Pepperdine GSEP

Reyna G. García Ramos of @Pepperdine GSEP has been elected vice president of the California Council on Teacher Education, helping shape the future of teacher preparation at the state and national levels. bit.ly/4vUBhAw

Congrats Nataliane Martins, 2026 recipient of the Dr. David A. Levy Scholarship for Excellence in Critical Thinking. The scholarship awards $3K to a grad psych student whose work reflects strong analytical reasoning and careful evaluation of evidence. bit.ly/4tk3qyE

From the classroom to the coast, we’re pursuing something deeper than a career—we’re pursuing a life of impact. This is Pepperdine. This is #ForGreaterPurpose.

One life, two incredible chapters. 🎶➡️🧠 Ryan Dusick’s (MA ’21) journey has evolved from winning Grammys with Maroon 5 to pursuing a path in psychology and mental health advocacy. #ForGreaterPurpose #ForGreaterPurpose

It’s one thing to study human connection; it’s another to live it. From the early mornings at home to the late nights in the classroom, the goal is always the same: becoming the person someone else can lean on. This isn't just about a degree—it's #ForGreaterPurpose.

At Pepperdine, purpose isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. Here, faith and values shape how we think, act, and serve as we engage boldly, lead wisely, and contribute meaningfully to create impact that reaches beyond ourselves. Guided by a higher calling, every choice, every step, and every effort moves us toward a life lived #ForGreaterPurpose.

Congratulations to Sofia Henriquez, Program Manager for Pepperdine’s Foster Grandparent Program, selected for the inaugural Generations United Intergenerational Leadership Accelerator, a national fellowship supporting emerging intergenerational leaders. bit.ly/4bElb6n

Pepperdine GSEP faculty Dr. Samaa Haniya and Dr. Reyna García Ramos published a peer-reviewed study in the AILACTE Journal on using AI to support equitable, culturally responsive professional development for educators. bit.ly/45GUs5k

Congratulations to Dr. Thema Bryant, Pepperdine GSEP professor and former APA President, honored with the MLK Social Justice / Mental Health & Wellness Advocacy Award by @SCLCSC for her mental health leadership. bit.ly/4sBR0CC

GSEP alum Billie Wakeham (MA ’24) combines her psychology training with career coaching to help others build fulfilling lives. She’s also advocating for women’s leadership in the workplace. bit.ly/3Jw6MNM #GSEPSpotlight #PepperdineGSEP

GSEP Spotlight: Jeff Fouchey CEO of FAID + SEC Advisory Board Vice Chair Through mentorship + systems change, Jeff helps students access debt-free college opportunities. A leader driven by service bit.ly/4n7jS1F #GSEPSpotlight #PepperdineGSEP

Waves Weekend – West LA was a success! More than 140 alumni, faculty, staff & students came together at Whiskey Red’s in Marina del Rey for an evening of networking & connection. Read more: bit.ly/4mYS7Z5 #PepperdineGSEP #WavesWeekend #PepperdineAlumni

Step Forward Day was a success! GSEP supported Watts Learning Center’s Back-to-School Night—impacting 500+ students, families & community members. The event was also featured in The Los Angeles Sentinel. Read more: bit.ly/4gX7RKO

GSEP Spotlight: Dana Pettaway (MA ’25) A mental health advocate and recent graduate of Pepperdine’s MA in Clinical Psychology, Dana brings personal experience and clinical expertise to supporting families impacted by severe mental illness. bit.ly/46v0O8F

GSEP Spotlight: Taylor Stophlet, MA, LMFT ('22) From grad student to Clinic Coordinator, Taylor is helping expand access to affordable mental health care across California. “It’s important to me to uplift our clinicians just as much as our community.” bit.ly/3It0Zbh

This fall, Pepperdine GSEP celebrates 50 years of the MA in Clinical Psychology MFT Daytime program! Since 1975, the program has trained generations of clinicians who serve communities worldwide. bit.ly/4m6yi1y

Welcome to our newest Waves! New Student Orientation is happening this week and next at our West LA, Irvine, and Calabasas campuses as we kick off the Fall Term at Pepperdine GSEP.

Three @PepperdineGSEP faculty members—Dr. Thema Bryant, Dr. Shelly Harrell, and Dr. Dominique Malebranche are featured in the American Psychologist special issue on Decolonial and Liberation Psychologies. Read more via our Newsroom: bit.ly/45JkfJ6

New from #PepperdineGSEP’s Dr. Kfir Mordechay: How do educators define & experience diversity as student demographics shift? The study explores the benefits—and challenges—of serving changing school communities. 📖 Read The Full Article: bit.ly/41bPF9C

From motherhood to mental health advocate, Marissa Price (MA in Clinical Psychology ’25) is making a difference at @PepperdineGSEP and in the community through the Telehealth Clinic. “Affordable, compassionate care—that’s what we offer.” Read her story: bit.ly/452OBG5