Department of School Counseling and School Psychology

The Department of School Counseling and School Psychology offers adult learners academic and practical preparation for careers in school counseling and school psychology.

Empowering Advocates for Student Well-Being

The Department of School Counseling and School Psychology offers rigorous academic and field preparation for individuals dedicated to fostering the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic well-being of students in PK-12 settings. The department equips candidates with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to become impactful school counselors, school psychologists, and mental health counselors. 

Nationally Recognized and Accredited Programs

The department’s commitment to excellence is underscored by the accreditation of our programs by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Furthermore, our school psychology programs are accredited by the esteemed National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), ensuring the highest standards of professional preparation.

Comprehensive Graduate Program Offerings

The department offers a range of graduate programs designed to meet diverse career aspirations:

Deepening Faith and Purpose

The department encourages its candidates to engage in thoughtful reflection on how their personal worldview will shape their professional identity and practice as school counselors and school psychologists. The department emphasizes the importance of humble service to students, families, and school communities, and inspires a commitment to seeking justice and fostering human flourishing for all, rooted in Christ’s example.

Practical Experience for Real-World Impact

Our programs feature strong and intentionally designed practicum and fieldwork/internship experiences. These supervised placements in diverse school and district settings ensure that candidates gain relevant and practical experience, applying their knowledge and skills under the guidance of experienced PPS professionals. This hands-on training bridges theory and practice, preparing graduates to confidently and effectively serve the needs of today’s PK-12 students.

Student Dispositional Expectations

All candidates in the Department of School Counseling and School Psychology will be evaluated on their professional attitudes, values, and beliefs demonstrated through both verbal and nonverbal behaviors as educators interact with students, families, colleagues, and communities. These positive behaviors support student learning and development. All candidates will be evaluated by faculty with regard to student dispositions throughout their program; any candidate who does not meet minimal expectations with regard to student dispositions will be required to meet with the department chair or the chair’s designee to develop an improvement plan. Students who fail to meet the remedial dispositional requirements will be evaluated for fitness to practice in the profession.

Faculty

Chair

Michael Salce, EdD, LEP

Program Directors

Michelle Cox, PhD, School Counseling

Randy Fall, PhD, School Psychology

Fieldwork and Internship Coordinators

Roberta Alba, EdD, School Counseling

Robert Martin, PhD, School Psychology

Program Coordinators

Crystal Alstot, PsyD, Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization

Julia ‘Judy’ Johnson, EdD, LEP, ABSNP, Clinical and Educationally Related Mental Health Counseling Specialization

Professors

Michelle Cox, PhD

Randy Fall, PhD

Robert Martin, PhD

David Morrison, EdD

Assistant Professors

Roberta Alba, EdD

Crystal Alstot, PsyD

Julia ‘Judy’ Johnson, EdD, LEP, ABSNP

Michael Salce, EdD