To ensure adherence to regulatory standards, Sofia University accurately assesses new faculty prior to hiring, verifying the qualifications for all faculty members.
This process involves a thorough review by the Human Resources department in collaboration with the Provost and the Program Chairs, which audits academic credentials, professional certifications, and relevant experience to confirm that each faculty member meets the requisite standards for teaching within their designated programs.
This systematic verification ensures our faculty are appropriately qualified to deliver instruction at the level required for their assigned courses, in alignment with both institutional policies and procedures, as well as regulatory mandates. Furthermore, this information is systematically cataloged and updated, and made accessible to all stakeholders, including on our website, thereby upholding transparency, and demonstrating institutional compliance with regulatory expectations.
Academic Freedom
The University is fully committed to the protection of academic freedom-the freedom to inquire into and express truth-wherever and in whatever form it is found. A diversity of opinion, course content, and teaching methods is welcomed and is seen as contributing to a spirit of healthy skepticism combined with unprejudiced openness to innovative approaches.
Academic freedom principles apply not only to teaching and the development and conduct of research projects, but also to the reporting of the results of research projects through conference presentations and professional publications.
The policy on academic freedom includes the formation and continuation of special interest or affinity groups that are appropriate to transpersonal psychology. These groups may be suggested by faculty or students to provide information about topics that are of significant interest to faculty and students, but which are not yet included in the formal curriculum.
SOFIA UNIVERSITY FACULTY
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
Robin Balchen
M.A. (Social Work), University of Denver, Denver, CO
B.A. (Behavioral Science/Cross Cultural Studies), Drew University, Madison, NJ
Jennifer Crane
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), John F. Kennedy University, Campbell, CA
B.A. (Anthropology), California State University, Sacramento
Michelle Daly
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Art Therapy/Counseling), Southwestern College
M.S. (Public Health), University of Illinois at Chicago
B.A. (Mathematics), University of Missouri at Columbia
Monika Downey
Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology), Palo Alto University
M.S. (Clinical Psychopharmacology), Alliant University
M.S. (Clinical Psychology), Palo Alto University
B.A. (Counseling Psychology), William Jessup University
Adrian Eraslan
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), John F. Kennedy University, San Jose, CA
B.A. (Creative Writing, Communications, Sociology), La Salle University
Ann Gila
M.A. (Psychology), California State University, Sonoma
B.A. (Psychology and Political Science), San Jose State University
Nicole Koethner
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), California Institute of Integral Studies
B.A. (Psychology), City University of New York
Stephanie Lape
M.A. (Divinity), Luther Seminary
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Religious Studies), University of California Riverside
Charity Lewis
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Natural Resources), Ohio State University
Ava Lindberg
Ph.D. (Depth Psychology), Pacifica Graduate Institute
M.A. (Depth Psychology), Pacifica Graduate Institute
M.A. (Cultural Anthropology), Columbia University, Graduate School of Arts-Sciences
B.A. (English Literature), Columbia University, School of General Studies
SueAnn McKean
Jaimin Scholar, Sri Jaggannath Center, New Delhi, India
Betty Michaud
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Computer Science), Carnegie Mellon University
Lacey Morris
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), John F. Kennedy University, San Jose, CA
B.A. (Dance), San Francisco University
Adam Neal
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (English and Theater), Muhlenberg College
Elaine Parker-Gills
Ed.D. (Institutional Management), Pepperdine University
M.S. (Management & Administration), Pepperdine University
B.A. (Liberal Studies), Antioch University
Jessica Parr *
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Psychology), University of Calgary
Diane Ryssel
Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology), Azusa Pacific University
M.A. (Clinical Psychology), Azusa Pacific University
B.S. (Organizational Leadership), Biola University
Svetlana Tikhonova
M.A. (Counseling Psychology) Institute of Transpersonal Psychology/Sofia University
B.S. (Applied Mathematics and Physics) Moscow Institute of Physics and Technologies
B.A. (Applied Mathematics and Physics) Moscow Institute of Physics and Technologies
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Seyedehsamane Abdigarmestani
Ph.D. (Computer Science), University of College Cork
M.Sc. (Information Technology), Shiraz University
B.Sc. (Computer Science), Shariaty Technical University
Hani Aldirawi
Ph.D. (Statistics), University of Illinois at Chicago
M.Sc. (Mathematics), University of Texas Pan American
B.Sc. (Mathematics), University of Gaza
Reginald Bailey
Ph.D. (Systems Engineering), George Washington University
M.S. (Systems Engineering), George Washington University
B.A. (Computer Science), University of California, Berkeley
Donna Dulo
D.S.L. (Strategic Leadership), Liberty University
Ph.D. (Software Engineering/Information Systems), US Naval Postgraduate School/Liberty University
J.D. (Software Safety and Aviation Law), Monterey College of Law
M.S. (Systems Engineering), Johns Hopkins
M.S. (Computer Science: Cyber Security, Software Engineering
M.A. (National Security and Strategic Studies), US Naval War College
M.B.A. (Technology/Engineering Management), City University of Seattle
M.S. (Computer Information Systems), University of Phoenix
B.S. (Management & Economics), US Coast guard Academy & State University of New York
Patricia Feingold
M.S. (Engineering), Pennsylvania State University
B.S. (Mechanical Engineering), New York Institute of Technology
Fadi Muheidat
Ph.D. (Electrical and Computer Engineering), University of Missouri
M.S. (Electrical and Computer Engineering), University of Missouri
B.S. (Electrical and Computer Engineering), Jordan University of Science and Technology
Aleksandr Petiushko
Ph.D. (Mathematics), Lomonosov Moscow State University
M.Sc. (Mathematics), Lomonosov Moscow State University
Sameera Sharif
M.A. (Organizational Leadership), Brandman University
B.A. (Organizational Leadership), Brandman University
Sarah Sharif
M.L.A. (Communications), University of California, Davis
B.S. (Biological Sciences), University of California, Davis
Christopher Smith
M.S. (Computer Science), California State University East Bay
B.S. (Computer Science), California State University East Bay
Ehsan Sooudi
Ph.D. (Optoelectronics & Photonics), University of College Cork
M.Sc. (Electrical Engineering), Tarbiat Modares University
B.Sc. (Electrical Engineering), Sharif University of Technology
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Andrew Borg
D.B.A. (Finance), Walden University
M.B.A. (Finance), Saint John’s University
Deeann Bruno *
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A.Ed. (Education), Sonoma State University
B.S. (Liberal Arts), Excelsior College
Yanping Chen
M.B.A. (Quantitative Analysis and Operation Management) University of Cincinnati
M.S. (Quantitative Analysis and Operation Management), University of Cincinnati
Mary Kay Chess
Ph.D. (Transformation Learning and Change), California Institute of Integral Studies
Bari Courts
Ph.D. (Organization and Management), Capella University
M.B.A. (Management), University Cincinnati
M.A. (Health Care Administration), University of Arizona Global Campus
M.S. (Global Business Blockchain), University of the Cumberlands
B.A. (Mathematics), Kenyon College
Simone DiMatteo
Ph.D. (Management of Organizational Systems), Saybrook University
M.S. (Organizational Leadership), Saybrook University
B.S. (Business Administration), Saybrook University
Paul Dommert
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Psychology), California State University Monterey Bay
Chelsea Fan
M.B.A. (Marketing), University of California San Diego
B.A. (Marketing), Thomas Edison State University
Melissa Farbman
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Clinical Mental Health Counseling), Naropa University
B.A. (Psychology), Monmouth University
Brian Flores
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Psychology), Ashford University
Dale Gooden *
E.J.D. (Law), Purdue University Global
D.H.Sc. (Fundamentals of Education), A.T. Still University of Health Science
M.B.A. (Management), University of La Verne
Travis Gray
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Psychology), Sofia University
Abhishek Gudadhe Patil
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.F.A. (Industrial Design), Academy of Art University
B.E. (Engineering), Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India
Shawishi Haynes *
Ed.D. (Education), University of Southern California
M.S. (Health Administration), California State University Northridge
B.S. (Health Administration), California State University Northridge
Jerri Lynn Hogg *
Ph.D. (Media Psychology), Fielding Graduate University
M.A. (Media Psychology), Fielding Graduate University
M.S. (Communications and Information Management), Bay Path University
B.A. (Communications), Cleveland State University
Andrea Howard
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), National University
B.A. (Business Administration), National University
Annani Kelley
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Psychology), California State University Chico
Bill Liu
Ph.D. (Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
M.B.A. (Marketing, Finance & International Business), Northwestern University
M.S. (Civil Engineering), University of Oklahoma
B.S. (environmental Engineering), National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan
Rachelle Lopez
M.S. (Counseling), California State University Long Beach
B.A. (Anthropology and Sociology), University of California Irvine
Justine Mastin
M.A. (Addiction Counseling), University of St. Thomas
B.A. (Sociology), University of Minnesota
Dawn McGregor *
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Philosophy), Colorado State University
Petra Meedt
M.S. (Counseling Psychology), Interamerican University, Puerto Rico
Carmelita Omran
M.B.A. (Finance and Management), University of Phoenix
B.S. (Business Administration), University of San Carlos, Philippines
Tara Pipia *
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (English Literature), State University of New York
B.A. (English Literature), State University of New York
Megan Prell
M.A. (Special Education), National University
B.A. (Psychology), National University
Michelle Searfoss *
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.F.A. (Interior Architecture), Academy of Art University
Nomi Shmerling
Ph.D. (Psychology), Sofia University
M.B.A. (Business Administration), Colorado Technical University
B.A. (Geography), University of Washington
Diego Soto Gonzalez
M.B.A. (Finance), Nova Southeastern University
B.A. (Finance), University of Miami
Robert Strohmeyer
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (English), San Francisco State University
Monique Sudduth
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Communication Studies), California State University Northridge
Erin Verhoeven
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (General Studies), Indiana Wesleyan University
Amber Voiles
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Fine Arts), National Theatre Company
B.A. (Fine Arts), University of Texas
Aubrey Walden *
M.B.A. (International Management), Arizona State University
B.A. (International Studies), University of Lynchburg
Courtney Williams
M.A. (Special Education), National University
B.A. (Child & Adolescent Development), California State University Fullerton
Stephanie Witechowsky
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Business Management), Grand Valley State University
Megan Woolever
Ph.D. (Psychology), California Institute of Integral Studies
M.A. (Ethics and Social Theory), University California, Berkeley
B.A. (English and Social Science), Bethany University
Leslie Wright
D.P.S. (Business), Berklee College of Music
M.S. (Digital Marketing), Southern New Hampshire University
Jeng-Dau Wu
D.B.A. (Business), Golden Gate University
M.B.A. (Business), University of California, Berkeley
B.A. (Business Administration), National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Dina Ziadlou
Ph.D. (Healthcare Management and Leadership), Colorado Technical University
M.S. (Health Information Technology), Toronto Metropolitan University
B.S. (Biomedical Engineering), Rogers State University
TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Rodger Broomé *
Ph.D. (Psychology), Saybrook University
M.A. (Psychology), Saybrook University
Alaya Dannu
Ph.D. (Human Development), Fielding Graduate University
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.S. (Criminal Justice), Florida Atlantic University
Theodore Esser *
Ph.D. (Humanities), California Institute of Integral Studies
M.A. (Philosophy & Religion), California Institute of Integral Studies
B.A. (Communications), University of Washington
B.F.A. (Photography), University of Washington
Robert Ferrer *
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Psychology), San Diego State University
Harris Friedman
Ph.D. (Personality-Clinical Psychology), Georgia State University
M.A. (Sociology), Emory University
B.A. (Psychology), Emory University
Jet Hermes
Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology), Sofia University
B.S. (Psychology), University of Central Florida
B.A. (Business), Guangzhou College of South China University of Technology
Patty Hlava *
Ph.D. (Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Marriage and Family therapy), Argosy University
B.A. (Fine Arts), American Academy of Fine Arts
Anne Hsu
Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology), Saybrook University
M.S. (Clinical Psychology), Saybrook University
B.A. (Psychology), Saybrook University
Chia - Chi (Alicia) Hu *
Ph.D. (Counseling Psychology), Purdue University
M.Ed. (Guidance Counseling), National Changhua University, Taiwan
B.S. (Industrial Engineering and Management), National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
Olivia Jenkins *
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Interdisciplinary Psychology), Leeds Beckett University
B.A. (Psychology and English), University of Vermont
Ruth Judy *
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.L.S. (Library Science), Texas Woman’s University
B.A. (Social Sciences), Southern Methodist University
Youngwoo Kim
M.D. (Medicine), KyungHee University
Etel Leit
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.S. (Educational Administration & Leadership), Pepperdine University
B.A. (Hebrew Grammar & Literature), The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
Frederic Luskin
Ph.D. (Counseling and Health Psychology), Stanford University
M.S. (Psychology), San Jose State University
B.S. (Psychology), State University New York
Tami Mensh
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
Amanda Mobley
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.B.A. (Business), Baylor University of Texas
Angel Morgan
Ph.D. (Psychology), Saybrook University
M.A. (Human Development), Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
B.A. (Theater, Film & Television), University of California, Los Angeles
Jennifer Nagrath
Ph.D. (Psychology), Sofia University
M.S. (Clinical Mental Health Counseling), Nova Southeastern University
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
Juan Carlos Piñeiro
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Psychology), New Paltz
Dee Reed
Ph.D. (Integral & Transpersonal Psychology), California Institute of Integral Studies
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.L.S. (Library Information Science), East Carolina University
B.A. (Psychology), Indiana University
Nancy Rowe *
Ph.D. (Educational Curriculum & Instruction), Texas A&M University
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
B.S. (Elementary Education), University of Texas
Londa Schexnayder
M.B.A. (Business), Capella University
M.S. (Psychology), Capella University
B.S. (Psychology), Capella University
Marilyn Schlitz *
Ph.D. (Anthropology), University of Texas
M.B.A. (Business), Sofia University
M.A. (Behavioral Science), University of Texas
Bryony Shaw
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Clinical Psychology), Pepperdine University
M.A. (Psychology), Pepperdine University
B.S. (Psychology), University of Phoenix
Kundan Singh
Ph.D. (Humanities), California Institute of Integral Studies
M.A. (Applied Psychology), Delhi University
B.Sc. (Chemistry), Delhi University
Renee Snow *
Ph.D. (Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Psychology), University of Santa Monica
M.S. (Accountancy), San Jose State University
B.A. (Economics), University of California, Santa Cruz
Brandon Thompson
M.A. (Psychology), Sofia University
B.S. (Psychology), Morehead State University
Wei Wang *
Ph.D. (Industrial-Organizational Psychology), University of Illinois
M.S. (Statistics), University of Illinois
M.A. (Social-Personality Psychology), University of Illinois
B.S. (Psychology), Beijing Normal University
Robert Wood *
Ph.D. (Psychology), Sofia University
M.A. (Transpersonal Psychology), Naropa University
J.D. (Law), University of Utah
M.B.A. (Business), University of Utah
M.S. (Economics), University of Utah
B.A. (Economics), University of Utah
Gang (Julie) Xie *
Ph.D. (School Psychology), Temple University
M.Ed. (School Psychology), Temple University
M.A. (Educational Psychology), Beijing Normal University
B.A. (Teaching English as a Second Language), Qufu Normal University
Kelly Yi
Ph.D. (Transpersonal Psychology, Clinical), Sofia University
M.A. (Counseling Psychology), Sofia University
B.A. (Psychology & Religious Studies), University of California, Santa Barbara
Additional information on Sofia University's faculty can be found on our website: Our Faculty