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.

Yocasta "Susy" Alanis, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Susy Alanis earned her BA in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, and her MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She has experience working with children with disabilities and enjoys working with individuals who suffer from depression and anxiety, as well as military families.

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.

Hailey Arellano, MFT Trainee

Hailey Arellano received 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, couples, and families, and is fluent in Spanish.

Shevan Breaux, MFT Trainee

Shevan Breaux received his BA in Psychology at California State University, San Bernardino, and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. He is interested in working with individuals, couples, children, and families.

Christina Cendejas, MFT Trainee

Christina Cendejas received her BA in Psychology and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She has experience working at a rehab nursing facility as well as persons with autism spectrum disorders. Christina is interested in working with young adults, children, and families, particularly those dealing with depression and anxiety.

Nadia Marie De Leon, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Nadia De Leon earned her BA in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, and an MS in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. She has experience working at a battered women's shelter as well as preschoolers. She is interested in working with individuals, couples, and families; in particular, persons who experience depression and anxiety, as well as those involved in domestic violence situations. 

 

Denise Dugan, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Denise Dugan received her BA in Psychology and an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She has worked as a counselor with non-profit organizations and has experience using art and play therapy techniques, as well as working with couples, families, and troubled adolescents.

Eimy Estrada, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Eimy Estrada earned her BA in Psychology and MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She has experience working as a behavioral specialist and is interested in working with individuals, couples, and families, particularly those dealing with depression, abuse, and women's issues. Eimy is also fluent in Spanish.

Abigail Fuller, MFT Trainee

 

Abigail Fuller received her BA in Psychology and Christian Behavioral Science and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She is interested in working with young adults, couples, and families.

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.

Kellie Hester, MFT Trainee

Kellie Hester received her BA in Psychology and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She has experience working with adults and couples dealing with depression and anxiety, as well as children who have suffered from family trauma. Kellie is interested in working with individuals, couples and families.

Jessica Hernandez, MFT Trainee

Jessica Hernandez earned her BA in Psychology at the University of California, Riverside, and is currently working towards an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She in interested in working with individuals, couples, and children, particularly those experiencing anxiety and going through life transitions.

Aldys Ismael, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Aldys Ismael received her BA in Psychology and MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She has experience working in ministry with families and individuals struggling with addiction, group therapy for children and adolescents, as well as domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors. She is interested in working with individuals, couples, families, and children and is fluent in Spanish.

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.

Jefferson Monge Fernandez, MFT Trainee

Jefferson Monge Fernandez earned his BA in Psychology and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. He has experience as an ABA therapist and working with youth and children in ministry, as well as individuals with disabilities. Jefferson is interested in working with individuals, families, couples, and children. He is also fluent in Spanish.

Rose Nelson, MFT Trainee

Rose Nelson received her BA in Psychology and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She is interested in working with young adults, couples, families, and children.

Benita Oshana, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Benita Oshana received her BA in Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus, and 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.

Robby Plavajka, MFT Trainee

Robby Plavajka earned his BA in Psychology and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. He has experience as a peer and family advocate and is interested in working with individuals, couples, and families.

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.

Miss-Kimille Richardson, MFT Trainee

Miss-Kimille Richardson earned her BA in Sociology from Prairie View A&M University and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She is interested in working with young adults, couples, and families.

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.

Gina Rodriguez, MFT Trainee

Gina Rodriguez earned two BA's, one in Psychology, the other in Music, from Arizona State University and is currently working towards an MS in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. She has served as a client advocate and is interested in working with couples and families, and individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, spiritual issues, and self-esteem/identity.

Jazmine Russell, MFT Trainee

Jazmine Russell received a BA in Psychology from California State University, Fresno, and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She has experience working with children with autism, and is interested in working with young adults, couples, and families.

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, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Kyrsten Stevens received her B.A. in Psychology and an 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. 

Faith Yoo, MFT Trainee

Faith Yoo received her BA in Sociology at the University of California, Riverside, and is currently working toward an MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She has experience working with victims of sexual trauma and is interested in working with individuals, couples, and children.