2024—25
PEPPERDINE GR ADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUC ATION AND PSYCHOLOGY
Dean’s Report
That truth, having nothing to fear from investigation, should be pursued relentlessly in every discipline. PEPPERDINE AFFIR M ATION STATEMENT
Contents Dean’s Letter............................................................................. 2 Fall 2024 Enrollment Results.................................................... 3 GSEP at Glance......................................................................... 3 Faculty Excellence and Academic Impact................................ 4 Faculty Scholarship and Publications....................................... 5 Community Accomplishments................................................. 8 GSEP Scholarships for Academic Year 2024–25................... 12
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Dean’s Letter As I reflect on the 2024–25 academic year, I am reminded once again that the strength of Pepperdine GSEP is found in its people—our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners who continue to live out our mission through purpose, service, and leadership. When I began my role as dean, I shared a vision of seeing GSEP recognized as one of the leading graduate schools in the nation—distinguished not only by academic excellence, but by our commitment to Christ-centered belonging, global engagement, innovation, and stewardship of resources. This annual report is a reflection of how that vision continues to come to life through the collective efforts of our community. Throughout these pages, you will see stories of faculty advancing meaningful scholarship and research, staff transforming the student experience through compassion and innovation, and students and alumni leading with courage and integrity in their professions and communities. From global research collaborations and community partnerships to advancements in teacher preparation, mental health care, and clinical training, this year’s accomplishments demonstrate the depth of GSEP’s impact both locally and around the world. What inspires me most is not simply the number of achievements represented here, but the spirit in which this work is carried out. Again and again, I see individuals choosing collaboration over recognition, service over self-interest, and purpose over comfort. These are the qualities that define our community and distinguish GSEP as a place where scholarship and humanity remain deeply connected. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s report and to the ongoing work of advancing our mission. Thank you for the ways you continue to strengthen this community and transform lives through education and psychology. With gratitude, Farzin Madjidi (MBA ’88, EdD ’91) Dean Professor of Leadership Graduate School of Education and Psychology
2 | GSEP Annual Dean’s Report
Fall 2024 Enrollment Results
GSEP at Glance
STUDENT RACE/ETHNICITY (FALL 2024)
<1% Pacific Islander/Hawaiian:...............................1% Unknown:........................................................2% US Nonresident:..............................................4% Two or More Races:.........................................5% Asian:..............................................................9% Black:........................................................... 12% Hispanic: ..................................................... 27% White:........................................................... 40% Alaskan Native/Native American: ................
ENROLLED STUDENTS
3,485 Total New Students............. 756 Fall 2024 Total................
GENDER
18% Female...............................82% Male...................................
GLOBAL ENROLLMENT Top
10 Countries of Residence
China, Mexico, United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, India, Brazil, Germany, Russian Federation, Taiwan
STUDENT AID GSEP Scholarships for FY24
$5.9 million
2024–25 DISSERTATIONS Dissertations Defended.........................................
77
PsyD
23 Final defense:.................................................... 23 EdD....................................................................... 18 PhD....................................................................... 36 Preliminary orals:..............................................
Source: GSEP Dissertation Tracking gsep.pepperdine.edu | 3
Faculty Excellence and Academic Impact FACULTY PROMOTIONS 2024–25 CARRIE CASTAÑEDA-SOUND
Promoted to full professor in the Psychology Division in recognition of her sustained excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service to students and the community.
JUDY HO
Promoted to full professor in the Psychology Division, honoring her national leadership in clinical practice, research, and public scholarship in psychology.
HOWARD A. WHITE AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE – 2024 RECIPIENTS CARRIE CASTAÑEDA-SOUND
Psychology Division
SEUNG B. LEE, PhD ’20
Education Division
The Howard A. White Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes Pepperdine faculty who exemplify the highest standards of teaching, student mentorship, and Christian mission. This year, Carrie Castellanos-Sound and Seung B. Lee were honored for their deep commitment to student learning, innovative pedagogy, and holistic care for the GSEP community.
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Faculty Scholarship and Publications MONICA BLIED Adjunct Professor, Psychology Division Expanding Access to Inclusive, Science-Based Mental Health Care
Over the past year, Monica Blied has significantly expanded her clinical, educational, and digital impact. In addition to her longstanding work as a licensed clinical psychologist in California, she became licensed in New York in September 2025, broadening access to therapy and neuropsychological assessment across two states. She unveiled a fully redesigned Faces of Health app, offering accessible, science-based wellness tools, and continues to update her educational offerings on ADHD, autism, stress, and neurodivergence. Through more than 100 invited talks, workshops, and webinars for organizations such as Lupus LA, CAMFT, and Pepperdine’s Waves of Development series, Blied advances health equity and inclusive education, modeling purpose, service, and leadership in action.
GLEN BOWMAN Adjunct Professor, Psychology Division Integrating Faith, Psychology, and Public Scholarship
Glen Bowman continues to explore the intersections of Christian faith, psychological theory, and contemporary culture. His recent publications include an article on how Christian faith-sharing through social media influences young adults who do not identify as Christians, and a paper tracing how modern Western psychological theories have increasingly incorporated religious thought. He also presented this work at international and regional conferences, including the Evangelical Missiological Society Global Region Conference and the International Virtual Conference on the Dialogue between Science and Theology, extending GSEP’s voice into global conversations on faith and mental health.
REYNA GARCÍA RAMOS Professor, Education Division Program Chair, Master of Arts in Teaching Program Advancing Justice-Oriented Teacher Preparation
Reyna García Ramos provides academic and programmatic leadership for Pepperdine GSEP’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, guiding its growth, innovation, and justiceoriented mission across modalities and campuses. During the 2024–25 academic year, she played a central role in launching the online Master of Arts in Teaching program, which welcomed its inaugural cohort of nine preservice teachers in spring 2025 and more than doubled enrollment by fall— expanding access to teacher preparation while maintaining rigorous clinical and academic standards.
Under García Ramos’s leadership, the MAT program also celebrated a successful year across its West Los Angeles, Irvine, and Calabasas campuses, culminating in the annual Graduate Capstone Symposium in July. At this event, MAT students were awarded more than $35,000 in scholarships, loan forgiveness, and recognition awards, and the program recommended 33 new teachers for credentialing in the State of California, strengthening the TK–12 educator pipeline. García Ramos has been instrumental in advancing policyaligned innovation in teacher preparation. As part of the MAT Literacy Subcommittee—alongside faculty colleagues from GSEP and Seaver College—she helped secure California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approval for literacy certification in compliance with SB 488, ensuring that GSEP’s program meets evolving state requirements while centering effective, equity-driven literacy instruction. Her national leadership in bilingual and multilingual education was also evident through her role as co-organizer and moderator of a featured panel at the 2024 California Council on Teacher Education Fall Conference in San Diego. The session, “Feedback-Centered Practices for Bilingual/ Multilingual Communities of Learners,” brought together bilingual teachers, district leaders, and representatives from the California Department of Education to examine formative assessment and feedback as tools for equity, inclusion, and deeper learning. The panel was highlighted in conference coverage as a standout example of research-informed practice grounded in lived classroom experience. García Ramos’s scholarship and professional service further extend her impact. In collaboration with MAT alumnus Seongin Lee (’24), she published a reflective article in the 2025 edition of The Multilingual Educator—a special issue commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Association for Bilingual Education. That same year, she completed her tenure as secretary of the California Association of Bilingual Teacher Education and was formally recognized for her leadership and service to the profession. Through her combined roles as scholar, program chair, and mentor, García Ramos exemplifies GSEP’s commitment to preparing educators who lead with purpose, advance equity, and serve diverse TK–12 communities with skill, integrity, and compassion.
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ERIC HAMILTON Professor, Education Division
SEUNG B. LEE, PhD ’20 Assistant Professor, Education Division
Learning Sciences Research at GSEP
Storytelling, Disability, and Community Technology
Eric Hamilton leads the GSEP Learning Sciences Research Group, a multidisciplinary, globally engaged team advancing research at the intersection of digital learning, STEM education, identity development, and cross-cultural collaboration. During the 2024–25 academic year, the group brought together GSEP faculty, researchers, and students to conduct GSEP-sponsored scholarship spanning North America, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. The Learning Sciences Research Group includes faculty collaborators Danielle Espino, Liane Weintraub, and Seung B. Lee, alongside current and recent GSEP students whose work contributes directly to peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations. Under Hamilton’s leadership, the group has cultivated a research pipeline that integrates mentorship, funded research, and global partnerships—providing students with hands-on scholarly experiences typically reserved for advanced research institutions. This year, the team supported informal STEM learning initiatives for adolescents across multiple global sites, including Kenya, Ghana, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Faculty members also played key leadership roles within the international research community, including chairing doctoral consortia, organizing quantitative ethnography (seminars for GSEP students, and delivering invited keynote addresses at major global conferences. The group’s scholarship resulted in more than 30 peerreviewed publications and proceedings across six academic outlets, with additional manuscripts accepted or in press for 2026. Their work spans topics such as cultural identity development, global STEM collaboration, digital discourse, participatory design for social justice, and quantitative ethnography methodologies. Several publications received international recognition, including a Best Paper Award at the 2025 International Conference on Quantitative Ethnography. Hamilton also served as a sponsored speaker at Maseno University in Kisumu, Kenya, and delivered keynote addresses for the International School of Geneva and the International Conference on Quantitative Ethnography. The group secured external funding through multiple grant submissions, including an Asset-Based Learning Environments (ABLE) grant awarded by the Spencer Foundation, further solidifying GSEP’s presence in competitive, externally funded research spaces.
6 | GSEP Annual Dean’s Report
In addition to receiving the Howard A. White Award for Teaching Excellence in September 2024, Seung B. Lee co-led a project with Jaz Gray, assistant professor of communication studies at Seaver College) and Samaa Haniya, assistant professor at GSEP, \“Engaging the Craniofacial Disability Community with LifePlot.” Funded with a $15,000 CommunityBased Research Program grant from the Office of the Provost, this project develops a visual storytelling app to capture life experiences of disabled individuals and examine how narrative “life plotting” supports well-being. Lee also cofounded Communicare, a nonprofit that fosters meaningful social interaction among older adults through technology. In 2024 Communicare received a $10,000 Hilton Foundation grant to create educational programs that help older adults use technology to support social and emotional wellness.
ADEL C. NAJDOWSKI Professor, Psychology Division Leadership in Behavior Analysis and Inclusive Practice
Adel Najdowski was elected vice president of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board in August 2025, reflecting her national leadership in the field of applied behavior analysis. Along with colleagues Lusineh Gharapetian and others, she coauthored “Breaking Barriers with Humor and Heart: Dr. Elizabeth Hughes Fong’s Contributions to the Culturally Sensitive Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis,” honoring Hughes-Fong’s legacy and impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion in behavior analysis. This work highlights the importance of culturally sensitive practice and storytelling in serving diverse communities.
GIMEL ROGERS, MA ’12, PsyD ’16 Clinical Assistant Professor and Associate Director, Online MAP/MACLP Programs Bringing Forensic Psychology and Mental Health Education to Communities Nationwide
Gimel Rogers has shared her expertise in forensic and clinical psychology with audiences across the country through an extensive series of trainings, conference presentations, and community talks. Her work has reached legal professionals, youth defenders, clergy, students, and lay audiences, addressing topics such as adolescent brain development, racial trauma, competency and restoration, cultural humility, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-care. From national legal conferences to Waves of Development sessions at Pepperdine, Rogers models how scholarship and clinical expertise can be translated into accessible, community-centered education.
RITCHIE RUBIO Adjunct Professor, Psychology Division
MELISSA WASSERMAN, MA ’13, PsyD ’17 Assistant Professor, Psychology Division
National Recognition for Public Service in Psychology
Trauma, Resilience, and Historical Memory in Jewish and Military Communities
Ritchie Rubio was recognized by the American Psychological Association’s Division 18 (Public Service) for his outstanding contributions to public service psychology. This award underscores his commitment to serving diverse communities and advancing mental health care in public settings and reflects GSEP’s values of socially engaged scholarship and practice.
SONYA SHARIFIFARD, PhD ’20 Adjunct Professor, Education Division Leadership, Innovation, and Voice in Global Health and Education Sonya Sharififard’s work this year spans scholarship, leadership, and public engagement. She published a book with Springer Nature, presented at the inaugural International Leadership Association AI Summit, and co-launched the podcast From Curiosity to Clarity with head librarian Gabrielle Riter. She shared her research as a panelist at the Center for Women, Faith, and Leadership West Coast Summit, was invited to review for Public Health Reports, and was selected as an inaugural DifferenceCorps Fellow at Arizona State University’s Center for the Future of Equality. Her work exemplifies GSEP’s global and justice-centered mission. The impact of this work is reflected not only in publications and presentations, but also in the scholarly journeys of GSEP doctoral students—such as “Gigi” Marguerite Williamson— whose research trajectories have been shaped through global collaboration, faculty mentorship, and sustained engagement in the learning sciences (see Student Stories section).
Melissa Wasserman’s Trauma Risk and Resilience Lab has been especially active this year, advancing research at the intersections of trauma, identity, and resilience. Supported by a Pepperdine Provost’s Grant, she is leading a mixedmethods study on historical trauma, cultural connectedness, and identity among individuals who are both Jewish and American Indian—a largely understudied population. Her team’s work has been featured at the Los Angeles County Psychological Association Annual Convention and the Partnerships for Veteran and Military Health Conference, among others. Wasserman’s contributions have also been recognized through nominations and honors, including a nomination for the 2025 Presidential Award for Missional Excellence, honorable mention for the 2024 Barbara Thompson Research Award, and a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Legislature for her work with Holocaust education nonprofit If You Heard What I Heard.
KEVIN WONG Associate Professor, Education Division Advancing Bilingual Education and Early Literacy
Kevin Wong celebrated two major milestones this year. He was appointed associate editor of the International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, a flagship journal in his field, and served as an early literacy and education consultant for the upcoming Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures children’s television series for PBS. His work shapes both scholarly discourse and popular media, influencing how children around the world learn to read and engage with language.
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Community Accomplishments The accomplishments of the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology community reflect the dedication, innovation, and impact of our faculty, students, staff, and alumni. This past year, their achievements have spanned across academic excellence, research contributions, professional advancements, and community service. Each accomplishment highlights the shared commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and making a meaningful difference in the world. Below, we celebrate the notable accomplishments of our GSEP community, grouped by faculty, students, staff, and alumni.
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS CHRISTOPHER WALTHER Academic Advisor Supporting Advisors’ Well-Being and Global Leadership
Academic advisor Christopher Walther shared his expertise nationally through a presentation for the NACADA Graduate & Professional Students Advising Community titled “The Art of Doing Nothing: Finding Balance in Advising— Reframing, Rest, and Renewal.” The session offered researchbased strategies for addressing advisor burnout and emotional fatigue, giving colleagues practical tools such as micro-pauses, gratitude reframing, and personalized well-being plans. Walther was also elected to the Golden Key International Honour Society’s International Leadership Committee, where he contributes to global strategic direction and student engagement across regions.
LAURA BROWNSTEIN, MA ’21 Malibu Daytime Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Clinical Training and Professional Development Coordinator Adjunct Faculty Providing Children and Adolescents with Much-Needed Counseling
Alumna and staff member Laura Brownstein was featured in the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Member Spotlight (July/August 2024), where she shared her passion for working with children and adolescents—a vulnerable and highneed population. Now serving as clinical training and professional development coordinator for the Malibu Daytime Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program and as adjunct faculty in the Evening program, Brownstein’s story illustrates the full-circle impact of GSEP alumni who return to invest in the next generation of clinicians.
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CELEBRATING THE MASTER OF ARTS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AT 50 The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program celebrated its 50th anniversary this academic year, reflecting five decades of preparing mental health professionals grounded in purpose, service, and leadership. This program has been the beneficiary of the devoted work of the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Training Team, which for the past four years has lead a comprehensive transformation of clinical training infrastructure across GSEP’s on-ground psychology programs. Through collaborative leadership, clinical expertise, and a student-centered approach, the team rebuilt systems designed to support students from program entry through practicum and licensure preparation.
We didn’t just fix what was broken—we built something new. Through shared purpose and deep care for our students, we created a humancentered system designed to elevate the clinical training experience and support our students as they launch into their professional lives. ELIZ ABETH “ELLIE” DUCK-HEISSINGER Manager of Clinical Training and Professor, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
KEY ACTIVITIES OF THE CLINICAL TRAINING TRANSFORMATION ` Built a comprehensive digital clinical training ecosystem through Canvas (Homeroom, Pre-Practicum, Practicum), supporting students 24/7 ` Transitioned clinical operations to the Experiential Learning Cloud (formerly Tevera) to streamline practicum placement, compliance, and licensure documentation ` Developed and led curriculum for PSY 661 and PSY 662, aligning academic excellence with BBS regulations ` Reimagined the practicum site screening and partnership process to prioritize mentorship, reflective practice, and student well-being ` Established the Clinical Training Team as a trusted consultative resource for students, faculty, supervisors, and community partners
THE MASTER OF ARTS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY CLINICAL TRAINING TEAM Laura Brownstein, MA ’21
Kristi Peters, MA ’20
Rebecca Reed
Elizabeth “Ellie” DuckHeissinger, MA ’07
Lindsey Peters
Tiffany Sarris, MA ’17
Clinical Training Graduate Assistants
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STUDENT STORIES OF PURPOSE, SERVICE, AND LEADERSHIP ANNIJULETTE BLALOCK Master’s Student, Psychology Worship, Community, and Integrity in Savannah and Beyond
Master’s student Annijulette Blalock, a pastor at Redeem Fellowship International, helped organize and present the Men and Women of Integrity Conference 2025 and the church’s first Worship Circle in Savannah, Georgia. Covered by WTOC Channel 11 News and broadcast to 174 nations, the event brought together international speakers, local clergy, choirs, musicians, and community members in a powerful expression of unity and service. As she prepares to complete her second master’s degree—a GSEP master’s in psychology with a clinical concentration—Blalock aims to continue building community partnerships and initiatives that reflect Pepperdine’s values of purpose, service, and leadership.
JACQUELINE JENKINS PhD Student, Global Leadership and Change Preparing Future Leaders Across the State University of New York and Beyond
Doctoral candidate Jacqueline Jenkins completed the State University of New York (SUNY) Leadership Institute under the guidance of chancellor John B. King Jr. As executive director at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), she was selected as one of only eight fellows from more than 100 applicants across the 64 SUNY campuses. The nine-month fellowship, designed to prepare future college presidents, helped shape her decision to pursue her PhD in Pepperdine’s Global Leadership and Change program. Jenkin’s journey demonstrates how GSEP’s doctoral programs intersect with high-impact leadership development initiatives in public higher education.
JINHEE LEE PhD Student, Global Leadership and Change Doctoral Student, Education
During the 2024–25 academic year, JinHee Lee advanced research and leadership focused on equity, multilingual education, and emerging technologies in learning. As a doctoral researcher, her work examines equity and effectiveness in advanced mathematics curricula, AI-driven vocabulary acquisition, and decolonial approaches to language education. She presented her research at national and regional conferences, including the American Association for the Advancement of Curriculum Studies, CATESOL, the California Council on Teacher Education, and the GSEP Research Symposium, with additional presentations accepted at international conferences in Hawaii and at the University of California, Los Angeles. Leealso serves as president of Pepperdine’s chapter of the California Association for Bilingual Education, holds leadership roles with CATESOL and the American Educational Research Association, and contributes to language access in medical and legal settings as a US national board-certified Korean medical interpreter—reflecting GSEP’s commitment to equity, service, and leadership.
NATALIANE MARTINS Clinical Psychology Master’s Student and Graduate Assistant, Foster Grandparent Program Building Bridges Across Generations
Clinical psychology master’s student Nataliane Martins serves as a graduate assistant with Pepperdine’s Foster Grandparent Program, connecting older adults with children who need academic and emotional support. Her work includes supporting volunteers and conducting qualitative research using four years of program data to understand the emotional and psychological impact of intergenerational relationships. This experience has shaped her identity as an emerging clinician and opened new doors, including a nomination to the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement and an invitation to contribute a chapter to the forthcoming Pepperdine Handbook of Global Leadership and Change, where she explores how the Foster Grandparent Program fosters empathy, resilience, and cultural intelligence.
10 | GSEP Annual Dean’s Report
MUNIR SHAIKH EdD Student, Learning Technologies Vice President of Operations and Academic Affairs, Bayan Islamic Graduate School Supporting Spiritual Life and Inclusion at the University of California, Los Angeles
EdD Learning Technologies student Munir Shaikh joined the board of directors of the University of California, Los Angeles University Religious Conference, an organization that supports campus spiritual life by partnering with chaplains and faith leaders to ensure students receive appropriate religious accommodations. With nearly 30 years of nonprofit, academic and interfaith leadership, Shairk brings deep experience in Islamic studies, public education, and world heritage travel. His service reflects GSEP’s commitment to interreligious understanding and inclusive campus environments.
“GIGI” MARGUERITE WILLIAMSON PhD Student, Global Leadership and Change Advancing Civil Digital Discourse for Global Collaboration
After a successful career in international marketing, “Gigi” Marguerite Williamson shifted her vocation toward education and democratic engagement, initially working as an educational consultant in Bay Area public schools before joining GSEP’s doctoral programs. Now a fifth-year PhD student in Global Leadership and Change, she focuses on digital civil discourse and its role in advancing democratic principles and peaceful collaboration. Through international research collaborations supported by GSEP faculty such as Eric Hamilton, she has published in scholarly journals, presented at international conferences, and is contributing a chapter titled “Constructive Discursive Frameworks for Digital Discourse That Promote Civility and Facilitate CQ Learning” for an upcoming Palgrave handbook with Pepperdine GSEP. Williamson credits GSEP’s faculty and staff for nurturing her passion for research that promotes more constructive and unifying forms of online dialogue.
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GSEP Scholarships for Academic Year 2024–25 In academic year 2024–25, GSEP awarded $5.9 million in scholarships, reflecting a 25 percent increase since FY20. This significant growth demonstrates our ongoing commitment to making education more accessible and supporting the academic and professional growth of our diverse student body. Through strategic resource stewardship and generous donor contributions, GSEP continues to alleviate financial barriers, empowering students to focus on their studies and future leadership in education and psychology.
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OFFICE OF THE DEAN gsep-deans-office@pepperdine.edu Farzin Madjidi (MBA ’88, EdD ’91) Dean Professor of Leadership
Erika Binandeh
Executive Assistant to the Dean
310.568.5620 | erika.binandeh@pepperdine.edu