Meet the Staff

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Dr. Ricardo Cornejo is a licensed psychologist who received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Clinical Psychology Degrees from California Lutheran University.

Dr. Cornejo completed training and professional experience in community mental health, intensive outpatient, and ABA work with adults and children with developmental disabilities. Since those experiences he has been primarily focused on university counseling and appreciates assisting students across a variety of concerns. Dr. Cornejo’s areas of interest include: mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem and values exploration, as well as emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Dr. Cornejo primarily utilizes a DBT, ACT, and CBT informed approach to assist students.

Dr. Cornejo also acts the athletics liaison and has a strong interest in assisting student athletes in managing the stressors and difficulties that can arise during their college experience.

Dr. Erika Jackson received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Shaw University, a historically Black college in Raleigh, North Carolina; a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from California State University, Long Beach and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. Dr. Jackson’s previous experience and training includes: university counseling, collaboration with the Department of Probation while working in juvenile detention centers, community mental health, and private practice settings. Using a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, her clinical interests include: working with underserved populations, multicultural concerns, BIPOC concerns, trauma, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal, as well as relationship concerns.

Emily is a fifth-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology PsyD program at California Lutheran University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

Emily’s previous clinical training took place at a community counseling center and in community mental health, where she worked with a diverse range of clients. She also has experience administering psychological assessments to clients ranging from children to older adults. Emily uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) informed approach and integrates other therapeutic perspectives to best meet the unique needs of each client.

Emily cares about building support and creating an environment where individuals feel safe and can express themselves. Emily is also very passionate about working with underserved populations, addressing BIPOC concerns, and supporting individuals in their growth and overall well-being. Emily is excited to work with the undergraduate population at Cal Lutheran.

Christian is a Ventura County local and a first-generation college graduate. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from CSU Channel Islands and his master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently completing his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Christian received training in university counseling at the University of Southern California (USC), where he supported students experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, identity concerns, life transitions, and crisis situations. He also has experience supporting international students and is interested in working with first-generation and transfer students, Latine communities, and students navigating cultural and family differences.

Christian’s approach to therapy is grounded in Person-Centered and Existential perspectives. He works with clients to understand what they are going through, identify what matters most to them, and work toward meaningful change. His work is also informed by multicultural frameworks, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). As a Latine clinician, Christian values understanding how culture, family, relationships, and identity shape how people experience and respond to challenges. His hope is that students leave therapy knowing themselves a little better and with skills they can carry with them long after their time at CLU.

Carmel is a current Marriage and Family Therapy student at California Lutheran University and a Graduate Assistant with CAPS. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from UC Berkeley and has experience working with K–12 and college students through teaching, higher education policy, and student advocacy. Carmel is also a proud alumnus of Moorpark College and Teach for America Corps, which she completed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She is passionate about supporting students and contributing to a warm, welcoming campus community.