Faculty & Staff
College of Health Science

David Pearson, Ph.D.
Professor of KinesiologyDean, College of Health ScienceOffice Phone: (951) 343-4298E-mail: dpearson@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus A6b
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Institutional Leadership and Policy Studies | University of California, Riverside | 2003 |
M.S.A. | Sport Management | West Chester University | 1997 |
B.S. | Health and Physical Education | West Chester University | 1992 |

Charles Sands, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic AffairsProfessor of Health ScienceOffice Phone: (951) 343-4213E-mail: csands@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Eugene and Billie Yeager Center, Room C215
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Public Health | University of Alabama at Birmingham | 2004 |
M.A. | Education | University of Alabama at Birmingham | 1995 |
B.S. | Education | Samford University | 1993 |

Janet Bonome, DrPH
Chair, Department of Public Health SciencesAssociate ProfessorOffice Phone: (951) 343-2176E-mail: jbonome@calbaptist.edu
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
DrPH | Health Education | Loma Linda University | 2015 |
MPH | Health Education | Loma Linda University | 2007 |
BS | Biology | University of California Riverside | 2003 |

Nicole MacDonald, Dr.PH
Professor of Athletic TrainingDepartment Chair, Allied Health ProfessionsProgram Director, Athletic Training
Office Phone: (951) 343-4379E-mail: nmacdonald@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: College of Health Science Campus Office F83
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Dr.PH | Preventive Care | Loma Linda University | 2007 |
MPH | Health Promotion and Education | Loma Linda University | 1995 |
B.A. | Physical Education/Athletic Training; Certificate: Computer Programming | Point Loma Nazarene University | 1990 |

Bryan Ness, Ph.D.
Professor, Communication Sciences and DisordersChair, Department of Communication Sciences and DisordersOffice Phone: 951-552-8343E-mail: bness@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus F76
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Communication Disorders and Sciences | University of Oregon | 2009 |
M.S. | Speech Pathology and Audiology | University of Nevada, Reno | 2002 |
B.S. | Speech Pathology and Audiology | University of Nevada, Reno | 2000 |

Heather Ontiveros, PA-C, DHSc, ATC
Associate Professor of Physician Assistant StudiesChair of Department of Physician Assistant StudiesProgram Director, Physician Assistant Studies
Office Phone: (951) 552-8504E-mail: hontiveros@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus G112
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
PA-C | Physician Assistant | University of California, Davis | 2008 |
DHSc | Doctor of Health Science | A.T. Still University | 2018 |
MA | Kinesiology, Emphasis in Biomechanics and Athletic Training | San Diego State University | 2004 |
BS | Exercise Science | University of California, Davis | 1999 |

Sean Sullivan, Ph.D.
Professor of KinesiologyDepartment Chair of KinesiologyProgram Director, MS in Kinesiology
Office Phone: (951) 343-4528E-mail: ssullivan@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus, F94
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Physical Education & Sport Management | University of New Mexico | 2004 |
M.A. | Kinesiology | San Diego State University | 2001 |
B.S. | Kinesiology | San Diego State University | 1998 |

Jordan Adams, D.P.T.
Assistant ProfessorClinical Coordinator, Physical Therapy Assistant ProgramOffice Phone: (951) 552-8459E-mail: jadams@calbaptist.edu
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
D.P.T. | Physical Therapy | Midwestern University | 2013 |

Akua Amankwaah, Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorOffice Phone: 951-552-8458E-mail: aamankwaah@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Sciences Campus, H 143
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Nutrition Science | Purdue University, W Lafayette, IN | 2017 |
M.S. | Nutrition Science | Bowling Green University, Ohio | 2010 |
B.S. | Nutrition and Food Sciences | University of Ghana, Legon, Accra | 2002 |

Brian Bearie, MD, F.A.C.E.P.
Clinical Associate ProfessorMedical Director, Physician Assistant StudiesOffice Phone: (951) 552-8515E-mail: bbearie@calbaptist.edu
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
MD, F.A.C.E.P. | Emergency Medicine | University of California, Irvine | 2002 |
M.D. | Medicine | University of Pennsylvania | 1999 |
B.S. | Biology | University of California, Irvine | 1995 |

Kristin Beinschroth, MPH
Visiting Professor of Radiologic SciencesDidactic Instructor, Radiologic SciencesOffice Phone: (951)552-8369E-mail: kbeinsch@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: D54, Health Sciences
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
MPH | Health Education and Promotion | California Baptist University | 2020 |
BSRS | Radiologic Sciences | California State University, Northridge | 2011 |
AA | Liberal Arts | Victor Valley College | 2008 |
AS | Science and Math | Victor Valley College | 2008 |
AA | Business | Victor Valley College | 2008 |

Danette Bonillo, Ed.D.
Assistant ProfessorDirector of Clinical Education for Speech Language Pathology Office Phone: (951) 552-8942E-mail: dbonillo@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: F78
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ed.D. | Educational Leadership | Concordia University Irvine | 2017 |
M.A. | Speech Language Pathology | California State University, Long Beach | 1990 |
B.A. | Communicative Disorders | California State University, Long Beach | 1987 |

William Boyer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of KinesiologyOffice Phone: (951) 552-8152E-mail: wboyer@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus. F88
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Kinesiology (Physical Activity Epidemiology Specialization) | University of Tennessee | 2017 |
M.S.H. | Exercise Science and Chronic Disease | University of North Florida | 2014 |
B.S.H. | Exercise Physiology | University of North Florida | 2012 |

Crystal Chavez, M.S.
Visiting ProfessorDirector, Physical Activity ProgramsOffice Phone: (951) 552-8710E-mail: cchavez@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus Inside Physical Activity Center (PAC) G123
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
M.S. | Kinesiology / Pedagogy | California Baptist University | 2008 |
B.S. | Kinesiology / Physical Education | California Baptist University | 2005 |

Karlyssa Chung, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant StudiesDirector of Clinical Education, Physician Assistant StudiesOffice Phone: 9515528344E-mail: kachung@calbaptist.edu
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
MSPAS, PA-C | Master of Physician Assistant Studies | Western University of Health Sciences | 2012 |
B.A. | Bachelor of Art in Human Development | University of California, San Diego | 2007 |

Mark A. Deharo, D.H.S.c.
Assistant ProfessorDirector, Radiologic Sciences ProgramOffice Phone: 951-552-8346E-mail: mdeharo@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus D52
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
D.H.S.c. | Health Science/Organizational Leadership | A.T. Still University | 2019 |
M.H.A. | Health Care Aministration | University of Phoenix | 2008 |
B.S. | Radiologic Sciences/Administration | Loma Linda University | 2000 |
A.S. | Radiologic Sciences | Loma Linda University | 1996 |

Jolene Dickert, Ed.D.
Professor of Athletic TrainingClinical Coordinator for Athletic TrainingOffice Phone: (951) 343-4508E-mail: jdickert@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus, F82
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ed.D. | Educational Administration and Leadership in Higher Education | University of the Pacific | 2012 |
M.A. | Athletic Training and Biomechanics | San Diego State University | 2002 |
B.A. | Sports Medicine | Whitworth College | 1997 |

Jan Edmisten, D.Sc.
Professor Director, Physical Therapist Assistant ProgramOffice Phone: (951) 343-4539E-mail: jedmisten@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus, F87
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
D.Sc. | Research/Teaching | Loma Linda University | 1997 |
M.P.T. | Physical Therapy | Loma Linda University | 1995 |
B.S. | Wellness/Fitness and Physical Education | Middle Tennessee State University | 1992 |

Lindsay Fahnestock, Dr.P.H.
Associate ProfessorOffice Phone: 951-552-8535E-mail: lfahnestock@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: H133
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Dr.P.H. | Nutrition | Loma Linda University | 2017 |
M.P.H. | Environmental Health | Loma Linda University | 2012 |
B.S. | Biology | California Baptist University | 2009 |

Lisa Friesen, M.S.
Assistant ProfessorE-mail: lfriesen@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: James 478
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
M.S. | Exercise Physiology | James Madison University | 2010 |
B.A. | Sport Science | The University of the Pacific | 2004 |

Trevor Gillum, Ph.D.
Professor of KinesiologyProgram Director of Exercise ScienceOffice Phone: (951) 343-4950E-mail: tgillum@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Sciences Campus, F89
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Exercise Physiology | University of New Mexico | 2010 |
M.S. | Health, and Human Performance | University of Montana | 2006 |
B.S. | Health and Exercise Science | University of Oklahoma | 2004 |

Lauri Hauck, M.S.
Visiting Professor, Department of Kinesiology Office Phone: (951) 552-8823E-mail: lhauck@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: College of Health Science, F92
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
M.S. | Kinesiology/Physical Education | California Baptist University | 2004 |
B.A. | Liberal Studies/Kinesiology | California Baptist University | 2004 |

Mercy Homer
Assistant ProfessorOffice Phone: (951) 552-8299E-mail: mhomer@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus F85

Morris Hunter, M.Ed.
Assistant ProfessorClinical Coordinator, Radiologic SciencesOffice Phone: 951-552-8128E-mail: mhunter@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Building D., Room D53
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
M.Ed. | Education | California State University, San Bernardino, CA | 1999 |
B.V.E. | Vocational Education | California State University, San Bernardino, CA | 1984 |
A.S. | Radiologic Technology | Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, CA | 1973 |

Namhee Kim, Ph.D.
Professor of Communication Sciences and DisordersNSSLHA CBU Chapter Advisor
Office Phone: (951) 552-8725E-mail: nkim@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus F75
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Communication Sciences and Disorders | University of Texas at Austin | 2010 |
M.A. | Russian Linguistics | Yonsei University | 2001 |
B.A. | Russian Language and Literature | Yonsei University | 1998 |

Sangmin Kim, Ed.D., MCHES
Professor of Public Health SciencesProfessorOffice Phone: 951-552-8536E-mail: sakim@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus H142
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ed.D. | Curriculum and Instruction /Community Health | University of Northern Iowa | 2004 |
M.A. | Community Health | University of Northern Iowa | 2001 |

Jong-Kyung Kim, Ph.D.
ProfessorE-mail: jokim@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Cardiovascular Physiology | Wayne State School of Medicine | 2004 |
M.A. | Physiology | Ball State University | 1999 |
M.S. | Clinical Exercise Physiology | Ball State University | 1998 |

Robert LaChausse, Ph.D.
ProfessorOffice Phone: (951) 552-8484E-mail: rlachausse@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus H144
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Developmental Psychology | Claremont Graduate University | 2007 |
M.A. | Health and Behavioral Science | California State University, San Bernardino | 1998 |
B.A. | Psychology | California State University, San Bernardino | 1994 |

Sydney Leisz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Office Phone: 951-552-8528E-mail: sleisz@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: F90
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Sport and Exercise Science | Abertay University | 2021 |
M.S. | Kinesiology- Sport Performance | Point Loma Nazarene University | 2017 |
B.A. | Kinesiology- Fitness Professional | Point Loma Nazarene University | 2016 |

Catherine Letherer, MS, MBA, PA-C
Associate ProfessorAcademic Director of PA EducationPhysician Assistant Studies
Office Phone: (951) 552-8298E-mail: cletherer@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Sciences Building, G118
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
MS, MBA, PA-C | Health Care Administration | Western Governors University | 2013 |
MS | Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies | Quinnipiac University | 1996 |
BA | Sociology | University of California, San Diego | 1992 |

Amy Miller, Dr.P.H.
Professor of KinesiologyOffice Phone: (951) 552-8843E-mail: amiller@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus, F93
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Dr.P.H. | Health Promotion and Education | Loma Linda University | 2016 |
M.S. | Kinesiology (Fitness and Health Promotion) | CSU Fullerton | 2006 |
B.S. | Kinesiology (Exercise Science) | California Baptist University | 2004 |

Monica O'Rourke, Ph.D
Professor of KinesiologyCollege of Health ScienceCo-Director Ph.D. Leadership Studies Program (Interim), Ph.D. Leadership Institute Research Fellow
Office Phone: (951) 343-4267E-mail: morourke@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: College of Health Science
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D | Health and Human Performance | Middle Tennessee State University | |
M.S. | Education | California Baptist University | |
T.L. | Teaching Licensure | Tennessee Department of Education | |
T.C. | Teaching Credential | California State University, Fullerton | |
B.S. | Kinesiology | California State University, San Bernardino |

Ashley Parks, Dr.P.H.
Associate Professor of Public Health ScienceProgram Director, Master of Public HealthOffice Phone: 951-552-8347E-mail: aparks@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus H136
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Dr.P.H. | Doctor of Public Health | University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | 2016 |
MBA | Executive Master of of Business Administration | Quantic School of Business and Technology | 2019 |
MTech | Masters in Technology Management | Georgetown | 2018 |
M.P.H. | Master of Public Health | California State University Fresno | 2008 |
B.S. | Health Science - Community Health | CSU Fresno | 2006 |

Marshare Penny, Dr.P.H.
Clinical Professor of Public HealthOffice Phone: (951) 552-8385E-mail: mpenny@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus H144
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Dr.P.H. | Public Health, Health Promotion and Education | Loma Linda University | 2014 |
M.P.H. | Public Health, Epidemiology | San Diego State University | 2004 |
B.S. | Health Science, Community Health Education | San Diego State University | 2002 |

Johanna Pulliam
InstructorOffice Phone: (951) 552-8531E-mail: jopulliam@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus

Michelle Ross
Visiting Professor, Communication Sciences & DisordersOffice Phone: (951) 552-8837E-mail: mross@calbaptist.edu

Cindy Sendor, M.A.
Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and DisordersOffice Phone: (951) 343-4655E-mail: csendor@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: HSC F79
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
M.A. | Communication Disorders | California State University, Fullerton | August 1986 |
B.A. | Communications | California State University, Fullerton | December 1984 |

Mary Sherman, PTA
LecturerPTA Program FacultyOffice Phone: (951) 343-4512E-mail: msherman@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: College of Health Sciences F-88
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
PTA | Physical Therapist Assistant | San Diego Mesa College | 1986 |
MBA | Business Administration | University of Phoenix | 2015 |
BSHA | Healthcare Administration | University of Phoenix | 2013 |

Mary Stahovich , M.H.P., P.A.-C
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant StudiesDirector of PA Admissions & Didactic Coordinator, Physician Assistant StudiesOffice Phone: 951-552-8281E-mail: mstahovich@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: G114, Health Science Campus
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
M.H.P., P.A.-C | Master of Health Professions | Northeastern University | 1999 |
B.S. | Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology | University of California at San Diego | 1992 |

Candace Vickers, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Professor of Communication Sciences and DisordersClinical Supervisor for the Clinical Education Center on Health Science CampusFounding program director for CBU's M.S. in Speech Language Pathology, guiding program to candidacy and accreditation site visit. Served as program director 2014-2021.
Office Phone: (951) 552-8129E-mail: cvickers@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus, F77
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Education | Claremont Graduate University | 2008 |
M.S. | Communicative Disorders | Chapman University | 1978 |
B.A. | Communicative Disorders | Chapman University | 1975 |

Melissa Wigginton, DrPH, CHES
Professor of Health ScienceOffice Phone: (951) 552-8537E-mail: mwigginton@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus H-138
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
DrPH | Health Education | Loma Linda University | 2011 |
M.S. | Health and Fitness Promotion | California State University Fullerton | 2008 |
B.S. | Clinical Exercise Science | California State University San Bernardino | 2006 |

James Zapata, Fellow
Assistant Professor, Emergency MedicineE-mail: jazapata@calbaptist.edu
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Fellow | Emergency Medicine Fellowship | Arrowhead Regional Medical Center | December 2020 |
D.M.Sc. | Advanced Professional Practice | University of Lynchburg | January 2022 |
M.S. | Physician Assistant | Western University of Health Sciences | July 2019 |
B.S. | Human Biology with Minor in Biblical Studies | Biola University | May 2015 |
A.A. | Liberal Studies | Saddleback College | August 2012 |

Shasha Zheng, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of NutritionOffice Phone: (951) 552-8386E-mail: szheng@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus H137
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. | Human Molecular Nutrition / Epigenetics | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 2011 |
Postdoc Fellow | Immunology / Inflammatory Bowel Diseases | Yale University School of Medicine | |
M.A. | Medical Nutrition Sciences / Epidemiology | Boston University School of Medicine | 2007 |

Brittany Davies
Director of Academic OperationsOffice Phone: (951) 552-8727E-mail: bdavies@calbaptist.edu

Jenny Gonzalez
Administrative Support Specialist-Didactic EducationOffice Phone: (951) 552-8978E-mail: jegonzalez@calbaptist.edu

Stephanie Moreno
Department Secretary, Allied Health ProfessionsOffice Phone: (951) 552-8531E-mail: smoreno@calbaptist.edu

Pauline Nguyen
Department Secretary, College of Health ScienceOffice Phone: (951) 343-4717E-mail: pnguyen@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: HSCC Building F91

Daphne Paramo
Department Secretary, Physician Assistant StudiesOffice Phone: 951-552-8515E-mail: dparamo@calbaptist.edu

Stephanie Principato
Assistant Director of Clinical EducationOffice Phone: (951) 552-8593E-mail: sprincipato@calbaptist.edu

Madison Rojer
Administrative Support SpecialistOffice Phone: (951) 552-8962E-mail: mrojer@calbaptist.edu