Biography

Dr. Rivas is a faculty member in the Counselor Education program, specializing in rehabilitation, addiction, marriage and family, and clinical mental health counseling. He is currently serving as the Fieldwork Coordinator for the Counselor Education program.

Dr. Rivas began his career in academia at the director level in academic advising, student retention, student disability services, and student conduct before moving on to teaching at both the community college, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. Prior to coming to CSUS, he taught at the undergraduate and graduate level at MSU Denver and prior to that, at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at the graduate level. At UCCS, he taught: clinical mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, student development theory, educational psychology, educational leadership, and within the Air Force Officer Commanding (AOC) Leadership program. This program teaches US Air Force Academy Officers: counseling, human growth/ lifespan/ student development, leadership, and higher education administration specific material.

Dr. Rivas has clinical experience providing mental health & substance abuse counseling in both private practice and community mental health, working with court-mandated offenders, first responders, couples, military members and their families, health care professionals, and supervision for CAC/LAC. Dr. Rivas holds clinical licensure in Colorado as both a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with national credentials of Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP, US DOT credential). His research interests focus on student development of 1st generation students and the effect of socio-economic-status on clinical relationships, diagnosis, and prognosis. Dr. Rivas currently serves on the Board of Directors for California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (CALPCC) and on the CALPCC Legislative and Advocacy Committee.

Courses Taught

EDC 216 Counseling Theories
EDC 280 Practicum in Communication
EDC 233 Substance Abuse & Addiction
EDC 240 A Medical Aspects of Disability
EDC240 B Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
EDC 244 Trauma and Crisis Counseling
EDC 475 Practicum in Counseling
EDC 480 Field Study in Counseling

Education

Ed.D., Educational Leadership: Higher Education Administration, Argosy University, Denver, Colorado 2013  
Dissertation Title: The Relationship Between Social Class and the Development of First vs. Multi-generation College Students Using Chickering’s Vectors

M.A. with Honors, Psychology (Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy), Regis University, Denver, Colorado 2007

Graduate Certificate with specialization in Ethical & Cultural Perspectives, Regis University, Denver, Colorado 2007

Graduate Certificate with specialization in Professional Advising, Regis University, Denver, Colorado 2007

B.A., Psychology with a minor in Sociology, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, Colorado 2003

Additional Training:

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Fundamentals of Supervision, Hybrid, 2023

Gambling Disorder Assessment, Treatment, and Recovery Support, The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, Hybrid, 2023

Addiction Counseling, Colorado School for Family Therapy, Aurora, Colorado, 2013-2015

Clinical Supervision I Approved Trainer, State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Office of Behavioral Health, Denver, Colorado, 2016

Core Curriculum Approved Trainer, State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Office of Behavioral Health, Denver, Colorado, 2016

• Principles of Addiction Treatment, Updated March 2023
• Addiction Counseling Skills, Updated March 2023
• Case Conceptualization and Documentation, Updated March 2023

 

Professional Licenses & Certifications

Licenses:
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (State of Colorado) MFT.0001636
Licensed Addiction Counselor (State of Colorado) ACD.0000654

Certifications:
Master Addiction Counselor (National Certificate) #509133
US Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional #22006

Publications

Refereed Journal Articles

Migliaccio, T., Rivas, A., Rivas, B., & Stark, R. (2024). Bullying in Academia. Learning, Culture, and Social Interaction. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lcsi.2023.100783

Rivas, A., & Borunda, R.M. (2022). White supremacy, overcoming a legacy of cognitive dissonance and unresolved trauma. International Journal of Communal and Transgenerational Trauma. Open Access. https://cttjournal.org/white-supremacy-overcoming-a-legacy-of-cognitive-dissonance-and-unresolved-trauma/

Refereed Book Chapters

Rivas, B. & Rivas, A. (2020). ‘Causes and implications of the opioid crisis in rural America’ in Greene, C. & Manner, J. (ed) Handbook of Research on Leadership and Advocacy for Children and Families in Rural Poverty. IGI Global Publishing. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-2787-0.ch003

Edited Book Chapters

Rivas, A., & Borunda (2023). Part III: White supremacy, overcoming a legacy of cognitive dissonance and unresolved trauma. In Borunda, R.M., &Murray, A. (Eds.). Disrupting Racism in US Schools: Transcending the (un)Civil War. New York: Palgrave-McMillan Publishing. https://link.springer.com/book/9783031495618

Rivas, A. (2020). ‘Chapter 8: ‘Trauma, Crisis, and Substance Use Disorder’ in Mahr, M. (ed) Research and Strategies for Counselor Educators: Modern Approach to Substance Abuse and Addiction. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.

Rivas, A. (2020). ‘Chapter 9: ‘Group Therapy for Recovery’ in Mahr, M. (ed) Research and Strategies for Counselor Educators: Modern Approach to Substance Abuse and Addiction. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.

Edited Volumes

Rivas, A. (2023). ‘Addiction, Drugs and Alcohol ’ in Marriage and Divorce in America: Issues, Trends, and Controversies. Two Volume Encyclopedia Set. Jaimee Hartenstein (ed), ABC-CLIO, LLC. Submitted for publication.

Non-Refereed Articles

Rivas, A. (2008). Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection). Social Class Bias and the Clinical Relationship. https://epublications.regis.edu/theses/111

Manuscripts in Submission:

Edited Volumes

Rivas, A. (2017). The Relationship Between Social Class and the Development of First vs. Multi-generation College Students Using Chickering’s Vectors. Unpublished manuscript.

Rivas, A. (2017) Social class and the clinical bias. Unpublished manuscript.

Related Scholarly Activity

Chapter Reviewer: (2019) ‘Specialized Educational Leadership for Rural Students Living in Poverty’ in Greene, C. & Manner, J. (ed) Handbook of Research on Leadership and Advocacy for Children and Families in Rural Poverty. IGI Global Publishing.

Presentations

International
Rivas, A. & Rivas, B. (2019, September). Social Class Bias Within the Clinical Dyad. Presented at the 60^th Annual European Branch-American Counseling Association Conference, Vienna, Austria.

National

Migliaccio, T., Rivas, A., Rivas, B., Stark, R. (2024) Bullying within Academia: A Cultural and Structural Analysis. Presented at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting 2024, Philadelphia, PA.

Rivas, B., & Rivas, A. (2023, October). Bullying in higher education: How to create an inclusive culture. Presented at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision 2023 Conference, Denver, CO, United States. 

Migliaccio, T., Rivas, A., Rivas, B., Stark, R. (2023) Bullying within Academia: A Cultural and Structural Analysis. Presented at the 2023 Society for the Study of Social Problems 75^th Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.

Rivas, A. & Rivas, B. (2020, January). Social Class Bias Within the Clinical Dyad, the Negative Effects on individuals and Family Systems. Presented at the 2020 International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Rivas, B. & Rivas, A. (2020, January). Causes and Implications of the Opioid Crisis in Rural America. Presented at the 2020 International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors Conference, New Orleans, LA. 

Rivas, A. & Rivas, B. (2017, September). Social Class Bias in the Clinical Relationship: Does Socio-Economic Status Impact Treatment? Presentation presented at the National Association for Addiction Professionals, NAADAC 2017 Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado.

Rivas, A. & Rivas, B. (2019, February). Bullying & Incivility in Higher Education: How to protect your Mental Health. Presented at the Lily Conference, Anaheim, California.

Regional

Rivas, B. & Rivas, A. (2020, November 12-14). Everyone's Addicted, Now What? How Training Programs Can Intervene. WACES Conference, Tucson, AZ, United States. (Conference canceled due to COVID-19)

Rivas, A. & Rivas, B. (2017, April). Social Class Bias in the Clinical Relationship: Does Socio-Economic Status Impact Treatment? Presentation presented at the 2017 Annual Nebraska Behavioral Health Conference, Lincoln, Nebraska.

State

Rivas, B. & Rivas, A. (2024). Bullying in higher education: How to create an inclusive culture. Presented at the South Carolina Counseling Association Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC.  

Migliaccio, T., Rivas, B., Rivas, A., Stark, R. (2022) Incivility and Bullying within Academia. Presented at the 2022 Pacific Sociological Association Conference, Sacramento, CA.

Rivas, A. & Rivas, B. (2020, March). Social Class Bias Within the Clinical Dyad, the Negative Effects on Client Treatment Outcomes. 2020 Colorado Collaborative Justice Conference, Denver, CO. (Conference canceled due to COVID-19)

Rivas, B. & Rivas, A. (2019, May). Fostering Professional Identity & Counseling Efficacy in the Supervision Process. Presented at the CALPCC Conference, Northridge, California.

Rivas, A. & Rivas, B. (2019, May). Social Class Bias in the Clinical Relationship; Does Socio-Economic Status Impact Treatment. Presentation to be presented at the CALPCC Conference, Northridge, California.

Invited Speaker

Rivas, A. (2023, October). Clinical supervision: Fostering professional growth and developing ethical practitioners. Presented at the 2023 Southern Counties Regional Partnership (SCRP) Conference. Pomona, CA.

Rivas, A. (2023, September). Reclassification of Marijuana as a Schedule III substance. Subject Matter Expert. Scripps News. https://video.snapstream.net/Play/2N22uRcERljwSbGJXeOOtR?accessToken=b3x6990l05hw4

Rivas, A. & Rivas, B. (2023, April). Professional Counselor Identity. Invited Speaker for the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors CALPCC Symposium.

Rivas, A. (2022, June). Why are college students smoking more marijuana? Subject Matter Expert. The Why, 2021 Newsy Network. https://video.snapstream.net/Play/2PJ94uyHRknMWyWvA1mtFd?accessToken=bojawy2wjmr73

Rivas, A. (2021, July). The Journey to 60: Rehabilitation Counselor Education Programs Transitioning. Invited Speaker for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Invited Speaker NCRE Summer Conference.

Rivas, A., & Rivas, B. (2020, March) Social Class Bias Within the Clinical Dyad, the Negative Effects on Client Treatment Outcomes. Invited speaker to present at the 2020 Colorado Collaborative Justice Conference, Denver, CO. (conference Canceled due to COVID-19)

Rivas, B. & Rivas, A. (2016, November). Bridging the Gap: Tri-Lakes Culture and LPSD. Invited Speaker for Lewis Palmer School District Administration, Monument, Colorado.

Rivas, A. (2016, September). Suicide Prevention Strategies within the Unit. Presented to Colorado Army National Guard.

Rivas, A. (2016, March). Stimulant use and criminogenic factors. Subject Matter Expert, Homicide Hunter Season 6, 2016 Discovery Channel:  Ferribee episode.  

Rivas, A. (2016, January). Developmental Advising and Student Retention. UNCG, Greensboro NC.

Rivas, A. (2015, November). MI, Counseling skills, & Interventions. UCCS, Colorado Springs CO.

Rivas, A. (2015,October). Addiction Counseling skills. UCCS, Colorado Springs CO.

Rivas, A. (2015, September). Working with students who have TBI. Invited Speaker for Pikes Peak Community College Colorado Springs CO.

Rivas, A. (2014, August). Faculty responsibilities working with students with disabilities. Invited Speaker for Pikes Peak Community College Colorado Springs CO.

Rivas, A. (2014, February). Lessons Learned From the Front Lines: Enrollment to Graduation with Online Adult Learners. Presentation presented at the Colorado Adult Learning Symposium Denver CO.

Rivas, A. (2014, February). Student Development and Retention. Invited Speaker for Argosy University, Denver CO.

Rivas, A. & Corso-Larson, D. (2012, October). Data & Analytics: Uses for Retention. Invited Speaker for Pearson Education Professional Advisory Board, Denver CO.

Rivas, A. (2012,September). Mind the Gap, Data & Analytics on Campus. Invited Speaker for Pearson Education, Centennial CO.

Rivas, A. (2012,September). Utilizing big data for successful implementation of retention strategies for first year students. Invited Speaker for Pearson Education, Centennial CO.

Rivas, A. (2012,March). Understanding data and its implications in your assessment planning.. Pearson Education, Centennial CO.

Rivas, A. (2012, March). Using data to drive assessment & curriculum development on your campus. Pearson Education, Centennial CO.

Rivas, A. (2011,September). First Year Student Retention, The First Year Experience. The Art Institute of Colorado, Denver CO.

Research Interests

Research interests include: student and individual development affected by social class; social-class bias in both the clinical mental health and educational realms; professional identity within student affairs; the treatment of substance use disorders within the post-secondary and clinical environments; the impact of the opioid epidemic on rural communities, children, and families; the promotion of social justice in substance use disorder counseling & treatment; and bullying/incivility in higher education. 

Professional Associations

• American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • International Association of Marriage and Family Counseling (iAMFC)
  • American Rehabilitaion Counseling Association (ARCA)
• Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
  • Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES)
    • WACES DEI Committee, 2022-Present
• American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT): Clinical Fellow
• European Branch of the American Counseling Association (EB-ACA)
  • Member Bylaws Committee 2019-2021
• California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (CALPCC)
  • Board of Directors, 2020-Present
  • Legislative and Advocacy Committee, 2020-Present
• The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC): Master Addiction Counselor
  • Colorado Association for Addiction Professionals (CAAP)
• Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
• National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
• Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA)

Service

Professional Organizations:

• California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (CALPCC)
  • Board of Directors, 2020-Present
  • Legislative and Advocacy Committee, 2020-Present
• European Branch of the American Counseling Association (EB-ACA)
  • Member Bylaws Committee 2019-2021
• Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES)
  • WACES DEI Committee, 2022-Present
• Standing Member of the Bylaws Committee EB-ACA, 2019-2020
• Historian for the Colorado Counseling Association, 2012-2013
• Historian for the Colorado Counseling Association, 2013-2014

California State University, Sacramento:

University Service

• Fall 2021-Spring 2024: Voting Member, Curriculum Policies Committee
• Fall 2021-Spring 2023: Voting Member, Academic Standards Subcommittee
• Fall 2021-Present: Member, Credential Unit Advisory Group (CUAG)
• Fall 2023-Spring 2024: CPC Senate Representative to Curriculum Subcommittee
• Fall 2022-Present: Member, Academic Affairs Strategic Planning and Budget Advisory Committee

College of Education Service

• Fall 2023-Spring 2025: Co-Chair, College Research Review Committee (CRCC)
• Fall 2022-Fall 2023: Member, College Research Review Committee (CRCC)
• Fall 2021-Spring 2022: Co-Chair, Strategic Planning, Accountability & Resources (SPAR)
• Fall 2020-Spring 2025: Member, Strategic Planning, Accountability & Resources (SPAR)
• Fall 2020-Spring 2025: Member, Strategic Planning, Accountability & Resources (SPAR)
• Fall 2021-Spring 2022: Member, College Ad Hoc ARTP Committee
• Fall 2021-Spring 2022 & Fall 2023: Spring 2025 Member, Dean’s Advisory Council (DAC)
• Fall 2020-Spring 2022: Member, Student Success, Outcomes, and Retention (SSOAR)
• Fall 2023-Present Member, Dean’s BIPOC Faculty Advisory Group
• Spring 2021 & Spring 2022: COE Scholarship Review Subcommittee
• Spring 202 & Spring 2023: Gonfalon Bearer COE Graduation Ceremony 

Branch Service (GPSE Department/Counselor Education Program)

• Fall 2023-Present: Chair Tenure Track Search Committee for Marriage, Couple, Family Counseling (MCFC) Specialization Faculty
• Fall 2021- Spring 2022: Chair Tenure Track Search Committee for Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization Faculty
• Fall 2022-Spring 2023: Member Tenure Track Search Committee for Career Counseling Specialization Faculty
• Spring 2022: Member Search Committee for Associate Dean Instruction & Student Success
• Fall 2020-Present: Fall Counselor Education New Student Orientation
• Fall 2021-Present: Fall Supervision Training for Site Supervisors
• Spring 2021-Present: Spring Supervision Training for Site Supervisors
• Spring 2022-Present: Counselor Education Spring Symposium & Site Fair
• Fall 2021-Present: Counselor Education Community Advisory Board
• Fall 2021-Spring 2023: Assessment and Accreditation Coordinator Counselor Education Program
• Fall 2021-Spring 2023: CACREP Liaison Counselor Education Program

Metropolitan State University of Denver:

• Committee member for Masters of Science in Clinical Behavioral Health, Addiction Counseling, 2018-2021
• Health Institute, 2018-2021
• Faculty Senate, 2019-2021

Art Institute of Colorado:

• Chair of Criterion 4 sub-committee for HLC initial accreditation 2008
• Chair of Criterion 4 sub-committee for HLC re-accreditation 2011
• Chair of Admissions Committee, Art Institute of Colorado, 2006-2011
• Chair of Continuing Student Review Committee, Art Institute of Colorado, 2006-2011
• Member HLC Steering Committee 2008 & 2011
• Member of New Program Roll-out Committee, Art Institute of Colorado, 2006-2011
• Member Strategic Planning Committee, Art Institute of Colorado, 2006-2011
• Member Student Success Committee, Art Institute of Colorado, 2006-2011
• Member of Orientation Committee, Art Institute of Colorado, 2006-2011
• Member of the Appeals Committee, Art Institute of Colorado, 2006-2011

Argosy University

• Member CACREP Accreditation, Argosy University 2012

Community College of Aurora:

• Model UN Facilitator Psychology, Community College of Aurora, 2013
  
  

Academic Experience

Assistant Professor, California State University Sacramento (fall 2020-Present)
Teach 3-4 courses in the counseling program within the Department of Graduate and Professional Studies in Education: Counselor Education. Including: Substance Abuse and Counseling; Trauma and Crisis Counseling; Medical Aspects of Disability; Psychosocial Aspects of Disability; Counseling and Psychotropic Medicine; Substance Abuse and Addiction; Counseling Theory; and Practicum in Communication.

Fieldwork Coordinator (2023-Present): oversee field placement, onboarding new internship partners, maintaning quality of current sites/partners, provision of training (Orientatation to the Program and Supervision Training), coordination of Counselor Education Spring Symposium workshops for site supervisors and site fair, orientation for practicum and internship students, supporting inquires for new partnerships, communication with fieldwork students, coordination of faculty and site supervisors, and supervision of the fieldwork student worker.

Assessment and Accreditation Coordinator (2021-2023): oversee CACREP national accreditation, coupled with CTC state accreditation and BBS state board evaluation, this necessitates a comprehensive response and full programmatic outcomes and course objectives that align with all those requirements. Acquire necessary data from all sections to maintain relevant accreditation. This requires an annual assessment report for the campus, CTC, and CACREP in addition to midcycle and re-accreditation processes. This position requires routine evaluation, maintenance, and reassessment of processes. This position is responsible for the Community Advisory Board and maintains this feedback and dissemination process as a component of this coordination position.

Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator (2020-2021): oversee admissions, advising, accreditation, and fieldwork duties for Rehabilitation Counseling specialization.

Assistant Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver (fall 2018-2021)
Taught four undergraduate courses per semester in the Counseling, Human Services, and Addiction track including (not limited to): Individual Counseling; Marriage & Family Systems; Introduction to the Counseling Profession; Supervision; Introduction to Human Services; PTSD Counseling, Introduction to Addiction Counseling Skills, Roles & functions, & Pharmacology. Supervise undergraduate students in the Counseling, & Addictions tracks. Graduate and undergraduate courses taught via online, on ground, and hybrid delivery methods. Provide academic advising to students. Co-director of Addictions institute, this entails development and implementation of addictions focused Master of Science in Clinical Behavioral Health Counseling program (LPC & LAC), development and implementation of undergraduate trauma concentration, monitoring MOU’s with the State of Colorado. Key stakeholder for CACREP, NASAC, Colorado Office of Behavioral Health, and Higher Learning Commission accreditation for new and existing programs.

Lecturer, University of Colorado Colorado Springs (summer 2014-2018)
Taught  3 courses (graduate courses) per semester in the CMHC Program (CACREP), Addictions, Air Force Officer Commanding  Program, Human Services Minor, Student Affairs & Higher Education (SAHE) and FYE including (not limited to): AOC Laboratory in Individual Counseling; AOC Leadership; Introduction to the Counseling Profession; Educational Psychology; Teachers, Society, and Diversity; Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, and FYE Program, Roles & functions, Pharmacology, Student Development Theory, Student Affairs in Higher Education. Supervise and Advise graduate students in the Counseling, Addictions, and Education tracks. Courses taught via online, on ground, and hybrid delivery methods. Providing supervision for licensure at both the LPC & LAC levels.

Instructor, Colorado School for Family Therapy, Aurora, CO (2016-Present)
Teach post-graduate level courses on addiction counseling and clinical supervision at private occupational school. Provide supervision for Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, and Certified Addiction Counselor Candidates.

Professor, Colorado Technical University (April 2012-2017)
Taught 2-3 classes a term (undergraduate and graduate) in the general education department, including: Sociology, Psychology, and Addictions Courses. Courses taught via online, on ground, and hybrid delivery methods.  

Related Professional Experience

Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Licensed Addiction Counselor, Master Addiction Counselor, and Substance Abuse Professional  in Private Practice, Alchemy of Healing Counseling, Colorado Springs, CO (October 2011-2020) Work with adults, couples, and adolescents on healing and thriving in the world. This includes diagnosis and treatment of mental health and substance use/ dependence disorders. MH & SA evaluations, expert witness, US Department of Transportation Substance abuse and rehabilitation evaluations. Working with and specializing in veterans and spouses, first responders, and medical professionals. Providing supervision for licensure at both the LPC & LAC levels.

Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, Master Addiction Counselor, and Substance Abuse Professional A Good Life Counseling, Colorado Springs, CO (2016-2017) Work with court mandated adult clients. This included diagnosis and treatment of mental health and substance use/ dependence disorders. MH & SA evaluations, group, and individual counseling.  Groups included DUI therapy levels II & II, DUI Education level I & II. Working with and specializing in veterans and spouses, first responders, and medical professionals.

Director of Retention Initiatives, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC (2015-2016)
Coordinated professional development for advisors to promote student success & retention within the institution. Worked within UNCG to develop messaging to direct students to academic support and resources on campus. Collaborated with the Student’s First Office to ensure student academic needs are met. Developed best practice workshops for departmental advising. Lead committees on first year advising within the institution. Lead departmental committee to develop an institutional advising conference. Lead departmental efforts to revise and maintain faculty advisor handbook. Worked on development and lead UNCG’s outreach efforts, especially among traditionally under-served populations and first generation students. Collaborated with IR to analyze data and present findings to enhance university wide advising and retention efforts. Served as Chair on all retention related campus committees and student appeal committees. Developed key high touch services that are proactive for high risk or at-risk populations. Served as Coordinator for the summer bridge program. Worked with the Title IX Coordinator for student related cases.  Ensured compliance with ADA, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Clery Act and other applicable federal and state requirements for students with disabilities.

Accessibility Specialist, Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado Springs, CO (2014-2015) Work with diverse student population to provide ADA accommodations and accessibility with media, electronic devices etc. This includes conducting intakes and formally assess students for proper ADA accommodations and accessibility technology needs through review of diagnostic materials and formal intake interview. Present to faculty and staff on ADA compliance concerns, created D2L ADA course, and providing faculty oversight in this realm. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate discussions on disability services and communicate with faculty and staff to ensure compliance with ADA requirements.

Director of Academic Success and Disability Services, Colorado State University, Greenwood Village, CO (2013-2014) Work with diverse student population to provide ADA accommodations and accessibility in an online educational environment. This includes conducting intakes and formally assess students for proper ADA accommodations and accessibility technology needs through review of diagnostic materials and formal intake interview. Present to faculty and staff on ADA compliance concerns, and providing faculty oversight. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate discussions on disability services and communicate with faculty and staff to ensure compliance with ADA requirements. Identified student needs and coached students in resolving academic, professional development and success issues as they relate to the completion of the student's educational goals. Developed new and creative strategies to serve adult learners, non-traditional students, and sensitivity to the needs and aims of alternative student populations. Worked with the Title IX Coordinator for student related cases.  Ensured compliance with ADA, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Clery Act and other applicable federal and state requirements for students with disabilities.

Director of Academic Advising, The Art Institute of Colorado, Denver, CO (2004-2011)
The primary role of the Director of Academic Advising was to increase student persistence, retention, and graduation rates of all students. Supervised and trained a team of six Academic Advisors. Developed all Academic Advising policies and procedures, supervised implementation and trainings across campus.  Presented to stakeholders Academic Policies and procedures, i.e. Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, Academic Appeals procedure. Taught FYE as needed. This position entailed working closely with the President, Dean of Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and Registrar regarding the Student Success Leadership Plan, annual SWOT/ strategic planning process, program evaluation, revisions to the course catalog and student handbook, policy and procedure creation, revision, implementation of quarterly academic schedule. Provided leadership to two HLC accreditation visits, chairing criterion committees as well as membership on the steering committee. Worked with the Title IX Coordinator for student related cases.  Ensured compliance with ADA, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Clery and other applicable federal and state requirements for students with disabilities.