Meet Our Full-Time Core Faculty
Diane Gehart, PH.D.
Professor
Program Coordinator
COAMFTE Program Coordinator/Director
Phone: 818-677-7468
e-mail: dgehart@csun.edu
Office: ED 3122
Professional Webpage: www.dianegehart.com
Book Webpage: www.masteringcompetencies.com
Program Coordinator: As program coordinator, Dr. Gehart oversees the overall coordination of the program and has primary responsibility for the curriculum, COAMFTE Accreditation, and BBS curriculum approvals.
Education: Ph.D., Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy Specialization, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, 1997; M. A., Mental Health Counseling, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, 1994; B. A. Majors: Psychology and East Asian Studies (Chinese emphasis), College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, 1992.
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California); Licensed Professional Counselor (Texas); Approved Supervisor & Clinical Member, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Teaching Interests: Marriage and Family Therapy Theories; Counseling Theories; Child and Adolescent Counseling; Couples Counseling; Child Abuse and Domestic Violence; Human Sexuality; Practicum; Fieldwork.
Research Interests: Postmodern and systems theory development; Buddhism, mindfulness and therapy; qualitative and ethnographic research; culture and gender issues in the therapeutic relationship; theory-based treatment planning; domestic violence and sexual abuse; child and family counseling in schools; play therapy; client advocacy; international perspectives and cross-cultural exchanges in marriage and family therapy; philosophical and ethical issues in therapy.
Select Publications:
Mindfulness for Chocolate Lovers
Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy
Theory and Treatment Planning in Counseling and Psychotherapy
Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy
Collaborative Therapy: Conversations and Relationships that Make a Difference
Dana Stone, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Fieldwork Coordinator
Mitchell Family Counseling Center Faculty Liaison
Phone: 818.677.2049
Email: dana.stone@csun.edu
Office: ED 3134
Fieldwork Coordinator: Oversees applications to become an approved site, maintains list of approved sites, and assists students with placement. Agencies interested in becoming an approved fieldwork site should contact Dr. Stone directly.
Education: Ph.D., Human Development: Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Virginia Tech, 2009. M.A., Marriage and Family Therapy, Alliant International University-San Diego, 2004. B.A., Psychology, The Colorado College, 1999.
Teaching Interests: Human Sexuality in Counseling, Group Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy Models/Theories, Multicultural Topics in Counseling, Families Across the Lifecycle, and Practicum & Fieldwork Experiences.
Research Interests: Parent child relationships between interracial couples and their biracial children, specifically how the intersections of race, class, and gender influence the biracial identity development process. Cultural and diversity issues as they relate to counseling and the level of diversity within the field of marriage and family therapy in general.
Mark Stevens, Ph.D.
Professor
Admissions Coordinator
Phone: 818-677-2103
Email: mark.stevens@csun.edu
Office: ED 3116
Admissions Coordinator: Dr. Stevens serves as the Admissions Coordinator, overseeing the review of application and interview process.
Education: California School of Professional Psychology
Teaching Interests: Practicum A and B; Introduction to Counseling, Gender Roles and Counseling, Couples and Group Counseling, Clinical Supervision, Multicultural Counseling, RAISE Your GPA
Research Interests: Men and Masculinity, Academic Confidence, College Mental Health, First Generation College Students, Help Seeking Behaviors, Retention of College Students, Sexual Assault Prevention
Jennifer Vargas Pemberton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Strength United Faculty Liaison
Phone: 818-677-2032
Email: jennifer.pemberton@csun.edu
Office: ED 3130
Strength United Faculty Liason: Dr. Pemberton serves as the program’s faculty liaison with its award-winning community mental health center, Strength United, and provides leadership for their research grants and programs. She is also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.
Education: Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, University of Southern California, 1995. M.A., Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Southern California, 1992. B.A., Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 1989.
Teaching Interests: Practicum/ Communication Skills; Counseling Children, Adolescents, and Families; Group Counseling; Treatment of Child Abuse and Trauma; Crisis Management and Intervention; Clinical Supervision.
Research Interests: The impact of child abuse and trauma; Substance use and high risk- taking behaviors among ethnically diverse populations; Implementation of evidenced based treatment with ethnically diverse populations; Latino mental health issues.
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Psychologist (California); Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Credential in Effective College Instruction, American Council on Education
Deborah Buttitta, Psy.D., LMFT
Core Faculty
E-mail: deborah.buttitta@csun.edu
Webpage: www.deborahbuttittapsyd.com
Education: Psy.D., Psychology: Emphasis in Organizational Consulting, Phillips Graduate Institute, 2010; M.A., Marriage, Family and Child Therapy, California Family Study Center, 1992; B.A, Major: Theater Arts, California State University, Northridge, 1990; Certificate in Child and Play Therapy, Phillips Graduate Institute 1995
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California), Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow - American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Teaching Interests: Clinical Research; Theories of Counseling and Psychology; Systems Theories; Post Modern Theories; Group Counseling; Practicum/Fieldwork; Child, Adolescent, and Family Therapy; Diversity and Multicultural Competency; Working with LGBTQ clients; Individual and Family Development; Professional Development; Working in schools and larger systems
Research Interests: Career development in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy; Professional behavior as a core competence in graduate education; MFT Leadership; Gay and Lesbian Families; Women in leadership, navigating family and career; Clinical supervision
Additional Professional Positions & Accomplishments: Private Practice, Sherman Oaks, California
Former Positions Held:
Department Chair/Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Phillips Graduate University
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Phillips Graduate University
Program Director, School Counseling Program, Phillips Graduate University
Program Director, Child Therapy in a Clinical Setting, California Family Counseling Center
Strength United Executive Director
Kim Roth, MS, LMFT
Executive Director, Strength United
E-mail:
Webpage: https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/strength-united
Education: MS in Counseling, Specializing in MFT, CSUN
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California), Clinical Fellow - American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Teaching Interests: Clinical Assessment and Child and Adolescent Therapy
Research Interests: Program evaluation; trauma; trauma treatment; EBT effectiveness
Meet Our Adjunct Faculty
Cyndee Bellamy, LMFT
E-mail:
Education: Masters of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, CSUN
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California)
Teaching Interests: Fieldwork
Additional Professional Positions: Supervisor, Strength United
Tia Brisco, LMFT
Teaching Interests: Cultural Diversity, African American Mental Wellness, 0-5 Child Therapy, and Corporate/Industrial Psychology
Additional Professional Positions: Corporate Wellness Trainer, Private Practice Owner
Education: Masters of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, CSUN
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family (California and Texas), Substance Abuse Professional Evaluator (SAP)
Angela Caldwell, MA, LMFT
E-mail: angela@selfinjuryinstitute.com
Professional Webpage: www.selfinjuryinstitute.com
Education: Masters of Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California)
Teaching Interests: Neuroscience, Family Systems, Assessment, Counseling Techniques
Research Interests: Rage
Additional Professional Positions: Past-President of AAMFT-CA, CAMFT Board of Directors (2009)
Ben Caldwell, PsyD, LMFT
E-mail:
Professional Webpage: https://bencaldwell.com
Education: PsyD, Alliant International University.
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California); AAMFT Clinical Fellow
Teaching Interests: Law and Ethics; Family Systems; Couple Therapy
Research Interests: Law and Ethics; Professional Development
Clovis Emblem, MS, MFT
E-mail:
Education: M.A. Educational Psychology and Counseling
Licensure and Credentials: Marriage Family Therapist, Approved AAMFT Supervisor
Teaching Interests: Fieldwork Supervision, Child and Family Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care
Georgina Garay-Lozano, MS, MFT
E-mail:
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Professional Webpage: https://ggltherapy.com/
Education: M.S. Counseling, CSUN 2013; B.A. Psychology, CSUN 2013
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA
Teaching Interests: First-Generation students, Psychology, Trauma Informed Care, Multicultural Topics, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Theories, Family Systems, Community Mental Health
Research Interests: Intergenerational Trauma
Additional Professional Positions & Accomplishments: Staff Therapist in Community Mental Health, Private Practice Provider
Tessa Graham, MS, MFT, BCBA
E-mail: tessa.graham@csun.edu
Education: CSUN Educational Psychology, MFT Program
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California)
Adam Field, MS, LMFT
E-mail:
Professional Webpage: http://www.adamfieldsmft.com
Education: M.A. Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy/Phillips Graduate Institute
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist; AAMFT-Approved Clinical Supervisor
Teaching Interests: Couples and Sex Therapy, Group Dynamics, Practicum, Field Work, Abnormal Psychology
Research Interests: Human Sexuality
Additional Professional Positions & Accomplishments: Private practice, Encino; Adjunct faculty at Phillips Graduate
Stacy Kaiser, MS, LMFT
E-mail:
Professional Webpage: www.stacykaiser.com
Education: B.A. Psychology, California State University, Northridge ; M.A. Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Teaching Interests: Practicum, Counseling and Communication Skills, Counseling Theories, Child and Adolescent Development, Treatment of Child Abuse and Trauma, Crisis Management and Intervention.
Carine Keenan, MS, LMFT
Phone: (818) 912-9189
E-mail: carine.keenan@csun.edu
Professional Webpage: carinekeenanMFT.com
Education: CA Lutheran University, M.S. Counseling Psychology
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California)
Teaching Interests: Psychopharmacology and Neurobiological Foundations, Clinical Fieldwork, Diagnosis, Abnormal Psychology, Couples Therapy, Family Systems, Theories, Child and Adolescent Therapy
Research Interests: Couples, family life stages, high conflict family systems, attachment, family-based treatment for eating disorders
Additional Professional Positions & Accomplishments: Private Practice, Woodland Hills; AAMFT Designated Supervisor Candidate; Certified Anger Management Specialist II (NAMA); Certified Coach for Collaborative Divorce and Dispute Resolution (LACFLA)
Sandra Kushnir, LMFT
Email: sandra.kushnir@csun.edu
Education: California State University, Northridge MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, 2012-2014
Professional Webpage: www.meridian-counseling.com
Licensure and Credentialing: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (99225), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist UT (12298642-3902) Clinical Supervisor, EMDR-Certified
Teaching Interests: Couples Therapy, Addiction, Career Counseling.
Additional Accomplishments: Founder and CEO of Meridian Counseling and UNIFY Mental Health, host of The Guiding Compass Podcast, EMDR Certified Therapist, and clinical supervisor.
Rebecca Lemert, MA, LMFT
Phone: 310-853-2828
Processional Webpage: www.rebeccalemert.com
Education: M.A. Psychology w/MFT Concentration, B.S. Psychology
Licensure and Credentials: LMFT 46752, Certified in EBPs: TF-CBT, MAP, SS, PPP Levels 4 and 5
Teaching Interests: Counseling, psychodiagnostic, children/family treatment, community mental health, trauma
Additional Professional Positions: Intake Coordinator/Clinical Supervisor, Private Practitioner
Tricia Lethcoe, MS, LMFT
Phone: (818) 926-8737
E-mail: tricia.lethcoe@csun.edu
Professional Webpage: tricialethcoe.com
Education: CA State Northridge, M.S. in Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California); CATC IV (Certification)
Teaching Interests: Addiction, Group Therapy, Diagnosis, Fieldwork, Practicum, Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology, Family Development
Research Interests: Addiction, Interpersonal Neurobiology
Pam Pettit, MA, LMFT
E-mail:
Education: BA in Spanish language from Occidental College; MA in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage & Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California)
Teaching Interests: Community Mental Health, Fieldwork, Research, Communication Skills, Group Process, Resume Writing & Job Interview Skills
Clinical Interests: Domestic Violence, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children & Youth (CSECY), Trauma-Informed Treatment, Juvenile Justice Involved Youth, LGBTQI2S, Social Justice, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs), Immigration Journey, Victims of Crime
Additional Professional Positions: Juvenile Justice Mental Health Services Program, Los Angeles County Dept. of Mental Health (DMH)
Michael Pierce, MS, LMFT
E-mail: Michael@MPierceTherapy.com
Professional Webpage: www.MPierceTherapy.com
Education: MS in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, CSUN. BA and MA in Communications, Rowan University.
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California). EMDR and IFS trained therapist.
Teaching Interests: Couples and Group Counseling.
Clinical Interests: Trauma-Informed Treatment, Men and Masculinity, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
Professional Positions: Support therapist in residential treatment and intensive out-patient recovery; private practitioner.
Peter Mora, MA, LMFT
Phone: 818-677-2531
E-mail:
Website: www.therapypm.com
Education: M.S. Counseling, CSUN 2015; B.A. Psychology, CSUN 2013
License and Credential: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #104763
Teaching interest: Psychology, Counseling, MFT, First-Generation Students, Academic Motivation.
Danielle Samuel,M.S,LMFT
Professional Webpage: https://www.weflourishpsychology.com/
Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Couple and Family Therapy, Antioch University (Current) Master of Science, Counseling Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, California State University, Northridge (2018); Bachelor’s in Psychology, San Jose State University (2016)
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California)
Teaching Interests: Diversity in Counseling, Group Therapy, Postmodern theories, Clinical and Outcome-Based Assessments, Therapy with Children, Adolescents, & their Families
Research Interests: Racial trauma, sexuality, sexual trauma
Additional Professional Positions: Private Practice Provider, Beverly Hills; Board member of Los Angeles Bi+ Task Force
Mark J. Souris, Psy.D.
Phone: (818) 635-9705
E-mail: mark.souris@csun.edu
Education: Pepperdine University, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology; Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology; University of Missouri at Saint Louis, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology
Licensure and Credentials: Clinical Psychologist; Qualified Substance Abuse Professional
Teaching Interests: Psychopathology/Abnormal Psychology; Psychodiagnostic Interviewing; Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis; Personality Theory; Psychological Testing; Cognitive Behavioral Psychology; Personality Theory; Addiction (including Alcohol, Substance-related and Behavioral Addictions); Community Mental Health: Consultation
Research Interests: Personality Correlates of Chronic Pain Syndromes (e.g., TMJ); Type A Coronary-prone Pattern of Behavior; Clinical Supervision (Published)
Recent Publications: Li, C.I, Fairhurst, S., Chege, C., Jenks, E.H., Tsong, Y, Golden, D., White, L., Andreassen, A., Scott, S., Souris, M.J., Santiago-Schmitt, S., Hefley, A. (2016). Card-sorting as a tool for communicating the relative importance of supervisor interventions. The Clinical Supervisor, 35(1), 80-97.
Alejandra Trujillo, MS, LMFT
E-mail: alejandra.trujillo@csun.edu
Education: Master of Science, Counseling December, 2011, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, California State University, Northridge; Licensed Psychologist, January, 2005
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Teaching Interests: Community Mental Health, Family Systems, Group Counseling, Child Counseling.
Research Interests: Resilience, Trauma, Infant Mental Health, Post-Partum Depression, Attachment, Children & Families.
Additional Professional Positions: Therapist, San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center
Curt Wildham, MA, LMFT
Professional Webpage: curtwidhalm.com
Education: MA, Clinical Psychology with emphasis in marriage and family therapy, Pepperdine University MS, Criminal Justice with emphasis in Behavior Analysis, Saint Joseph's University
Licensure and Credentials: California LMFT #47333
Teaching Interests: Law & Ethics, Trauma
Research Interests: Law & Ethics, Supervision, Therapeutic Alliance
Additional Professional Positions & Accomplishments:
CAMFT Ethics Committee Member
Co-Founder Therapy Reimagined Conference
Co-Host of The Modern Therapist's Survivor Guide podcast
Former CAMFT Chief Financial Officer
Former California BBS Subject Matter Expert
L. David Willoughby, MA, LMFT
Phone: (323) 549-9484
E-mail: louis.willoughby@csun.edu
Professional Webpage: www.ldavidwilloughby.com
Education: Masters of Arts, Pepperdine University, 1987
Licensure and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California); Registered Nurse
Teaching Interests: Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology, Chemical Dependency, Crisis, Trauma, Disaster Mental Health
Research Interests: Trauma, Disaster, Psychopharmacology
Additional Professional Positions & Accomplishments: Associate Professor, Phillips Graduate University; LMFT in Private Practice
Recent Publications: Role of the psychotherapist in the medication management of mental disorders: historical perspectives and critical issues. Progress: Family Systems Research and Therapy. Fall, 2003:12, 15-23.
Who Does What?: Faculty Roles
MFT Faculty
The MFT program has a nationally recognized, dynamic faculty that work closely together to provide a coordinated and cutting edge program. We have two types of core faculty: full-time and adjunct. For students, the main distinction is who may serve as a chair for a culminating experience, who provides advising, and who manages program administration.
Full-time Core Faculty: Full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty who have primary responsibility for program administration. All full-time core faculty must possess a doctorate and are required to be active scholars in the field. As with most universities, there are three ranks: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and full "Professor.” Faculty begin at the Assistant rank and typically require 7 years to move up in rank. In addition to teaching, core full-time faculty must publish and serve on numerous university governance committees. Only core faculty can chair comprehensive exams or a master's thesis/project.
Adjunct Core Faculty: Adjunct faculty in the MFT program are part-time faculty who must also be active in the field. We typically hire adjunct who have been licensed for at least 5 years and active in the field for the past 10 years. Our adjunct faculty are involved in the development of curriculum and administrative functions in the MFT program. They may serve as committee members for culminating experiences.
Administrative Faculty Roles
Program Coordinator: Provides oversight of the curriculum, clinical training, accreditation, facilities, services, and maintenance and enhancement of program’s quality. The program coordinator works with the Department Chair advocating for the program within the Department, College, and University. The program coordinator also oversees faculty recruitment, program assessment, and faculty supervision. For accreditation purposes, the Program Coordinator is the COAMFTE "Program Director" to ensure that the program meets all accreditation standards.
Fieldwork Coordinator: Oversees approval of creating field sites, evaluation of sites, facilitating student placement; assists with resolving issues that arise in field placements.
Admissions Coordinator: Oversees admissions process; assists with determining prerequisite equivalencies.
Strength United Faculty Liaison: Serves as faculty contact for SU; attends staff SU meetings; Principal Investigator for major grants for SU.
MFCC Faculty Liaison: Serves as faculty contact for MFCC; attends MFCC meetings; Principal Investigator for major grants at MFCC.
Department Chair: The Chair of the Educational Psychology and Counseling Department is not a member of the MFT faculty. The Department Chair is the official university administrator for the department, and thereby the program. Students only engage with the Department Chair when involved in a formal complaint or other serious matter.