Experience Summary
I posses multiple years of experience in a) social and psychological research, b)program development, c)grants writing, and d)direct clinical experience within a variety of multicultural environments.
QUALIFICATONS: Long-term employee and team member involved in several aspects of mental health care and practice.
Ph.D. in clinical psychology with emphasis on community and multicultural psychology.
Clinical teaching experience with social worker, substance abuse, and marriage and family counselor professionals and students.
Over eighteen years of direct clinical practice with American Indians, African American, and the homeless in Los Angeles, to include the towntown "Skid Row" area.
Active participant in the development of key social research on American Indian populations.
Active lecturer at a variety of key academic institutions and social service agencies.
Grants writing training and experience.
Seven years of experience in program development.
A strong commitment to working outpatient and in-patient mental health care since 1979.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Successfully developed the first urban American Indian substance-abuse residential-care facility for females in the state of California.
Published research. Key member in the development of a federal outpatient mental health program for American Indians in Los Angeles.
Established the first teen-parenting program for juvenile probationers in South Central Los Angeles.
Developed a self-esteem instrument and curricula for teen youth.
Board of Behavioral Sciences psychological assistant -Post Masters degree for two years
Teaching Style
My specific style of teaching falls more within the understanding that students are the sum of their history, family, and culture. There is an interaction between environment and how they conceptualize their world.
This means that a student, for example, may look at attending college as a type of social function with the expressed purpose to satisfy the American dream of justice as opposed to poverty. Therein lies the implicit right for each student to attain a better way of life with greater financial independence, and with a purpose to rise above their present and past histories within the society they are a part of.
For most students, college is a risky time and investment. As such, learning may likely involve differences in a student’s innate ability to commit to this task of academic education; namely, by finishing coursework towards the completion of their degree. The challenge for the student isn’t necessarily the learning environment as it is with how they can successfully manage the barriers that hinder their progress.
Besides the debt that a college student can accrue, a student’s focus may be restricted by their need to work or to raise a family or to manage personal issues. These are often the factors that determine if a student will drop out of school.
As an instructor of psychology, I do find it necessary to be well informed, focused, and prepared. Furthermore, the material for any class should be presented with enthusiasm, purpose, and confidence. And, finally, it is imperative to teach students how to develop skill sets to improve study habits as well as teaching time management.
My Hobbies
Drumming, Violin, Oil Panting, jogging/exercise, learning about foods, volunteer work with church and AA.
Other Comments
I enjoy assisting multicultural students, the disenfranchised, and underrepresented communities.