Psychology Faculty

ALAN BRISKIN received his Bachelor’s from Goddard College and his Master’s and Doctorate from the Wright Institute. He is co-founder of the Collective Wisdom Initiative is a leading voice in the field of organizational learning and development. Alan’s work as an organizational consultant and researcher came to further fruition in his co-authored book, The Power of Collective Wisdom, which won the 2010 Nautilus Award in the category of Business and Leadership. Another co-authored publication, Daily Miracles: Stories and Practices of Humanity and Excellence in Health Care, was chosen as the 2007 Book of the Year by the American Journal of Nursing.

Dr. Andrea Goldstein received her Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, Master’s of Science in Psychology from Albizu University in Miami, and her Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with a specialty concentration in Forensic Psychology from Albizu University in Miami. She has taught as an adjunct professor for Keiser University and Kaplan University. She has also taught Psychology, Forensics, and Dialogues at Lynn University. She has also spent time as an assistant program director at South University. She has spent time as a curriculum development director and created and designed online and on-campus courses in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Studies, Business, Interdisciplinary Studies, General Education, Nursing, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Health and Human Performance, and Disaster Management. Some of her publications are; Psychology and Your Life Test Bank (Text written by Robert Feldman), McGraw Hill, 2009, Creative Concepts in Psychology by Dr. Andrea Goldstein, McGraw Hill, 2010, and Case Study by Dr. Andrea Goldstein, iBook Lynn Publishing, 2018.

CAMILLE MICA received her Bachelor’s in Theology and Psychology (Double Major) from Franciscan University of Steubenville, her Master’s in Psychology from Meridian University, and completed her Doctorate in Psychology. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Camille provides psychotherapy to adults and couples at Restore Psychotherapy and Wellness in Houston, Texas, utilizing an integrative depth psychology approach. In addition to her clinical work, she leads advocacy efforts for survivors of human trafficking through the Empower Her Network.

ED BIERY received his Bachelor’s and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis. He also received his Master’s and Doctorate from Meridian University. Ed’s interests relate to the practical interface of neurobiology with clinical practice in imaginal psychology, to help clients better understand what is going on in their bodies as well as their psyches, primarily through the exploration of image and the expression of affect.

JEAN HOUSTON (Chancellor) is a visionary researcher who has authored nearly 30 books and worked intensively in over 40 cultures, lectured in over 100 countries, and worked with major organizations such as UNICEF and NASA. Dr. Houston has served on the faculties of Columbia University, Hunter College, Marymount College, The New School for Social Research, and the University of California. She holds doctoral degrees in both psychology and religion. Since 2002, Dr. Houston has been working with the United Nations Development program, training leaders in developing cultures throughout the world.

Laurence Hillman received his Bachelor’s from Washington University, his Master’s also from Washington University, and his Doctorate from Meridian University. His work spans executive coaching, consulting, and teaching in the areas of leadership development, archetypal psychology, and archetypal astrology. He is co-creator of Archetypes at Work, a method of leadership development used to assess and develop individuals and organizations. His publications include Planets in Play: How to Reimagine Your Life Through the Language of Astrology (Jeremy Tarcher/Penguin) and Archetypes at Work: Evolving Your Story, One Character at a Time (Matador, 2019).

LISA HERMAN received her Bachelor’s from the University of California, Berkeley, her Master’s from California State University, Hayward, and her Doctorate from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Lisa maintains a private practice as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; her publications focus on trauma, play therapy, qualitative research, and transformative learning. In addition to the United States, Lisa has worked as a psychotherapist and teacher in Canada and Israel.

MEGGAN HARTMAN received her Bachelor’s from Warren Wilson College, her Master’s from Sophia University, and her Doctorate from Meridian University. In her work as a Pediatric Behavioral Sleep Specialist she specializes in helping mothers with postpartum adjustment issues navigate the complexities of motherhood. As a certified Purpose Guide, Meggan coaches individuals to realize and bring to fruition the depth of their life purpose. Her research interests include understanding cultures’ impact on the mothering identity.

MONICA SHARMA trained as a physician and epidemiologist, worked for the United Nations for more than thirty years. Currently, she engages worldwide as an international expert and practitioner on leadership development for sustainable and equitable change.

Dr Paddy Pampallis is the CEO and founder of The Integral+ Africa (Institute)™ (I+ AI), The Integral Coaching Centre (PTY) Ltd, t /a The Coaching Centre (TCC) and co-founder of The Ubuntu Coaching Foundation™ which offers teaching of integral applications to leadership, life, students of coaching. She has spent time at various universities as a guest faculty and has presented numerous times for Integral conferences worldwide. She is on the council at Mc Gregor Wisdom School that is based on Integral Spiritual approaches and practical community wisdom, while engaging in grass roots practical wisdom offered to bridging the huge divides in habitats, structures, and education. She not only is a faculty and board member, but also an activist, psychologist/therapist, executive coach, supervisor, and consultant.

RAMA MANI received her Bachelor’s from Bryn Mawr College, her Master’s from Johns Hopkins University, and her Doctorate from the University of Cambridge. She is the Convenor of the Enacting Global Transformation Collaborative Initiative at the University of Oxford, the co-founder of Rising Women Rising World, a Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Visionary Leadership by the Visioneers International Network. She has headed local and international organizations addressing conflict and injustice, and has acted as strategic advisor to foundations dealing with peace building, democracy and governance. She is the author of the book, Beyond Retribution: Seeking Justice in the Shadows of War and co-editor of the book, The Responsibility to Protect: Cultural Perspectives in the Global South.

Stacy Benton received her Bachelor’s from Xavier University of Louisiana, her Master’s from the University of Illinois, and her Doctorate from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. A licensed psychologist and Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC), she has had extensive clinical experience in a variety of settings including substance abuse facilities, community mental health centers, hospital psychiatric units, and in school systems. Stacy has also taught in topics related to public health; her research interests include healthcare disparities and the treatment of issues of addiction.

THOMAS MOORE received his Doctorate from Syracuse University. He is the author of the classic bestseller Care of the Soul and twenty other books, several of them bestsellers. He has been a monk, a musician, a university professor, and, for over thirty years, a psychotherapist practicing archetypal therapy with a spiritual dimension. For fifteen years he has taught psychiatrists and has worked closely with medical schools, hospices, and hospitals.

Vanessa Fernandez-Gonzalez received her Bachelor’s from Nova Southeastern University, and her Master’s and Doctorate from Carlos Albizu University. A specialist in psychological assessment, her clinical work includes cognitive assessment of study participants for clinical trials as well as frequent presentations for clinicians in neuropsychology. Her research interests include aspects of traumatic brain injury, concussion, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, assessments, and cognitive rehabilitation.

Webb Black Garrison III, PhD received his Bachelor's in Religious Studies from Davidson College and both his Master's and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University. Dr. Garrison is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in New York and New Mexico, with over twenty years of experience in private practice and educational settings. His extensive background includes teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University, where he was honored as Adjunct Faculty of the Year in 2023. In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Garrison actively engages in community wellness through mindfulness seminars and workshops, integrating his deep expertise in clinical, and existential psychology.

ALEXANDER SCHIEFFER received his Doctorate from the University of St. Gallen. He founded CELL: Center of Excellence for Leadership and Learning, a consultancy specializing in innovative design, leadership and transformation. He co-founded TRANS4M, a new Center for Integral Development with a focus on transformational education and innovative research. He is widely published in both academic and literary works. He has co-authored the books, Transformation Management: Towards the Integral Enterprise, Integral Research and Innovation, Integral Economics, and Integral Dynamics.

AUGUSTINE PANCHOO received his Doctorate in Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and his Master’s of Arts degree from Loma Linda University. He is an adjunct professor at various universities such as University of Massachusetts Global, University of the People, and San Bernardino Valley College. He has taught classes varying from General Psychology, Clinical Biopsychology, Multi-Cultural Competencies, Child development, and Counseling Practicum. He has also served as a Consulting Clinical Psychologist with the Ministry of Social Development, Housing & Community Empowerment with specific responsibility for the Grand Bacolet Juvenile Rehabilitation & Treatment Center and as a Developmental Specialist with the Infant Learning Program at Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation.

DIANNA GRAYER received her Bachelor’s from San Francisco State University and her Doctorate from Meridian University. In private practice as a psychotherapist, Dianna specializes in issues of childhood maternal wounding, parenting, and foster care and adoption. She has published six children’s books and a self-esteem workbook.

ELEANOR CRISWELL received her Bachelor’s and Master’s from the University of Kentucky and her Doctorate from the University of Florida. She has been a professor of psychology at Sonoma State University since 1969 and has formerly been its Chairperson. She is the editor of the journal, Somatics, and the Director of the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training. As a counseling psychologist, she maintains a private practice in psychotherapy and somatics and is the author of Somatic Yoga and Somatics and Biofeedback.

JUSTIN FORMAN received his Bachelor’s from University of Toledo, his Doctorate from Meridian University, and is a Social Cognition Specialist. A licensed psychologist in private practice, Justin’s interests range from MAPS research, to EMDR, DBT, and rites of passage and initiation.

LILI GOODMAN FREITAS received her Bachelor’s from Wesleyan College, her Masters from Case Western Reserve University, and her Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Formerly Department Chair of the Department of Liberal Arts at JFK University, and having served for many years as core faculty in the Consciousness, Health, and Healing program at Santa Monica University, Lili’s research interests include soul-centered leadership and the uses of creative ritual to celebrate rites-of-passage through the life cycle.

MARCELA URBAN holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Meridian University, where she also earned her Master’s degree. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UPJS in Slovakia and extensive training in Somatic Experiencing®, Systemic Constellations, and Expressive Arts Therapy. With over 11 years of experience, Urban works with Family Constellations, Sandplay Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing in individual and group settings. She is actively involved in community service focused on literacy and art for children.

MELISSA SCHWARTZ received her Master’s from Beacon College and her Doctorate from Rosebridge Graduate School (now Argosy University). Dually licensed as both a clinical psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist, Melissa maintains a private practice as a consulting psychologist. She serves as a peer reviewer for the California Psychological Association’s Office of Professional Development Provider Approval Committee and for the APA journal, Psychology of Women Quarterly. She also serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Her interests include the psychology of women, adult development, and qualitative research.

NNENNA NWANKWO received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University. She has extensive experience in clinical settings, including working in the Veterans Affairs Southern Nevada Health Care System and the Department of Defense, where she provided psychological assessments and therapy. Dr. Nwankwo's research focuses on ethnic minority student retention and bullying behavior in youth. Additionally, she has published articles on faculty mentoring and clinical supervision. She currently serves as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, offering individual therapy and conducting intake assessments for adults.

Patti Barrows received her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University. She was contributing faculty for the Doctor of Psychology program at Walden University teaching courses varying from Health Psychology to Clinical Psychology. She also served as a University Research Reviewer for Dissertations. Additionally, she runs her own private practice providing individual, family, and couples psychotherapy.

SHANIQUA JOHNSON-PIERCE received her Doctorate in Education and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience in providing psychotherapy to children, families, and couples facing challenges related to depression, trauma, substance abuse, and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, Shaniqua utilizes artistic expression to teach restorative practices and trauma-informed care. She also serves as a Consulting Mental Health Therapist at the Delaware Center for Justice, facilitating support groups for activists coping with racial trauma and social injustices, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and mental health advocacy.

TARA A. CRONIN received her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy, specializing in Art Therapy, from Notre Dame de Namur University and completed her Ph.D. in Psychology. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and Board Certified Art Therapist with over twenty years of experience working with vulnerable populations in school and community settings. Currently, Tara is the Clinical Director at Izzo Marriage and Family Therapy, overseeing school-based and outpatient services in San Mateo County. She has held supervisory roles at the Youth Service Bureau of the YMCA and Alternative Family Services. Tara is dedicated to education and mentorship, teaching psychological assessment and conducting clinical supervision. Her research interests focus on the integration of art therapy and the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.

TIM WILLISON received his Bachelor’s from U.C. Santa Cruz, his Master’s from C.S.U. Northridge, and his Doctorate from Meridian University. Tim maintains a private practice in California as a licensed MFT, and facilitates group counseling with the State Bar of California.

VIRGINIA CROSSLEYSMITH received her Bachelor’s from Sonoma State, her Master’s from CSU San Francisco and her Doctorate from Meridian University. Formerly on the clinical staff of Kaiser Permanente’s Department of Psychiatry in both the Intensive Outpatient Therapy team and the Autism Spectrum Disorders team, where she provided education and advocacy for individuals and families, Virginia is a licensed psychologist and has maintained a private practice in California for over a decade.