I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA and moved to San Diego in 1998 to begin my college career at Point Loma Nazarene University.  I began school as a physics/engineering major, but out of personal interest began taking elective psychology courses.  I found the classes stimulating and, more importantly, they helped me better understand my difficult life experiences.  I have tended to be someone that others felt comfortable talking to and I enjoyed helping people, so with the help of encouragement from professors and loved ones, I ultimately decided to switch majors and pursue psychology as a career.  I completed my academic education with a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego.  Though I have the clinical background to work with a diverse range of clients and presenting issues, I have a special interest in working with personal growth and existential issues, relational issues, self-acceptance, mens issues, and college-age/young adult issues.

 

In addition to my clinical work, I have worked at PLNU as an Adjunct Professor since 2005, and have taught classes on the Psychology of Personal Development, Theories of Personality and Adult Development, Clinical and Community Interventions, and Group Counseling.

 

I have made it my life's mission to learn what it means to live well, passionately and intentionally, so I may live the best life I am capable of living.  Part of that mission is to support others through a similar journey, showing them that they are worth loving by attending to their holistic needs--physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I deeply believe I can only lead people in their growth process as far as I’ve been willing to go myself.  The “success” I feel as a psychologist is directly connected to my capacity to live my life with the love, intention, and courage I’m trying to model.

 

Personally, I enjoy living an active lifestyle and maintain plenty of time for fun and self-care (e.g. I take Fridays off every week, which I call “Kevin day”).  I grew up surfing and picked up rock climbing in my 20's, both of which now take up a good portion of my free time.  Most recently I've been venturing into backcountry paragliding, which has been both exhilarating and scary (at times).  Aside from the great community of friends I’ve found through this activity, it provides constant opportunities for learning, as well as building mental and physical strength.  Really, I just love being active and outside!  My other interests are varied.  I enjoy learning new things and over the years have picked up a number of hobbies like drawing/painting, playing guitar/singing, sailing, reading, golfing, and DIY projects.  Maintaining strong social relationships is also really important to me, so I spend a lot of time with people I care about.

 

I believe it is important for you to get to know me, so I have included some pictures from my life below. For more information, you can also read my responses for an interview with SDVoyager magazine here. Enjoy!