Students who graduate with a B.A. in Psychology enter a wide variety of careers, either directly upon graduation or after further graduate work. Many of these would be characterized as “social services” or “human services” (such as behavioral therapist, residential youth counselor, probation officer, social worker, and child care worker). With additional graduate training, some prepare themselves for work as Marriage and Family Therapists or Psychologists. Here are the specific jobs obtained by some of our graduates.
Name |
VUSC Grad |
Job Title |
Location |
| Candice Dobson | 2012 | Employment Specialist | IABA – Institute of Applied Behavior Analysis |
| Jessica Barrera | 2011 | Wraparound Youth Partner | CSP, Inc. |
| Kelsey Olson | 2011 | Teacher/Counselor | Youth Villages–ChristieCare, Lake Oswego, OR |
| Ricky Colombo | 2010 | Behavioral Therapist | Autism Behavior Consultants, Long Beach, CA |
| Megan Lillie | 2010 | Behavior Interventionist | Love 2 Learn Consulting, Huntington Beach, CA |
| Tina Antunez | 2010 | Behavioral Therapist | Autism Solutions for Kids, Irvine, CA |
| Aubree Vance | 2009 | Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist | Community Research Foundation, San Diego, CA |
| Bryan Bedson | 2009 | House Director | Heartlight Ministries, Hallsville, TX |
| Ivette (Jara) Diaz | 2009 | Eligibility Technician | Volunteers of America Early Head Start, Los Angeles, CA |
| Shaun Blaylock | 2009 | Youth Partner | Community Service Programs, Inc., Santa Ana, CA |
| Brian Novakoff | 2009 | Teacher | Calvary Chapel., Costa Mesa, CA |
| Andrew Long | 2008 | Lab Manager | UCLA Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles, CA |
| Melissa Cruz | 2008 | Foster Family Coordinator | Olive Crest Treatment Centers, Santa Ana, CA |
| Tiffany Baca | 2008 | Behavioral Therapist | Genesis Behavior Center, Modesto, CA |
| Magdalena Oivares | 2008 | Rehabilitation Specialist | Mental Health Association of Orange County, Orange, CA |
| Alyssa Kennedy | 2008 | Dance Director/Instructor | Crean Lutheran High School, Irvine, CA |
| Magdalena Olivares | 2008 | Direct Care Staff | South Coast Children’s Society, Santa Ana, CA |
| Sarah Barbuto | 2008 | Police Dispatcher | Police Department, South Pasadena, CA |
| Elizabeth Brine | 2008 | Independent Living Specialist | Florence Crittenton, Phoenix, AZ |
| Mariana Shenoda | 2008 | Rehabilitation Specialist | Mental Health Association of Orange County, Garden Grove, CA |
| Valerie (Elwell) Micu | 2008 | Senior Behavioral Therapist | Pacific Child and Family Associates, Fresno, CA |
| Leah Sloterbeek | 2007 | Program Coordinator | Autism Solutions for Kids, Irvine, CA |
| Nicole Azevedo | 2007 | Clinical Supervisor | Love2Learn Consulting, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Yvette Rodriguez | 2007 | Quality Improvement Coordinator | Western Youth Services, Orange County, CA |
| Abby Harrison | 2007 | Case Manager | Seattle Union Gospel Mission’s Women and Children’s Shelter, Seattle, WA |
| Martha Perez | 2007 | Mental Health Specialist | Star View Community Services, Long Beach, CA |
| Martha Perez | 2007 | Instructor | Para Los Ninos, Los Angeles, CA |
| Sarah Kang | 2007 | English Teacher | Seoul, South Korea |
| Jenni Busse | 2006 | Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Counselor | Sioux Falls, SD |
| Renee Moreno | 2006 | Occupational Therapist | Centre for Neuro Skills, Encino, CA |
| Leslie Wood | 2006 | Psychologist | Corona, CA |
| Claudia Aguilar | 2006 | House Manager | New Creation Home Ministries, East Palo Alto, CA |
| Claudia Aguilar | 2006 | Overnight Counselor | La Casa de Las Madres, San Francisco, CA |
| Claudia Aguilar | 2006 | Residential Counselor | Edgewood Center for Children and Families, San Francisco, CA |
| Kate Davis | 2006 | Counselor | Center for Discovery, La Habra, CA |
| Christine Schmitt | 2006 | Residential Patient Assistant (RPA) | CRC Health, Montecatini Eating Disorder Treatment, Carlsbad, CA |
| Christine Schmitt | 2006 | Child Care Worker | Casa De Amporo, Oceanside, CA |
| Deanna Bommarito | 2006 | Program Director | The Rose Rehabilitation Center, Newport Beach, CA |
| Deanna Bommarito | 2006 | Program Director | Essence Treatment Options, San Clemente, CA |
| Tahara Akmal-Kariem | 2006 | Bereavement Coordinator | Odyssey Health Care, Los Angeles, CA |
| Renee Moreno | 2006 | Occupational Therapy Intern | Children’s Hospital, New Orleans, LA |
| Megan Rankin | 2006 | Receptionist | Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper, & Scinto, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Laryn Budrow | 2006 | Resource Teacher for Special Education | Village View Elementary School, Huntington Beach, CA |
| Erin Smith | 2006 | Math and Science Teacher | André Elementary School, Cypress, TX |
| Kayleen Howard | 2005 | Behavioral Therapist | Cornerstone Therapies, Huntington Beach, CA |
| Denée Heinrichs | 2005 | Child Life Intern | CHOC Children’s Hospital, Orange, CA |
| Gauri Goel | 2005 | Counselor | Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., West L.A., CA |
| Penny Leatham | 2005 | Clinician | New Directions, Inc., West L.A., CA |
| Deanna Johnston | 2005 | Education and Careers Specialist | Orangewood Children’s Foundation, Santa Ana, CA |
| Kristen Dodier | 2004 | Behavior Therapist | Wellspring, Irvine, CA |
| Karen (Harbour) Huling | 2004 | Program Manager | Behavioral Intervention Association, Fresno, CA |
| Karen Harbour | 2004 | Behavioral Therapist | Behavioral Intervention Association, Fresno, CA |
| Karen Harbour | 2004 | ParaProfessional II | Teague Elementary, Fresno, CA |
| NaShauna (Burton) Hester | 2004 | Care Coordinator | New Alternatives, Inc., Santa Ana, CA |
| Katie Goode | 2003 | Marriage and Family Therapist | Irvine, CA |
| Leslie Humphrey | 2003 | Outreach Specialist | Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA |
| Eddy Godinez | 2003 | Mental Health Worker/Case Manager | Pacific Clinics, Pasadena, CA |
| Amy Smith | 2003 | Testing Coordinator | Mardan Center of Educational Therapy, Irvine, CA |
| Nichole Dotson | 2003 | Math Teacher | Century High School, Santa Ana, CA |
| Daniel Davis | 2003 | Director of Involvement | Rock Harbor, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Elizabeth Girard | 2003 | Dog Trainer | W.E. Train Dogs, Phoenix, AZ |
| Elizabeth Girard | 2003 | Library Circulation Supervisor | Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Alicia (Pegg) O’Quinn | 2002 | Social Services Specialist in Child Welfare | Oregon Dept. of Human Sevices, Medford, OR |
| Alicia (Pegg) O’Quinn | 2002 | Behavioral Therapist | Oregon Dept. of Human Services, Medford, OR |
| Alicia (Pegg) O’Quinn | 2002 | Teacher (6th grade) | Sacramento, CA |
| Breanna (Archer) Kraft | 2002 | Social Worker | Yolo County, CA |
| Breanna Archer | 2002 | Behavioral Therapist | Resources in Autism Education (RAE), Torance, CA |
| Mary Alderson | 2002 | Administrative Director | Human Options, Irvine, CA |
| LaShandra Rinas | 2002 | Research Assistant | Casa Pacifica, Camarillo, CA |
| DeAnna Griffin | 2001 | Disaster Behavioral Health Specialist | SAMHSA DTAC (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Technical Assistance Center), Washington, DC |
| Bridgette (Parsa) Brooks | 2001 | Program Coordinator | Autism Solutions for Kids, Irvine, CA |
| Ben Schoening | 2001 | Assistant Director of Alumni Relations | Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Tara Culala | 2001 | House Coordinator | Chehalem Youth and Family Services, Newberg, OR |
| Renee Miller | 2001 | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; Clinical Director | Irvine, CA |
| Nicole Price | 2001 | Mental Health Worker | College Hospital, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Nicole Price | 2001 | Teacher of SED (severely emotionally disturbed) | Orange County Department of Education, CA |
| Sam Bartaluzzi | 2001 | Clinician | Olive Crest Treatment Centers, Santa Ana, CA |
| Jennifer (Bolger) Anderson | 2001 | Therapist | Devereux, Santa Barbara, CA |
| DeAnna Griffin | 2001 | Director, After-School Program | Truman Benedict Elementary School, San Clemente, CA |
| Rachel Harvey | 2001 | Child Care Worker | Father’s Heart Ranch, Desert Hot Springs, CA |
| Tonia Vojtkofsky | 2001 | Dementia Education Specialist | Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, CA |
| Tonia Vojtkofsky | 2001 | Psychologist | Aurora Las Encinas Hospital, Pasadena, CA |
| Tonia Vojtkofsky | 2001 | Family Support Counselor | Children’s Bureau of Southern California, Laguna Hills, CA |
| Tara Culala | 2001 | In-Home Counselor | Family Care Network, San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Pamela Lee | 2001 | Instructional Assistant-Computers | Laurel High School & Laurel Adult Education, Los Alamitos, CA |
| Erin McAlexander | 2000 | Physical Therapy Technician | OAD Physical Therapy, Warrenville, IL |
| Luke Hagenbach | 2000 | Realtor | Star Real Estate, Huntington Beach, CA |
| Roman Napoli | 2000 | Program Analyst | U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency |
| Shelley (Kilcrease) Youd | 1999 | Residence Director | Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Shelley (Kilcrease) Youd | 1999 | Adjunct Professor | Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA |
| DeeDee Baca | 1999 | Victim Specialist, Domestic Violence Unit | Orange County District Attorney’s Office, CA |
| Cathy Bradley | 1999 | Options/Customer Service Administrator | Trimark Pacific Homes, Aliso Viejo, CA |
| Elaine (Whittemore) Foytik | 1998 | Case Manager/Social Worker | San Bernardino Department of Behavioral Health |
| Mike Janson | 1998 | Behavioral Researcher | County of Los Angeles Department of Health |
| Neal Thomas | 1998 | Project Manager | Specialized Marketing Services, Irvine, CA |
| Shannon (Pickens) Thomas | 1998 | Teacher (6th, 7th, 8th grades) | Gardena Valley Christian School, Gardena, CA |
| Alicia (Baldwin) LaJoie | 1998 | Technical Support Specialist | Sungard Bi-Tech, Vashon Island, WA |
| Alicia (Baldwin) LaJoie | 1998 | Programmer/Analyst | Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Belinda Villalpando | 1998 | Outpatient Admission Coordinator | New Life Clinics |
| Nalaina (Duncan) Harper | 1997 | Bookkeeper | Newport Equity Capital Corporation, Anaheim, CA |
| Jennifer Bridges | 1997 | Deputy Probation Counselor | Orange County Probation Department, CA |
| Lisa Roland | 1997 | Marriage and Family Therapist | Kaiser Permanente, Tustin/Santa Ana, CA |
| Christy Cagle | 1997 | Child Care Counselor | Olive Crest Treatment Center |
| Tiffany (Worthy) Bruce | 1997 | Certified School Psychologist | Sarasota, FL |
| Tiffany Worthy | 1997 | Student Relations Coordinator | Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, AZ |
| Lynn Munson | 1997 | Pastor | Orangethorpe United Methodist Church, Fullerton, CA |
| Lynn Munson | 1997 | Associate Pastor | Garden Grove United Methodist Church, Garden Grove, CA |
| Lynn Munson | 1997 | Intern for Campus and Young Family Ministries | University United Methodist Church, Irvine, CA |
| Ross Andel | 1996 | Associate Professor of Gerontology | University of South Florida, Tampa, FL |
| Ross Andel | 1996 | Adjunct Professor of Psychology | Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Tricia Campagna | 1996 | Adjunct Professor of Psychology | Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Kerri Light | 1996 | Director | Shalimar Learning Center, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Stefanie Daubert | 1996 | Domestic Violence Counselor | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Susan (Bailey) Busch | 1996 | Child Care Worker | St. Vincent’s School for Boys, Novato, CA |
| Katrina Bohn | 1996 | Youth Intern | Capo Beach Calvary Chapel |
| Tonya Deetz | 1995 | Youth and Family Counselor | Family Works, Portland, OR |
| Christine (Luxembourger) Hoffman | 1995 | Diagnostic Teacher for the Autism Program | Santa Ana Unified School District, CA |
| Heidi (Vieselmeyer) Afusia | 1995 | Certified Postal Consultant | Pitney Bowes, Irvine, CA |
| Deanna (Wilson) Wahlheim | 1994 | Personal Parent Consultant | Phoenix Parent Consulting, Phoenix, AZ |
| Brock Shinen | 1994 | Business and Entertainment Law | Frenzel Law Corporation, Tustin, CA |
| Brock Shinen | 1994 | Project Manager, Internet Department | Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, CA |
| Jon Pree | 1994 | Police Officer | Visalia, CA |
| Mark Merrick | 1993 | Webmaster | Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA |
| Mark Merrick | 1993 | Director of Project Management | Ceira Technologies Inc., Irvine, CA |
| Mark Merrick | 1993 | HP Network Administrator | Southern California College |
| Carice Blazo | 1993 | Director for Central Europe | Educational Services International |
| James Ward | 1993 | Assistant Executive Director | Southern Indian Health Council, Inc. |
| Stacey Aoto-Sullivan | 1993 | Clinical Psychologist | Los Angeles, CA |
| Carice Blazo | 1993 | ESL Teacher | Czech Republic |
| Pam Prouty | 1993 | Marriage and Family Therapist | Orange County Juvenile Hall, CA |
| Pam Prouty | 1993 | Marriage and Family Therapy Intern | Orangewood Home for Children |
| Julie (Piskur) Sierra | 1992 | M.D. (Internal Medicine) | University of New Mexico |
| CynDee (Bloemendaal) Ward | 1992 | Clinical Psychologist | Stonybrook, NY |
| Stacy McLain | 1992 | Clinical Psychologist | Los Angeles, CA |
| Anita (Berg) Hernandez | 1992 | Manager, Purchasing Department | Miller Brewing Company, Corona, CA |
| Jennifer McCloud | 1992 | Executive Vice-President | Consulting Measurement Group, Irvine, CA |
| Sheryl (Hall) Curl | 1991 | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, RN, Service Chief II | Orange County Health Care Agency, Correctional Mental Health, Irvine, CA |
| Sheryl (Hall) Curl | 1991 | Marriage and Family Therapist | Huntington Beach, CA |
| Shandel Slaten | 1991 | Personal and Business Coach, CEO of True Life Coaching |
www.truelifecoaching.com |
| Jill Ault | 1990 | Director of Performance Improvement and Quality Management | Behavioral Healthcare Corporation, Rosemead, CA |
| James Tapia | 1989 | Adjunct Professor | Cypress College, Cypress, CA |
| Cheddi Rathan | 1989 | Marriage and Family Therapist | Pacific Clinics, Westminster, CA |
| Jeanette Beland | 1989 | Director of Children’s Ministries | St. James Episcopal Church, South Pasadena, CA |
| Jeanette Beland | 1989 | Research Assistant | PriceWaterhouseCoopers |
| Wendy Olsen | 1989 | Marriage and Family Therapist and Program Manager | Good Samaritan Behavioral Healthcare, Edgewood, WA |
| David Richards | 1989 | Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Visalia, CA |
| Colleen Knox Richards | 1988 | Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Visalia, CA |
| Michael Venard | 1987 | Clinical Psychologist | Napa, CA |
| Scott Peebles | 1985 | Marriage and Family Therapist | Irvine, CA |
| Steven Harris | 1983 | Professor of Psychology | American Behavioral Studies Institute, Santa Ana, CA |
| Wendy Kliewer | 1980 | Professor of Psychology Director of Graduate Studies |
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA |


