School of Behavioral Sciences Alumni

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 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 a PsyD.

Paul Spanopoulos was joined at the 2008 CalSouthern Commencement Ceremony by eight enthusiastic family members who came all the way from Indiana to cheer him on and applaud his accomplishments. With over 28 years of working in the personnel departments of major corporations and unions, Paul had a Masters degree and extensive experience, but wanted the title of ‘Dr.’. After seeing an advertisement for California Southern University in an industry journal he called an advisor and began to learn more about the ease and convenience of earning his Doctorate degree online. He did his research and the more he heard the more he liked about CalSouthern. It wasn’t easy and did require a commitment of time and effort but he credits his wife as being his "anchor", and his family for giving him the support and encouragement he needed to complete the degree and earn the title he deserved.

Linda Hancock was born and raised in Indian Head, Saskatchewan where she completed her high school education. For the next twenty years she worked in various administrative positions, served as a volunteer in numerous organizations and was an extremely active mother of three children.

She has earned degrees in Arts, Social Work, Education and Psychology to the Doctoral level and states that she had to spend her time and money somewhere because she doesn't golf!

She is a trained mediator who has worked as a Child Welfare Case Manager and Investigator, Mental Health Consultant and educator teaching in college and university settings. Her employment has been in the fields of justice, health and education. She serves as consultant for media personnel and is also a writer who has regular columns in two newspapers.

As a Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker Dr. Hancock helps individuals, groups, organizations and communities to problem-solve and reach potential. She has given presentations at annual meetings, fundraising dinners, and community events for professionals, businesses, students and school personnel. She has also prepared and provided workshops on a number of topics for organizations and groups in North America and Jamaica. Linda has served as a volunteer on several local, provincial and national committees and boards. Besides the personal time spent enjoying her six grandchildren, she is a musician.

One of Linda's most requested keynote addresses is "Life is an Adventure" in which she combines her personal experiences, extensive work history and academic training into a hilarious but thought-provoking event!

Learn more at www.lindahancockspeaks.com

One of the things I love about CalSouthern is the diverse background of all the students. I came to the psychology field from stand-up comedy. The road from comedy to mental health is a short one indeed, so it's only natural that I treat a lot of creative artists now. When you are a stand-up, you only work about 30 minutes a day. I was bored, and started volunteering in the community at a shelter for sexually abused teens. I absolutely fell in love with it. It waked up the healer in me and underscored that I was not fulfilled in entertainment. It prompted me to go back to school and get a doctorate in psychology.

CalSouthern was ideal for me. I needed an affordable, convenient education. I was in my early 40's, single, and had to get a day job working 9-5, so studying at night and weekends was really the only option. While part of me missed the live classroom stimulation, I enjoyed the fact that everything I wrote was completely unbiased...totally my own voice. Little did I know then that all that discipline and writing was training for writing a book about the whole experience of midlife transitioning!

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.

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 serving as President of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT) and has served on its Board of Directors for the past 5 years.

My learning experience at CalSouthern was as enriching as it was challenging. I found the faculty to be helpful and professional and was excited about working with mental health professionals that were actually out doing the work not just teaching it. In my mind this is what set CalSouthern apart from other schools, actually being taught by professionals that were in the field, had practices, and were willing to share their wisdom with their students. I can't think of a better way to learn or develop professionally.

Dr. Stride has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. His work with perpetrators and victims of domestic violence, children, adults and families in professional therapy settings has given him a unique perspective in working within the forensic mental health arena. He, in addition, has been trained and qualified in trauma debriefing and was sent as a Trauma De-briefer to help the students and teachers during the Columbine shootings in Colorado, he was working in a local mental health center doing crisis intervention services at the time.

Licensed in Colorado and Washington states as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor respectively, certified with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), with the National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE) and the Professional Psychologist Certification Board. All of his clinical practice has been provided for under these licenses and certifications, as is the expert witness testimony. He has testified as an expert witness in over 100 cases, and has consulted in over 150 cases.

His services include: Forensic mental health services/specialization includes: Child Custody Issues and Evaluations, Child development/abuse, Competency, Parent Evaluations, Developmental Disabilities, Criminal Behavior, Criminal Culpability.

Visit www.drrichard.org to learn more.

My name is Kelly and I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and hobby farmer. Whew – my days are very busy! CalSouthern was a great find and a perfect match for my hectic schedule. I was attracted to CalSouthern because of their convenient program and available resources. My mentors were so encouraging, and you can’t beat the help available at the CalSouthern library!
I graduated magna cum laude, with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I am extremely pleased with the progress I have made and am now enrolled in CalSouthern’s Master of Arts in Psychology program. My next step? Why of course, it will be CalSouthern’s doctorate program. Let’s just say… myself and CalSouthern are a good fit! Happy learning, everyone!

Gail Tompkins first started working towards her Doctorate degree in 1980 but had to put her plans on hold when the state of New York asked her to take on the daunting task of bringing aspects of their social services program into compliance with federal and state laws. As a committed public servant she then went into a county student assistance program, rehabilitating young students who had been arrested, again requiring her to postpone her own plans and goals. While facing numerous challenges and hardships in her professional and personal life along the way, Gail finally was able to complete her Psy.D. at CalSouthern. Gail said if it wasn’t for the personalized attention she received from the faculty and the freedom of being able to take the courses at her own pace, based on her busy schedule, she would not have been able to achieve this monumental goal.

Dr. Jordana Mansbacher received her doctorate from California Southern University. Her doctoral project was researching anorexia in the elderly a field that has rarely been talked about. She is a specialist in the treatment of eating disorders across the life span. Her other specialties include relationship issues, issues of aging in which she has specialized training in and other common psychological, psychiatric and life issues.

As an intern, Jordana developed a group for women suffering from breast cancer at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles. Upon graduation, Dr. Mansbacher worked in two residential facilities for children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbances. Next, Jordana worked at Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center where she worked with severely emotionally disturbed adults. It was there that Jordana supervised graduate level interns and began a small private practice. Dr. Mansbacher then went on to work at a hospice facility where she developed the social work program, and after getting the program off to a great start, she moved on to develop her practice full time. Currently Dr. Mansbacher practices individual, group and couples psychotherapy with adolescents, adults and older adults in her office in West Los Angeles. She is also the supervisor for mental health professionals at Holding Hands Pediatric Therapy Services in Burbank California which is a facility that specializes in floor time therapy for children with autistic spectrum disorders. She also teaches psychology at a local private college.

Dr. Mansbacher also offers mental health in-service presentations to health care professionals. Dr. Mansbacher is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, TOPS (Teams for Older Persons Services), MAPS (Marketing and Professional Admissions for Seniors), and NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association). Dr. Mansbacher also volunteers for the Red Cross and the American Stroke Association and the Lymphoma Foundation. Jordana spends at least half of her practice time treating eating disordered patients and is quickly becoming a new resource and sought out professional in this felid by patients and other professionals such as KFWB AM Los Angeles in which Dr. Mansbacher has been approached for commentary on psychological issues. Dr. Mansbacher has also earned a diplomate in clinical social work from the National Association for Social Workers demonstrating outstanding clinical care. Dr. Mansbacher is a published on-line author and has received expert author status on the Ezine Articles website.

Visit www.drjmansbacher.com to learn more.

My name is John and my home is in Lennox Head Australia where I live with my wife. We have 2 children, a daughter and a son and they are in their 20's now. My wife and I work together as she is the practice manager for the business that we have and where I am one of three psychologists. My history includes 20 years working in Child Protection, then I went into the occupational rehabilitation field, which was followed by work with the Family Court where I retain involvement. I have always been an avid reader and tried to keep up to date with what is happening in our profession but I considered that I was becoming somewhat undisciplined in my approach and wanted to put some structure around my learning.

I spent a long time trying to find a program that would fit best with me, would be affordable and would be consistent with my professional development goals and eventually chose CalSouthern. The MA in Psychology degree offered me an opportunity to improve my overall knowledge and ensured that I remained in touch with current thinking. I also wanted to bring some rigor to my professional development.

Dr. Frederick Machado was born in Nicaragua, Central America. He moved to the States in 1980, after a revolution war that established a Communist government. With a B. S. in Education with a minor in Psychology, Frederick, who could not speak English, began to study the language and get acquainted with the American culture when he was 35 years old.

Soon after graduation, he moved to work for the State of California as a Clinical Psychologist. He is now employed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Wasco State Prison, Reception Center.

Dr. Machado also shared that he used two hypnosis inductions that he prepared for himself which worked well for him. They kept him focused on pursuing the goal, helped him develop a photographic memory, and got his anxiety and stress down to the lowest possible level. He has been experimenting with hypnosis for 35 years, and he advises the applicants to the Psychology licensing exams, to use this or similar techniques to be more successful in the preparation process.

Once again, we congratulate Dr. Frederick Machado on his amazing accomplishments and thank him for sharing his experience. Dr. Machado can be reached by email at: viegas@bak.rr.com.

I founded Counseling Services and Consulting LLC (CSC) in 2000, it is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and nationally certified as a Master Addiction Counselor. Additionally, I am nationally certified as a Substance Abuse Professional servicing the DOT (Department of Transportation). My agency treats all mental health issues: however, the practice specializes in forensic cases. Besides treatment and expert witness services for court cases the agency services clients across the country in Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

Overcoming numerous personal challenges and obstacles along the way, Helen McKibben recently graduated in the CalSouthern Class of 2008 with honors. View the video below to hear some of her story of personal triumph and how she has laid the foundation for continued success.

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.

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.

Learn more at www.doctorjennforgirls.com.

My name is Robert Anthony Coats. I have been employed with the State of North Carolina in the Department of Health & Human Services for the past 23+ 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 with the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation as a regional team supervisor which regulates facilities for the aged, mentally ill, and Alzheimer’s/dementia patients.

I immigrated to the United States from Russia in 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and with a desire for a better life and to advance my education. During my initial years in America I had worked in a variety of fields and professions searching for the setting that felt just right. While volunteering in one of the local hospices in Las Vegas where my duties were to provide emotional support to the patients and their families it became clear to me that I should pursue a career in psychotherapy.

CalSouthern was the perfect answer to my question of “How?” I had tediously researched my options and no other institution met all the criteria that were so important to me. As a full-time employee I was unable to afford the cost of a traditional campus based university. I found CalSouthern’s no residency requirement extremely convenient and their affordable monthly payment options, along with competitive tuition, made it possible for me to complete my MA in Psychology Degree stress free. Above all, the most important factor was my ability to use my degree from CalSouthern to become a licensed M.F.T. in the State of California.

It would have been difficult for me to imagine the changes that have taken place in my life during the past ten years. In that time I have had the opportunity to travel extensively to the Middle East, Africa, Central America, and various places in the US.

I am licensed to practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Kentucky, Indiana, and Colorado. I have had the privilege of directing a counseling center in an area where there were limited opportunities for mental health services. I presently work as a consultant for the Department of Defense. My work includes provision of mental, behavioral, and relationship health services to active duty military personnel and their family members. Many of the persons I work with have had multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Because my work keeps me on the road, living in hotels for the most part, I have had time to read, study, and prepare papers in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the doctorate in psychology. I have completed my doctoral project (the topic relates to mental and behavioral health effects of Battlemind Training for deployed soldiers).