Join Chloe Corcoran as she interviews experts Drs. Wendell Callahan, Michael Richards, and Erika Cameron on their career paths and thoughts on career paths and insights for Child and Adolescent Psychology. Discover how personal experiences, unexpected journeys, and a passion for helping young people shape the professional lives of these seasoned psychologists. This episode of Talking Mental Health Careers discusses the diverse pathways to child and adolescent counseling careers, emphasizing adaptability, community building, and the profound impact of supportive relationships in this field.

About our Host

Chloe Corcoran (She/Her) serves as the inaugural Director of Alumni Relations for Palo Alto University. Recently, she was cast in the first of its kind audio reality show, “BEING: Trans” which explores the lives of a group of transgender people living in Los Angeles. Articles about this project have appeared in the New York Times, among other media outlets, and she has appeared on a billboard in Times Square along with being honored by the LA Dodgers for her activism. She is a 2004 graduate of the University of Rochester where she played 4 years of varsity football and then served as an assistant coach. Chloe earned her Master’s degree at Northeastern University and is currently studying part-time toward a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, where her work focuses on equity and inclusion

About our Guests

Erika Cameron, PhD is the Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Palo Alto University. Prior to joining Palo Alto University, she was the Department Chair at University of San Diego’s Department of Counseling & Marital and Family Therapy. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of St. Louis, Missouri in 2009. Her M.Ed. is in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and her B.S. is in Graphic Design from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois where she was a Division I volleyball player.

Michael Richards, PhD is an assistant professor of Psychology at Palo Alto University and has recently become the interim director of the Gronowski Center after serving as a supervisor at the Center for the past four years, working in the Sexual and Gender Identities Clinic most recently. His is also an alum of PAU's PhD Program in Clinical Psychology and was a student trainee at the Gronowski Center himself. His areas of expertise include LGBTQ+ psychology, college counseling, and working with young adult populations. He has a strong career focus on teaching and training and postdoctoral training experience at the University of California-Santa Cruz’s Counseling and Psychological Services.

Wendell Callahan, PhD is a Professor of Practice at the University of San Diego in the Department of Counseling and Marital & Family Therapy in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. He is also the Executive Director of the USD Catholic Institute for Catholic Mental Health Ministry and the Executive Director of the USD Tele-mental Health Training Clinic. At USD, he has also served as Director of Clinical Training as well as Counseling Program Director. Prior to joining the faculty at USD, Dr. Callahan was the Senior Director for Integrated Instructional Support at the San Diego County Office of Education’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools. During his 18-year tenure at the San Diego County Office of Education, Dr. Callahan practiced as one of the first school psychologists in the Juvenile Court and Community Schools, where he was an architect of student assessment and counseling and guidance programs.

For more information about Palo Alto University please visit our website.

Join Dr. Patricia Zapf as she interviews experts Dr. Monique Coleman and Dr. Virginia Barber Rioja on their career paths and insights into forensic and correctional psychology. In this episode, "Pathways to Impact: Careers in Forensic and Correctional Psychology," Dr. Patricia Zapf discusses the world of forensic and correctional psychology with experts. Dr. Virginia Barber Roja and Dr. Monique Coleman, with extensive experience in the field, share insights into addiction, mental health, and the legal system. From their unique career trajectories to daily activities and ethical considerations, listeners will gain invaluable knowledge about the intersections of psychology and law. This episode highlights the multifaceted realm of forensic psychology and its profound impact on individuals and society.

About our Host

Dr. Patricia A. Zapf, Ph.D. is Vice President for Business Innovation & Strategic Advancement at Palo Alto University (PAU). Prior to coming to PAU, she was a professor of psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York (CUNY) for 16 years. During that time, she was instrumental in the development of a new doctoral program in clinical psychology with an emphasis on forensic psychology. She served as the program’s first Director of Clinical Training. Prior to her time at CUNY, she was on the psychology and law faculty at the University of Alabama. In 2009, Dr. Zapf founded CONCEPT Professional Training to elevate the practice level in psychology and related professions. In 2018, Dr. Zapf brought CONCEPT Professional Training to Palo Alto University to further its mission of continuing professional studies in partnership with Palo Alto University.

About our Guests

Dr. Virginia Barber Rioja obtained her Ph.D. in clinical forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York. For 7 years, she worked in the NYC jail system holding the positions of Co-Chief and Clinical Director of Mental Health, and Assistant Chief of Forensic Services for Correctional Health Services/NYC Health + Hospitals, which provides mental health treatment to the NYC jails and forensic assessment services to the NYC courts. She is also an adjunct assistant professor in the Psychology Department of New York University and the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology of Teachers College, Columbia University.

Episode Resources

• http://www.cps-ga.com
• http://www.cps-la.com
• https://ap-ls.org/