Core Faculty for BA Program

Britt Andreatta, MA, PhD – Chair and Core Faculty

Britt is the Chair of the Bachelor’s Degree Program and in that role, she oversees all aspects, from admission to graduation including curriculum development, assessment, student success, faculty hiring and training, and use of technology to support and deliver effective teaching. Prior to that, Britt worked at the University of California at Santa Barbara where she served in various capacities for over 20 years. She has been a faculty member in the departments of Education and Sociology and served as an Assistant Dean of Students, overseeing the Office of First-Year, Graduate and Instructional Programs. In this role, she was responsible for the transition of all new transfer students and freshmen, providing advising and coaching to first-year students. She also developed and taught all of UCSB's transition courses for new students (ED 10, ED 20, ED 118). Prior to that, she served as the Director for the Leadership Development Center and the Associate Director of Orientation Programs and Parent Services. Britt has an M.A. in Communication, and a Ph.D. in Education, and has taught online courses at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

Britt has received numerous awards including UCSB’s prestigious Getman Service to Students Award, the Professor of the Year Award, and the national Award for Outstanding Experienced Professional given by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). She is the author of Navigating the Research University: A Guide for First-Year Students (Cengage Publishing) and provides educational consulting to colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. She is also a certified life coach through the MMS, Institute. She lives with her partner, Chris, and daughter Kiana, along with assorted critters. In her spare time, she enjoys surfing, reading, writing, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the many fine flavors of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

“ This was excellent. I loved this seminar and thought Britt’s effectiveness of teaching it was fantastic. ”  

~Student in Creating Your Career, Spring 2010

   “This class was very helpful in developing me as a person. The quality of the class was great.”                                                

    ~ Student in Educational Foundations, Fall 2010

Dawn Osborn, MS, PhD – Core Faculty

After graduating with her B.A. in Biology in 1994 from the University of California Santa Cruz, Dawn taught marine science at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for five years. She completed an M.S. in Marine Science in 1999 at the University of California Santa Cruz collaborating with researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute examining deep-sea habitats of scyphomedusae jellies using remotely operated submersibles. Dawn received her Ph.D. in Ocean Sciences in 2005 from the University of California Santa Cruz. She examined the effects of climate change and shoreline erosion on intertidal plant and animal communities. Additionally, she created the Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students (LiMPETS) for the National Marine Sanctuaries Program. She has numerous publications and international conference presentations on these topics and has been invited to consult as an intertidal ecologist, educator, and reviewer for many panels. Dawn was an adjunct at Antioch University for the past four years, instructor at Moorpark Community College, and a lecturer at the University of California Santa Barbara in the Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Department teaching Environmental Processes in Lakes and Oceans. Dawn lives in Santa Barbara with her two sons, cats, dogs, snakes, lizards, fish and other creatures they collect. She enjoys walking on the beach, paddleboarding, hiking, and nature adventures with her young sons.

  “Dawn is passionate, informative and creates an environment to learn, explore and share.”                                 

                              ~ Student in Environmental Studies, Fall 2010

 “Not only does she challenge us to read and write on difficult greening material, she provides great feedback and offers support if we are in need of clarification. She is always  smiling, which encourages the learning process.”

                              ~ Student in Sustainable Business Practices, Winter 2011

Susan Lang, MA, LMFT – Associate Faculty

Susan received her California Teaching Credential at College of Notre Dame Belmont, a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from California State University Northridge, and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from AUSB. While teaching elementary school, she served as a Senior Fellow in the California Mathematics Project. Susan has focused her work primarily on infants, young children and their families, and has worked as a child development specialist for programs such as Welcome Every Baby (a newborn home visiting program) and Early Start, a program for children with developmental delays. Currently, Susan is an associate faculty member at AUSB as well as adjunct faculty at California State University Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. She has a part-time private practice and is working on a book exploring Santa Barbara’s rich, multi-cultural roots of Christmas.

"Susan is full of knowledge and has a wealth of information to share with the class. She focuses on the individual student and I appreciate her feedback on our assignments."

~ Student in Child, Family, & Society Practicum, Winter 2011

"Susan is a very inspirational when discussing curriculum for early childhood. She has so much knowledge and passion for what she does.  She is very effective and clear on her expectations."

 ~Student in CurriculumDevelopment, Winter 2011

   Adjunct Faculty

Kyle Ashby, MBA

Kyle earned an M.B.A in Entrepreneurship and Global Management from Babson College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies and Geography from UCSB. He has been involved in marketing, product, and project management for a number of Santa Barbara based companies and has developed online strategy and web marketing initiatives for a number of business clients. His most recent independent venture, Kaldera Marketing, offers online and traditional marketing services and business strategy development. He is also serves on the Board of the MIT Enterprise Forum of the Central Coast. Kyle is also a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and certified Project Management Professional (PMP). In his free time he enjoys spending time with family, traveling, surfing, outdoor activities, playing music and continuing to learn.

“Awesome class. Kyle is one of the best teachers at Antioch.”

~ Student in Innovations & Business Models, Fall 2010

June Beck, MA

June graduated from Antioch University Santa Barbara in 1996 and earned her graduate degree in English at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She teaches a variety of English courses at Cuesta College and at Antioch, including basic skills, critical thinking, academic writing and creative writing. After many years, she completed a novel, which has not hit the market yet. June has published recently in Ascent Aspirations and The Women's Press, and works occasionally for online suppliers of web content. June lives on the Central Coast with her husband Peter, their dog Dash, and their cat Kitty. They enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, fine dining, concerts, movies, books, NPR, and PBS Newshour. In an effort to be open and curious about learning new things, June has recently taken up the washboard.

“June has really taken the time to work with me especially since I have a hard time with papers. She recommended the writing lab, which is a great thing to have on campus!”

~ Student in Academic Writing, Winter 2011

Gina Bell, MACP

Gina earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Psychology at AUSB after completing a double major in law and philosophy from Santa Barbara City College. Gina also earned a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara. Originally from Delaware, Gina and her family moved to Santa Barbara in 1966 where she and husband, Marty, still reside. Currently working as a Marriage and Family Therapist intern at Santa Barbara City College and with Girls Inc., Gina has volunteered as a mentor for the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and as an advocate for Court Appointed Special Advocates. She is a 7-year survivor of breast cancer and participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, a 60-mile walk to bring awareness to the battle against breast cancer.

“Give us more Gina! She's the best. Gina made it very safe to share whatever we wanted to; she fosters lively group discussion making sure everyone is heard.”

~ Student in Educational Foundations, Winter 2011

“Gina is very engaging and informative.  She asks us questions in regards to what we have learned.  She is encouraging, supportive and compassionate.”

~ Student in Child and Adolescent Development, Winter 2010

Curtis Bieber, BS

Curtis has been telling stories and working on the creative side of Film and Television Production for over 19 years, for both national and international clientele. His work has been shown theatrically and broadcast in North America, Europe and Japan.  He has taught production for 11 years at Santa Barbara City College, at UCSB for four years, and heads the Film and Television Production Department at SBCC. He has traveled to over 40 countries on six continents, and has led Study Abroad programs to Australia, Rwanda, Spain & Portugal.
 

Linda Connolly, MA, PhD

Linda obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Antioch University Santa Barbara, with majors in Clinical Psychology and special focus on Chemical Dependency treatment.  She was licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in 2000, and subsequently completed her doctorate in psychology from Saybrook Graduate School in San Francisco. Her dissertation topic concerned women in addiction recovery who are also survivors of domestic violence.  Currently, she has private practices in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, and teaches at AUSB, Chapman University and Allan Hancock College. Additionally, she is a volunteer therapist and secretary of the clinical committee at the Community Counseling Center, and sits on the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board in San Luis Obispo.  Dr. Connolly is married, lives in Paso Robles and is a happy grandmother and great-grandmother. Her hobbies include cross stitch and other needlework, and her little poodle mix, Bella. The single two items left on her “bucket list” are traveling to Italy and publishing at least one of the three books she has written.

“Linda knows her stuff and she is an effective communicator. She cares about her students and is sensitive to her students’ emotions, as the topics we discuss are intense.”

~ Student in Crisis Assessment and Response, Winter 2011

Cynthia C. Davis, PhD

Cynthia earned her doctorate in English Literature at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has taught in the Writing Program and in the English Department at UCSB since 1998, in the English Department at Santa Barbara City College since 2000, and in B.A program at AUSB since 2007. Dr. Davis has been recognized by Santa Barbara City College for her work with EOPS/Care Students (2005, 2008). The book version of her doctoral work is being printed and released by Floricanto Press, focusing on the use of mythology, history, and the power feminine in Chicana Literature.

“Cynthia was fabulous and created a safe environment tha fostered creativity and critical thinking.”

~ Student in Academic Writing, Winter 2011

“Dr. Davis was a terrific inspiration and she was always there for all of us.  I loved the small class size we enjoyed throughout the quarter and also the level of intimacy we had with the professor.”

-Student in Academic Writing, Spring 2010

David Debin

David graduated from Adelphi University with a B.A. degree and New York State Teaching Certification.  His talents traverse such genres as screenwriting (at various times under contract to Disney, Warner Bros., and Twentieth Century Fox), Broadway musical lyricist, television sitcom writer, multi-published novelist, and producer. David co-founded, with associate, Peter Brill, M.D., the Third Age Foundationand has led seminars and workshops teaching the principles of living creatively in the ThirdAge, the period of life from ages 45 to 60 where people typically search for deeper meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Based onhis creative writing coursesat AUSB and Santa Barbara City College, David has recently completed a book, Living Your Creative Spirit.

“I liked the non-judgmental way David taught. David allowed us to work towards our strengths with encouragement from him. He made me want to experiment and learn more about the things I don't know so I can experience them too.”

~ Student in Creative Writing, Winter 2011

Latonya Evans, PhD

Latonya received a doctorate in Counseling/Clinical/School Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2000. Her specialization within that program was Counseling Psychology with emphasis in cross-cultural and diversity issues.

In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and related fields, Dr. Evans has served as an individual, couples, and family therapist and was the facilitator of perinatal intensive treatment programs. She is a published author of children and young adult books that promote diversity awareness and cultural understanding.

“I enjoy being a student of Dr. Evans.  She is very knowledgeable of the subjects she teaches.  The thing I really like is that she is always interested in learning from her students.  She holds the highest respect for her students which is very genuine.”

~ Student in Principles of Group Counseling, Winter 2011

John Forhan, JD

John received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence at the University of Notre Dame and completed a certificate in International Law at the University of London. John’s career includes civil rights law practice, serving the Carter Administration in the White House and private law practice in Santa Barbara.  He has taught as adjunct faculty at the University of California, Santa Barbara and at Antioch University for many years. John teaches Public Policy, Global Economics, Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, and Engaged Citizenship.

“John is great at facilitating learning on even the most complex of issues with the Constitution. He is always helpful, answering questions, giving feedback, stimulating interest and making sure all students are on the same page.”

~ Student in Engaged Citizenship, Winter 2011

  “We had the best discussions in this class.  It left me thinking long after I left.”

                                        ~ Student in Ethical Issues in Contemporary Society, Fall 2010

Elisa A. Gottheil, PhD

Elisa attained her doctoral degree in clinical psychology in 2007 from Pacifica Graduate Institute and began teaching at Antioch University Santa Barbara in 2009. Her love for teaching stems from her early formation as a trainer of trainers in the Adult Learning modality. The years she spent as a trainer, assisting professionals with their personal development and organizational skills, between 1994 and 2000, led her to further commit to the field of psychology.

“One of the most comprehensive classes regarding competency for professionals So much valuable information and good real world examples of challenges/solution for anyone working in this field.”

                                  ~ Student inEthics and Legal Issues in Human Services,Summer 2010

Hannah Holbrook, MA

Hannah Holbrook has a BA in English (with an emphasis on literature) and an MA in English composition from California State University, San Bernardino. Hannah has taught writing and provided writing support to students since 2002. Her special interest lies in helping students find their writing identities and overcome anxieties and/or attitudes that may be preventing them from becoming effective writers. In addition to teaching academic writing at AUSB, Hannah developed and currently directs the AUSB Writing Center.

Nels Henderson, MA

Nels Henderson has provided marketing and design services to clients for over 20 years and is currently a Senior Web Manager for Citrix Online Services based in Goleta, CA. Nels has held numerous leadership positions for non-profit boards of directors and political organizations in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties including President of the Board of Directors for Sarah House, Citizens Planning Association and Citizens Planning Foundation.

He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Management from Antioch University Santa Barbara.  He has also taught graduate level management and communication-related courses.

Hymon Johnson, MBA, EdD

Hymon was a member of the Core Faculty for many years and has now “retired” to adjunct faculty. He earned his masters degree in business administration and doctorate of education from Northern Illinois University. He has held faculty and senior administrative positions atNorthern Illinois University, The University of Nairobi (Kenya), California State University at Northridge, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, Fielding University, and Antioch University. Dr. Johnson brings a wide range of knowledge in such areas as: cultural and global diversity, service learning, comparative philosophy, comparative religion, meditation, business ethics and social responsibility, philosophy of education, and education reform.

Highlights of his many years of service within the community include: Founding Director of the Center for Minority Studies, Founding Director of Campus Learning Assistance Services (UCSB), Founder and Chair of the Board for the Multicultural Center (UCSB), President and Board Chair of the National Society for Experiential Education, and Founding Coordinator of the Service Learning Program at AUSB. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for several non-profit organizations and has produced two professional documentaries that describe a process for developing character through the integration of universal human values into K-12 schools. 

“Dr. Johnson is one of those professors who permeates the myths and notions of what teaching is all about.  He is a teacher and example of the highest order.”

~ Student in Service Learning in the Community, Fall 2010

Lynn K. Jones, MSW, DSW

Lynnreceived her doctorate in social welfare from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University in 1998 and was a Carl Ichan Fellow during her doctoral research. She has been nationally recognized for the programs that she has developed and led serving disadvantaged women and girls and has been acknowledged by Soroptimist International for, "Making a Difference for Women." Dr. Jones has published numerous articles as a feature writer for the professional trade journal Social Work Todayand serves on the board of directors for Hillside House in Santa Barbara and the Women of Wellness, Inc. Currently she works as a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, Consultant and Trainer helping individuals, groups and organizations achieve their potential.

"Lynn's mastery was most apparent in the bigger picture of business finance.

She brought in great concepts such as 'emotional capital' in addition to just focusing on the budgets and annual report numbers.

~ Student in Budgets & Finance, Winter 2011

Harold Salas-Kennedy, PhD

Harold has been an adjunct faculty member at AUSB since 1991, teaching diversity courses such as The Latino Community in American Society, Multiculturalism & American Politics, and Spirituality & World Religions.  He is a former union organizer with the United Farm Workers Union and the current Associate Director for the Educational Opportunity Program at UC Santa Barbara.  In 2009, Dr. Salas-Kennedy was invited by UC Merced to provide training and head campus volunteer security teams during First Lady Michelle Obama's commencement speech. He travelled to Italy in 2010 as part of an invited team, presenting to government and community officials on such topics as culture, diversity and immigration. A father of three wonderful kids, Dr. Salas-Kennedy is an avid reader, hiker and lover of the sea. His current research includes areas of early California history and U.S. immigration issues.

      “Harold is an inspirational and informative instructor who raises the bar for his students.”

       ~ Student in Multiculturalism & American Politics, Fall 2010

      “Harold is very knowledgeable and very respectful and considerate of all other cultures.”

~ Student in Spirituality & World Religions, Winter 2011

Gene Kuntz, MA, LMFT

Gene received his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from AUSB in 1992.  He also teaches at Allan Hancock College and has a private practice working with developmentally disabled clients. Prior to receiving his bachelor's degree, Gene was a deputy probation officer and tradesman in construction for many years. After having a massive stroke resulting from an auto accident, Gene has worked very hard to achieve a level of physical functioning. In his spare time, Gene enjoys wood working and makes hand-crafted pens.

“Gene is an excellent instructor. His stories are very motivating and easy to learn from.”

~ Student in Adult Development & Aging, Winter 2010

Susan Lambrose, MA

Susan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from AUSB. She is an MFT Intern, working at Phoenix of Santa Barbara in the out patient dual diagnosis program. She currently teaches Service Learning in the Community, a required course for all BA students.  In addition, Susan owns her own business, Santa Barbara Writers and Artists, with an ongoing goal to facilitate expressive and creative writing workshops (emphasizing writing as a healing art), to a variety of under-served populations in the community.  In her “free time,” Susan enjoys spending time with her very significant other, family and friends, writing poetry, and escaping into the peace of nature.

”She really believes in what she is teaching. It's her own life philosophy and that helps to inspire us. ”

     ~ Student in Service Learning, Summer 2010

"I think Susan has a lot to bring to our Antioch experience. The experiences in the Service Learning components are invaluable.”

~ Student in Service Learning, Winter 2011

Stuart S. Light, MA, MEd

Stuart received his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from UCSB in 1972 and his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara in 2006.  He has completed post-graduate MFT internships at PathPoint, Inc., counseling dually diagnosed clients; Santa Barbara City College, working with a diverse population of students through individual, couples, and family counseling; at UCSB as an individual and group therapist in the Alcohol and Drug Program; and as a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern at the Family Therapy Institute of Santa Barbara. Stuart is currently a member of the adjunct faculty at Santa Barbara City College in the Alcohol and Drug Certification Program. Stuart teaches courses in the Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology and the Bachelor’s Program at AUSB.He has written numerous articles, columns and essays on political, social and psychological issues over the years that have been published in such periodicals as the Los Angeles Times, Santa Barbara Independent and the CAMFT Newsletter.

“Stuart constantly pushes all of us to learn and grow through experience and the wonderful assignments he gives.  While structured, he still allows all of us to be creative and express our point of views.”

~ Student in Adult Development and Aging, Winter 2010

“Stuart made the environment easy to share all viewpoints and the group discussions were a valuable part of the class itself.”

~ Student in Psychopathology, Winter 2011

Lily Maestas, MSW

Lily started her career in social work at a Veterans Hospital in Seattle and received her degree from the University of Washington.  She was selected as an Educational Leadership Fellow in the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. After the fellowship her work as a Career Counselor on college campuses began, where she focused on the complex, and often confusing, issues that occur during the evolution of the college student into a working professional.In her 20 plus years in the field of Career Counseling she has been deeply involved in the program development of Career Counseling Centers on campuses across the country and has presented seminars concerning career counseling theory, personal assessment, job search strategies, negotiation skills, job market and economic research.  She is the author of two books published by Kendall Hunt, Unlimited Options:  Career Strategies to Last a Lifetimeand Get Clear on Your Career.  Both texts are used in higher education throughout the U.S.

“Lily processes each student’s goals on an individual basis with amazingly sharp perceptions—a reflection of her dedication that provides very useful feedback.”

~ Student in Career Planning, Summer 2010

Axel Meierhoefer, MA, PhD (ABD)

Axel received his Bachelors of Science degree in Aviation & Management from Hamburg Collegein Germany, a Masters Degree in Organizational Management from Antioch University SantaBarbara. He is currently finishing his Ph.D. in Leadership from Antioch University Midwest. He is a certified PerformanceCoach and a Master Life Coach and holds a long list of other certificates related to learning,facilitation, and project management.In the last few years Axel has worked as a facilitator, international lecturer for universities inEurope and the United States, and managed projects for a wide array of corporate clients in adiverse list of industries including manufacturing, services, incubators, R&D, alternativeenergy/utilities, pharmaceutical, and education.Earlier in his career he was a staff officer in the Air Force, with his final military assignment serving as a senior program manager in charge of the creation and implementation of a multi-national aviation training facility in New Mexico.

“Axel is always prepared. It is obvious that he has mastery of the subject by the relevance of the materials he provides. He facilitates learning by providing the opportunity to interact with other students and provides a wide variety of perspectives from which we draw our conclusions and form our opinions.”

~ Student in Marketing Principles & Applications, Winter 2011

Michele Mollkoy, MA

Michele received a B.A. in psychology from the University of California at Davis and an M.A. in College Counseling and Student Development from Azusa Pacific University. She shares her passion for personal growth and development through leading young adults in her role as Director of First Year Experience and Special Programs at Westmont College, and is the founder of the leadership coaching company, The MOXY Project. Prior to her current role, Michele has held staff and leadership positions in real estate, non-profit and academic institutions. She has over ten years of experience consulting with organizations and individuals in the areas of talent/performance management and strategic process.

“Michele is an amazing instructor.  She touches on all of Antioch’s core purposes.”

~ Student in Fierce Leadership, Spring 2010

Melissa V. Moreno, JD

Melissa is currently the Director of the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Santa Barbara City College, and the Director of the Santa Barbara County Small Business Development Center.She completed her undergraduate studies at University of California Santa Barbara and attended Pepperdine University School of Law on a Dean’s Merit Scholarship. She graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Santa Barbara College of Law and is admitted to the California State Bar as an active, licensed attorney.Melissa was steered from the practice of law  into various business and educational opportunities over the last 20 years.  She enjoys working in an academic setting and teaching, but also embraces the challenge of creating and managing projects for businesses and educational institutions.

“Melissa set us up to create a business plan and had all the components neatly laid out. I was very inspired!”

~ Student in Entrepreneurship, Summer 2010

Dick Morrow, MA, PhD

Dick completed his undergraduate studies at Northwestern College in Minneapolis in Speech and English.  His Masters is from the University of Minnesota in Speech and Education. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Michigan in Rhetoric and Public Address with cognate fields in Philosophy and Broadcasting. Dr. Morrow has recently retired as Core Faculty at AUSB after 23 years of service, where he also served as Chair of the BA Program. He continues to teach as Adjunct Faculty and gives oversight to the Antioch programs on the Allan Hancock campus in Santa Maria.  

His major teaching responsibilities have been in the field of Communication including Dyadic Communication, Group Dynamics, Public Speaking and Mass Media.  He also taught Educational Foundations, Capstone, Service Learning in the Community, and Ethics.Dr. Morrow has published in popular religious magazines of the United States and presented on the rhetorical theory of Pascal.  His research interests are in rhetorical theory as advanced by theologians and the intersection of speech and language and spirituality.

“I loved this class. Dr. Morrow is a great teacher. He teaches by example and provides constant feedback. So great for growing as a student!”

~ Student in Public Speaking, Fall 2010

“I feel that he listens to what the class is expressing and that the interaction goes two ways. He does not just lecture at us.”

~ Student in Service Leaning in the Community, Winter 2011

Jacqueline Oliveira, MA

Jacquireceived her Master’s of Arts degree at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont and is apracticing interculturalist, consulting with domestic and international corporations and assisting clients to develop their workforce through global leadership, management and team development. She has worked with a variety of industries including pharmaceutical, diversified health care, high tech, automobile, entertainment, and home building. She has delivered training and coaching sessions throughout the United States, and Eastern and Western Europe. Jacqueline also conducts corporate mediations.Jacqueline brings to her courses at AUSB a wide range of intercultural experiences, which she incorporates into curriculum through case studies and discussion topics.

“Jacqui comes with a wealth of knowledge about Intercultural communication. She engages the discussions in a way where we learned about the subject of matter and about our own perspectives. Antioch should have more instructors like Jacqui.”

~ Student Intercultural Communication, Winter 2011

Meryl Peters, MFA

Meryl completed her undergraduate studies in Creative Writing at Vermont College in Montpelier, Vermont and received a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Antioch University Los Angeles. Her teaching has covered a range of writing classes including Academic and Research, Critical Thinking and Literature, Craft of Fiction, and Literary Theory. She has created such writing seminars as Reading for Craft: The Shape of the Story and Introduction to Creative Writing: A Day Trip with Words. Ms. Peters has received a variety of awards including University of Southern Indiana, RopeWalk Writers’ Scholarship in 2008 and was a Mary C. Mohr Short Fiction Finalist in 2007. She has participated in numerous writing workshops and conferences at the University of Iowa, Stanford University, University San Francisco, and the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA. Ms. Peters is a member of The Association for Women in Communications.

“Meryl really pushed me to believe in myself and my ability, and in turn I grew as a writer and a student.”

~ Student in Writing & Literary Theory, Fall 2010

Lori Pye, PhD

Lori received her doctorate in mythological studies and depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in 2001.Dr. Pye’s background consists of NPO and NGO environmental and marine conservation management (Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Terra Azul, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures) and academic instruction.  As an environmentalist, Dr. Pye worked with international NGO’s to co-develop the Eastern Tropical Pacific Biological Seascape Corridor with the Ministers of the Environment from Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador. She has led international conferences on diverse issues as Nature and Human Nature,the Mythology of Violence, andthe Aesthetic Nature of Change. Dr. Pye also teaches at the University of California Santa Barbara, Naropa University, and Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is the Founder and Director for the Institute for Cultural Change and The Center for Ecopsychology, where she teaches an Ecopsychology Certificate Training Program.                                  

“Lori created a very safe space to share honestly and had a very effective way of gently pulling out more information from students.”

~ Student in Ecopsychology, Winter 2011

Stanley M. Roden, JD

Stan received his law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1966. His undergraduate degree is in political science from UC Berkeley, 1963.Stan has practiced civil and criminal law, including serving as the elected District Attorney for Santa Barbara County (1975-1982), and thereafter practiced exclusively civil trial law, specializing in water, real property and other commercial disputes (1983-2003). Starting in 2002, he obtained extensive mediation training and has become a mediator-arbitrator with JAMS, a national dispute resolution organization (2003-2005). He has since opened his own private mediation-arbitration practice.Stan’s teaching focuses on conflict analysis, resolution and management, including negotiation and alternative dispute resolution at the individual, group, community and international levels.He currently teaches at AUSB, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law, UCSB Extension, and he co-teaches a class on film and conflict at the University of Montana, Missoula.Stan has written extensively on the subjects of mediation, negotiation and alternative dispute resolution for the Santa Barbara Bar Association monthly publication, The Quibbler.

“Stan is very prepared, obviously a master in this subject, respectful, and good at stimulating interest in the subject.”

~ Student in Conflict Management, Winter 2011

Frank Price Rust III, PhD

Frank received his doctorate in developmental psychology research in 1984 from UCSB.  He completed postdoctoral training in maternal and child health statistics and epidemiology in 1992.Dr. Rust has taught statistics for the nursing program at CSU Dominguez Hills since 1990 where, in 1997, he was awarded the Judith M. Lewis Outstanding Educator Award.  He was also given the Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching award by the United States Distance Learning Association for a television series he wrote and appeared in about nursing and statistics. Dr. Rust, in the earlier part of his career, had multiple publications in the areas of psychology and maternal and child health.  However, in recent years, Dr. Rust has dedicated himself solely to the two tasks he loves most – teaching and learning. He has taught at AUSB since 1992.

“A lot of students have anxiety/problems with math. Frank does a great job to meet individuals where they are at and gives them every chance possible to succeed. He is a wonderful, knowledgeable teacher who makes an accepting, friendly learning environment.”

~ Student in Research Methods and Statistics, Spring 2010

“Frank goes the extra mile to teach with clarity and hilarity. He creates a fun and lively learning atmosphere.”

~ Student in Research Methods and Statistics, Winter 2011

Barbara Savage, MA

Barbara holds a B.A. degree in Art from the College of William and Mary. She also holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Management (MAOM) from Antioch University Santa Barbara. Over the past fourteen years, Barbara has also served as President of the Tribal Trust Foundation, dedicating her time, energy, expertise, and resources to further the mission of the organization, identifying sustainable cultural preservation projects supported by the foundation. She has produced two documentary films for the Tribal Trust Foundation and is currently working on a third film project.

Alice Scharper, MA, PhD

Alice received her BA in Humanities at UC Berkeley, her MA in English with concentration in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University, and her Ph.D. in English at the University of California at Davis.  She currently serves as the Dean of Humanities and English as a Second Language at Santa Barbara City College. She enjoys hiking, reading, singing, and writing.

“Dr. Scharper delivered the information and purpose of our praxis with intelligence and grace.”

~ Student in The Language of Film, Summer 2010

Lawrence Silverman, MA
Larry obtained his masters degree from the School of Business and Professional Studies, in Organizational Development at the University of San Francisco. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. Larry is an adjunct professor at AUSB and the University of San Francisco, College of Professional Studies, where he specializes in courses in business management programs with an emphasis in leadership and human resources.Larry is currently the president of People First, a provider of executive programs specializing in leadership, team building, and performance learning systems. Before starting People First in 1999, Larry had a career of nearly three decades with both Federal Express and Continental Airlines where he served as Director of Training and held senior level positions in both sales and marketing. He has lectured extensively throughout the United Sates, South Pacific, and Asia on the subjects of leadership and change management.In addition, Larry has partnered with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center to create “Leadership Under Sail,” a corporate team-building course designed to enhance and strengthen today’s leaders and teams by effectively demonstrating how seamanship is synonymous with leadership in today’s ever-changing business environment.

“I think this class changed the way I see life in general.  Larry offered great information that I found very helpful as a future leader. I really enjoyed this class.”

~ Student in Principles of Management, Fall 2009

Yolanda Salgado Tovar, MA

Yolanda was born and raised in Santa Barbara. She graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1989 where she double majored in Psychology and Chicano Studies. After a year of study at the University of Bordeaux, France, she moved to San Diego where she earned her Masters in Education and her bilingual teaching credential from the University of San Diego. In 1991, Yolanda received the award for “Outstanding Achievement in Bilingual Education” and in 2000, earned her eligibility for the Administrative Services Credential from National University. She has over 20 years experience as an educator (Pre-K-12), trainer and project coordinator, and has been involved in every aspect of education including administration, parent education, and curriculum development. She has collaborated with both the UCSB and AUSB Teacher Education Programs by mentoring student teachers and has also taught at in the Teacher Education Program at AUSB. Currently, Yolanda is involved in the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) program as a Supporting Teacher, a documenter and a presenter. In her free time, she loves to travel, read, play Scrabble, take long walks, and spend time with her family and friends.

“Yolanda was well prepared, and talked about interesting subjects we could relate to in our personal lives. She gave constructive feedback and had respect for students’ comments and needs.”

~ Student in Language Acquisitions & Development, Fall 2010

Juan A. Zaragoza

Juan received his bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis on ethnomusicology at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2005. He is a recipient of the Santa Barbara Independent’s Local Hero Award in 2007 for his community service with youth. Since graduating with honors, Juan has been researching and presenting papers as an independent scholar on music and culture from Mexico, Borderlands, and Latin America. He has presented papers on his research at the Society of Ethnomusicologists annual and regional meetings. In 2004 Juan founded, and has since directed, Mariachi Integral de UCSB, a community-based ensemble consisting of students, staff, faculty, and community members. He founded and organized SONando SB, a collective of local Santa Barbara musicians, educators, and community members interested in promoting cultural programming to the under-served members of Santa Barbara and its neighboring communities. Juan is the principal instructor and coordinator of the “Guitar Works” program sponsored by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and the Trinity Episcopal Church Justice Fund Grant.

“Juan was very helpful and attentive to the student’s needs. He is knowledgeable in the area of music and patient with the students.”

~ Student in Exploration of Music, Fall 2010