in healthcare with her doctoral research in Organizational Leadership and is the owner of Leaders GROW Leaders where she works as an Executive Career Coach. Her client list includes, Raytheon Space and Airborne systems, Nike, Burlington, Coca Cola, KIPP Schools, and Timberland. Concurrently, she works as adjunct faculty at, CBU, and West Los Angeles Community College, and is a founding board member of the Academy of Media Arts Charter School. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and is currently working on her brand, Adulting 101 with Dr. Lysa and her ﬁrst book, also entitled Failing Phenomenally. Her desire is to see people living in excellence, walking in their passion, and doing purposeful work.

Judson Lim
Office of Residence Life, Azusa Pacific University
Judson was born in New York, but grew up in 15 countries overseas and now resides in Claremont. He loves everything about student leadership development. He is passionate about the why behind projects and hopes to continue serving on teams that share the same value. You can catch Judson playing ping-pong, basketball, or Settlers of Catan on any given day. Challenge Judson to a game of chess and he won't turn you down. He loves all things competitive, acoustic cover music, and Diet Coke.

Christy Mathews, Ed.S.
Director of Admissions, California Baptist University Online
Christy is an enthusiastic, data-driven higher education professional with thirteen years of experience in online student recruitment and retention at private, non-proﬁt institutions. She currently serves as the Director of Admissions for CBU Online. Christy holds a B.A. in English from Biola University, an M.A. in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Azusa Paciﬁc University College, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education from Regent University. Christy is in progress with a Ph.D. in Education from Regent University and hopes to complete coursework in 2020. She lives in Upland with her husband, infant son, and golden retriever fur baby, and enjoys outdoor and culinary adventures.

Kristin Mauldin, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology and Director of the Masters Sport and Performance Psychology, California Baptist University
Kristin is a professor of psychology and the director of the M.S. Sport and Performance Psychology program at CBU. She obtained her Ph.D. in psychology in 2007 and conducted research as a postdoctoral fellow at University of California, San Diego. She specializes in the cognitive neuroscience of learning and memory and sport, performance, and exercise psychology. She lives in Temecula, CA, with her husband, Max, and her kids, Odessa (12), Soleil (9), and Mateo (8).

Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D.
Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vanguard University
Pete has over 25 years of leadership experience in Christian higher education, including serving as the 11th president of Fresno Pacific University. Pete is a Senior Fellow for Diversity with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) and is a current member of the Board of Trustees at Seattle Pacific University. Pete also spent 17 years as a professor and administrator at Biola University, where he held the positions of Associate Professor of Education, Education Department Chair, Associate Provost for Diversity Leadership, and Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Academic Effectiveness.

Amy Miller, DrPH
Associate Dean of the College of Health Science, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, California Baptist University
Amy graduated from CBU with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, from CSU Fullerton with a Masters in Kinesiology, and from Loma Linda University with a DrPH in Health Education. Since returning to CBU, Amy has served the institution in various roles, including as an adjunct professor, lecturer, assistant professor in the on-line division, and as Director of Assessment for the University. She is currently the Associate Dean for the College of Health Science and an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology.

Helen Mitchell
Professor, Ethics and Leadership, Crowell School of Business at Biola University and Director of the Talbot Center for Faith, Work & Economics at the Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
Helen is an Ethics and Leadership professor in the Crowell School of Business at Biola University. As the Director of the Talbot Center for Faith, Work & Economics at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, she works with churches and pastors on faith and work integration. Helen is also a certified leadership and strategy coach, speaker, author and oversees the leader learning initiative for Convene Corp. She started her business career with AT&T becoming a Vice President at the age of 30 with Lucent Technologies. As a licensed pastor, she was the architect and visionary of the Saddleback@Work ministry at Saddleback Church. Helen holds a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Biola University and a Masters in Biblical and Theological Studies from the Talbot School of Theology, at Biola University. She also attended the Senior Executive Program at Columbia University.

Ally Moder, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor, Department of Practical Theology, Azusa Pacific University
Ally loves to be active and loves people. It is her desire to use her love for and knowledge of physical activity and health to help people love God and love others.

Kerry Moore
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Assistant Professor of Social Work, Vanguard University
Kerryis a Licensed Clinical Social worker and Assistant Professor of Social Work at Vanguard University, where she serves as the Chair of Professional Studies and Traditional Undergraduate Psychology. Kerry teaches classes focused on research and writing, preparation for work in human service fields, and integration of faith and psychology. Her interests include end-of-life care, mindfulness practices, and the training and supervision of student interns and new clinicians. Kerry's current clinical work focuses on providing support to older adults as they experience loss or adjust to change.

Elizabeth Morris. Ph.D.
Associate Provost for Educational Effectiveness, California Baptist University
Betsy is a people person who has spent her life meeting friends, not strangers. As a lifelong teacher, her position in leadership was unexpected but has proven to be rewarding, particularly because the last 22 years has been spent in faith-based higher education.

Irene Neller
Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing and Communications, Westmont College

Karen Nishie
Associate Professor of Communication, Vanguard University
Karen graduated with her Master's degree in Speech Communication from California State University, Fullerton. She is currently all but dissertation in pursuing her Ph.D. at Grand Canyon University. The focus of her research is how Latina students describe the phenomenon of Grit in overcoming the obstacles faced as non-traditional students matriculating from a 4-year college or university. Passionate about her students and student success, Professor Nishie teaches a variety of courses including course from the Core (Introduction to Public Speaking). Her favorite courses are those that speak directly to how humans relate to each other such as Interpersonal Communication and Family Communication. Professor Nishie is married with three children, including two Vanguard alumna. In her "spare" time, Karen dabbles in stand up comedy and has competed in the National Clean Comedy Challenge.

Maura Page
Director of Residence Life, Pepperdine University
Maura serves as the Director of Residence Life at Pepperdine University. Maura is in her 19th year of professional work in Student Affairs and Residence Life, and in addition to finding joy and ministry in her professional role, she delights in being a child of God, a wife, and mother.

Dana Pautsch
Department Chair for Exercise & Sport Science, Judson University
As an assistant professor at Judson University since 2014, Dana utilizes experiential learning and creative pedagogy to provide her students the skills and professional experiences they need to succeed beyond the classroom. Serving as ESS Department Chair allows her the opportunity to enhance campus collaborations that improve the quality of her students’ academic endeavors. Prior to joining Judson’s faculty, she served as an instructor and academic coordinator for three years at Northern Illinois University. Dana Pautsch earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Truman State University, and her Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science from West Texas A&M University.

Stefani Plummer
Director of the Recreation Center, California Baptist University
Stefani graduated from University of California, San Diego with a BA in Psychology, from Arizona State University with a Masters in Recreation Management. She has worked in recreation for 27 years in a variety of positions, with the last seven years serving as the Director of the Recreation Center at CBU. Stefani's ministry is to provide an amazing co-curricular experience to students through recreational programming and wellness initiatives.

Elizabeth Powell, Psy.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology, Vanguard University
Elizabeth wrote her dissertation on Christian faith development in college students and worked in various clinical settings including college counseling centers, high schools, and community centers. After completing her doctorate, Elizabeth spent a few years teaching as adjunct faculty at Vanguard and supervising doctoral students at Azusa Paciﬁc University. She also worked with Cloud and Fire Ministries in LA providing counseling services to at risk youth. Currently, she keeps a small caseload of clients at Journeys Counseling Ministry in Costa Mesa. Elizabeth's passion is helping people discover their purpose in life and exploring ways to use psychological training in ministry.

Ludmila Praslova, Ph.D.
Accreditation Liaison Officer, Professor of Psychology, Director of Graduate Program in Organizational Psychology, Vanguard University
Ludmila is an Accreditation Liaison Officer, Professor of Psychology and the founding Director of Graduate Program in Organizational Psychology at Vanguard University. Her areas of expertise include organizational eﬀectiveness, organizational culture assessment and change, workplace justice and civility, training and training evaluation in organizations, and intercultural relations and diversity. She also uses her expertise in Organizational Psychology to contribute to strengthening Higher Education institutions by participating in regional accreditation peer review teams.

Cammy Purper, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of Arts and Science, California Baptist University Online
Cammy is an educator with a background in early learning and human development. She has been fortunate to have many mentors that have made an enormous contribution to her personal and professional life. She is dedicated to creating professional relationships that encourage and empower others.

Susan Purrington, Psy.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology, California Baptist University
Susan earned her doctorate from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University. She is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at CBU. Prior to this, she taught at Concordia University and worked at Biola University and Azusa Pacific University counseling centers, providing supervision and clinical trainings to Masters and Doctoral students. Susan maintains a private practice in Orange, working with individuals, couples, and families. She is active in her church, leading the MomsLife group and volunteering in various women and children ministries. She has three children, ages 1, 4, and 7, and a rescue puppy. She is grateful for her supportive husband and amazing work and church community, all of which help her maintain a healthy balance.

Wendeth J. Rauf
Instructional Support Administrator, Community College of Denver
An alumna of CBU with a BA in Communication Studies and M.S. in Student Development/Higher Education Leadership, Wendeth has been working for the Community College of Denver in Faculty Development, Student Worker Supervisor, and as an adjunct instructor for Advanced Academic Achievement. Her research involves orientation programming.

Liz Robertson
Resident Director, Westmont College
Liz has been working full-time in higher education since 2007. She began her higher ed career at HoneyRock, Wheaton College's Center for Leadership Development before transitioning to Residence Life at Bethel University (MN). Liz has been serving as a Resident Director at Westmont College since 2015 and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Global Leadership & Change at Pepperdine University.

Anna Grigorian Routon, LMFT, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Psychology, California Baptist University Online
Anna is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at CBU, Online and Professional Studies. Anna is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology. She has completed an APA-accredited doctoral internship at The Help Group in Sherman Oaks, CA. Anna is passionate about working with children, parents, and teachers, and has worked for the past 5 years to develop and execute bullying-prevention and mental health-focused presentations geared toward elementary and middle-school students and their parents. Anna also recognizes the importance of culturally-sensitive approaches to clinical work, including a focus on religious/spiritual factors. As a wife, mother, working professional, and a student simultaneously, Anna recognizes the importance of self-reflection and self-care and takes an active role in mentoring young women who are navigating graduate school and their post-graduate careers.

Terrelle Sales, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Graduate Education for Single Subject Credential Candidates, Vanguard University
Terrelle currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Graduate Education for Single Subject Credential Candidates at Vanguard University. His research interests include the application of the principles of Liberation Theological and Critical Pedagogy in both spiritual and educational contexts. His most recent study looked at the praxis of Jesus Christ's pedagogy and the Christocentric intersectionality of Critical Pedagogy and Liberation Theology and it's implications for both educators, researchers, leaders, and clergy.

Andrea Scott, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor of Marketing, Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business, California Baptist University
Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Andrea is Dean and Professor of Marketing at CBU's Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business and celebrates the privilege of educating the next generation of principled business leaders. She was a Fulbright Scholar to the University of Technology in Kingston and continues to explore research opportunities and consulting activities in her homeland. Incorporating over a quarter of a century of marketing and business development experience, she has national advertising agency experience, and has worked with NBC, Honeywell, Inc. and various start-ups including her own The Write Touch (a marketing and creative writing business) and has board experience with Susan G. Komen, Los Angeles County and her undergraduate alma mater Wheaton College. She has keen interest in and signiﬁcant engagement with public service agencies and nonproﬁt organizations and enjoys investigating the challenges faced at the intersection of conscience, culture and consumption.

Elisa Shepard, Ph.D.
Director of Academic Support for CBU Online; Director of Clinical Training; Associate Professor in the MS Counseling Psychology program, California Business University
Elisais the Director of Academic Support for the CBU Division of Online and Professional Studies as well as the Director of Clinical Training and an Associate Professor in the MS Counseling Psychology program. Elisa is also a licensed clinical psychologist and has a part-time clinical practice in Orange County, CA. Her clinical and research interests include attachment-based psychotherapy, relationship health, and teaching effectiveness. Elisa holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University. She earned an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology from Biola as well. In addition to her professional work, her husband, two children, and new puppy bring her immense joy!

Ariana Smeragliuolo
STEM Student Success Coordinator, Vanguard University
Ariana developed her career in both Direct Marketing Operations Management and Administrative Management before ﬁnding a home at Vanguard University as the STEM Student Success Coordinator. Her goal is to always grow and learn as a teacher and as a student so she can be her highest self both professionally and personally. She has been a speaker and advisor nationwide regarding interpersonal analysis, sales, entrepreneurship and the practice of Thin Slicing.

Erin Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology and the Director of Research at the Center for the Study of Human Behavior, California Baptist University
Erinis an Associate Professor of Psychology and the Director of Research at the Center for the Study of Human Behavior at CBU. Trained as a developmental psychologist, Erin's research focuses on the intersection of science and Christian faith, including how the church can help optimize children's development and the role of virtues in adult mental health. In addition to her professional roles, she is a wife and mother of three young children. Accordingly, she spends much of her free time researching how psychological research can promote ﬂourishing in the face of many competing personal and professional demands.

Kelly Soifer
Denominational Leader at Free Methodist Church in Southern California; Corporate Consultant in Leadership
Kelly has served in vocational ministry since 1984. She has been a regional director with Young Life, a youth pastor, an instructor at Westmont College, a denominational leader with the Free Methodist Church and a corporate consultant in leadership development nationally and internationally. At this point in her career, her greatest passions are to develop transformational leaders for the 21st-century and to help believers understand what it means to love your neighbor in tangible ways.

Mary Ann Stahovich, MHP, PA-C
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies, Didactic & Program Admissions Coordinator, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, California Baptist University
As a physician assistant for over 23 years in a variety of settings and locales, Mary is currently the admissions and didactic coordinator at the CBU PA studies program. She is also the PA faculty advisor for the PA Club, working with students, faculty and staﬀ.

Debbie Steele, Ph.D., LMFT, RN
Directs the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling Program, Gateway Seminary
Debbie is the counseling professor at Gateway Seminary. She directs the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling program there. She is also a licensed marriage and family therapist who practices fully online. She is a former missionary to Yugoslavia and is married to a pastor. She loves competitive tennis and playing with her grandkids.

Andrew Stenhouse, Ed.D.
Professor of Organizational Psychology, Graduate Studies, Vanguard University
Andrew is a graduate studies professor of organizational psychology at Vanguard University, teaching behavior and psychology in organizations, psychology of leadership and motivation, organizational systems, development and change. In addition to teaching, Andrew previously served as Managing Director of the Judkins Institute for Leadership Studies, and frequently conducts frequent workshops on disordered personalities in the workplace, leader development, culture change, and employee engagement. He also works with select clients in Gesell Psychotherapy, a private practice in Newport Beach, providing psychotherapeutic interventions to help clients manage the difficult transitions of life, particularly in the workplace. His clients primarily include (a) leaders (mostly in ministry) struggling to navigate the dynamics of their vocation and its impact on the home; (b) employees searching to discover and develop meaningful careers; (c) individuals struggling to escape cognitive distortions that proliferate unhealthy conﬂict.

Carrie Stockton, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President, Student Success & Engagement, Biola University
Carrie serves as the AVP of Student Success & Academic Engagement at Biola University and has worked at the university since 2001. She held several positions within Undergraduate Admissions before becoming the Director of Academic Advising and Retention in 2008, and then Dean of Student Success in 2014. She earned her B.A. in Business/Economics from Wheaton College, M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Biola University, and completed her Ph.D. at Azusa Pacific University with a dissertation that explored the experiences of male advocates of women presidents in Christian higher education.

Kelly Sullenberger
Marketing Coordinator for Enrollment Management, Pepperdine University
Kelly is a leader, advocate, and learner. Kelly is a full-time student and full-time professional by serving as the Marketing Coordinator for Enrollment Management at Pepperdine University as well as being a Ph.D. student in Global Leadership & Change at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Her passion is in advocating for marginalized and underserved individuals to help more people achieve their education goals. Kelly's research interests focus on understanding and improving the minority student experience at Predominately White Institutions.

Yvonne Thai, Ph.D.
Department Chair of Behavioral Science and Associate Professor of Sociology, California Baptist University Online
Yvonne is department chair for Behavioral Sciences, Associate Professor of Sociology, and lead faculty in Sociology at CBU, Online and Professional Studies. Yvonne earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside in 2011 specializing in social psychology and organizations/institutions. Prior to joining CBU, Yvonne taught at UC Riverside as well as California State University, Fullerton. Yvonne's dissertation, “Examining Vicarious Guilt and Shame through Corporate and Categoric Dimensions of Social Identities” focused on the impact of emotions on morality. In recent years, her research interests have shifted in focus to examine the issues of burnout and emotional labor particularly among service workers. In 2017 she co-authored a piece, titled “Burnout in Christian Perspective” with Drs. Frederick and Dunbar of CBU and has recently submitted and continues to work on this line of research with her colleagues. She is also an active reviewer for MDPI Behavioral Sciences.

Beth Claassen Thrush, Ph.D.
Chancellor's Office, UC Riverside, Public Good Working Group
Beth works in the Chancellor's Oﬃce at UC Riverside, providing support for special projects and committees, including the Contributions to the Public Good working group. She is also an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School of Education. She earned her Ph.D. in Education in May 2019. Her research focuses on school-community partnerships and international comparative education. Her professional experience spans K-12 teaching, international non-proﬁt education work in Central America, and creating and scaling higher education student success initiatives.

Carol Troesh
Supporter of Cultivating Pearls and CCCU initiatives for female students

Lane Valley
Graduate Student of Theology, Vanguard University
Lane is from Haslett, Michigan, and is a graduate student at Vanguard University of Southern California where she is studying theology. After she graduates, Lane plans on studying many religious traditions, and she ultimately plans on pursuing her Ph.D. so that she can achieve her goal of becoming a college professor. With that, in her graduate studies, she is looking to take an anthropological and sociological approach to the study of various historical religious traditions.

Melanie Vogel
Director of Advancement Communications, Vanguard University
Melanie is a communications professional with 7+ years of experience at organizations big and small, non-profit and for-proﬁt, magical and mundane. Previous employers include The Walt Disney Company, a local church, an international ministry, Visit Anaheim and a non-proﬁt that helps women ﬁnd purpose and healing. Today, Melanie is the Director of Advancement Communications at Vanguard University. She drives all communication and marketing strategy and content development for Vanguard's alumni engagement, development, external relations and executive communications. She also oversees the "vanguard" magazine, Vanguard's largest external print publication. Melanie is passionate about intentionality, inclusivity, diversity and honor in her work, ensuring pieces reﬂect the people, heart and mission of Vanguard.

Isaac Voss, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Sociology, Vanguard University
Isaac is an assistant professor of anthropology and sociology at Vanguard University. He is the author of a number of articles and chapters on community health and development issues. He served as a co-editor for the book Health, Healing and Shalom: Frontiers and Challenges for Christian Healthcare Missions (2015). He is presently conducting research on the basic needs of at-risk college students. His areas of emphasis include urban studies, community development, and public health. As an applied anthropologist, Professor Voss is especially interested in helping development organizations better understand the role of culture in their eﬀorts to sustain human ﬂourishing.

Natalie Winter, Ed.D.
Professor of Marketing & Management, Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business, California Baptist University
Natalie is a professor of marketing and management in CBU's Jabs School of Business. Along with teaching at CBU, she regularly presents on issues related to leadership to both academic and corporate audiences. Additionally, Natalie conducted research on student resilience and how to increase it through curricular activities.

Effat Zeidan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of General Education, California Baptist University
Eﬀat began her journey in science education and research back in her home country, Lebanon, at the American University of Beirut as she pursued her BSc in Chemistry. During her undergraduate years, she was inspired by the advancements in the ﬁeld of Nanotechnology praying that one day she would become a member of a leading research group and participate in the top notch research. After graduating with her Bachelors in Science, she was blessed with the opportunity to pursue her doctorate degree in nanoscience and nanotechnology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro joining Dr. Sandrosa's research lab. A dream come true to the inspired graduate student turned out to result in the development of promising ultra-sensitive nano diagnostic devices for early disease detection after 4 years of dedication and hard work. Effat graduated and then embarked a career in distance teaching through the wonderful opportunity granted to her by the CBU OPS team. She is grateful for pursuing her passion in communicating science to a non-traditional online student community. She is constantly challenged and focused on improving the quality of online science and math education through the introduction of practical learning tools and motivational learning strategies.

Kayla Zuniga
Program Developer for Shed the Shame
As a program developer for Shed the Shame, an event designed to combat the pervasive nature of shame in the Christian culture, Kayla's passions include counseling women through shame, developing leaders and fighting against marred identities. As a former SCORR coordinator, Q Union speaker and now a candidate in the Masters of Arts in Christian Ministries for Pastoral Care and Counseling, Kayla's dreams include researching and creating curriculum on the topic of shame with the intention of empowering and encouraging women to believe in their God-given talents in work, ministry and daily life.