Quantcast

Students and Graduates Experiences



Eric Avery, Ph.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2005

I am a management and training professional with a Doctorate in Psychology, Masters in Education and over 20 years experience providing leadership and direction to individuals and organizations. Over the years I have had diverse employment experiences ranging from working for the White House to managing a truck driving training school. I am currently working for Follett Software Company as a Product Manager for educational software designed for the k-12 market. I work on the development of safe search engines for children, reading enhancement programs, alignment of state educational standards to curriculum development and other programs designed to enhance student achievement. I manage the development, enhancement, marketing, sales and over all success of the products.

CalSouthern is a top-notch school. I know this because I have attended and graduated from some of the best. The course work at CalSouthern was as challenging as any I have taken. The support from the school through the instructors, advisors and administration was outstanding. I would not have completed my course work if it were not from the encouragement and guidance of my two advisors Dr. Grimes and Dr. Allen. I started my Doctorate in Psychology at Catholic University in Washington, DC many years ago. I transferred my credits and enrolled in CalSouthern. It took me 5 long years only because of several serious changes in my life that deterred my progress. CalSouthern stuck with me and I with them. Obtaining your Doctorate is a commitment and it is not an easy task. It is a challenging program, but I will tell you that you will have the support, advice, and guidance for you to be successful.

I graduated with a BA from Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio and a MEd from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA. In addition, however, I took courses at the following schools. Sociology, University of Pittsburgh, Philosophy, Georgetown University, Economics, John Hopkins University, Old Testament, Chesapeake Theological Seminary, Statistics, Catholic University and I have successfully completed many seminars convened by several other schools and professional organizations.

My experience at CalSouthern was nothing but positive. It was hard work, but worth it.

I can be reached by email at: eric@averybusiness.com





Miles White, Psy.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2000

I started my studies again after having been an MFT for 15 years. Though the MFT license was valuable and enabled me an opportunity to market my career, I felt the scope of practice was restricting and wanted to expand my options. Most of the educational institutions offering a degree leading to licensure as a psychologist were either too demanding financially or time wise. Using the latest technology, distance learning allowed me to devote my (valuable) time to my studies, not to travel time.

I was able to obtain my doctorate, sit for the psychologist exams, and have earned my license to practice as a psychologist. I am currently the director of the Modoc County Mental Health program and am exploring a variety of career options when I retire from this position. I’m considering a private practice specializing in Forensic Psychology.





Syed Rizvi, Ph.D.

School of Business

Graduate - 2006

At CalSouthern, I found the faculty to be extremely helpful in my studies. They offered timely and professional feedback and encouragement. They were always available for additional assistance and offered encouraging advice above and beyond the scope of the courses. The faculty members have impressive credentials and I am fortunate to have gone through CalSouthern to attain my educational goals.

Dr. S. Hasnain Rizvi is currently managing project portfolios for ESRI, Inc, a leading global software solutions provider. Prior to ESRI, he spent several years in the insurance technology space catering to leading insurance carriers in the US.

Hasnain is an Adjunct Faculty member for Aspen University, California University of Technology and other institutions globally. He is regularly invited to present at conferences.

Hasnain has successfully delivered and continues to conduct Project Management training through his consulting firm GlocalPM™. Regular US Corporate clients include attendees from Sony Pictures Television, Verizon Data Services, T & T Solutions and ARSS Inc.

Hasnain is a seasoned information technology strategist, well trained in the Project Management arena, and is a business leader. His diverse experience includes mission-critical initiatives to guide organizations and executives through effective quantum innovation involving complex technical and process solutions.

Hasnain is a graduate of both California Institute of Technology's Project Management Program and University of Minnesota’s Executive Development Center Project Management Course. He completed his PhD in Business Administration from California Southern University in July 2006.

Dr. S. Hasnain Rizvi's credits include:
• Vice President, PMI California Inland Empire Chapter
• Adjunct Faculty, California University of Technology, USA
• Adjunct Online Faculty, Aspen University, USA
• Lecturer, State Alliancz eAcademy, Singapore
• Research Associate, NetEd, Inc.
• Columnist, Blue Chip Magazine, Pakistan
• Chairman, Training and Education, USGEA

Visit: www.GlocalPM.com





George White, Psy.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2005

I have been a counselor since 1974 after graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University with Bachelors in Psychology. From 1974 to 1977 I worked on an adolescent unit inpatient psychiatric while earning my Masters at Virginia Commonwealth University in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1976.

At different times during 1976 – 1978 I lived in New York while living and training at the Moreno Institute of Psychodrama. In 1979 I began working in Virginia for Juvenile Corrections, Rehabilitative Services, Adult Corrections and a return to inpatient psychiatric in 1986 on a 30 day alcohol and drug program. I earned my Licensed Professional Counselor in 1989, Certified Addictions Counselor in 1998 and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in 2000. I graduated from CalSouthern in Aug. 2005 with PsyD.

My experience with CalSouthern was incredible. I decided to enhance my knowledge base with interest in psychopharmacology, psychiatry, physiology, and neurochemistry. I graduated feeling empowered, acknowledged and confident with the new knowledge I learned.

My wife, Lorraine, and I opened our own private practice 15 months ago just 2 blocks from where I grew up. We take our dog (a budding Certified Therapy Dog), to work daily. We are thrilled and feel blessed with our success.

It is my belief my experiences with CalSouthern, especially with my advisor Dr. Carol Ryan, was for me a dream come true.

I can be reached by email at: georgemwhite@comcast.net





Al Valdez, Ph.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2004

My name is Al Valdez and I graduated from CalSouthern in July 2004 with a PhD majoring in Psychology. I also earned a Masters of Science in Law from CalSouthern in July 2002. My undergraduate work was completed many years before at the University of California, Irvine with Bachelors of Science Degrees in Biology and Chemistry completed in 1976 and 1977.

I was a employed as a full-time law enforcement officer working as a police officer and narcotics investigator for the City of Anaheim for almost 10 years. I then moved to the Orange County District Attorneys office and worked as an investigator and ultimately the Supervising Investigator of the Gang Unit. I retired in April 2006 after almost 20 years.

Currently, I am enjoying the start a second career. Earning my graduate degrees has allowed me to become an adjunct professor for the School of Social Sciences, International Studies, University of California, Irvine. I am back where I started over 30 years ago. I am teaching an undergraduate course in the globalization of American street gangs.

I have been able to author four books on the history customs and practices of street gangs. One I use as a text for the course I am teaching. I also just finished a professor friendly textbook on gangs, which includes test questions and power point presentations. My expertise is focused on drugs and gangs; that is where 99 percent of my law enforcement experience is based.

I also get to travel across the country because I present and teach at law enforcement seminars and conventions. During the past 15 years I have trained over 7000 local, state and federal law enforcement officers, deputy probation officers, prosecutors, judges, teachers and parents in 27 different states. I am also a consultant to the US Department of Justice and the State Department.

My learning experience at CalSouthern was challenging and time consuming. The benefits of my education absolutely out weigh any cost or commitment needed to successfully complete the course work. As I tell my students, my job is to help you learn. CalSouthern definitely helped me learn. I found the cadre of school instructors to be very competent and understanding and very successful at getting me to learn and enhance my study habits.

I owe my ability to retire and start a second career at 52 to CalSouthern.

I can be reached by email at: Alvaldez85@cs.com





Barbara Dennison, Ph.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2005

The distance learning format of California Southern University allowed me to take courses while maintaining a full time private practice. I searched other on line university PhD programs and found restrictions that would have prohibited me from maintaining my business while finishing this higher level degree program. The tuition was affordable. I began my course work journey and had to put it on hold for personal and then family illness. When I was able to return, the University, not only credited the tuition that I had paid in, but welcomed me back without any penalties. The most challenging part was the dissertation.

I wanted to quit several times, but Dr. Lackey and Dr. Grimes were encouraging through to completion. Thank you to my mentors.

Dr. Barbara Jo Dennison PhD, LISW, ACSW received a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from California Southern University and both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

She has served as an adjunct facility instructor for Capital University and for Ohio State University graduate schools; is a past director of operations for an Employment Assistance Program; and is a renowned speaker on compassion satisfaction/fatigue and transitional issues. Her expertise ranges from clinical diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders to the administration of wellness programs.

Currently, Dr. Dennison provides individual/family psychotherapy therapy, facilitates psychotherapy groups, provides wellness seminars for corporations, and facilitates critical incident stress debriefings. She is treasurer of the North Central C.I.S.M. Board and Board member Central Ohio Mental Health Center. She has served on the pastor parish committee in her church, on the National Board of Directors for the Fibromyalgia Alliance of America, and is a past state board member for the Ohio Society for Clinical Social Workers. She resides in Delaware, Ohio with her husband of thirty-three years.

Visit: www.dennisonassociatesinc.com





John Belt, Jr., Psy.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2002

I am President of QuinLab Consulting, LLC, in Dallas, Texas. Our paramount focus is developing geological models for natural gas prospects in Colorado & Kansas capable of producing 15 BCF of recoverable reserves. I currently hold two undergraduate, five masters, & two doctorate degrees in disciplines ranging from chemistry & geology, physical science, human relations, international business, professional development & counseling, business management, project management, & psychology from Lamar University, University of Houston, Dallas Baptist University, Abilene Christian University-Dallas (currently Amberton University), California Pacific University, Aspen University, & California Southern University.

I am a past or present member of numerous professional organizations, such as the Delta Epsilon Tau International Honor Society, Society of Behavioral Medicine, APA, APS, AAPG, AIPG, AEG, AAG, & PMI, plus, a Certified Petroleum Geologist, Chartered European Geologist, & Certified Professional Geologist. I have presented technical papers at numerous conferences & conventions, published articles in several professional journals, received the A. L. “Al” Cox Award for the best presentation at a Regional Conference of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, & featured on the cover of Oil & Gas Journal. I have over 30 years experience with Halliburton & Atlantic-Richfield (ARCO) managing various petrochemical & geochemical laboratories, developing quality control audit systems, structuring departmental training programs, & designing technical & analytical projects.

Obtaining my PsyD Degree from CalSouthern was very demanding, yet, provided me the psychological knowledge & skills to effectively run a business, while coping with the stress & emotional demands of the oil & gas exploration industry. My relationships with my professors, such as Dr. Grimes, Dr. Lackey, Dr. Ryan, & Dr. Soestwohner were extremely rewarding, yet, very demanding but worth every hour of study. In fact, graduating from CalSouthern University has become an “academic family tradition,” with my wife, Charlotte, graduating from CalSouthern in 2005 (AA) & 2006 (BBA).

To date, CalSouthern is the most demanding university I have attended, yet, it was the most rewarding & personally fulfilling. It is truly at the leading edge of “eLearning” in adult education for business professionals desiring to expand & develop their skills, or move into a new & challenging career.

I can be reached by email at: jqbjr@earthlink.net





Patsy Phillips, Ph.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2005

When I decided to get a doctorate degree, I knew that I needed to find a special university program that was rigorous and demanding in its academic intensity, yet flexible enough in its scheduling requirements to allow me to meet the demands of my busy life. After discovering CalSouthern University through one of the publications of my professional association, I perused the school’s various course offerings, degree requirements, and program descriptions. The university described its student profile as “those that could be self-directed.” I knew I fit that description, and I knew that CalSouthern was the perfect fit for me.

Obtaining my Doctoral Degree has provided another dimension to my professional career, replete with new opportunities for advancement. My degree allows me to build upon my past experience as a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist, as I am now afforded the opportunity to pursue my license in Clinical Psychology. With my degree now in hand, what has been merely a dream can now become a reality. Having acquired the abilities to run my own business, I am now afforded the opportunity to be seen as a business leader in my community. As an additional benefit, the dissertation work compiled in pursuit of my degree now serves as the basis for my next book.

I am a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT). For the last four years I have served on the Board of Directors of CAMFT. I am completing a two-year term as the Chief Financial Officer of the association and was recently elected by the membership to the position of President-Elect. In the year 2009 I will assume the position of President for CAMFT. I am deeply honored to be elected as President-Elect to the CAMFT Board of Directors.

Dr. Phillips is currently Chief Financial Officer of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT) and has served on its Board of Directors for the past four years. Dr. Phillips was recently honored to become CAMFT’s President-Elect, and she will assume its Presidency in 2009.





Lawrence Tunis, Ed.D.

Non Degree


I appreciate the opportunity to take the courses at CalSouthern this past year which qualified me for eligibility to take the MFT exam. I am now member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

After spending many years in sales and marketing positions, mostly in high tech, I decided to pursue an old dream and follow a path to become a psychotherapist.

Returning to graduate school, I obtained my masters degree in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in 2004 and then continued on, to earn a Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University in 2007.

In my full-time position, I work with SED children as a clinician for Solano County in Northern California. In my part-time private practice in San Anselmo, I see adults, couples and children. I practice a relational, psychodynamic approach in therapy. Relational theory follows a flexible, responsive, non-authoritarian, and empathetic model. It holds that what goes wrong for people is in their relationships, especially the early and primary ones. Emotional wounding is a relational process as is healing.

I consider my strengths to be that I bring a blend of real life experience, knowledge, understanding, humor and compassion to my practice.

My website is: www.larrytunis.com. I can be reached by email at: drlarrytunis@gmail.com





Renae Lapin, Psy.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2006

Dr. Renae Lapin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with twenty eight years experience. She currently works for the Broward County, Florida School Board where she provides services to children and their families. Dr. Lapin holds a Master's Degree in Education and National Board Certification in Counseling in addition to her Doctorate degree in Psychology from California Southern University.

Dr. Lapin's credentials and experience in both the education and family counseling arena has shaped a unique understanding of the needs of children and their families throughout their developmental years. She earned the highly acclaimed National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification in its initial year of being developed and awarded to School Counselors. She has presented workshops at various local, statewide and national conferences in the field of Family Therapy including The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Florida Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Broward County School Board’s Parent Enrichment Day and Broward County School Board’s Parent University.

Dr. Lapin’s new book, “School Days and the Divorce Maze - A Complete Guide for Joint Custody Parents in Managing Your Child’s Successful School Career,” is the first of its kind. In today’s climate of extended and mixed families, “School Days & The Divorce Maze” is the quintessential must-have guide for parents in navigating the maze of responsibilities and privileges regarding your child’s schooling. Dr. Lapin specifically addresses each party’s concerns and points-of-view, offering strategies to include these in effective solutions that build strong self-esteem for the child while maintaining positive, clear communication by and between parents.

The book began as a research project in CalSouthern’s Media Psychology course. It was under the direction of her Mentor, Dr. Jonathan Rich, that Dr. Lapin began sending her work to publishers and later completing her book.

Read more at: www.mytherapysite.com/jointcustody





Charlotte Belt, B.B.A.

School of Business

Graduate - 2006

My name is Charlotte A. Belt. Currently, I wear two “professional hats.” First, I work for KPMG in downtown Dallas as a Practice Administrative Supervisor in our Advisory Practice. I have 24 years of business administration experience with KPMG and BearingPoint. Second, I am Vice President of QuinLab Consulting, in Dallas, that provides consulting services for the oil and natural gas exploration industry. Also, I am a past or present member of several professional organizations, such as the American Marketing Association, American Management Association, Project Management Institute, and Delta Epsilon Tau International Honor Society.

As my husband, John, discussed in his bio, graduating from California Southern University has become an “academic family tradition!” I graduated “summa cum laude” in 2005 from CalSouthern University with an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies. I enjoyed my “CalSouthern experience” so much, I immediately started my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, concentrating in marketing and management, graduating “summa cum laude” for a second time in 2006. Obtaining my AA and BBA Degrees from CalSouthern was very demanding, yet, extremely fulfilling from both a professional and personal prospective. The academic knowledge obtained from my “CalSouthern experience” provided me the tools and skills to effectively deal with the daily demands and responsibilities for both of my business professions. Also, obtaining my degrees made it possible for future advancement within KPMG.

My relationship and experience with Professor Kim Stanton, Dr. Grimes, and especially Professor Saunders were extremely rewarding and personally fulfilling. I will carry those memories with me for years. The annual CalSouthern graduation ceremony is truly an emotional and moving experience that represents the “crown jewel” of your accomplishments. My husband and I have made “the journey” three times (2002, 2005, and 2006) from Dallas to Orange County for the event. We enjoyed and loved every minute of the graduation ceremony and only regret the ceremony did not last longer. I encourage all CalSouthern students to attend their graduation ceremony. You will not regret your decision. I totally agree with my husband, in that, CalSouthern is truly at the leading edge of “eLearning” in adult education for business professionals desiring to expand and develop their skills or move into a new and challenging career.





Jennifer Leigh, Psy.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2007

Jennifer Austin Leigh, PsyD. is an author, a life coach for teen girls, and a graduate of California Southern University. She recently launched her newest book, 'Laid or Loved? The Secrets Guys Wish You Knew About Being a Dream Girl Instead of a Just-In-His-Jeans Girl'.

Her mission is to help teen girls learn how to grow up with self-respect and respect for others to succeed in an increasingly disrespectful world. She teaches therapists, teachers and parents the truth about what’s happening in the lives of today’s teen, and offers easy to follow advice for helping and living peacefully with teen girls.

Dr. Jenn, as her clients and fans call her, says her studies at CalSouthern were challenging and “provocative.” “I was marketing my first book, co-authored with Dr. Mark Bray, A Little Book of Listening Skills, and doing my research for Laid or Loved? Every time I had the opportunity to apply class lessons to my own work, I jumped on it. My experience at Cal Southern was fabulous. The teachers were responsive to my work needs and interests. Had I remained at a traditional brick and mortar university, (I had transferred from a Palo Alto grad school) I would not have gotten the rich, vital education that fuels my career as the leading teen expert. I am grateful to all who helped me along the way.”

The teens who walk into Dr. Jenn’s coaching office are sure to be grateful as well, as are her many readers and friends on MySpace, whom she personally answers when they write in with problems. Dr. Jenn is collaborating with Brigitte Maenout, owner of Taste iT Tv., a Belgium based media company focused on helping teens through their love of music. TasteitTV.com interviews top bands and has interviewed Dr. Jenn for an upcoming TV show. She answers Dear Dr. Jenn letters for viewers of Taste iT Tv.

Dr. Jennifer Austin Leigh is headed to the talk show circuit this winter as her book goes from her website to the bookstores, revealing new taboo topics teens want you to know about, as well as relationship advice for the new world order.





Robert Coats, Psy.D.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2007

My name is Robert Anthony Coats. My work history covers a wide spectrum of individuals from children through geriatrics. I have been employed with the State of North Carolina in the Department of Health & Human Services for the past 20+ years. I have served in many capacities including child therapist, behavioral specialist, unit manager/director, quality assurance & program coordinator. I have worked with emotionally disturbed children, violent & aggressive adolescents, young adults with MI &/or TBI, individuals with developmental disabilities, the chronically & terminally ill, individuals with Autism & the dually diagnosed & pretty much every diagnosis in the DSM IV in one fashion or another. I am currently employed as a Unit Director with the O’ Berry Center located in Goldsboro, NC.

I graduated high school in 1978. I went on to earn an AA degree in accounting from Nash Technical Institute in 1980, the BA in psychology from Atlantic Christian College in 1983 & completed the MA in Education from East Carolina University in 1998. I also did the pre-med program at East Carolina University for two years 1983 – 1985, but decided to go another route, that being psychology. I have earned a PsyD degree with California Southern University & am pursuing a graduate certificate in CORE Public Health Concepts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

I am also a student affiliate with the American Psychological Association, a member of the NIMH, the National Association of QMRPs, & the United States Distance Learning Association. I am continuously lobbying for fairness in education & accreditation of online degree granting institutions.

CalSouthern is an exceptional university with top of line staff, & Faculty Mentors. The courses are designed in a practical way so that transitioning from academic work to real life work is second nature. Course content & outcomes are based on information one needs to learn in the practice of psychology instead of a lot of unnecessary filler information that a lot of other universities filter through their courses. The course mentors are very pleasant, well educated, & willing to help you along your way. CalSouthern has provided me with a high quality education at a lower cost than the public universities here in North Carolina. I have nothing but good things to say about CalSouthern. They are making my dream come true.

I can be reached by email at: racoats1@yahoo.com





Jose Chavira, B.A.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Graduate - 2007

I am a writer and volunteer educator working in Latin America through the Angelcraft Foundation a privately funded organization committed to advancing the education of the economically underprivileged. I am a former marketing executive and resident of Anaheim Hills California, Mercer Island Washington and Mazatlan Mexico.

I hold an AA in Psychology from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa California and a BA in Psychology from Southern California University. I am currently a graduate student at CalSouthern University. I have won various awards and honors in sports, business and education.

I am a supporter and affiliate of Catholic charities and UNICEF. I am also affiliated with Dale Carnegie College of Business and Executive training, Therapist to Therapist, and NCAP (The New Center for Advanced Psychotherapy Studies). I am a member of Toastmasters International, and Toastmasters U.S. Team "Eclectics" in Kirkland Washington. I am a docent for the The Wangenheim Collection of rare books and antiquities, and the founder and director of the Angelcraft Foundation.

I am currently working toward a Master of Science degree in Psychology at CalSouthern University. I believe highly in self-discipline, which is why on-line learning appeals so much to me. On-line learning is a challenging proposal for the working professional. This manner of learning requires commitment, determination, and motivation. For the first timer, I would recommend starting your university experience with only one course especially if you are considering post-graduate work at CalSouthern. Mentor evaluations are precise and designed to improve your critical thinking and ultimately enhance you as a professional and help you to get your degree. CalSouthern retains more than seventy highly qualified Mentors each of which hold either a JD, PhD or a PsyD et al.. If becoming a licensed attorney or psychologist in the state of California is important to you, CalSouthern can help you to meet your goals. If holding a degree for personal satisfaction is your aim, CalSouthern will be there help you accomplish it.

I can be reached by email at: joechavira@angelcraftfoundation.org.

Visit: www.angelcraftfoundation.org





John Mitchell, J.D.

School of Law

Graduate - 2008

John Mitchell is a Vietnam Era Veteran, having served in the U.S. Army, and a graduate of Michigan State University, where he received a B.S. in Business Management and Packaging Engineering. He went on to study law at California Southern University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor and graduating in the Class of 2008.

As the proprietor of The Mitchell Financial Group, Inc. for over ten years, Mr. Mitchell has specialized in the financial management issues of small businesses. He previously owned and operatedPrior to forming the Mitchell Financial Group he owned and operated an environmental consulting firm which specialized in government contracts.

While living in Michigan, John served as a member of the Lansing Chamber of Commerce's Diversity and Legislative Committees, Lansing Township Planning Board, and the Diversity Committee for Waverly Community Schools. He currently serves his community by tutoring elementary school children in the Waverly and Lansing School Districts and is the current President of the Waverly Hills Homeowner's Association.





web01