Meet the Staff
Lori is a licensed psychologist (PSY 26032) and has been on staff at the UCC since
2011. Lori earned a master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific
University. She is passionate about leadership development, clinical supervision,
and promoting holistic wellness and belonging for students. Her areas of clinical
interest include faith integration, women’s issues, food and body image concerns,
and identity development.
Grace is a licensed psychologist (PSY 18558) and has been on staff since 2001. Her
primary role is to serve as training director for the advanced practicum training
program. Grace earned a doctorate in clinical psychology and a master’s degree in
theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Her main areas of interest include supervision
and training of future mental health professionals, multicultural counseling, Asian
American mental health, and identity development in emerging adults, faith/spirituality,
mindfulness, and women’s issues.
Kim has worked at APU since 1998 and joined the UCC team in 2010. Kim came to the
UCC with experience working in areas such as the Office of the President, the Office
of Residence Life, and the Office of Campus Ministry. She loves working in the college
setting and serving people. She has a great connection with students and parents,
as she is also a proud APU mom—one of her daughters earned her bachelor’s and master’s
degrees at APU.
Mara is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC 33670) and has been on staff
at the UCC for more than 20 years. She earned a master’s in sports psychology from
Cal Poly Pomona and a master’s in marriage and family therapy from APU. Her areas
of interest include working with athletes, relationship issues, family of origin issues,
personal growth, and trauma. She is also a trained and certified EMDR therapist.
Liza is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT 113256) who joined the UCC
team in 2023. She earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis
in marriage and family therapy from Azusa Pacific University. As a Latina psychotherapist,
she is passionate about providing therapy services to individuals from diverse cultural
backgrounds and supporting them in moments of crises. Liza is bilingual in English
and Spanish. Areas of interest and experience include trauma, anxiety, depression,
relationship issues, multicultural issues, self-esteem, and identity development.
Liza strives to empower individuals to discover their own strengths and resources
to overcome life’s challenges.
Nathaniel is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY 34106) who joined the team in 2018.
A multiracial Angeleno, Nathaniel holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a master’s
in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. His areas of clinical interest include
sexual and gender identity development; ethnic and cultural identity development;
and working with marginalized groups such as first-generation students, first nations
peoples, and undocumented students. Nathaniel is also passionate about training, supervision,
and preventive programming. As outreach coordinator, Nathaniel manages the Peer Educator
Internship Program and coordinates outreach to students, staff, and faculty; including
training, workshops, and awareness events.
Alissa is a licensed psychologist (PSY 28454) who joined the team in 2019. She earned
a master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific University. As
a Latina psychotherapist, Alissa values providing a safe, supportive environment for
diverse students facing emotional, relational, academic, and developmental challenges.
Her areas of clinical interest include identity development, relationship and family
of origin issues, grief, trauma, and working with marginalized and first-generation
college students. Alissa is also passionate about providing training, supervision,
animal-assisted intervention, and group therapy.
Heather is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (#APCC8416) who joined the
team in 2024. Heather earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling
from Indiana Wesleyan University, and is a committed, empathetic individual who is
passionate about helping others find hope and healing. She takes a holistic approach
by paying attention to the connections between an individual’s mind, body, and soul—collaborating
with her clients, she explores how past events might affect current relationships
and struggles. Heather is interested in helping individuals overcome anxiety, heal
from trauma, and improve quality of life.