San Diego Commencement Program

2025 Commencement Program | San Diego

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Alliant International University is a private university accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) which offers programs in psychology, education, business management, forensic studies, law, and nursing. Alliant’s mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership, and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve the lives of people in diverse cultures and communities around the world.

Alliant is comprised of six schools: California School of Professional Psychology, California School of Education, California School of Management & Leadership, California School of Forensic Studies, San Francisco Law School, and School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Our locations include Fresno, Irvine, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco in California, a campus in Phoenix, Arizona and another in Mexico City, Mexico.

Alliant holds program-level accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA), California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and others. Our nursing programs have also received provisional approval from the Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN).

MISSION STATEMENT

Alliant International University prepares students for professional careers of service and leadership, and promotes the discovery and application of knowledge to improve the lives of people in diverse cultures and communities around the world.

Alliant is committed to excellence in four areas:

  1. Education for Professional Practice
    Alliant’s educational programs are designed to give students the knowledge, skills and ethical values they need to serve and lead effectively in a variety of professional settings. Alliant graduates are expected to achieve mastery of a body of knowledge and be able to apply that knowledge in professional practice in order to achieve desired and beneficial outcomes.
  2. Scholarship
    Scholarship in the Alliant context includes the discovery of new knowledge; the discovery of new applications of knowledge to solve practical problems; the integration of knowledge in new ways; and innovation in teaching knowledge and professional competencies.
  3. Multicultural and International Competence
    Alliant is an inclusive institution committed to serving diverse populations around the world by preparing professionals to work effectively across cultural and national boundaries; by increasing the number of professionals working in underserved areas; and by understanding and responding to the needs of diverse communities.
  4. Community Engagement
    Alliant’s faculty, students, alumni and staff are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world through professional education and practice. We measure the success of our university in part by the impact we have, both directly and indirectly, on the welfare of individuals, families, organizations and communities.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Carolyn E. Hickman, PhD
Denis Del Bianco
Eloy Ortiz Oakley
James Lyons, PhD
Jeffery Keith – Chairperson
Joyce Berenstein, JD
Lawrence Moore, PhD
Natalie Porter, PhD
Ron Longinotti
William Husson, PhD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Benedikt Balkmann—Chair
Kay Krafft
Tina Krebs

ALLIANT EDUCATIONAL
FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ron Longinotti – Chair
Connell Persico, PhD – Vice Chair
Kim Arnett – Treasurer
Jennifer Treese Wilson, JD – Secretary
Natalie Porter, PhD – Immediate Past Chair
Sue Ammen, PhD
Charles Dempsey
Kris Mohandie, PhD, ABPP
Mike Pittenger, PhD
Kumea Shorter-Gooden, PhD
Don Wing, PhD

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Andy Vaughn, MSEd
President & CEO

Tracy L. Heller, PhD
Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Afshin Afrookhteh, PhD, JD
General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

Brandon Jouganatos, EdD
Chief Operations & Innovation Officer

Christoph Winter, MSc
Chief Financial Officer

Esmeralda Silva
Vice President of Student Affairs

Joshua Blazer
Chief Information Officer

Tremier Johnson
Vice President of Human Resources

ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

David Stewart, PhD
Dean, California School of Professional Psychology

Diana Concannon, PsyD
Dean, California School of Forensic Studies
and Associate Provost, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

Kristy Pruitt, EdD
Dean, Accreditation and Quality Assurance,
California School of Education

Judy Mantle, PhD
Interim Dean, California School of Education

Lisa Radesi, DNP, MSN
Interim Dean, School of Nursing & Health Sciences

Rachna Kumar, PhD
Dean, California School of Management & Leadership

Sherrie Palmieri, DNP, MBA
Founding Dean, School of Nursing & Health Sciences

Debra Kawahara, PhD
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs,
California School of Professional Psychology

Stephanie Wood, PhD
Associate Dean of Training & Administration, California School of Professional Psychology

Ruth Best, EdD
Assistant Dean, California School of Education

KJ Conner, PhD
Associate Provost, Academic Administration and Accreditation

PLATFORM PARTY

Andy Vaughn, MSEd
President & CEO

Divya Kakaiya, PsyD
Keynote Speaker

Tracy Heller, PhD
Executive Vice President & Provost

David Stewart, PhD
Dean, California School of Professional Psychology

Judy Mantle, PhD
Interim Dean, California School of Education

Marion Chiurazzi, PsyD,
Associate Program Director, California School of Forensic Studies

Glenn Lipson, PhD
Adjunct Professor California School of Forensic Studies

Rachna Kumar, PhD
Dean, California School of Management and Leadership

Lawrence Moore, PhD
Board of Trustees

ACADEMIC PROCESSION

2025 GRADUATING CLASS
FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNIVERSITY
PLATFORM PARTY

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Pomp and Circumstance
Musical Recording

National Anthem
Cameron Fletcher

Welcome
Chris Pilkington, EdD
Faculty Assembly Chair

President’s Remarks
Andy Vaughn, MSEd
President & CEO

Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Andy Vaughn, MSEd

Keynote Address
Divya Kakaiya, PsyD
Alumni, Clinical Psychology PsyD

Introduction of Voices of Diversity
Lawrence Moore, PhD
Board of Trustees

Voices of Diversity
Edward Mitchell
Anastasiya Volodko
Dalida Jaafar
Diem Anh Nguyen
Natalia Garcia
Preeti
Smit Patel
Xingyun Tian

Introduction of Student Speaker
Jenny Tellez, EdD
Program Director, Educational Leadership & Management

Student Address
Edward Mitchell

PRESENTATION CLASS OF 2025

California School of Forensic Studies
Glen Lipson, PhD

California School of Management and Leadership
Rachna Kumar, MBA

California School of Education
Judy Mantle, PhD

California School of Professional Psychology
David Stewart, PhD

Presentation of Candidates
Ken Kelch, EdD
Laura Mueller, PsyD

Conferring of Degrees
Andy Vaughn, MSEd

Closing Remarks
Tracy Heller, PhD

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

DR. DIVYA KAKAIYA

Dr. Divya Kakaiya is the Clinical Director and Founder of Healthy Within, an integrative treatment center in San Diego specializing in brain neurocircuitry and the gut-brain axis.
A proud alumna of Alliant International University—where she earned a Postdoctoral Degree in Psychopharmacology—Dr. Kakaiya has been a dedicated mental health advocate and innovator since 1983.

Originally from the Nairobi campus of USIU, Dr. Kakaiya was the first woman in her family to attend college, blazing a path not only for herself but for generations to come. A San Diego resident for over 45 years, she is deeply woven into the fabric of the city’s civic, philanthropic, and healthcare communities.

Dr. Kakaiya is a recognized expert in neurofeedback and brain health, with over 14 years of experience applying cutting-edge, integrative modalities in her clinical work. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a passionate community activist and speaker—named one of the Top Cool Women in San Diego by Girl Scouts San Diego and a Diversity Hero by KPBS.

She serves on numerous committees with Rotary Club 33 and is a board member of San Diego Crime Stoppers. Her advocacy extends to anti-sex trafficking initiatives through HTRADAR, as well as support for the brain injury community. A graduate of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s LEAD Impact program, Dr. Kakaiya exemplifies leadership, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to service.

ACADEMIC REGALIA

Academic dress has its origin in the Middle Ages. When the European universities were taking form in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, scholars were also clerics, and they adopted robes similar to those of their monastic orders. Caps were a necessity in drafty buildings; capes, or capes with hoods attached, were needed for warmth. As the control of universities gradually passed from the church, academic costume took on brighter hues and employed varied patterns in cut and color of gown and type of headdress.

The use of academic costume in the United States has been continuous since colonial times, but a clear protocol did not emerge until an intercollegiate commission in 1893 recommended a uniform code. In this country the design of a gown varies with the degree held. The bachelor’s gown is relatively simple with long, pointed sleeves as its distinguishing mark. The gown for a master’s degree has an oblong sleeve with the rear part cut square and the front part with a cutaway arc. The most elaborate academic costume is the doctoral gown with velvet panels down the front and three bars of the same material across the sleeves.

The velvet is usually black, but it may be a color designating the field of study to which the degree pertains. The gown itself, usually black like those of lower degrees, may be of a color distinctive of a particular university.

The hood bears a still larger symbolic burden: the width of its velvet trimming designates the level of the degree; the color heralds the major field of study; and the lining identifies the institution that granted the degree. Alliant International University is symbolized by a lining of blue, sage and gold.

SIGNIFICANCE OF COLORS

Colors indicating fields of study are listed below:

Brown: Fine Arts
Copper: Economics
Dark Blue: Philosophy
Drab: Business Administration
Golden Yellow: Science
Green: Medicine
Light Blue: Education

Orange: Engineering
Pink: Music
Purple: Law
Royal Blue: Psychology
Russet: Forestry
Scarlet: Divinity, Theology
White: Arts, Letters, Humanities

The gold tassel indicates the doctoral degree; a black tassel indicates the
master’s or bachelor’s degree.

MILITARY HONOR CORDS

In recognition of military service to the United States of America, Alliant International University honors the graduation of Active Duty service members and Veterans by providing an opportunity for them to wear red, white, and blue honor cords to their commencement ceremony. Honorably discharged U.S. Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, or Reservists, or ROTC students commissioning upon graduation are authorized to wear a Military Honor Cord.

OATH OF AFFIRMATION

I hereby affirm that I shall discharge the responsibilities of my profession in a manner consistent with respect for the dignity and worth of the individual and that I shall strive for the preservation and protection of fundamental human rights.

That I shall seek to increase knowledge of human behavior, to increase self understanding and understanding of others, and that I shall use such knowledge for the promotion of human welfare.

That I shall diligently protect the welfare of those who seek my services, and that I shall use my skills only in the furtherance of human welfare and the integrity of the individual.

And that I shall well and truly recognize the traditions and ethics of my profession, and that l shall subscribe to these traditions and ethics freely and upon my honor.

Adopted from the Code of Ethics of the American Psychological Association.

DEGREES EARNED FROM ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF FORENSIC STUDIES

MASTER OF SCIENCE: FORENSIC BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE

Daisy Zavala

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Bowen Zhang
Jorge Soto
Kelly Rupp
Nikhil Balakrishna Kotian
Nikhil Yadav
Pierre Alexandre Jay
Xingyun Tian
Xuanling Qian

MASTER OF SCIENCE: DATA ANALYTICS

Amartya Yalla
Catalina Cifuentes Hernandez
Daksha Daniel
Girard Peter Tenazas
Hammad Alfalah
Harshil Harjivanbhai Banker
Mohammed Zakaullah Khan
Mohanapawan Pallaprolu
Naghmeh Javanshir Rezaei
Ophillus Otchere
Udhai Ram Madhu

MASTER OF SCIENCE: HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS

Jagdeep Jade Saini
Ms. Preeti

MASTER OF SCIENCE: INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

Amisha
Hardeep Singh
Mohammed Munawar Uddin
Ponugoti Navya
Praveen Kumar Rama
Ramanpreet Kaur
Saikishan Muppala
Sayeda Adiba Anwar
Smit Jayeshkumar Patel

DOCTORATE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Ali Nikbakht
Effect of Leadership on Burnout in Behavioral Health Clinicians: A Phenomenological Study
Chair: Anna Gladys, EdD

Amin Nazerzadeh
Investigating the Predictive Power of Social Media Sentiment and NLP Techniques for Cryptocurrency Price Movements: A Multi-Cryptocurrency Analysis
Chair: Huiyu Qian, PhD

Andrew Scott O’Brien
Strategic Integration: Leveraging the World-Class Manufacturing Framework for Artificial Intelligence Advancements in Military Manufacturing
Chair: Huiyu Qian, PhD

David Sadegh Sarikhan
Strategic Posture Analysis and
Performance of Real Estate
Investment Trust (REIT): A
Strategic Management Study
Chair: Yousef Ibrahim, DBA

Djalal Khanchali
The Impact of Crypto High Price Volatility on the Investment Behavior of Individual Investors
Chair: Huiyu Qian, PhD

Samantha A. Hill
Fostering Resilience: Explore New Initiatives Of How Businesses And Communities Can Support Families Affected By Teen Pregnancy And Advocate Prevention Programs
Chair: Huiyu Qian, PhD

Umut Aslan
Factors that Influence Corporate Success and Growth in the Transport Industry: A Phenomenological Study
Chair: Anna Gladys, EdD

DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY: LEADERSHIP

Amer Ahmed Ahmadi
The Impact of Organizational Change Models on Global Leadership: Covering the Libyan Leadership Crisis
Chair: Cory Scott, PhD

David Himes
Ethical Leadership in the Development and Integration of AI Implants for Human Enhancement
Chair: Huiyu Qian, PhD

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

CREDENTIAL: EDUCATION SPECIALIST

David A. Cedeno
Jill Christine Rivero
Trever David De Vestern
Vivian Nicole Calderon

CREDENTIAL: MULTIPLE SUBJECT

Sara N. Perez

CREDENTIAL: SINGLE SUBJECT

Claudia Rivera
Lucas Calderilla
Stephanie Sophie Zuniga

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION: EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Arnoldo Chavez
Bracy Simmons
Cheryl S. Salvante
Deja Feria
Emily Louise Anna Baize
Gloria Washington Green
Hope Marie Bradshaw
Joseph P. Hill
Lindsey M. Ruballos
Natalia Altamirano
Ngoc Phung
Phoebe G. Garcia
Sheradyn Luro
Silvia Luz Huerta
Tiffani Riveron

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION: MULTIPLE SUBJECT

Alisha S. Porter
Angelica V. Tristan
Courtney Leigh Cutbirth
Daniela Carolina Simati
Deanna Brown
Diana Karen Estrada Cisneros
Elena Noel Montañez
Esther L. Yniguez
Genicia M. Rios
Harmony Ann Grundy
Karla Berenice Cazares
Lily Marie Rios
Mari Mahealani Magahis
Rhea Langit
Shayda Hashemi
Tiffany R. Tulloch

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION: SCHOOL COUNSELING

Chamellane Kamiel Sanders
Dario S. Rodriguez
Darlene Ruelas
Melody Moore
Micah L. Smith
Ricardo Heredia

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION: SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY

Brianna Jenel Lopez
Caroline Dietzel
Cynthia Gisselle Caballero
Darrian York-Thomas

Heather Eileen Hardy
Jordan Munro-Rankin
Kristin Leigh Luna
Stuti Gohil
Sydney Jayne Mejia
Tennyson Feigel Debruyn

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION: SINGLE SUBJECT

Alexandra Lipinski
Anabelle A. Bradshaw
Annie Talley Ochoa
Bethany Michelle Contreras
Brian Alexander Aristondo
Carah Pereda
Channing Marie Moreland
Darren Decarlo Maxie
Donnatella Camille Landazuri
Eliseo Gonzalez
Erick Junior Gutierrez
Fatuma Fadhil
Gicella Erika Nunez
J’Nay Monique Almaguer
Hawthorne
Jeffrey Nguyen
Maddison J. Curtis
Maria J. Luevanos
Nikki Lori Fedele
Rigoberto Garcia
Ruben Arevalo
Shaniya Nitika Kumar
Sydnie Paige Freemer-Canham
Tamara Siera Bruton
Taylor Kalani Vierra Cruz

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION: EDUCATION SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL COUNSELING

Danielle Reynoso Miranda

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION: EDUCATION SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY

Eileen R. Chavez
Emma Belle Greenberg
Jaclyn Brown
Joyce Vanessa Mendoza
Vanessa Paulina Delgado

DOCTOR IN EDUCATION: EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Edward Harris Mitchell
B.L.A.C.K.: Black Literacy and Common Knowledge – An Examination Of The Effects of Transgenerational Trauma on The Educational Experiences of Students of Color
Chair: Chris Pilkington, EdD

DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY: EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Diedra R. Lee
Model For Change: A
Neuropsychological Criminogenic Assessment Design for Competence to Stand Trial in Juvenile Delinquency Processings: A Guide for Juvenile Justice Legislation Reform
Chair: Lisa Vega, PsyD

Elena Amaya
Dysgraphia in Elementary Aged Students: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a Comorbid Disorder and Practical Strategies for Teachers
Chair: James Adams, PhD

Francesca Vanessa
Ayala-Runion
Bridging the Gap: The Need for Integrating Neuropsychological Principles into the Practice of School Psychology
Chair: Lisa Vega, PsyD

Maleta Lolesio
Exploring the Efficacy of Special Education Services in Public Independent Study Schools: Parent Perception and Appropriateness of the Model for Students with an Individual Education Program
Chair: Danielle Hankins, PsyD

Michelle Cervantes
Bullying Prevention in K-8 Schools: Integrating Student Engagement and Anti-Bullying Curriculum Chair: Danielle Hankins, PsyD

Michelle May
Dyslexia: Current Theory & Best Practice
Chair: Lisa Vega, PsyD

Nerissa M. Gellor
Addressing Executive Functioning Needs in Neurodiverse Students: A Focus on Autism
Chair: Danielle Hankins, PsyD

Silvia B. Cervantes
Newcomer Student Integration in High Schools: Inclusion in School Culture, Climate, and Extracurricular Activities.
Chair: Danielle Hankins, PsyD

Stephanie M. Alderete
Enhancing Teacher Implementation of MTSS: A Focus on Fidelity and Training
Chair: James Adams, PhD

Tyinesha Calhoun
Developing a Truancy Assessment Model to Detect Students Who Are At-Risk for Truancy
Chair: Lisa Vega, PsyD

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

MASTER OF ARTS: CLINICAL COUNSELING

Alejandra Juarez Vidaca
Alyssa Lynn Hendley
Amanda Marie Macias
Andrea Swartz
Andrew Thomas Santaniello
April S. Holmes
Breanna Culpepper
Cailla Esparza
Cameryn Newman Armon
Christopher
Leonard Swanson
DeAnna Darlene Granado
Elisa Wysocki-Quiros
Emily Stoddard
Emma Louise Smith
Ericka G. Ballesteros
Gabriela Zendejas
Hailee Ramirez
Jamielyn Verdejo Basilio
Jazmin B. Eguiluz
John Paley
Joseph E. Geletko
Karina Jimenez
Karla N. Alluin
Lauren Elizabeth Anderson
Lily Roebuck
Lonell Maxen Obannon
Maren Victoria Gregg
Marisa C. Henriquez
Megan Nasean Dozler
Melissa Teitel
Sebastian Paez
Stefanie Amber Johnston
Tiffany Chenlle Smith
Viviana Yvanette Ramirez

MASTER OF ARTS: MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY

Abigail Phillips
Alexandra Faith Borchard
Anastasiya Volodko
Annelise Gazale
Arieh Breziner
Audrey Stowell Henderson
Bibiana Sarahi Gomez
Breanna Nicole Yepez
Brittany Cooper
Carolina Gumbayan Taylor
Chantel Rose Mesta
Chequina Grubbs
Claire Elizabeth Galvez
Consuelo Serrano Montesinos
Elizabeth Anne Barsily
Evie E. Quiroz
Fernando Huerta-Perez
Gabriella Resnick
Hannah Taft
Hayda E. Alaniz-Rogers
Hilda Mosa
Isabella Foschi Walko
Jamela Toso Muhammad
Jamie Maya Lumba
Jazmin Sandoval
Jeanette Ninyo
Joshua E Scott
Julianna Yadira Echevarria
Kailey Dineen Daniels
Karen Laugesen Russell
Katie Marie Webster
Keemia Kasravi
Kelly Lee Cozby
Kristen Jean Lacar
Latasha N. Cortez
Macy Marohnic
Maria Fernanda Soliz
Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez
Marie Ellinor Corral Wong
Maria M. Lizarraga Sanchez
Megan Cassidy Isler
Michael L. F. Perkins
Michael McGuire Gross
Michelle Menogue
Michelle Machart
Mushkan Chowdhury
Myrna Palacios Rhodes
Natasha Lynne Muskavitch
Nicholas V. Marquez
Nina Jacobs
Noemi De La Torre
Paisley Dutcher
Piyada Sriphong-Ngarm
Rachel M. Million
Sarah Lynn Pierce
Shannon O’Connor
Sofia Alicia Paoletto
Sylas Sandoval
Tara Lani Wilson
Tiffany Nguyen
Valeria Gutierrez
Valeria Nancy Vera
Ximena Gil
Xingyuan Dingguan
Yuritzi Uribe Lemus

MASTER OF ARTS: ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Bridget R. DeSoto
Dalida Jaafar
Rachelle C. Callanta
Trina Bahramand

MASTER OF SCIENCE: CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

Camilla S. Seippel
Jacqoulene Hansberger

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

April Nipper
Azalea Garza
Chelsea Lor
Dana Elizabeth Fee
Grace M. Rubalcava
Jessica L. Guzman
Kristen Cashion
Kristy Barthel-Bondugjie
Liliana Victoria Cutchen
Madel Gricelia Gonzalez
Marielena Gonzalez
Matthew Powers Brigham
Mia Lynn Frame
Natalie Rayne Burdick
Rose McGuire
Zoe Washington

DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Ana Marina Urena Rosario
Identifying Patterns of Impairing Irritability in Infants and Toddlers Ages 12-24 Months Old as a Transdiagnostic Marker of Later Psychopathology Risk
Chair: Monica Ulibarri, PhD

Katherine Eve Metcalf
Identification of Malignant Grooming in the Classroom
Chair: Constance Dalenberg, PhD

DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY: MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY

Angelina Demers
Adult Bereaved Siblings: A Qualitative Study of their Lived Experiences and Coping Mechanisms in Emerging and Middle Adulthood
Chair: Scott Woolley, PhD

Annie Lockary
Exploring the Experience of Relational Therapy in the Treatment of Addiction in US Military Veterans: Therapists’ Perspectives
Chair: Sara Lappan, PhD

Arthur F. Mensah
Compatibility Across Cultures: A Narrative Inquiry into What Makes Intercultural Love Possible?
Chair: Rachael Olufowote, PhD

Chris Taylor
Exploring the Patriarchal Influences Surrounding Men and How These Ideologies Inform Men’s Relationships with Their Bodies
Chair: Thomas Carlson, PhD

Dominique LeBarb Walker
Till Death Do Us Part: The Perceived Role of the Co-Twin’s Attitude and Theoretical
Principles of Attachment & Self- Differentiation in Shaping Marital Decisions Among Identical Twins
Chair: Rachael Olufowote, PhD

Elisabeth Rose Busalacchi
Breaking Down the Binary: The Experience of Bisexual Individuals in Mixed-Orientation Relationships
Chair: Alba Nino, PhD

DOCTORATE OF PSYCHOLOGY : MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY

Amanda J. Lewis
Interrupting the Cycle of Psychological Betrayal Trauma in Mother-Daughter Relationships
Chair: Alba Nino, PhD

Hayley Carolan
A Pilot Study on the Experiences of EFCT Externship Participants with Affirmative Training for Same-Sex Couples
Chair: Rachael Olufowote, PhD

Ixchel Carolina Solorzano
Exploring Dominant Societal Narratives and the Unique Responses of Female Survivors to Childhood Sexual Abuse
Chair: Danna Abraham, PhD

Montserrat Chavarria
Transcending Loss: Examining the Effects of Paternal Death on the Mother-Daughter Relationship and Empowering Women to Challenge Deficit Narratives
Chair: Danna Abraham, PhD

Nathan Judah Feder
Therapists Perceptions About Arranged Marriages: A Qualitative Description
Chair: Shruti Poulsen, PhD

DOCTORATE OF PSYCHOLOGY: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Alexis Varanakis
Attachment, Childhood Trauma, and Friendship in Emerging Adulthood
Chair: Laura Olson Bermudez, PhD

Alina Mraz
The Influence of Lifestyle Medicine on the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Ideation
Chair: Liana Abascal, PhD

Alissa V. Wolsky
The Impact of Childhood Unstructured Play and Technology Use on Adult Well-Being
Chair: Meghan Fagundes, PhD

Andrea Salcedo
Latinas Experiencing Intimacy After Intimate Partner Violence
Chair: Talia Szydlo, PsyD

Ayana N. Jones
An Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Black Women in Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in the United States: Pre and Post-graduation
Chair: Tara Shuman, PsyD

Benjamin James Kaufman
Classic Psychedelics and Addiction Cessation: A Phenomenological Inquiry
Chair: Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD

Bianca Villaseñor
A Qualitative Examination of Indigeneity and Mental Health Among Latines in the United States
Chair: Jan Estrellado, PhD

Briana Michelle Powell
Attachment, Separation Anxiety, Panic, and Quality of Life
Chair: Tara Shuman, PsyD

Brianna Carin Liberman
The Influence of Mentalization and Adult Attachment Style on Relationship Satisfaction and Interpersonal Violence in Intimate Partnerships
Chair: Kristin Whiteside, PhD

Carmen Ataman-Plasencia
How Does a Therapist’s Perceived Cultural Humility and Spanish Fluency Impact the Therapeutic Alliance with Latine Immigrant Clients?
Chair: Jan Estrellado, PhD

Claire Alisa Chang
Values, Life Satisfaction, and Life Purpose in Older Adults and Transition Age Youth
Chair: Steven Thorp, PhD

Claudia Jane
Woloshchuk Cruz
Cultural and Psychosocial Moderators of the Association Between Being an Adult Child of an Alcoholic (ACOA) and Current Substance use Among Latino/a/e/x College Students on the U.S./Mexico Border
Chair: Julii Green, PhD

Desiree Beaudoin
Exploring the Psychological Consequences of Pregnancy Discrimination Among Active-Duty Women
Chair: Kristin Whiteside, PhD

Diem Anh Lam Nguyen
Exploring the Impact of Media Representations on Identity, Mental Health, and Sense of Belonging Among Asian American Emerging Adults
Chair: Jan Estrellado, PhD

Dominique Jackson
Psychology and the Justice System: Colorism and the Determination of Guilt
Chair: Julii Green, PhD

Dylan Henry
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Professional Quality of Life in Clinical Psychologists
Chair: Madeleine Starin, PsyD

Emma Rose Keenan
The Lived Experience of COVID’s Effects on Adults with Borderline Personality Disorder
Chair: Talia Szydlo, PsyD

Erin Dempsey Hicks
Social Media and Quality of Life for Women who have Probable ADHD
Chair: Steven Thorp, PhD

Gabriela Tiraspolski
Effects of Intergenerational Trauma on Identify Formation in Adult Children of Soviet Jewish Refugees
Chair: Nadine Nakamura, PhD

Jennifer Smith
Exploring the Unique Lived Experience of Female Aerial Yoga Practitioners
Chair: Barbod Salimi, PhD

Jocelyn E. Schwegler
The Lived Retirement Experiences of Former NCAA Division II Athletes
Chair: Ronald Stolberg, PhD

Karrina Thomas
The Effects of Prosocial Behaviors in Black/African-American Adults Living in Crime-Prevalent Neighborhoods: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Chair: Julii Green, PhD

Katarzyna Modzelewska
Psychological Flexibility, Meaning in Life, Spirituality, and Age
Chair: Steven Thorp, PhD

Kimberly Ann Martin
Attachment and Trait Emotional Intelligence
Chair: Liana Abascal, PhD

Kirstyn Lee Perry
Rorschach Profiles Amongst Violent Juvenile Offenders Diagnosed with ADHD Using R-PAS
Chair: Madeleine Starin, PsyD

Lawrence Tin Yau Wong
Examining the Relationship Among Adverse Childhood Experiences, Aggression, and Gender: Findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study
Chair: Tara Shuman, PsyD

Mika Sari Brown
Reconstructing the Stereotype of the “Typical” Eating Disordered Patient: A Deeper Look into BIPOC Populations’ Experience with Eating Disorders
Chair: Liana Abascal, PhD

Natalia Garcia Diaz
Understanding How Documentation Status Affects Reporting of IPV in Latin American Women
Chair: Julii Green, PhD

Negar Bastanfard
The Relationship Between Eating Disorders and Personality Disorders in the Iranian American Population
Chair: Ronald Stolberg, PhD

Nora McNulty
Detecting Violence and Aggression Using R-PAS and the PAI-A Within a Juvenile Forensic Sample
Chair: Madeleine Starin, PsyD

Olivia Raine Ratcliff-Totty
The Clinician Perspective of Working with Clients Diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder
Chair: Julii Green, PhD

Paulina Estefania
Serrato Padilla
Exploring the Association Between Potentially Traumatic Experiences and Mental Illness with Black and Hispanic Men with Incarceration Experiences
Chair: Nadine Nakamura, PhD

Priscella Pearlene McGregor
Latino Parental Attitudes Towards ADHD and its Treatment
Chair: Robert Harris, PhD

Priscilla Corina Salazar-Fultz
The Impact on the Mental Health of Latinx Caregivers of Caring for Loved Ones with Severe Mental Illness
Chair: Steven Thorp, PhD

Ryan Michael O’Keefe
Beneath the Surface: Exploring Facilitator Insights to Advance Best Practices in Surf Therapy
Chair: Ronald Stolberg, PhD

Sarah Marie Finney
Examining the Impact of Vicarious Trauma, Parenting Stress, and Vicarious Resilience on Mental Health Therapists
Chair: Tara Shuman, PsyD

Shauna Naghi
Processing Erotic Countertransference: Utility of Theory and Impact on Treatment
Chair: Talia Szydlo, PsyD

Sydney E. Kelly
The Exploration of Bisexual Women’s Relationship Experiences in the Context of Partner Gender
Chair: Jan Estrellado, PhD

Tara Lynn del Rosario
Self-Compassion Towards Pain: A Qualitative Study Examining the Role of Self-Compassion Among Women with Chronic Pain
Chair: Liana Abascal, PhD

NOTE TO OUR NEW ALUMNI

Congratulations! Commencement is an inspirational and exiting time for you and your family! You are now joining over 45,000 alumni of alliant International University. We are sure you will make a difference in the world, just as many other alliant alumni have done and continue to do so.

Your fellow alumni have gone on to become world-renowned psychologists, couples and family therapists, educators, government leaders, international entrepreneurs, leaders of universities, authors, television stars and even academy award winners. You are in great company when you proudly state you are a graduate of Alliant International University.

The Alliant Alumni Association, which includes graduates from a rich 85+ year history at Balboa University (1926-1959), Cal Western (1959-1973), United States International University (1973-2001), California School of Professional Psychology (1972-2000), and now Alliant International University (2001-present) are excited to welcome you to this incredible worldwide network.

You are important to us, and we want to stay connected!

An important part of your future is being a member of the Alliant Alumni Association. Keep the Office of Alumni Relations up to date with your most recent address, both physical and electronic, as well as career successes and personal developments and achievements. Alliant continues to contribute to your professional development and gives you the means to expand your professional network. We encourage you take advantage of the following alumni services:

  • Get involved by attending University events, participating on alumni panels, and guiding students interested in your field.
  • Join the Impact Network alumni portal to connect with fellow alumni and students.
  • Access alumni benefits such as the use of Career Services and the Library as well as discounts on Continuing Education classes and theme park attractions.
  • Update your contact information to stay in touch!

Our Alumni Association wishes you great success as you travel through life with the valuable knowledge and experience you have gained at Alliant. Stay connected!

Contact Information: alumni@alliant.edu
Website: alumni.alliant.edu

Be sure to also check out your school-specific alumni webpage for additional
information! Links to the CSML, CSFS, CSOE, CSPP & SFLS pages are on the main
alumni website.