Meet the Staff

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 Dr. Ricardo Cornejo received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology, and Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from California Lutheran University. He completed an APA Doctoral Internship at The University of Notre Dame University Counseling Center.

Dr. Cornejo uses a Dialectical Behavior Therapy informed approach and has clinical interest in anxiety, depression, substance use, interpersonal concerns, developmental disabilities, as well as suicide and self-harm.

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Dr. Jackson received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Shaw University, a historically Black college in Raleigh, North Carolina. She received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from California State University, Long Beach and her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. Dr. Jackson completed a CAPIC-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the Youth Reporting Center in Anaheim.

Dr. Jackson’s previous experience and training includes: university counseling, collaboration with the Department of Probation while working in juvenile detention centers, community mental health, and private practice settings.   Using a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy approach, Dr. Jackson’s clinical interests include: working with underserved populations, multicultural concerns, BIPOC concerns, trauma, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal, as well as relationship concerns.

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Dr. David Ruda earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina. Dr. Ruda began his career in higher education through administrative and faculty roles in student and academic affairs. He has developed, managed, and evaluated curricular and co-curricular programing in higher education for the past 15 years. Dr. Ruda earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from The George Washington University.

Dr. Ruda holds board certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and he is currently an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APPC #13591) in California. His clinical training includes dual diagnosis clinics (residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient intensive treatment), college/university counseling centers, and community mental health clinics. Dr. Ruda uses an integrative trauma-informed approach with a foundation in humanistic and multicultural perspectives. His clinical interests are anxiety, depression, identity development, life transitions/adjustment, sexual violence, relationship concerns, and managing stress.

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Michael Bednar is a third-year graduate student in California Lutheran University’s PsyD program.  He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Calgary.  Michael has a background in research pertaining to LGBTQIA+ experiences in higher education as well as Indigenous Psychology, with an emphasis on Indigenous-Police relations.  

Michael’s clinical work has so far focused on helping diverse patients in community counseling centers in Ventura County.  His clinical work emphasizes ACT and behavioral interventions, especially for mood and anxiety disorders. 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Ali completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Duke University, master’s in Mental Health Counseling at New York University, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She began her career in advertising and marketing before finding her way back into mental health care. She has experience working in residential settings, community clinics, and university counseling centers. 

Ali’s approach is trauma-informed and affirming, guided by person-centered and psychodynamic theories. In other words, she provides a warm, nonjudgmental space to explore how the past is showing up in the present. Depending on her clients’ needs, she will also integrate mindfulness and emotional regulation skills from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).  She is passionate about working with the queer community, survivors of trauma, and those experiencing life transitions, relationship challenges, or questions of identity.

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Hasana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cal State Northridge, a Master’s in Psychology from Pepperdine University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Her career began as a behavioral therapist, where she worked with children with autism while advancing her education. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience in both community counseling centers and Telehealth platforms.

Hasana’s therapeutic approach is integrative and trauma-informed, rooted in a Humanistic orientation, and anchored in evidence-based practices. She skillfully incorporates mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques drawn from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Hasana is deeply committed to supporting survivors of trauma, as well as individuals struggling with anxiety, panic, depression, and suicidality. 

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Adam received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of San Diego, his master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology from the University of Washington, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. He has been involved in education and social service programs up and down the west coast for over a decade with a demonstrated history of working in diverse and marginalized communities across a variety of settings.

Adam’s work history has informed his clinical practice, taking an integrative, holistic, and client-centered approach to treatment, grounded in humanistic theory and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). He values authenticity in the therapeutic relationship, believing that genuine connection cultivates trust and meaningful change. He recognizes the unique stories that every person carries and attempts to cater services to meet the needs of the individual. Whether it be supporting the development of DBT skills to better navigate life’s challenges, or helping individuals work towards a deeper understanding and comfort with themselves, Adam is dedicated to fostering personal growth and resilience in those he has the privilege of working with.

Mia Calderon is a 3rd year undergraduate student at California Lutheran University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Sports Psychology. Mia was on her varsity basketball team in high school and played intramural basketball at CLU her freshman year. She has coached a youth nonprofit travel basketball team and has also volunteered at The Help Group in Sherman Oaks. Her intended career is to become a sports psychologist for any sports organization and open up her own private practice. 

As a Peer Health Educator-CAPS, Mia will be supporting with outreach events related to wellness and mental health, supporting with providing information about wellness resources on campus, and coordinating outreach efforts to increase well-being. The Peer Health Educator-CAPS role is a non-clinical role.