The Winter Social Justice Series starts Saturday, February 4, with the film Tapestries of Hope. A feature-length documentary, Tapestries of Hope reveals the story of human rights activist Betty Makoni and the Girl Child Network (GCN) in Zimbabwe, Africa. The documentary exposes the myth behind the belief that raping a virgin cures a man of HIV/AIDS. The stories are told by the girls of Zimbabwe with Makoni helping them to become re-empowered and find their voice. These events are open to the public and free admission. Learn more information about this film and the Social Justice series.

This month we feature Antioch University Santa Barbara graduate Jennifer Van Homer (B.A. Class of 2003) in our spotlight on alumni.

Jennifer Van Homer, BS, MSC, CHIC firmly believes that excellence in leadership is crucial in order to address organizational challenges and create sustainable change. Jennifer works with leaders and organizations to increase their personal and professional effectiveness by bringing their actions into alignment with their most important commitments and goals.

One of Jennifer's goals was making time to complete her Bachelor's Degree. She entered Antioch University Santa Barbara in 2000, working as a full-time professional with two children as well. It was at Antioch that Van Homer gained the knowledge and experience of working with others that led her to her current position as a Master Somatic coach, trainer and organizational consultant. She uses sound principles and practices of adult development and somatic awareness.

Van Homer graduated from Antioch University Santa Barbara, in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with an emphasis in Business. Her interest in the well being of young people led her to co-create a leadership program for youth at the Strozzi Institute in Petaluma, California. In addition to being a Master Somatic Coach she is also a certified Hudson Institute Coach.

Jennifer is a sought after leadership coach, author and speaker. Before becoming a coach she worked extensively in Human Resources Leadership, including ten years at Patagonia, a local maker of outdoor clothing, apparel and gear for climbing. She contributed to the formation of the unique corporate culture at Patagonia.

When asked about WHY she chose AUSB to claim her education, Jennifer Van Homer said: 

"I chose Antioch because it offered me the flexibility I needed to complete my degree being the mother of two children and working full-time!"

Read more about the Antioch Santa Barbara Difference.

"Antioch is a great place to expand your perspectives and learn to coordinate and collaborate with others. The teachers are fantastic and the learning environment is fun and challenging. I was a student in the weekend program which required a lot of collaboration with my cohort. It was a great experience and taught me a lot about teaming. It’s great to be in an adult learning environment and to be in a place that invites the whole student!"

Jennifer Van Homer lives in Santa Barbara, where she enjoys spending time with her two children and yellow Labrador. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, surfing and skiing. Jennifer recently released the book "A Princess and Her Garden – A Fable of Awakening and Arrival" co-written with her mother, Patricia R. Adson, Ph.D. Van Homer is also the co-author of "The Relating Game: 96 Ways to Sustain Passion Over Time", which is a deck of cards designed to stimulate conversation and emotional intimacy with your partner. For more information on this Antioch Alumni please visit her websites at:

A Princess and Her Garden http://aprincessandhergarden.com/

The Relating Game http://therelatinggame.com/

Leadership Coaching & Consulting http://jennifervanhomer.com/ 

(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – Antioch University Santa Barbara (AUSB) Board of Trustees has named Luis Villegas as its new Vice Chair and welcomes new trustees Robert Kupiec and Mary Ellen Tiffany, announced Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Victoria Riskin.

Luis Villegas was elected to the Vice Chair position, having joined the AUSB Board of Trustees in 2009. Mr. Villegas is Vice President of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and previously served as Vice President and Hispanic Segment Market Manager for Pacific Capital Bancorp. He has served on the Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board for six years, recently as its Executive Director. He is also currently a member of the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees, serving as President in 1999 and 2000 and he was recently re-elected to the Board of Directors of the California Community College Trustees. Mr. Villegas is also the Past President of the California Association of Latino Community College Trustees.

Robert Kupiec brings more than 25 years of experience as an architect and principal of Kupiec Architects PC. A graduate of the Pratt Institute School of Architecture, he received the New York Society of Architects Award for Excellence in Total Design. Mr. Kupiec had been responsible for numerous commercial, institutional, and residential projects throughout the country and abroad including AUSB’s new downtown Santa Barbara campus, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The American Museum of Natural History, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and The New York and Brooklyn Public Libraries. Mr. Kupiec is a past Chairman of the National Institute for Architectural Education and also past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the VanAlen Institute for Projects in Public Architecture.

Mary Ellen Tiffany is currently the Vice President, Business Development Officer with Montecito Bank & Trust. She began her financial career in the Trust Department of NationsBank in Fort Myers, Florida, and later joined SunTrust Bank Southwest as the market manager of their Sanibel-Captiva Island private bank. Prior to joining Montecito Bank & Trust, Ms. Tiffany was Director of Major Gifts at The Foundation for Santa Barbara City College. She has served also as Executive Director of two non-profit organizations and as Special Assistant on trade and energy issues to the Governor of Alaska from 1986-1990.  Currently she serves on the boards of the Santa Barbara Symphony, Path Point, Inc., Parks & Recreation Community Foundation and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

"We are honored that Luis has agreed to serve as vice chair and that Bob and Mary Ellen have agreed to join the Antioch University Santa Barbara Board of Trustees,” said Victoria Riskin, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “They bring special wisdom, talent and impressive experience to the planning process for the growth of the university." 

BACKGROUND:

Antioch University serves more than 4,000 adult students around the world and across the country, online and at its five campuses in four states. Each campus offers degree programs that meet—and often anticipate—the pressing needs of its region and the wider world.  The University is also home to the landmark PhD in Leadership and Change; Antioch Education Abroad, an exceptional opportunity of immersive service and study programs; and WYSO, a leading public radio affiliate and an essential source of global news and opinion.

The Santa Barbara campus is particularly distinguished with its unique undergraduate degree completion program in liberal studies and graduate master’s and doctoral programs in clinical psychology and education that integrate students’ academic experience and experiential learning.

Antioch University is a nonprofit private 501(c) (3) organization and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit www.antiochsb.edu.

AUSB offering new online Career Theory and Practice course for LPCC licensure this January

Career Theory and Practice
This course will provide both the theoretical foundation and the practical experience necessary to understand and foster the career/lifestyle development for clients both individually and in groups. Students will be prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills to collect, evaluate, and use occupational and life development data in helping individual clients and various client populations to make effective decisions and take appropriate actions in their career/life development.

Class Schedule and Outline
This is an on-line 4.5 unit course offering 45 hours of contact time at Antioch University Santa Barbara. The course begins January 26, 2012 and ends March 26, 2012. Students will have weekly on-line assignments and activities that they may complete in a manner that fits their schedule. Each week will require 6 hours of contact time, except for the first and last week which will require 8 hours of contact time, including a learning conversation with the instructor. Syllabus, resources, as well as a guide to on-line discussions and assignments will be posted on Sakiii.

This course aimed at helping licensed graduates seeking grandparenting for LPCC will fill up quickly and registration is limited. The tuition for Antioch University alumni is $340 per unit (4.5 units $1,530) or for other professions, $603 per unit ($2,713.50)

Last year the California legislature authorized a new counseling license at the Master’s level. The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) was added as a Master’s level license to make California the 50th state to provide this license.  Recently the BBS (Board of Behavioral Sciences) decided to offer licensed MFT and LCSW professionals a short window of opportunity to apply for grandparenting for LPCC licensure. 

The application process requires submitting information about academic coursework completed, which is then reviewed by the BBS for eligibility. Many of our alumni will find that as graduates of our MACP program, you have already completed most of the requirements, but will likely be asked to take a 4.5 unit Career Counseling course. Other current licensed MFT’s that completed their degree at another institution may also be eligible.

If you have not already taken this course within our program or another academic setting you will be delighted to know that we will be offering the course:  Career Theory and Practice this Winter beginning January 26, 2012. While decisions regarding eligibility are determined solely by the BBS, this course has been designed by Antioch University in accordance with criteria specified by the BBS as part of the LPCC licensure process.

To register, download the Special Student Registration form, complete the information and send to the Office of the Registrar (address information on form.)

Questions

    For registration questions contact Julia Dubiel, Registrar, dubiel@antioch.edu, 805.962.8179 x5105.
    For questions about the course, contact Elizabeth Wolfson, Chair MA Psychology Programs, ewolfson@antioch.edu, 805.962.8179 x5155
    For questions about the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license, contact the BBS (Board of Behavioral Sciences), http://www.bbs.ca.gov/

This month we feature Antioch University Santa Barbara graduate Sharon Woodlief (M.A. Class of 2005) in our spotlight on alumni.

Sharon Woodlief's interest in lifelong learning began in her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After moving to Santa Barbara to pursue a graduate study program in Political Science she found herself drawn to Psychology.

Sharon researched graduate programs that could provide a course of study that was rigorous yet consistent with her personal philosophy of Social Justice and Experiential Learning. Once she found Antioch University Santa Barbara, Sharon knew she would be on the right course both academically and personally (an added bonus was the University was located around the corner from where she lived downtown).

"My classes at Antioch consisted of an array of diverse students, and the class environments were open to allowing all of those hungry and thoughtful scholars to think and challenge one another as well as being encouraged to challenge the brilliant faculty. I felt my knowledge base grow academically because the faculty was prepared to teach with skill and competence. Moreover, I felt my sense of intellect and self-confidence intensify, as I applied theories and ideas not only in my school work but in my community, and even with my family and friends."

"There is so much that I learned at Antioch that I still find myself routinely recalling themes and lessons, and in all manner of circumstances in my life. That is what education at Antioch is: taking what is learned in the classroom and applying what is learned throughout one’s life."

This presentation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at the AUSB campus, 602 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. It will provide an introduction to psychological testing for those unfamiliar with the topic, and more specific attention will be given to the Personality Assessment Inventory, an increasingly popular multi-scale psychological measure. The presenter, John Lewis, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist based in Santa Barbara and Ventura who specializes in forensic assessment and consultation, as well as employment matters such as suitability and selection.

The event is sponsored by Sierra Tucson and AUSB and includes lunch and two CEUs. Seating is limited, so please pre-register by December 8, 2011! $15 pre-registration, $20 at the door (cash or check only). Easy Online Registration at www.sierratucson.com, click on “Events, Professional Events”. Call 805.962.8179 ext. 5171 with questions.

Presenter: Wendy Elliot, M.Ed., Friday, December 2, 2011- 3:30-5:00, Antioch University, Santa Barbara 602 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Cost: $10 at the door (Includes snacks and 1.5 CEU’s.) RSVP: Debbie Allen at: debbielcsw@gmail.com or 882-2424 ext 103

Co-sponsored by the National Association of Social Workers Santa Barbara Chapter & Antioch University Santa Barbara, this workshop will introduce clinicians to the model of Internal Family Systems developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. This way of working is a synthesis of two already existing paradigms: systems thinking and the multiplicity of the mind. Participants will be exposed to how internal aspects of the psyche take on different roles such as managers, firefighters, and exiles. Discussion will also include the role of the Self and how to support the client being “in Self” which includes an embodied sense of being centered, balanced, and in harmony.

Participants will be given an opportunity to apply these concepts to diverse case studies and will also engage in an experiential exercise to help them identify and bring awareness to how these internal parts function within themselves. We will take a close look at the parallel relationship between how we perceive and relate to our internal parts with how we relate to these parts in other people. By the end of this workshop, participants will have a clear understanding and hands on experience for how to integrate this model into their practice with individuals, families and couples.

Wendy Elliott, M.Ed is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, board certified dance-movement therapist, and somatic experiencing practitioner from New Hampshire who recently moved back to California after 30 years. Wendy has been practicing as a body centered psychotherapist integrating a “parts” model, along with mindfulness and spirituality, for the last 25 years.  Wendy has served as an adjunct faculty member for Antioch University New England for 25 years and currently teaches in the Master of Clinical Psychology program at Antioch University, Santa Barbara. She also has a private practice in Ojai and facilitates Dance-Movement Therapy and Authentic Movement groups locally. Wendy is a current Board member of the California Association of Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors.

Antioch University Santa Barbara (AUSB) and Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) will sign an official agreement on Wednesday, November 16, at 10:30 a.m. formalizing the unique transfer arrangement between the two institutions that signifies another benchmark in their maturing and developing relationship. The signing ceremony will take place at SBCC’s Luria Conference and Press Center at the top of La Playa Stadium on East campus at 721 Cliff Drive.

AUSB’s Bridge Program with SBCC permits SBCC students to transfer up to three years of college credit to AUSB, one full year more than is accepted in transfer units to most four-year colleges and universities. After transfer, students may need to complete as little as one year of study at Antioch in order to complete their BA degree.  The “80-40” program provides a cost-effective means of completing the college degree, allowing students to complete as many as 80 units at a community college and the remaining 40 credit hours at AUSB.  The Bridge program allows students to stay in Santa Barbara, rather than leave the area, to complete their bachelor’s degree.

SBCC’s Transfer Center and AUSB’s Office of Admissions work closely with these students in developing an academic transfer plan, including financial aid that best suits their needs. In addition to the Bridge Program, SBCC and Antioch have a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) that ensures that qualified SBCC students are automatically guaranteed admission to any Antioch concentration.

 “Never before have community colleges and four-year colleges and universities needed to work more closely together to ensure that  students finish their lower-division studies, successfully transfer and complete their bachelors’ degrees,” said Dr. Jack Friedlander, Acting SBCC Superintendent/President. “Our evolving global economy has raised the bar substantially for students to acquire the skills and training needed to gain employment in jobs that pay competitive wages.”  He added, “SBCC and Antioch have a long-standing relationship of working together to best serve our students.  More than 50 percent of Antioch students in Santa Barbara have had some ties to SBCC, either through coursework or transfer.”
    
    “Intentional efforts must be made in order to increase access to higher education and these efforts must provide students the ability to fit their education into their busy lives. At a time of great economic uncertainty and severely constrained opportunities to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, collaborative efforts like this are responsive to the needs of our community, which is at the heart of our strategic partnership with SBCC,” said AUSB President Dr. Nancy Leffert. “By establishing the Bridge Program and guaranteed transfer admission agreement, Antioch and SBCC have stepped forward and demonstrated that these students are important. This innovative program accommodates the needs of students today.”

Cutbacks in the state and the increasing costs of public four-year institutions have reached an inflection point that makes the four-year-old Bridge Program much more viable.  SBCC and AUSB continue to strengthen their relationship and Antioch’s new location and new campus offer greater opportunities for collaboration between the two schools.

Background Santa Barbara City College
A public, two-year community college accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges , Santa Barbara City College currently enrolls more than 19,000 credit students and 12,400 non-credit  students each semester.  In 2011 SBCC was named one of the Top 10 Community Colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Award Program and one of the 101 Best Colleges for Veterans in 2010 by Military Times Edge Magazine. In 2009, the college celebrated its Centennial anniversary recognizing 100 years of service to the community.
 

This month we feature Antioch University Santa Barbara graduate Melinda Kincaid (M.A. Class of 2008) in our spotlight on alumni.

Melinda Kincaid's passion for psychology stems from her belief in establishing a therapeutic bond in the working relationship between client and therapist. She has four years of experience in working interpersonally in the object relations, family systems, and experiential therapies.

Kincaid began her journey into the study of psychology with an interest in human behavior. She was intrigued with learning about how the brain works and why we do what we do. Kincaid learned that human behavior is varied and diverse, but there are certain commonalities. She found herself drawn to psychology in general from the need to grow personally. To learn more, understand and be content with herself were part of her goals and studies. Lastly, Melinda Kincaid knew that she wanted to help others.

"My Antioch experience was wonderful. They make it a priority not only to educate you, but also to prepare you for actually doing the job when you are done with the academics. Self-awareness, examination, and growth are also important aspects to the Antioch education. Especially in this profession, as a licensed marriage and family therapist, it is essential to challenge and know yourself very well."

"I chose Antioch SB for a few reasons. I wanted a very experiential program experience and Antioch Santa Barbara offered that. Also, the accelerated program and schedule worked for me. I was able to attend without having to move from my home in San Luis Obispo, given the one day/week with some weekends class schedule. The Antioch staff and philosophy offers a very well rounded educational experience."

Mrs. Kincaid is married to her husband, Aaron who is supportive and loving. The two met in high school and were married nine years later in Yosemite, Ca. Having lost both of her parents, Kincaid credits her husband for helping her stay grounded and balanced. The Kincaids recently welcomed the birth of their son, Aden. Since then Melinda has become adamant about living sustainably and consciously with respect to the planet.

Melinda enjoys spending time in nature: camping, running, hiking, biking, swimming, snowboarding, dance and Bikram yoga. Her volunteer work has included working with at risk youth, informing and inspiring them toward higher education (EAOP). She has also worked with children on their literacy and social skills in JumpStart.

Melinda Kincaid, MA, LMFT provides individuals, couples and family therapy. She specializes in relationship issues, trauma/PTSD and adolescents. For more information on this Antioch Alumni please visit her Psychology Today profile.

Each quarter, AUSB sponsors a collaborative lecture series on Contemporary Environmental Issues affecting our world. Please join us!
For more information, contact Dr. Dawn Osborn, AUSB BA Program Faculty at dosborn@antioch.edu.

Events are Free and Open to the Public

Plastics in the Ocean: The Problem with Single-Use Plastic Bags
Wednesday, November 2, 6:00-8:00pm   
Fleischmann Auditorium, SB Museum of Natural History

Coastal communities have a special responsibility to manage their watersheds and beaches. Plastic pollution is becoming a serious issue in our oceans. The Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper are hosting a screening of the film “Bag It,” followed by a discussion about what we can do to preserve and protect our oceans. Please join us along with a coalition of local ocean advocacy and awareness organizations.

Environmental Advocacy and Renewable Energy
Wednesday, November 9, 6:00-8:00pm   
Fleischmann Auditorium, SB Museum of Natural History

Come learn about environmental justice issues and The Environmental Defense Center – a nonprofit organization that protects and enhances the local environment through education, advocacy, and legal action. Interconnected aspects of our natural environment provide us with beauty and clean water, solace and fresh air, habitat for wildlife and an abundance of healthy food. The Environmental Defense Center carries out its campaigns and cases in defense of these values, to promote the long term conservation of our local environment. Please join us with a panel of experts discussing Santa Barbara’s role in energy, both from a historical perspective and looking toward the future.