Part-Time SOP Faculty

Bio coming soon!

• NDNU graduate Clinical Psychology Department faculty since 2018​

• Ph.D. : University of California, Santa Cruz (Social & Personality); Ph.D. : Jackson State University (Clinical).​

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist​

• Palo Alto Veterans Administration Health Care System, Inpatient Psychiatry Unit​

• Faculty appointment: Clinical Assistant Professor (Affiliated), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine.​

• Professional organizations: American Psychological Association, Association for Psychological Science, American Psychology & Law Society, Society for a Scientific Clinical Psychology.​

• Interests: Suicide/Homicide/Violence assessment and intervention, Psychosocial rehabilitation for serious mental illness.

• B.A. in Psychology at NDNU​

• M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical neuropsychology from the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University).​

• Dr. Chaffee worked in cognitive rehabilitation for several years before beginning work at Santa Clara County's Department of Social Services, Social Security Advocacy Group, where she assessed unhoused, chronically mentally ill clients for Social Security benefits.​

• Maintains a private practice conducting neuropsychological assessments for local attorneys.

• Educator, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and experiential facilitator with more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, higher education, and leadership development.

• Joined NDNU in 2026, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by her work as a clinical pharmacist, healthcare director, professor, and executive coach

• Previously served as a Clinical Professor of Pharmacy at Long Island University for 10 years and as a Clinical and Residency Director in community pharmacy practice

• Creator of Leadership Beyond the Ladder®, an authentic leadership development model built on three pillars: Authentic Identity, Empowered Voice, and Create Greater Possibilities.

• Through her coaching, speaking, and facilitation, she helps individuals recognize their unique brilliance, strengthen their voice, navigate transitions, and create meaningful individual and collective impact.

• Work has included Stanford Graduate School of Business, Kaiser Permanente, Hewlett Packard, and Workday, and she has spoken at the White House

• NDNU graduate Clinical Psychology Department faculty since 2013​

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University​

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist​

• Psychologist at Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco-Kaiser Permanente – Autism Spectrum Disorder Center​

• Primary Supervisor and Group Supervisor for APA Accredited Post-Doctoral Fellowship program.​

• Feedback Informed Care Committee, ADHD Assessment Committee, Disability Committee, & Supervision Committee.​

• NDNU graduate Clinical Psychology Department faculty since 2014​

• Ph.D. , Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology​

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist​

• Children's Health Council, Program Manager Ravenswood Initiative / Community Clinic, Children’s Health Council​

• Private practice: individual & family therapy, consultation, program development, Supervision​

• Interests: Trauma/PTSD, Grief & Loss; Attachment; Autism, ADHD, learning disorders; Chronic Pain, Chronic Illness, Disability; Identity Development; Acculturation, Immigration; Latinx, BIPOC communities. Diagnostic Assessment, neurodevelopmental testing, Existential-humanistic, Psychodynamic, Affirmative-Therapies; Family Systems; Integrative Therapy Social Justice, Liberation Psych; Cultural & Systemic Work

• Interests: Human sexuality, group therapy, cultural diversity, crisis, trauma, PTSD

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD) in private practice

• Extensive experience teaching the theory and practice of psychology

• Faculty member at Pacifica Graduate Institute, teaching in both the MA and PsyD programs

• Previously taught doctoral students in Clinical Psychology at CIIS

• Brings a strong cultural perspective to her clinical practice and teaching

• Scholarly interests include psychological development, depth psychology, female voice, and individuation

• Explores the role of myth, storytelling, and transformative experiences in psychological growth

• Incorporates depth-oriented and imaginal approaches into clinical practice

• Has presented her scholarly work nationally and internationally

• NDNU alum with a BA in Art (2018) and MA in MFT/Art Therapy (2021)

• Former NDNU softball player and proud member of the NDNU community

• Earned a PhD in Art Therapy Psychology from Dominican University of California in 2024

• Passionate educator with three years of teaching experience in Dominican’s Master of Art Therapy program

• Art therapist in private practice, working with children, teens, young adults, and families

• Helps clients find their voice, understand life challenges, and navigate transitions

• Artist and lifelong learner who loves food, travel, and exploring new cultures

• NDNU School of Psychology Faculty

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist

• Licensed Systems-Centered® Training Practitioner

• Specializes in individual, couples, and group psychotherapy

• Clinical and political practice in Petaluma, California

• Focuses on integrating healing and justice through belonging, shared becoming, and community engagement

• Author: Awakening Our Faith in the Future: The Advent of Psychological Liberalism (Routledge, 2008)

• Research interests include C. G. Jung, group theory and practice, psychocultural development, and sociopolitical psychology

• Recent publication: Psychocultural Development: Integrating Healing and Justice Through Belonging, Becoming, and Engaging (BBE) Groups

• Interests: depth psychology, community building, social justice, group dynamics, and psychological development

• Provides therapy to children, adolescents, and their caregivers in private practice

• Integrates evidence-based and strengths-based approaches tailored to each client and family

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium

• Completed APA-accredited doctoral internship at USC UCEDD at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

• Completed APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

• Clinical interests: mood and anxiety disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, ADHD, and ASD

• Dedicated to serving diverse and marginalized youth and families

• Passionate about advancing access to equitable and culturally responsive mental health care

• LMFT/LPCC in Private Practice in association with One Life Counseling Center.

• Program Associate with Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District

• Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) graduate from the Clinical Psychology Department, class of 2018

• Holds a Masters of Arts in Specialized Criminology from University of the Rockies

• Certified Telemental Health Provider

• Certified Trauma Professional

• Certified in Trauma-focused CBT

• California State Certified Sexual Assault Counselor

• Clinical forensic psychologist by training

• Currently working full-time as a forensic evaluator at CA Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero, which is a maximum-security forensic psychiatric hospital.

• Holds a statistics consultant position at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

• Adjunct faculty position at Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo, where she teaches courses in research methods and forensic psychology.

• Joined NDNU in 2026

• Is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Menlo College, where he served as Professor and Director of Psychology.

• Teaches Psychology and the Creative Mind at the San Francisco Film School, helping aspiring filmmakers apply psychological principles to character and story development and audience experience.

• Is a psychological and educational consultant specializing in mentoring relationships, curriculum design, and educational assessment. His work bridges research, practice, and institutional change, with a longstanding focus on professional socialization, cultural sensitivity, and developmental networks.

• Has consulted with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including supporting early-career clinician-scientists in coping and adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Presenter at national and international venues, including the American Educational Research Association, the UNM Mentoring Institute, Oxford University, and the UK Council for Graduate Education, addressing leadership, mentoring, cultural competence, and systemic approaches to student well-being and success.

• EdM, Harvard University; PhD in Psychology and Education, University of Michigan

• Co-authored the Rackham Graduate School Handbooks on mentoring relationships in a diverse university.

• Publications include a chapter on designing and evaluating effective academic mentoring programs in Making Connections: A Handbook for Effective Formal Mentoring Programs in Academia (2023).

• Susanna is a Licensed Psychologist and Co-founder of Blooming Wellness Psychotherapy, Inc., where she provides therapy to private pay clients.

• She specializes in working with highly sensitive individuals, women of color, and those dealing with bicultural identity issues, burnout, family of origin concerns, and complex trauma.

• Susanna is active in her community, participating in homeless ministry outreach, and is a member of the Asian American Psychological Association.

• She is trained in Trauma-Focused ACT, DBT Skills, and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD.

• Joined NDNU in 2026

• Adjunct professor of English composition and literature; teaches throughout the Bay Area

• Work as a cultural historian studies how race and empire have intersected with Shakespeare performances in the United States, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries

• Is also a published poet

• Enjoys playing the cello, serving food at a local community dinner, and celebrating their friends. 

• NDNU graduate Clinical Psychology Department faculty since 2019​

• Ph.D., Palo Alto University, Diversity and Community Mental Health (DCMH) and LGBTQ Psychology Emphasis​

• Alta Mira Recovery Programs​

• Provide neuropsychological assessments for inpatient substance abuse residential treatment program.​

• Coordination and Supervision to practicum students​

• Interests: Community Mental Health and Serious Mental Illness, LGBTQ Psychology, Neuropsychological Assessment

• NDNU graduate Clinical Psychology Department faculty since 2018​

• Psy.D., Wright Institute​

• Registered Psychologist​

• RAMS (Richmond Area Multi-Services)​

• UCSf-Alliance health Project​

• faculty, Canada College​

• Interests: Under-served, mis-served, and marginalized communities; community mental health--LGBTQ+, immigrant individuals/families; homelessness; severe mental illness; psychoanalytic/dynamic approaches; multicultural awareness in treatment and clinical training; psychological assessment

• Teaches psychological assessment and community engagement at NDNU

• Over 20 years of experience in education, including 10 years as a school psychologist, with a professional background spanning educational leadership, psychological assessment, special education, and student advocacy

• School Psychologist credentialed in California, Michigan, New Mexico, and Arizona

• Provides psychoeducational assessments, consultation, and support to students, families, and educational teams across multiple states

• Educational consultant and advocate supporting families navigating special education systems and accessing appropriate educational services

• Professional interests include educational equity, culturally responsive assessment practices, family engagement, and improving educational outcomes for historically underserved students

• Devoted mother of two boys and enjoys supporting their academic and athletic pursuits, traveling, cooking, and spending time with family

• Educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area with experience in high school and middle school teaching

• Former staff member at Catholic Charities Santa Clara County, supporting poverty simulation programs

• Served in youth and young adult ministry roles in San Jose, Palo Alto, and Connecticut

• Holds a doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco, with research on Jesuit high school retreats

• Earned a master’s in clinical psychology from Notre Dame de Namur University

• Graduate of Santa Clara University and Boston College, with multiple advanced degrees and certificates

• Active community leader: former school board trustee, nonprofit board member, and Rotary Club member

• Serves on national mental health and pastoral care committees, including NAMI and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

• Stephanie is an Adjunct Professor at Yorkville University, where she facilitates courses in the MACP program.

• She also teaches practicum courses at Northwestern University's Family Institute.

• In her private practice, Stephanie specializes in the treatment of eating disorders using psychodynamic psychotherapy, integrating DBT and CBT approaches.

• Her research interests include student therapist competency, psychodynamic therapy for eating disorders, and medical trauma.

• Stephanie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.

Bio coming soon!

• NDNU graduate Clinical Psychology Department faculty since 2013​

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University​

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist​

• Psychologist at Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco-Kaiser Permanente – Autism Spectrum Disorder Center​

• Primary Supervisor and Group Supervisor for APA Accredited Post-Doctoral Fellowship program.​

• Feedback Informed Care Committee, ADHD Assessment Committee, Disability Committee, & Supervision Committee.​

• LGBT Advocacy in Teaching​

• Interests: Human sexuality, group therapy, cultural diversity, crisis, trauma, PTSD

• Lead Middle School Counselor with over 20 years of experience

• Adjunct Faculty with NDNU and Alliant University

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), in private practice. Provides therapy to individuals, couples, children, and families, specializing in areas such as Couple Therapy, EMDR, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Social Skills, and Anger Management

• Extensive expertise in middle school counseling, adolescent development, and supporting student well-being

• Currently completing a Career Counseling Certificate, UC San Diego Extension Online

• In personal life, enjoys working out and taking daily walks. Her faith is an important source of strength, comfort, and resilience

• Educator, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) consultant, compassion and mindfulness facilitator, and creative artist with extensive experience in leadership and organizational development.

• Teaches Race & Ethnicity at NDNU, Full-Time Lecturer at Menlo College, where she received the 2023 Best Faculty Award, and teaches at Golden Gate University.

• Previously worked for over 20 years at Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and diversity and inclusion.

• Senior Instructor in Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT), developed at Stanford's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE). Her work integrates contemplative practices, compassionate leadership, organizational development, and social justice.

• Pursuing a Ph.D. in Transformative Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) exploring gospel, jazz, and blues as expressions of Black cultural memory, spirituality, healing, and liberation. Her scholarly writing addresses Black psychological healing, Afrofuturism, and ancestral practices, with work appearing in the Journal of Black Psychology, World Futures, and publications of the Association of Black Psychologists.

• Published poet, visual artist, and author of Bread Crumbs from the Soul: Finding Your Way Back Home. Published in Black Fire—This Time, Volumes I and II, with additional work forthcoming in Volume III.

Bio coming soon!

• Maria Cristina Samaco-Zamora, PhD (Nina) is a Clinical Psychologist.

• Earned her doctorate from Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines.

• Moved to the Bay Area in 2013.

• Has taught undergraduate and graduate Psychology courses.

• Areas of interest: Wellness Psychology and Personality.

• Experience working with children and adults.

• Skilled in intelligence and psycho-emotional assessments.

• Provides various forms of therapy.

• Award-winning educator and innovator with 25 years of experience in STEM education

• Expertise in brain science, biological & cognitive psychology, educational neuroscience, and student well-being

• Earned a Doctorate in Mind, Brain, and Teaching from Johns Hopkins University

• Holds master’s degrees in Public Health and Psychology

• Creator of the Social Emotional Wellness Program for high-achieving, first-generation youth

• Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award and Teacher of the Year

• Holder of three U.S. patents

• Adjunct professor in Biological & Behavioral Sciences at Antelope Valley College since 2018

• Passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning environments that promote curiosity, agency, and meaningful learning

• Doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology

• Holds a Master’s degree in Organization Development

• Teaching experience at Stanford University, Sonoma State University, and Sias University in China

• Uses an experiential learning approach integrating conceptual and embodied ways of knowing

• Background in movement modalities, creative expression, and mindfulness

• Passionate about supporting student growth, self-awareness, and transformation

• Integrates her experience in clinical practice and teaching to create meaningful learning experiences

• Over13 years of experience working in academia

• Currently teaches the PSY 2180 Senior Capstone: History & Systems course in addition to the PSY 2170 Professional Ethics and Career Development course in the BA Psychology Degree Completion Program at NDNU.

• Other courses taught across various universities have included Queer Identities, Human Sexuality, and Research Methods.

• Work in the community includes co-facilitation of the LGBTQ+ parent group at the San Mateo County Pride Center, Student Mentorship through both University of San Francisco and Menlo College, and Board Member of the Harry Potter Academic Conference.

• Currently serves as the NDNU School of Psychology Psi Chi Chapter Advisor.

• Therapist, counselor, consultant, Executive/Corporate/business/leadership coach, and educator for over 20 years at the intersection of counseling and career development 

• PhD from Colorado State University one of only a few programs bridging counseling and human resource studies

• Over 25 years of career counseling experience working with military members and their families, rural and urban at-risk youth, immigrant populations, and multi-national contexts

• Policy work centered on Career Guidance systems, Vocational Technical programs, and School Work Transition 

• Published on ethics and coaching, critical incidents in career development, including workplace violence, international human resource development, and technology in counselor education. Research interests are in transition and change in the VUCA environment, intuition in counseling, creative approaches in supervision, and non-western approaches to personal growth.

• Career Expert for USA Today's Online Career Center

• Served on two boards, the State Career Guidance Consortium and the Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal in Seattle, Washington.

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