Meet Our Staff

Jeffrey Scott Biddle, LMFT, Counseling Center Director

Jeff Biddle holds a BA in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento, as well as an MDiv in Practical Theology from Talbot School of Theology and an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Jeff assumed the position of Counseling Center director at California Baptist University in August 2013. For the previous 17 years, he served as a pastor, directing and overseeing a Christian counseling center, leading a marriage ministry, support groups and a 12-step biblical recovery program; and served as chaplain to the church staff. Jeff has maintained a private practice since 2005, specializing in couples therapy, specifically for those in crisis, as well as working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and sexual addiction. Jeff is married to Michele, and they have three children, Brooke, Joshua and Scotty.

Natalie Rios, PsyD, Counseling Center Assistant Director

 Dr. Rios is a clinical psychologist who earned her doctoral (PsyD) and master's degrees in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from California Baptist University. She has gained invaluable experience working with individuals and couples, and has worked in a variety of settings including private practice, outpatient community clinics and several college counseling centers. Dr. Rios is passionate about working with college students and her professional interests include identity exploration and development, relational dynamics, adjustment difficulties, and grief and loss. Additionally, she is committed to supporting Counseling Center clinicians and collaborating with staff and faculty in order to promote the wellness of students across campus. Presently, Dr. Rios is the assistant director of the CBU Counseling Center and she regularly provides supervision for clinicians working within the Counseling Center.

Julie Greenwalt, Counseling Center Office Manager

Julie Greenwalt graduated from California Baptist University with a BA in Behavioral Science. She assumed the position of secretary in the Counseling Center in June 2006 and became the office manager in 2013.

Laura Abbott, Counseling Center Secretary

Laura Abbott graduated from Southern Illinois University, where she received a BS in Health Care Management. She assumed the position of secretary in the Counseling Center in 2014.

Angela Alvarado, MFT Trainee

Angela Alvarado earned her BA from California State University, San Bernardino, and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. Angela enjoys working with individuals, couples and adolescents, particularly those dealing with life transitions.

 

Bibiana Castro, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Bibiana Castro earned her BA in Behavioral Science and an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, and adolescents, and is particularly interested in dealing with women's issues and stress management.

Julie Hammond, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Julie Hammond earned her BS from the University of Southern California and her MS in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. She has experience working with homeless people and is interested in helping individuals, couples and children, as well as those dealing with anxiety, depression, childhood abuse and trauma-related experiences.

 

Stephanie Kohorst, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Stephanie Kohorst received her BA in Christian Behavioral Science and an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She has experience working with youth and is certified in Prepare/Enrich for both premarital and marital counseling. She is interested in working with teens, young adults, families and couples.

Matt Levyssohn, MFT Trainee

Matt Levyssohn received his BA from the University of California, Riverside, and is currently working toward his MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. He is interested in working with individuals, children, families and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, anger and life transitions.

Benita Oshana, MFT Trainee

Benita Oshana received her BA in Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus, and is currently working toward her MS in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. She has experience working with children with autism, and is interested in working with individuals, adolescents, families, and couples.

Haley Raelene Prizzi, MFT Trainee

Haley Prizzi earned her BA in Psychology and is currently working toward her MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She is interested in working with children, couples, families and individuals.

Teresa Rimmer, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Teresa Rimmer completed her BA in Psychology and Business at UCLA and an MS in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Professional Clinical Counseling at California Baptist University. She is certified in Prepare/Enrich for both premarital and marital counseling. Teresa has a passion for and experience working with individuals, couples, families, teens and children.

Linda Sharples, MFT Trainee

Linda Sharples obtained her BA in Psychology and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She is interested in working with individuals, families and couples.

Kyrsten Stevens, MFT Trainee

Kyrsten Stevens received her B.A. in Psychology and is currently working toward her MS in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Professional Clinical Counseling at California Baptist University. She is certified in Prepare/Enrich for marital and premarital couples, and enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, couples and families.

Autumn Torres, MFT Trainee

Autumn Torres earned her BA in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is currently working toward her MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She is interested in working with individuals, couples, children and veterans.

Alison Turner, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Alison Turner earned her BS in Accounting and an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She is interested in working with children, adolescents, young adults and families.

Alison Twitty, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Alison Twitty received her BA in Psychology at Fresno Pacific University and an MS in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Professional Clinical Counseling at California Baptist University. She is interested in working with individuals, couples and families.