Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

Dr. Michael Gerson

As we approach another new semester, I would like to welcome the new Fall 2018 cohort to the CLU family. I know I speak for the entire faculty and staff as we wish them success in the  exciting, invigorating and enlightening path toward their career goals. For our continuing students we look forward to continuing to guide you through this educational adventure.

I would also like to thank Dr. Jamie Banker for her inspiring leadership for the past 8 years as the Director of the MFT program. She, along with Dr. Simmons, diligently worked to see that our program is an outstanding example of MFT education and training. As I learn to navigate through all the responsibilities and needs of the program I will rely on their expertise and wisdom.

As Dr. Simmons has decided to step down from her position as Director of Clinical Training to devote more time to her research and teaching activities, the administration has established a new staff position, Coordinator of Clinical Training. A search committee is currently underway reviewing applicants with hopes of filling that position early in the Fall semester. The person in that position will be dedicated to oversight and management of all matters regarding student practicum readiness, placement, and evaluation. The Coordinator will work closely with the Program Director and providing consultations with core faculty and the Dean.

Please welcome our newest adjunct faculty member, Carine Keenan. Professor Keenan came to us from CSUN where she was an adjunct professor graduate school of education and psychology. She completed her MS in Counseling Psychology from CLU and has been in private practice since 2014. We are delighted to have her join or distinguished adjunct faculty.

We are equally honored to welcome Dr. Martin Olivares and Mr. Iuri Conceicao as adjunct professors. They have each taught Domestic Violence over the summer sessions and have already proven to be valued assets to our program. Both professors bring a wealth of experience and insight from their diverse backgrounds and clinical experiences. Dr. Olivares will also be teaching the Attachment Specialization this Fall.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Dianne Cooper-Byram for her many years of teaching in our program. Dr. Cooper-Byram has decided to retire to Newport Beach with her husband Dr. Robert Byram (a CLU alumnus ).  We wish them a delightful and much deserved retirement.

We would like to welcome our new Graduate Program Specialist, Mengmeng (Lora) Liu.  She joined us in November 2017 and has been with us for almost a year. She graduated from the University of Iowa with two MA degrees in Education Measurement and Statistics and Higher Education and Student Affairs.  She also has a BA in Accounting from Iowa State University. She is passionate about working in Higher Education and helping students reach their goals and succeed in academics. She also serves as a liaison to all of the MFT and MS Clinical Psychology faculty and assists with a variety of departmental events and activities.

As students, please don’t hesitate to contact her with any program-related questions or concerns that you may have during your graduate studies. She will do her best to assist you stay on track in your academic progress and help you succeed in your graduate career here at GSOP!  If you’d like to schedule an academic advising appointment with her at Thousand Oaks campus, she is accessible via email at mengmengliu@callutheran.edu or phone (805) 493-3662. If you would like to meet with her in Oxnard, she is also available Thursday mornings. Please make an appointment and she’d be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Michael Gerson