Authorship

Authors

Contributors to the CCMMP textbooks, Presence+ editorial, course materials, and the public defense of the framework.

Alabama Hager
Ph.D. Clinical Child Psychology, Auburn University 1999M.S. Psychology, Auburn University 1995B.A. Psychology/Mathematics, Vanderbilt University 1990
Bama Hager, Ph.D. finished her Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology from Auburn University in 1999. Dr. Hager’s dissertation research area was Comorbid Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Childhood Anxiety. Dr. Hager is an AL Autism Advocate and worked in autism advocacy for 15 years. Most recently Dr. Hager serves as adjunct faculty at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Dr. Hager resides in Birmingham AL and lives with her husband and has 2 young adult children.
Alvin Phua
Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological SeminaryM.A., Clinical Psychology, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological SeminaryB.S., Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis
Dr. Alvin Phua is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia and an Assistant Professor in the Psy.D. program. He holds a Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Dr. Phua completed his APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Purdue University Counseling Center in West Lafayette, IN, where he provided individual and group psychotherapy. Some of his clinical interests include adult ADHD, men’s issues, religious trauma, and the integration of spirituality and psychotherapy. Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Phua worked for a Christian non-profit that supports and mentors international students.
Amanda M. Evans
Ph.D. Auburn University (Counselor Education and Supervision)M.S. Youngstown UniversityB.A. Saint Vincent College
Dr. Amanda M. Evans, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH and ACS, is a Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her research interests include race-based trauma, health disparities, and neurodiversity. Dr. Evans preferred clinical populations are couples, families, and children.
Amanda Salgado
Ph.D., University of Holy Cross, Counselor Education and SupervisionM.S., North Carolina A & T State University, Counselor EducationB.S., Middle Tennessee State University, Elementary Education
Dr. Salgado holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from North Carolina A & T State University, and a Ph.D., in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Holy Cross. Dr. Salgado is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Louisiana and specializes in working with children and adolescent populations. Her clinical work has involved several diverse settings including schools, private practice, a military base and an employee assistance program. In addition to her clinical and academic work, Dr. Salgado’s research interests include the effects of child and adolescent suicide on school counselors, attachment disorders and their effect on the family system, and integrating spirituality into counseling practices.
Anne Tetor LPC
Adjunct Faculty, M.S.Institute for the Psychological Sciences, (Clinical Psychology), B.A., University of Mary
Antony Bond Psy.D.
Assistant Director of Clinical TrainingAssociate Professor
Psy.D., Institute for the Psychological Sciences, Divine Mercy UniversityM.S., Institute for the Psychological Sciences, Divine Mercy UniversityM.A., (Oxon), Merton College, Oxford University
Dr. Bond is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Clinical Training in the Psy.D. program. Previously, Dr. Bond worked as a therapist in community mental health and non-profit agency settings. His experience includes working with clergy at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver and in the internship training programs run by Catholic Family Services in Arlington, Virginia and Denver, Colorado. The interaction between issues of faith and clinical practice constitutes his principal research interest. He has published on questions of seminary formation, psychologist-formator collaboration, clinical identity and self-care. As a dissertation director, he specializes in theoretically focused studies, particularly topics of historical, philosophical and theological interest. He has undergone further training at the Washington Baltimore Psychoanalytic Center, The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis and The Washington School of Psychiatry. Prior to becoming a psychologist, Dr. Bond worked in production for the BBC in London and wrote for The Literary Review, The New Statesman, and The Catholic Herald among other publications.
Armando Tovar
Ph.D., Capella University (Counseling Education and Supervision)M.A., Franciscan University of SteubenvilleB.S., Franciscan University of Steubenville
Armando Tovar is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Franciscan University. He also earned a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella University, where his doctoral dissertation examined the relationship between Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms, satisfaction with family life, and self-monitoring among emerging adult males in the United States.Armando is a Marine Corps veteran and a former missionary, which brings a unique perspective to his practice. He has been licensed in Texas since 2016 and practices in Houston, specializing in treating complex childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Armando serves the veteran and first responder population and treats behavioral and process addictions. He is a National Certified Counselor with the National Board for Certified Counselors and an approved Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Texas.Change approved
Camille Humes
Ed.D. Governors State University (Counselor Education and Supervision)M.A. Governors State UniversityB.A. Chicago State University
Camille Humes is a graduate of Governors State University, where she received a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Chicago State University. Dr. Humes is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, and is a credentialed Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist (I/ECMH-C). For almost twenty years she has worked as a counselor and as a consultant to parent educators and families with young children. Dr. Humes has also trained consultants across the state of Illinois in the areas of maternal depression, infant mental health, trauma, and crisis intervention. She has been privileged to serve as a grant reviewer for the United States Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Dr. Humes was selected as a member of the inaugural group of NBCC Foundation Minority Fellows and has served as a volunteer for the organization in various capacities, including her current role as a member of the NBCC Board of Directors.
Cathy Warn
Associate ProfessorDirector of Training and Internship
M.A Gordon-Conwell Seminary (Christian Counseling)B.A. Montreat College
Professor Cathy Warn earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Montreat College and her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She holds South Carolina state credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS); as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor (LMFTS). She also holds national designation as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.Professor Warn has clinical practice experience in grief and loss, parenting support, child, adolescent, and young adult issues, aging and caregiver issues, relationship concerns, personal growth and spiritual development, divorce recovery, pre-marital, marital/couple, and family therapy. Her practice style is a client-directed, outcome-informed, solution-building approach that considers the whole person (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) and their unique response to therapy using the lens of the Catholic Christian Meta Model of the Person (CCMMP) developed through Divine Mercy University. Most recently, her private practice focus has been on providing clinical professional services to other licensed clinicians who seek supervision, consultation, and/or coaching. These services are offered within the same client-directed supportive environment, with a focus on successful goal achievement, as well as personal and professional growth and development.From 2002 to 2020, Professor Warn worked at Columbia International University in the College of Counseling as the Director of Training and Internship, and as a full-time resident Associate Professor for students pursuing a M.A. in Counseling degree. She has developed and taught a state approved postgraduate course in Clinical Supervision and Consultation to licensed clinicians seeking licensed supervisor credentials in South Carolina. Graduate level courses Professor Warn has taught or cotaught include Professional Ethics; Personal and Spiritual Development; Clinical Counseling Orientation; Counseling Techniques; Advanced Counseling Techniques; Clinical Placement Orientation; Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; Counseling Practicum; and Counseling Internship.In 2020, Professor Warn began work at Divine Mercy University in the School of Counseling. She currently holds the positions of Director of Training and Internship, and full-time Associate Professor for students pursuing an online M.A. in Counseling degree. In addition, she continues to maintain her part time private practice with a focus on providing supervision to those seeking licensure in the state of South Carolina.
Cheri L. Marmarosh
Adjunct Professor and Researcher, Spirituality, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, and Cancer Lab
Dr. Cheri L. Marmarosh is a Researcher at Divine Mercy University and Professor at the George Washington University. She started the research lab devoted to Spirituality and Mental Health at DMU and is currently exploring the interacting aspects of the person related to wellbeing in people diagnosed with incurable cancer. Dr. Marmarosh is also interested in how attachment and faith relate to coping with oppression, the therapy alliance, and outcome in psychotherapy. She is currently completing studies on spiritual interventions for cancer patients, examining spiritual struggle and its relation to flourishing and post-traumatic growth, and studying attachment to God in cancer patients.Dr. Marmarosh has been a full-time Professor in the Professional Psychology Program at the George Washington University for 20 years. Before that, she held a joint appointment in the Clinical Psychology Program at the Catholic University of America. She was an Asst. Professor and the Training Director in the Counseling Center for 10 years. She is a licensed psychologist who has been practicing in D.C. for 30 years. She has published over 60 empirical and theoretical articles that focus on how group and individual psychotherapy facilitate change. Dr. Marmarosh is the lead author of two books, Attachment in Group Psychotherapy and Groups: Fostering a Culture of Change. She is the Editor of the book, Attachment in Group Psychotherapy, a monograph of manuscripts from the special edition the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy dedicated to attachment theory. She published a video applying attachment theory to group psychotherapy for the American Psychological Association’s (APA) psychotherapy series. She is developing a second video teaching the basics of group psychotherapy.Dr. Marmarosh was an associate editor for Psychotherapy and Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, and is on the editorial boards of those journals in addition to The International Journal of Group Psychotherapy and the Journal of Counseling Psychology. She is a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), Division 29 (Psychotherapy), and Division 49 (Group) of the APA. Dr. Marmarosh is past President for Division 49, and was the current Domain Representative for Training/Education for Division 29 (Psychotherapy). She is the current Editor for the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.She received the Teacher/Mentor of the year award from Division 29 for her years of service. She was also the recipient of the Author Teicher Group Psychologist of the Year Award from Division 49.Dr. Marmarosh’s research applies attachment theory to understand the development of the psychotherapy relationship, and she has focused on how client and therapist attachments influence the process of individual and group psychotherapy. She is currently interested in how attachment, faith, and hope are related to coping with incurable cancer, and how spirituality can add to the effectiveness of psychotherapy.Dr. Marmarosh values the integration of theory, research and clinical work, and she has a private practice where she treats diverse issues/challenges for people living in the DC, MD, VA area.
Christina Cress
B.A., Biola UniversityM.A., Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola UniversityPsy.D., Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University
Christina Cress, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist serving clients in Washington and Virginia. She earned her Psy.D. at Rosemead School of Psychology and went on to complete a Postdoctoral Fellowship specializing in Primary Care Behavioral Health with Swedish Medical Group in Seattle, WA. She now owns a private practice in Centreville, Virginia focused on supporting clients experiencing perinatal mental health concerns, grief, and trauma. She is currently teaching the Psychology of Trauma course for the Psy.D. program.
Christina Lee
Psy.D., Institute for the Psychological Sciences, Divine Mercy UniversityM.T.S., Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, Washington, DCB.A., Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul, Korea
Dr. Christina Lee is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a Psychology Associate in Washington, DC. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, she completed her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Divine Mercy University (DMU) in 2023. She also holds a master’s degree in Theological Studies with a concentration in Marriage and Family from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, DC. Dr. Lee completed her pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University Counseling Services at California State University, Northridge, in Los Angeles County. During her training, she gained extensive experience in multicultural counseling through serving a truly diverse clients, including immigrants, first-generation college students, and international students. Currently, Dr. Lee is a training director at the IPS Center for Psychological Services, where she provides therapy to clients seeking a counselor who understands the significance of their relationship with God in the therapeutic process. Additionally, she supervises DMU students in their practicum training. Her clinical interests encompass depression, trauma and resiliency, creative therapy, multicultural counseling, attachment issues, identity crises, existential exploration, and spiritual struggles. Dr. Lee is dedicated to helping her clients gain greater self-insight, develop coping skills, and overcome psychological barriers to enhance their relationships with themselves, others, and God.
Christopher Gross
Ph.D., Catholic University of AmericaM.T.S. Harvard Divinity SchoolB.A. Hampden-Sydney College
A native of Virginia, Dr. Gross earned his B.A. in political science and religion from Hampden-Sydney College. After completing his M.T.S. at Harvard Divinity School, he earned his Ph.D. from Catholic University of America in 2013. Over the last ten years, he has taught a variety of graduate and undergraduate courses both online and in the classroom for several different institutions. Dr. Gross also has published in the area of Catholic moral theology and presented his work at numerous scholarly conferences. His writing has appeared in academic journals such as theJournal of Moral Theology,theJournal of Psychology and Theology,and theNational Catholic Bioethics Quarterly.His current research interests are in the area of Thomistic virtue ethics, theological and philosophical anthropology, marriage formation, and bioethics. He currently resides in Manassas, VA, with his wife Jennifer and their seven children.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Granted CACREP Accreditation
Affirms the Excellence of Our Program STERLING, VIRGINIA (August, 2023) – The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the School of Counseling at Divine Mercy University. “This…
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Colleen Blanchfield
Dr. Colleen Blanchfield earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin in 1981 with majors in Zoology and an independent major entitled Biology and Psychology of Women. After finishing her residencies in Neurology and Psychiatry at State University Health Science Center in Brooklyn, Dr. Blanchfield chose to begin her neuropsychiatric practice in Northern Virginia. She was attracted to the diversity of the area as well as the strong sense of family and community that she found here.She had a successful Neuropsychiatric practice in Falls Church from 1992 to 2004. She was on staff at Dominion Hospital and Fairfax Hospital and performed electroconvulsive therapy at both hospitals. She has a life-long interest in the brain, behavior and mind-body connections. She has opened this wellness center with the intent of expanding her knowledge and her ability to help people help themselves. She moved her practice to Reston in early 2004 for personal as well as professional reasons. In both Neurology and Psychiatry, Dr. Blanchfield provides clinical assessment and evaluation as well as medication management. She is licensed to practice acupuncture in Virginia.
Craig Steven Titus
Professor, Director of the Department of Integrative Studies; Director, Newman Lecture Series and Editor for the DMU Press
S.T.D., Ph.D., University of Fribourg (Switzerland)S.T.L., University of Fribourg (Switzerland)M.A., Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (Berkeley)B.A., Arizona State University
Dr. Titus teaches the integration courses pertaining to the nature of the human person; practical reason and moral character; and marriage and family life. In addition to these areas, his research interests include virtue theory, emotional and moral development, psychology of virtue, and the integration of psychological sciences, philosophy, and theology.His book, Resilience and the Virtue of Fortitude: Aquinas in Dialogue with the Psychosocial Sciences (CUA Press, 2006), sets up a dialogue between virtue theory and the psychological research on resilience and overcoming difficulty. He has published numerous articles. He is co-editor of The Pinckaers Reader: Renewing Thomistic Moral Theology (CUA Press, 2005) and editor of nine other books.Dr. Titus previously worked as Researcher and Instructor at the University of Fribourg, where he served as Vice-Director of the St. Thomas Aquinas Institute for Theology and Culture and Vice-Director of the Servais Pinckaers Archives.Curriculum Vitae and Publications Bibliography
DMU Applies for CACREP Accreditation
The Divine Mercy University School of Counseling officially submitted an application and self-study for accreditation of it’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program to the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) on October 4, 2021.
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Dana Kaspereen
Walden University (Clinical Psychology)M.A. Montclair State UniversityB.A. Montclair State University
Dr. Dana Kaspereen is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor, and National Certified Counselor with extensive expertise in the fields of clinical psychology and counseling. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling, Human Services & Education Leadership. Currently, she serves as the Vice Chair of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Professional Counselor Examiners Committee, where she contributes her knowledge to the advancement of the counseling profession.Dr. Kaspereen’s professional journey began in a police department, where she honed her skills in processing police reports. Her career then progressed to an Intensive Outpatient Program, where she provided vital mental health and substance abuse services. Following her years of dedicated work inaddiction treatment, she took on roles within a hospital setting, specifically in an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit and as a Mental Health Screener in the Psychiatric Emergency Room.Recognizing her passion for community engagement and support, Dr. Kaspereen successfully developed and implemented a Student Assistance Program in an urban school district, funded by a local hospital. This initiative focused on providing individual and group therapy for adolescents, along with comprehensive substance abuse prevention and intervention services. Concurrently, she established her private practice, Counseling of Life, where she offers therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with a mission to assist clients in discovering peace, happiness, and comfort in their lives and relationships.In addition to her private practice, Dr. Kaspereen founded FAYLA, Inc. (Family Adults & Youth Life Awareness), a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness in communities regarding mental health and substance abuse issues. Her commitment to education has led her to teach in theDepartment of Counseling and Psychology, a role that has reinforced her passion for shaping future professionals in the field.Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Kaspereen cherishes time spent with her husband, three children, and their family pets, including a dog and a bunny.
Diane Graves
NIMH Post-doctoral Fellowship, University of MichiganPh.D., Child Clinical Psychology, University of WashingtonB.A., Psychology, Brown University
Dr. Diane Graves is a child clinical psychologist with clinical and research expertise working with racially and ethnically diverse children and their families. She is a professor of psychology at IPS and teaches courses on developmental psychology, adolescent psychotherapy, and advanced child psychopathology. Dr. Graves developed a research measure to engage school-age children in interactive dialogues about race as well as their perceptions of religion and spirituality. She presented this research at national and international conferences. Dr. Graves partners with the Program for Research on Black Americans at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan investigating Black American adolescent mental health, with a focus on intermittent explosive disorder and the general prevalence rates of psychopathology in diverse ethnic groups of Black American youth.Her current research focuses on the college search process for high school students. Dr. Graves directs an intensive summer camp to support adolescents and their families as they launch their college searches. In addition Dr. Graves is currently writing a fifth edition college guide for Black American families.Dr. Graves has worked with students on projects involving sports psychology, including the impact of COVID-19 on student-athletes, and forensic psychology including child custody evaluations.
Eric J. Perry
Program Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling ProgramAssociate Professor
Ph.D. Duquesne University (Counselor Education and Supervision)M.A. Slippery Rock UniversityB.A. Ashford University
Dr. Eric Perry earned an MA in Community Counseling from Slippery Rock University and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne University. His dissertation examined the perceptions of Counselor Educators related to online education and the expansion of online pedagogy. He is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), with most of his experience in community counseling and K-12 treatment settings.Perry has over 15 years of experience as a classroom and online instructor, working first to train background investigators and then serving as a trainer, instructional designer and curriculum developer for a large mental health service provider in Pittsburgh, PA as well as for other mental health service agencies, educational institutions and training providers. Most recently, Perry has served as a faculty member and program coordinator in an online and hybrid counselor education program.Perry is highly involved in service activities and currently serves as the Social Media and Web Manager for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) as well as Technology Coordinator for the North Atlantic Region of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NARACES). Perry continues to work toward research related to the development and research of online pedagogy specific to counselor education.
Fredericka Vyvlecka
Ph.D., Texas A&M University-Corpus ChristiM.S., Our Lady of the Lake UniversityM.A., St. Mary’s UniversityB.S., St. Mary’s University
Dr. Vyvlecka is a counselor educator, has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor for the state of Texas since 2006, and as Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor since 2013. She is also a Core Communication certified instructor. She specializes in working with addiction, trauma, eating disorders, spirituality, communication training, and counselor training. She has a passion for training and supervising counselors. A majority of her work as a clinician has been in residential treatment centers for substance abuse where she worked with those suffering from dual diagnoses. Her doctoral work emphasized supervision of counselors-in-training and implementing better models for group supervision. Dr. Vyvlecka has also taught Theology at the undergraduate level.Current research interests are diverse and include group supervision, supervision of counselors-in-training, morality as it relates to decision-making and mental health, and clinical experiences of transference and countertransference. She provides peer consultation, as well as supervision for counselor-interns. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Texas Counseling Association.
Gabriel S. Dy-Liacco
Ph.D. Loyola University, Pastoral CounselingM.S. Loyola UniversityA.B. Ateneo de Manila University
Gabriel Dy-Liacco was born the youngest of six children in 1969 in Lima, Peru to Filipino parents. He lived in Peru for two years, spent the next seven years in Japan, and then moved to the Philippines where he lived until young adulthood.Dr. Dy-Liacco is an Associate Professor of the School of Counseling of Divine Mercy University (Virginia, USA), an Adjunct Professor of the School of Psychology and Counseling of Regent University (Virginia, USA), and was a full member of the faculty of the Department of Pastoral Counseling of Loyola University Maryland. He serves on the scientific advisory board of the Centre for Child Protection of the Pontifical Gregorian University as well as on the editorial boards of several mental health journals. His own research focuses on the relationships among faith, spiritual experience, spiritual struggles, and psychological flourishing. He maintains a clinical practice, provides organizational consulting for dioceses, religious orders and educational institutions, conducts workshops for religious and diocesan formators, conducts parenting workshops, and is the institute manager of a newly created Child Safeguarding Institute within Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation, a Philippine Jesuit ministry serving the needs of the hierarchy and religious of the Church in Asia since 1983.Dr. Dy-Liacco holds a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland and is a licensed professional counselor. Pastoral counseling is a unique discipline that carefully integrates psychotherapy and spirituality. Dr. Dy-Liacco began his clinical mental health work in 1999 and has focused on the treatment of individuals, couples, families and groups for a wide range of issues. These include adult and childhood abuse and trauma, psychiatric diagnoses, personality disorders, addiction, and non-psychiatric problems in living. Since 2006, he has been working almost exclusively with perpetrators of sexual abuse and adults who were childhood victims of abuse by clergy and other persons in ministry, beginning with the St. Luke Institute (Maryland, USA), and, since 2010, in the Philippines.On December 17, 2014, Pope Francis appointed Dr. Dy-Liacco to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults, and this appointment was reconfirmed in February 2018. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults is tasked with advising the Holy Father on safeguarding matters within the Church and helping him promote responsibility for the safeguarding mission among the particular churches.
Harvey Payne
Psy.D., Massachusetts School of Professional PsychologyM.A., Denver SeminaryB.S., Lancaster Bible College
Dr. Payne completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Alfred I. duPont Institute, now the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, in child psychology. He has worked in the mental health field (counselor, psychologist) for 30 years. His primary work has been in organizations serving children and adolescents with a variety of life issues and disabilities. During his career, he has functioned in a variety of capacities from front-line worker to mental health provider to administrator and educator. He has consulted overseas in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan. Most recently he was Dean of the College of Counseling at Columbia International University.
Helena Orellana
Director of Clinical TrainingAssistant Professor
Psy.D., Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Institute for the Psychological Sciences, Arlington, VirginiaM.S., Clinical Psychology, Institute for the Psychological Sciences, Arlington, VirginiaB.A., Thomas Aquinas College, Santa Paula, California
Dr. Orellana is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Doctorate in Psychology program. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences in 2017. She completed an APA accredited pre-doctoral internship through the Nebraska Internship Consortium in Professional Psychology, where she pursued a dual focus in adult group therapy and individual therapy for adults who experienced chronic childhood abuse. Dr. Orellana completed an APA accredited post-doctoral residency at the Togus VA in Augusta, Maine, where she specialized in the treatment of combat and childhood trauma. Professional interests include the psychological and spiritual impact of trauma, psychodynamic and interpersonal theories, the supervision and training of graduate students, and the integration of a Catholic vision of the person with psychology, particularly through case formulation.
Ingrid Farreras
Interim Program DirectorProfessor
Stetten Post-Doctoral Fellow in the History of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Office of NIH History, National Institutes of Health (Public History)
Ph.D., University of New Hampshire (History of Psychology)M.S.T., University of New Hampshire (College Teaching)M.A., University of New Hampshire (Clinical Psychology)B.A., Clark University (Psychology & Foreign Languages (French/German))
Dr. Farreras is a professor of psychology at IPS who teaches history of psychology, research methodology, and an integrative dissertation seminar. Given her dual training, her research falls under two areas:History of Psychology:1) the professionalization of the field of clinical psychology during the first half of the 20thcentury, and2) how eugenics, Progressivism, and intelligence testing shaped the first American commitment law for “feeble-minded” individuals, and the professionalization of psychologists as court personnelClinical Psychology:1) in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth MacDougall at Bridgewater College (Virginia):a) the relationship between religious beliefs (God, afterlife, suffering) and depression and life satisfaction, as mediated by stress overload, andb) the psychometric validation of a Palliative Care Death and Dying Concerns Scale for hospice and cancer patients2) in collaboration with Dr. Cheri Marmarosh (DMU/George Washington University) and Healthtree Foundation: the relationship between religious beliefs, practices, and attachment to God and post-traumatic growth and flourishing in cancer patients, comparing outcomes by type of cancer, stage of cancer, and demographics3) in collaboration with psychologists at the CEU San Pablo University in Madrid, Spain: the psychometric validation of a Spanish-language version of the Multidimensional Orientation Toward Dying and Death Inventory measuring both the fear and acceptance of dying and death
Ivan Irizarry
Ph.D. Duquesne University (Counselor Education and Supervision)M.A. Franciscan UniversityB.A. University of California
Dr. Ivan Irizarry earned his doctorate from Duquesne University.
Jacob Halbert
Dr. Jacob Halbert is a licensed clinical psychologist with Fountain of Life. He is a graduate from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University. He is a native of the Northern Virginia area and practices an integrated, Catholic philosophical approach to psychotherapy and assessment.
Jason Harshberger
University of Wyoming (Counseling)M.A. Colorado Christian University,B.S. University of Wyoming
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Jeanne Piette
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Loyola University ChicagoM.A., Clinical Psychology, Loyola University ChicagoB.A., Psychology, Marquette University
Dr. Piette is a licensed clinical psychologist in the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia and has worked as a clinician, supervisor, consultant and administrator in a wide variety of clinical settings. Examples of prior roles include serving as a PTSD/Substance Use Specialist at a VA Hospital, an internship/externship Training Director at American University, and as Senior Associate Director of the Counseling Center at George Mason University. She has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in psychology at Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, American University, and Philadelphia University.Dr. Piette has clinical and scholarly interest in working with survivors of trauma and with veterans and members of the military. Additional areas of interest include clinical supervision and training, spirituality and diversity in clinical practice, moral injury, forgiveness, post-traumatic growth, psychodynamic theory and psychotherapy integration.
Jessie Tappel
Associate Program Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
M.S., Institute for the Psychological SciencesB.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville
Jessie Tappel, LPC, ACS is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Virginia and Maryland and holds the credential of Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). She received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences in 2014, following undergraduate B.A. degrees from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Theology and Spanish. Currently, she enjoys practicing clinically as a generalist with adults, adolescents and children, of diverse backgrounds and wide-ranging presenting concerns. She has a particular interest in working with survivors of trauma, with young adults and the integration of faith and psychology. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology and the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. She enjoys writing and speaking on topics of mental health to the local community.
Julia Hogan-Werner
M.S. Divine Mercy University, (Clinical Psychology)
Julia Hogan-Werner is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago and owner of Vita Optimum Counseling & Consulting, LLC. She attended the Institute for the Psychological Sciences for her graduate degree and has spoken at Deloitte, Notre Dame University, and Metro Achievement Center for Girls. She leads workshops and writes on topics related to self-care, relationships and mental health from a faith-informed perspective. Her book, It’s Ok to Start with You is all about recognizing your inherent dignity and honoring that through authentic self-care. Her second book, A Work in Progress: Embracing the Life God Gave You, explores the tools to living a purpose-filled life. She is passionate about empowering individuals to be their most authentic selves. You can find more of her work online at juliamariehogan.com.
Julie Dolan
Ph.D., University of Notre Dame (Theology)M.T.S., Duke UniversityB.A., College of the Holy Cross
Kathie Erwin
Ed.D. University of Sarasota, Counseling PsychologyM.A. Liberty University, CounselingB.A. Eckerd College, Political Science & Community
Dr. Erwin is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor who has worked in private practice and developed geriatric group programs over the past 25 years. She is the author of six professional books on gerontology/aging issues and practice development. Her research interests are the multi-generational family, group work with older adults and trauma counseling. Dr. Erwin is a Fulbright Specialist for teaching and research at the University of Iceland. She serves as a Board Member of Florida Mental Health Counselors Association and Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. She has been a team leader with Green Cross in Trinidad, Tobago, India, and Romania. Dr. Erwin is a guest lecturer for NordMag Intensives at University of Iceland and the International Institute of Postgraduate Education in Ukraine.
Kimberly Emery
Ph.D., University of Wyoming, Counselor Education and SupervisionM.S., Azusa Pacific University, Clinical PsychologyB.S., Franciscan University, Theology
Kimberly Emery is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Master Addiction Counselor. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Franciscan University, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Wyoming (go Pokes!). Her doctoral dissertation explored the lived experiences of individuals who detransitioned after receiving gender-affirming care.Kimberly was originally licensed in New York State in 2015. She currently practices in Colorado with her furry co-therapist Ziggy, specializing in treating survivors of trauma and individuals struggling with addiction. She is also trained to evaluate and treat perpetrators of sexual offenses. Kimberly is an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Approved Clinical Supervisor, a member of NAADAC and the Global Institute of Forensic Research, and currently sits on the board of the Wyoming Association of Addiction Professionals.
Kristen Long
Dr. Kristen Long is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the state of Maryland. She specializes in working with children and adolescents and has clinical experience in outpatient, day treatment, hospital, school, federal government, and military settings. Dr. Long has clinical interests in psychological assessment, child therapy, and resilience.
Leah Herod
Ph.D., Auburn University (Clinical Psychology)M.S. Auburn UniversityB.A. University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
Dr. Leah Herod earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Auburn University. From there, she opened a private practice in Alabama and specialized in behavioral disorders. Her primary focus initially was in working with children. More recently, she has been interested in clinical work with adults and has conducted evaluations and provided treatment recommendations for patients in a hospital day-treatment setting. Other clinical work includes providing parent-training seminars, working with groups and teams, offering consultation, providing lay counselor training, and supervising counseling students/beginning counselors. She has an interest in other cultures, and has lived and worked abroad, traveling to over 30 countries. She has served in psychological, educational, and evangelistic missions to countries such as Egypt, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Liberia, Brazil, Jamaica, Thailand, and Germany. A focus in the international work has been working with refugees and trauma survivors. In 2003, she came to Columbia International University to obtain a certificate in Biblical Studies. From 2004 to 2016, she worked at Columbia International University in the College of Counseling as the Director of Internship Sites for the clinical counseling students, Director of Professional Relations, and Interim Program Director. Graduate level courses she has taught or co-taught include Ethics; Family Systems; Family Counseling; Personal and Spiritual Development; Research, Statistics, and Evaluation; Assessment; Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Multicultural Counseling; Career Counseling; and Practicum/Internship courses. She currently is full-time faculty at Divine Mercy University.
Leigh Dongre
Ph.D. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Counselor Education and Supervision)M.A. Wake Forest UniversityB.A. Wake Forest University
Leigh graduated from Wake Forest University with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While at Wake Forest, she worked as an academic counselor in the Learning Assistant Center at the university. In this role, she counseled students with their academic needs. For 4 years, she worked as a counselor, supervisor, and researcher at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in the Trauma Center. Her areas of interest are: substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, academic problems, interpersonal relationship concerns and general adjustment concerns. She serves adolescent, family and adult populations. She has facilitated family support groups for families with patients in the ICU and a parent group for parents of children suffering with addiction. She currently serves as the Clinical Director at Full Life Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. Her hobbies include: Traveling with her partner and sons to learn about different cultures and people. Cooking international cuisines, particularly Indian dishes. Practicing yoga. Reading and writing poetry. She adores British comedy.
Linda Hall
Ed.D. University of Arizona (Educational Administration-Higher Education)Ph.D. ABD, University of Arizona (Counseling: Concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling,)M.Ed. University of Arizona. B.A. University of Arizona.
Lynn K. Hall, Ed.D. has been a counselor educator for 16 years and a counselor for over 30 years. She holds an LPC license from the state of New Mexico; is a National Certified Counselor (NCE) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (APC) through NBCC. In 2015 she retired from the University of Phoenix as the Dean of the College of Social Sciences. She has a Master’s degree in Counseling and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and spent more than a decade as a counselor at the University of Arizona (Tucson) while having a private practice in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also has 12 years of experience as a school counselor in Tucson, AZ and in Germany working for the Department of Defense Dependent School Systems. In 2002 she became a counselor educator at Western New Mexico University and still teaches online as an adjunct for WNMU, UOPX and now for DMU. She is also the author of the book Counseling Military Families, published in 2008 and reprinted in 2016, as well as numerous chapters and articles about counseling the military.
Lisa Klewicki
Ph.D., Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological SeminaryM.A , Graduate School of Theology, Fuller Theological SeminaryM.A., Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological SeminaryB.A., California State University, Los Angeles
Dr. Lisa Klewicki is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She holds both a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Dr. Klewicki has been in clinical practice for over 21 years conducting psychological assessments and psychotherapy for adults and couples. Dr. Klewicki has been a member of the IPS clinical faculty for 12 years teaching basic clinical skills and psychological assessment to doctoral students. Her research interests include psychological assessment of adolescents and adults especially the use of assessment as a therapeutic technique and the psychotherapy process especially the relationship between therapist and client as a tool for growth.
Lyda Holguin-Gaviria
Ph.D The George Washington University (Counselor Education and Supervision)M.S. Villanova UniversityB.P. Pontificai Universidad Janeriana, Cali
Dr. Lyda Holguin-Gaviria is a counselor educator and supervisor, who is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Maryland and Florida, and a National Board-Certified Counselor. She proudly identifies herself as an immigrant in the United States. Dr. Holguin-Gaviria completed her Post-doctoral Fellowship at Florida Atlantic University, Ph.D. in counseling at The George Washington University, and master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Villanova University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Cali-Colombia. Her clinical and research interests are dedicated to understanding mental health issues in immigrants and minoritized populations compromised as a result of trauma, poverty, micro- and macro aggressions, and other remarkable factors associated with the process of cultural adjustment. Dr. Holguin-Gaviria is also interested in promoting research that is more inclusive and accurately represents the heterogeneity and diversity of Latinos in their research samples.
Mallory Wines
Ph.D., Duquesne University, Counselor Education and SupervisionM.S.Ed., Youngstown State University, Mental Health CounselingB.A., Kent State University, Psychology & Sociology
Dr. Wines holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Kent State University, a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne University. She has been a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio since 2011, providing behavioral health services to various populations including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. She specializes in working with trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, and childhood disorders. A majority of her clinical work has been in outpatient mental health centers, school settings, and in-home services.She has experience teaching in a graduate counseling and school psychology program, and supervising masters level counselors-in-training and therapeutic support staff. Her research interests include PTSD, trauma-exposure, vicarious traumatization, and post-traumatic growth.
Mark Gerig
Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision; The University of Toledo (1991)M.A. Counseling Psychology; Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (1983)B.A. Psychological Sciences; Purdue University (1980)
Mark Gerig is the oldest of two children and was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was raised and lived in a small, rural community in northeast Indiana throughout his childhood and adolescence. He and his wife, Michelle, have two adult children, two grandchildren, and one black lab (Brimley). They reside near Marion, Indiana.Dr. Gerig’s professional career has alternated between full-time clinical practice and graduate education. He is a clinical mental health counselor in Indiana and licensed psychologist in Michigan. Mark first served at Catholic Social Services, Defiance, OH, as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-OH) where he provided individual and family therapy for a wide range of concerns. These included addiction, personality disorder, eating disorder, depression, and anxiety. In addition, he served as coordinator of Parent Skill Training for the five county region of northwest Ohio. He later served as a outpatient therapist and supervisor at the Eastern Upper Peninsula Mental Health Center, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. In this role, he provided individual counseling to persons experiencing moderate to severe and persistent mental illness as well as the provision of supervision to counselors in the Outpatient Department. More recently, he served as the Manager of Crisis Services and facilitated the implementation of the Recovery and Peer Support Programs at Hiawatha Behavioral Health, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. As an educator, Dr. Gerig has previously served as a Professor of Counseling and Psychology at Summit Christian College (Fort Wayne, IN) and Bethel College (Mishawaka, IN), Sessional Instructor of Psychology at Algoma University (Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada), and Chair of the Division of Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University (Marion, IN). Mark engaged in part-time clinical practice concurrently with these academic appointments, providing individual counseling and neurofeedback for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.Dr. Gerig has been quite active in professional organizations. He has served as Chair of Professional Development and President of the Indiana Mental Health Counseling Association (IMHCA) and the Executive Board of the Indiana Counseling Association. He currently is a member of American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) Certification Board. Mark honored as Indiana Mental Health Counselor of the Year (2003) and the AMHCA Counselor Educator of the Year (2004-2005).Mark is a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences and is the author ofFoundations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: An Introduction to the Profession(3rded., Pearson). His current research interests are the role of intellectual virtues in the practice of professional counseling, the professional identity of clinical mental health counselors, and application of wellness interventions in the remediation of mental illness. In his spare time, Mark enjoys hiking, fishing, ice hockey, and reading (particularly great lakes history, theology, physics, and mysteries).
Matthew McWhorter
Ph.D., Ave Maria UniversityM.A., Georgia State UniversityB.A., University of Georgia
Dr. McWhorter has an M.A. in philosophy and a Ph.D. in Catholic theology. He has taught graduate and undergraduate philosophy and theology courses for Georgia State University, Ave Maria University, Catholic Distance University, and Holy Spirit College. Dr. McWhorter conducts research on the integration of religio-philosophical psychology and the contemporary human sciences. He resides with his wife and four children near Atlanta, GA.
Matthew Morris
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Human Development)M.A. New Orleans Baptist Theological SeminaryB.S. Wayland Baptist University
Monalisa McGee
Ph.D. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Education, Human and Community Resource Development)M.S. Creighton University
Dr. Monalisa McGee, Ph.D., LMHP, CPC, NCC, MAC, LMHC, LPC is a seasoned counselor and educator with over 20 years of clinical and supervisory experience across diverse settings, including sub-acute psychiatric hospitals, residential programs, and community-based services. She is nationally certified and licensed across multiple states, bringing a deep commitment to ethical, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care. Dr. McGee has served two terms as Board Chair for the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), where she also led the Governance Committee and contributed to strategic initiatives supporting credentialing and professional standards. Her leadership extends into academia, with over 15 years of teaching experience in clinical mental health counseling, addictions, ethics, and multicultural issues.
Nicole S. Deems
Ed.S. University of South Carolina, (Counselor Education)B.A. University of South Carolina
Nicole S. Deems, Ed.S., LMFT, LACS, CS, RYT received an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina where she returned for a graduate degree in Counselor Education, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. Nicole has worked with LRADAC, one of the leading substance misuse treatment centers in the Midlands of South Carolina since 2006 and is currently the Program Manager of Clinical Advancement where she provides oversight of outpatient programs, clinical supervision, and training for agency staff. Nicole’s clinical experience has been in providing therapeutic treatment services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in areas related to mental health, substance use disorders, trauma, and family systems. Nicole operates a clinical private practice where she provides therapy, training and consultation, as well as clinical supervision to those seeking licensure as a LMFT, LAC or certification as an addictions counselor in the state of SC. She is an EMDRIA certified provider of EMDR and utilizes somatic and nervous system informed practices in her work. Nicole also is an Adjunct Faculty at Divine Mercy University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Nicole has held positions on the board for the Association for Addiction Professionals of South Caroline (APSC) since 2014 and served as President for the Association in 2021-2022. Nicole is passionate about health and wellness and believes that healing occurs best with connection and intention. She has completed her 200-hour training as a Registered Yoga Teacher and is trained in trauma-informed yoga practices for the healing of trauma and recovery. Nicole sees her work as improving the lives of individuals and as well as building stronger, healthier communities.
Philip Scrofani
Ph.D., The Catholic University of AmericaM.S., Xavier UniversityB.S., Seton Hall University
Dr. Scrofani is a Professor Emeritus at IPS. His expertise is in clinical psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and research review. He has been Board Certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology since 1990.Dr. Scrofani was the Director of Family Psychotherapy Training for five years and Director of Psychology for the Commission on Mental Health Services in Washington, D.C. for 12 years. In that capacity, he had oversight responsibility for approximately 100 clinical psychologists and administrative responsibility for an APA accredited psychology internship. He later accepted a faculty position with the Psychiatry Residency Training Program for the Department of Mental Health in Washington, where he was involved in the training of 32 physicians in residency for psychiatry. He joined the faculty at IPS in 2004.
Rebecca Morse
Interim Assistant Program DirectorDirector of Research TrainingAssociate Professor
Ph.D., George Mason University, Applied Developmental PsychologyM.A., Hood College, ThanatologyB.A., Hood College, PsychologyA.A., FCC, Music Education
Rebecca S. Morse, Ph.D., is a behavioral and developmental psychologist and thanatologist. Much of her research has focused on those with developmental disabilities who are severely behaviorally disordered. She has taught at several Universities and Colleges on a broad range of topics in psychology, criminology, traumatology, and thanatology. She is the Immediate Past President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling and is the co-chair for the American Psychological Association End of Life Special Interest Group. She is a collaborator on a project with the Hospice Foundation of America to provide grief education for individuals with Autism, funded by the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation. She is a Thanatology Subject Editor for Routledge, and has published peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and contributed to numerous textbooks as both an author, and a reviewer.Previously Dr. Morse worked at the National Institutes of Health with children and adults diagnosed with rare genetic conditions, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or developmental disabilities. She is an associate investigator on an NHGRI protocol and continues to consult with individuals and their families. Currently, her courses and research interests focus on 1.) developmental and behavioral psychology, 2.) grief and traumatic loss, and 3.) the intersection of psychology and the developmental trajectories of socially maladaptive behavior.
Rev. Walter Schu
Assistant Professor, Department of Integrative Studies
His research interests include philosophical and theological anthropology and their relationship with the psychological sciences, moral theology, sexual morality, especially as seen through the lens of St. John Paul II’s theology of the body, as well as marriage and family.Fr. Schu grew up on a small farm in southwestern Minnesota, the second of seven children. He entered the congregation of the Legionaries of Christ in 1982 and was ordained a priest in 1994. From 1997 to 2017 he was a teacher at the Novitiate and College of Humanities of the Legionaries of Christ in Cheshire, CT.From 1993 to 1996 he taught in Rome at the International Center for Higher Studies, giving courses in logic, epistemology, metaphysics, and fundamental moral theology.From 1986 to 1989 he served as director of studies at the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School in Center Harbor, New Hampshire (a junior and senior high school for young men who desire to become priests).Fr. Schu is author of “The Splendor of Love,” on Saint John Paul II’s theology of the body. This work has been translated into two volumes in Spanish: “Matrimonio y familia: un nuevo horizonte,” and “La sexualidad en el amor.”.Fr. Schu has given a number of conferences in the United States, Canada, Rome, Mexico and Fiji on the theology of the body and written numerous articles on this topic. George Weigel has referred to theology of the body as “a theological time bomb,” which opens compelling new perspectives on the depth and beauty of married love.Curriculum Vitae
Roy Salgado
Ph.D., University of New Orleans, Counselor Education and SupervisionM.A ,Tulane University, School CounselingB.S. Psychology, Tulane University
Dr. Roy A. Salgado, Jr. is happily married and is the proud father of a son and daughter. He received his B.S. in Psychology from Tulane University in 1995, his Masters degree in School Counseling in 2000, and his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2003 from the University of New Orleans. Dr. Salgado has also worked as a teacher for the Archdiocese of New Orleans School System. In addition to his teaching experience, he has had diverse experiences as a counselor at an elementary school, a high school, a child and adolescent youth ranch, a community agency, and in private practice. His research interests are in the areas of child and teenage neglect and abuse, play therapy, child and adolescent development, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and family counseling. He has also served on the faculty at the Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Salgado has provided clinical mental health counseling services to members of the English and Spanish-speaking communities through his work with the New Orleans Family Justice Center and the Hispanic Apostolate. He has also worked with the general population in private practice, serving the community since 2003.Dr. Salgado has been a leading advocate in the formation of an initiative to help address the mental health needs of the more than 1500 unaccompanied minors who have come from Central America, most notably from the Republic of Honduras, to the New Orleans area. His leadership in this initiative has been instrumental in providing crucial mental health support. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Salgado holds a position as a Professor of Counseling and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Holy Cross where he has been on faculty teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels since 2006. He has received several Endowments for his work with Unaccompanied Minors in the United States and in Honduras. Dr. Salgado has also served as the 2016-2017 President of the Louisiana Counseling Association’s – Louisiana Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development Division – LAMCD. He has served as the 2017-2019 Faculty Assembly President for the University of Holy Cross and has been appointed by the Governor of Louisiana to the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners for the years 2018 – 2026, (the state licensing board for licensed professional counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists) where he currently serves as chair.Dr. Salgado’s commitment to serving his community extends beyond his professional roles. He is a member of the board for CCANO- Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, where he contributes to the organization’s mission of helping those in need. Furthermore, he also serves as a mental health contributor for the New Orleans’ Fox 8 News affiliate and WWL 870 am radio, using his platform to educate and inform the public about mental health issues. Dr. Salgado co-hosted a weekly mental health talk show on WLAE-32 with veteran TV news anchor Janet Gross, entitled Coping During the COVID Crisis, which debuted in April of 2020 in response to the global pandemic and was recognized by the New Orleans Press Club as the Best TV Talk Show in 2021. The success of the COVID talk show, which ran for three seasons, led to a spin-off series, entitled Coping Today, which debuted in August of 2022. Dr. Salgado was also named Outstanding Professor of the Year for 2021 by the University of Holy Cross.
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School of Counseling Faculty
Program Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Associate Professor Ph.D. Duquesne University (Counselor Education and Supervision), M.A. Slippery Rock University, B.A. Ashford University
CMHC Associate Program Director, M.S., Institute for the Psychological Sciences; B.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville
Associate Professor, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (Rehabilitation Counselor Training and Administration), M.B.A. Universidad Ana G Mendez, B.B.A. Universidad de Puerto Rico.
Associate Professor, Ph.D. Loyola University (Pastoral Counseling), M.S. Loyola University, A.B. Ateneo de Manila University
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University of Wyoming, Counselor Education and Supervision M.S., Azusa Pacific University, Clinical Psychology B.S., Franciscan University, Theology
Professor, Ed.D, Argosy University (Counseling Psychology), M.A. Liberty University, B.A. Eckerd College
Professor, Ph.D. Auburn University (Counselor Education and Supervision) M.S. Youngstown University B.A. Saint Vincent College
Professor, Ph.D., University of Toledo, (Counselor Education), M.A.Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, B.A. Purdue University
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Catholic University of America M.T.S. Harvard Divinity School B.A. Hampden-Sydney College
Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Ohio University (Counselor Education) M.A. Denver Seminary, B.A. Psychology University of Northern Colorado
Assistant Professor, Ph.D. University of Wyoming (Counseling), M.A. Colorado Christian University, B.S. University of Wyoming
Associate Professor, Ph.D., Auburn University (Clinical Psychology), M.S. Auburn University, B.A. University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Duquesne University (Counselor Education and Supervision), M.A. Franciscan University, B.A. University of California
Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Walden University (Clinical Psychology), M.A. Montclair State University, B.A. Montclair State University
Associate Professor; Ph.D. Ave Maria University (Theology/Religious Studies), M.A. Georgia State University, B.A. University of Georgia
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University of Holy Cross, Counselor Education and Supervision M.S., North Carolina A & T State University, Counselor Education B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, Elementary Education
Professor, S.T.D., Ph.D., University of Fribourg (Switzerland) S.T.L., University of Fribourg (Switzerland) M.A., Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (Berkeley) B.A., Arizona State University
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Capella University (Counseling Education and Supervision)M.A., Franciscan University of SteubenvilleB.S., Franciscan University of Steubenville
Associate Professor, Director of Training and Internship, M.A Gordon-Conwell Seminary (Christian Counseling), B.A. Montreat College
Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Duquesne University (Counselor Education and Supervision), M.S. Youngstown State University, B.A. Kent State University
Adjunct Faculty, Ed.S. University of South Carolina, (Counselor Education); B.A. University of South Carolina
Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame (Theology), M.T.S., Duke University, B.A., College of the Holy Cross
Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Counselor Education and Supervision), M.A. Wake Forest University, B.A. Wake Forest University
Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling, Idaho State University, M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, Idaho State University
Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D. (Clinical Child Psychology)Auburn University, M.S. Auburn University, B.A. Vanderbilt University
Adjunct Faculty, Ed.S. University of South Carolina, (Counselor Education); B.A. University of South Carolina
Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Education, Human and Community Resource Development) M.S. Creighton University
Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Human Development), M.A. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, B.S. Wayland Baptist University
Adjunct Faculty, S.Th.D. Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum (Moral Theology) S.T.L., Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum; S.T.B., Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum; B.A. University of Dallas
Adjunct Faculty, M.S.Institute for the Psychological Sciences, (Clinical Psychology), B.A., University of Mary
Stephen Gitonga
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling, Idaho State UniversityM.S. in Mental Health Counseling, Idaho State University
Dr. Stephen Kiuri Gitonga is an adjunct professor of clinical mental health counseling at the CACREP-accredited Divine Mercy University in Sterling, Virginia. He graduated from the CACREP-accredited counselor education program at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. He is licensed to practice as a counselor in PA, KY, and UT and holds the Approved Clinical Supervisor credential. He likes to salute site supervisors for supporting the students during the clinical phase of the graduate counselor training program.He is passionate about his teaching and clinical supervision roles of preparing mental health counselors who make a significant difference in peoples’ lives in their respective communities. His scholarship interests include clinical supervision, multicultural and social justice topics, acculturation, immigration, and counselor development.
Stephen Grundman
Assistant Professor of Integrative Studies
Ph.D., Graduate School of Philosophy, The Catholic University of AmericaM.A., Graduate School of Philosophy, The Catholic University of AmericaB.A., Thomas Aquinas College, California
Dr. Grundman is Assistant Professor of Integrative Studies in the Psy.D. program, teaching courses on the nature of the person, rational moral development, and friendship, marriage, and family life. Professional interests include questions of realist metaphysics; philosophical and theological anthropology; moral and emotional development and decline; virtue and vice; fundamental human reasonableness; pedagogy generally; and the integration of a Catholic-Christian vision of the person with psychology and neuroscience, especially through educating current and future mental health professionals.Joining the Institute for Psychological Sciences full-time in 2010, his experience includes serving as the first Director (and later as AVP) of Digital Learning and Innovation at DMU, co-leading the development of the university’s first two online programs and their courses (MS in Psychology, MS in Counseling), as well as its online certificate in Spiritual Direction. These roles provided an opportunity for exposure to a broad range of psychological sciences and principles for clinical practice, as well as for deepening integrative thinking.Prior to joining the Institute for Psychological Sciences and Divine Mercy University, Dr. Grundman taught undergraduates and seminarians, addressed lay audiences, and worked in the fields of evangelization, catechesis, and fundraising.Dr. Grundman CV
Su Li Lee
Adjunct & Dissertation Faculty
Psy.D., Institute for the Psychological SciencesM.S., Institute for the Psychological SciencesM.Sc. (Dist.), University of SussexB.A., Ave Maria University
Dr. Lee is currently a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the state of Maryland.Su Li Lee’s clinical interest is primarily in individual psychotherapy, particularly in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Her scholarly interests include the intersection of philosophy, theology, and psychology, as well as the nature of statistics in the psychological sciences. Her particular interest at present is on the philosophy of love and suffering, and how these affect psychotherapy and the person of the psychotherapist.
Suzanne Hollman
Adjunct Professor and Dean Emeritus
PhD, University College London, History of MedicinePsy.D. The George Washington University, Clinical PsychologyM.S. University of Oxford, History of MedicineM.A. University of Stellenbosch, Counseling PsychologyB.A. University of Stellenbosch, PsychologyB.S. University of Cape Town Social Science Psychology
Dr. Suzanne N. Hollman is Dean Emeritus of the APA-approved Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences (‘IPS’) at Divine Mercy University. She is Academic VP for International and Research Collaborations and Associate Professor at IPS. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from GWU, and an MSc degree in the History of Science, Medicine and Technology from Oxford University.Dr. Hollman’s scholarly interests include the integration of Faith and Science, Contemporary Psychodynamic Theory, and social justice as a lens through which to recognize and relieve human suffering in all its permutations. She has completed fellowships with the New York Freudian Society, the Washington Psychoanalytic Society, and the Unit for Psychoanalysis at University College London. She is currently completing a second Doctorate through University College London that examines the evolution of Psychoanalysis in the United States. Dr. Hollman has appeared on EWTN and the Phil Sandoval Show, and has hosted webinars on Cross-cultural challenges faced by international clergy.She serves as a consultant on matters related to suitability for religious life, mental health challenges faced by both lay people and clergy, and the clinical supervision and training of graduate students in Psychology. Dr. Hollman is a member of The Catholic Women’s Forum at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
Tiffany Gunnells
Associate Director of Training & InternshipAssistant Professor
Ph.D. Ohio University (Counselor Education)M.A. Denver SeminaryB.A. Psychology University of Northern Colorado.
Dr. Tiffany Gunnells has spent over 20 years working in the behavioral health field. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor in Colorado. Dr. Gunnells has a BA in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, a MA in Counseling from Denver Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Ohio University. While at Ohio University her research areas were spirituality in counseling, clinical supervision, social and cultural factors in counseling, and rural issues in behavioral health.Dr. Gunnells has held positions in a variety of behavioral health areas from day treatment, and residential and community mental health centers as a counselor to administration as a program director, supervisor, and quality improvement director. Throughout much of her career, she has provided supervision and training to behavioral health professionals, particularly master’s interns, addiction trainees, and Licensed Professional Counselor Candidates. Her diverse experience provides Dr. Gunnells with a unique and broad perspective of the behavioral health field.She currently contracts part-time as a counselor and supervisor with a small faith-based agency doing in-person and virtual counseling. Her expertise is in working with adults. She has helped hundreds of clients with a variety of concerns including mental health disorders, substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, trauma, recovery from relational group abuse/thought reform, domestic violence offenses (mostly female), and those mandated by the justice system.After her time in Appalachian Ohio, Dr. Gunnells returned to her native Northern Colorado where she resides with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she volunteers at her children’s Catholic school, does puzzles, and enjoys a good cup of coffee while cuddling with her dog and reading.
William Nordling
Ph.D., University of Maryland, College ParkM.A., University of Maryland, College ParkM.A., Duquesne UniversityB.A., University of Dallas
Dr. Nordling is one of the founding faculty members of DMU. He is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also holds a number of specialized credentials in child, marriage, and family therapy and teaches both basic and advanced coursework in these areas for the Psy.D program. Dr. Nordling is an active scholar, and in addition to his many publications, he has conducted over 200 presentations and training workshops nationally and internationally. As a respected leader in the field, he has served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Association for Play Therapy, and also the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. His award-winning co-authored book Child-Centered Play Therapy is widely used in the field of child therapy. He is also a co-editor of the ground-breaking book,A Catholic-Christian Meta-Model of the Person: Integration with Psychology and Mental Health Practice, which serves as a foundation for the curricula of degree programs at DMU. His research interests include: child, marital, & family therapies; play therapy; marriage preparation; psychoeducational programs for marriage and family enrichment; clinical supervision; and Christian integration in mental health practice.
Yancy Cruz
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale (Rehabilitation Counseling and Administration)Universidad de Puerto Rico Master in Rehabilitation Counseling Universidad Ana G. Mendez Master in Business Administration – Human ResourcesTraining and Administration)
M.B.A. Universidad Ana G MendezM.S. Universidad de Puerto RicoB.B.A. Universidad de Puerto Rico
Yancy Cruz is an only daughter and was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was raised and lived between the beautiful landscapes of Bayamón, Corozal and Humacao. She and her husband, Hector, have a beautiful daughter, Laia, and a very special yorkie dog named Bori. They reside in Southern Illinois, in Carbondale.Dr. Cruz holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón campus, two masters degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Puerto Rico (Rio Piedras campus), a master’s degree in Human Resources from the Universidad Ana G. Méndez in PR, and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling and Administration from Southern Illinois University. Dr. Cruz is a Licensed Clinical ProfessionalCounselor in Illinois, a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor in Puerto Rico, and a national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Dr. Cruz has also finalized a Post Doctoral degree in the Stress and Trauma Center, Inc..Dr. Cruz has experience working with people with developmental abilities and mental health issues. She also works with veterans, immigrants, people suffering from traumatic experiences, and people with chronic illnesses throughout their life spans. Some of the organizations she is a member of are: the National Rehabilitation Association, the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC), the American Counseling Association, and the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC).In her free time Dr. Cruz volunteers with her family in providing bilingual religious education at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Carbondale, Illinois. Before moving to Southern Illinois, she was a Parish council member at Sagrados Corazones Parish, where she had the blessing to be a communion minister with her husband and she was a founding member of Catholic Daughters of America, Chapter #2772. Dr. Cruz, with her family, has supported her fatherin-law in deacon formation and the ordination process in the Fajardo-Humacao Diocese in Puerto Rico for the last 18 years, where he is still in active service.Dr. Cruz’s professional training and personal experiences promote and embrace the importance of praying to overcome every life challenge and to find, through our profession, a way to identify our mission in life.