Academic Advising
One of the many offerings the GSEP Student Services department offers is academic advising. Academic advisors and program administrators are available to assist you with a variety of topics such as:
- Counseling on enrollment options, academic progress, degree requirements, and degree audit
- Transfer credit/waivers, course and program petitions, and probation status
- Assist with registration holds, leave of absence, readmission, and course and program withdrawal
- Comprehensive exams: submission of papers and notification of exam results
Students are highly encouraged to work with their academic advisor or program administrator throughout their program and address any academic questions or needs they have.
To get to know and contact your academic advisor or program administrator, select
your respective division below:
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Global Leadership and Change
Jane (Tado) Tucker, Assistant Director of Academic Advising, PhD
Jane (Tado) Tucker has served the Pepperdine University community since 2008 and has been in her current role since 2014. Prior to her career in higher education, she spent over 10 years in the field of Sports Medicine. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Management degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Graziadio School of Business. She is committed to serving others and is dedicated to assisting our students achieve their educational goals.
Jane.Tucker@Pepperdine.edu | 310.568.5738
Master of Arts in Education, Social Entrepreneurship and Change | Master of Science in Education programs | Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership
Andrew Disney, Sr. Academic Advisor, SEC, MS ED/Leadership, EDOL
In the capacity of senior academic advisor, Andrew assists students with academic planning, course registration, answers program related questions and helps connect students to various campus resources needed to help guide them to a successful completion of their degree program. Prior to his advising role, Andrew served in various student support roles at a number of different universities. He has served as an admissions officer for Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology and the USC Marshall School of Business. He helped identify and recruit high caliber students for a variety of academic programs for each of these institutions. Prior to his work in admissions, he served as a NCAA Compliance Officer at the University of South Carolina, Georgetown and Radford University. In this capacity, he would support the athletic department in the areas of recruiting, initial/continuing eligibility, financial aid, academic planning and rules education.
Andrew.Disney@Pepperdine.edu | 310.568.5770
Master of Arts in Education | Teaching | TESOL | Doctor of Education in Learning Technologies | Educational Leadership Pre-K-12
Moises Olavarrieta, Academic Advisor, MAT, TESOL, EDLT, EDLP
Moises assists students with academic planning, course registration, answers program related questions and helps connect students to various campus resources. Prior to his academic advising role, Moises worked in the admissions office at GSEP to recruit high caliber students. Previous to that, he served in various student support roles at different universities since 2014. His experience includes working as the Graduate Coordinator at a biological sciences department, Student Relations Specialist at a financial aid office, Office Manager at a New Students and Parent Programs department, and an Administrative Assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life at a University-Student Union. Moises earned a B.A. in Anthropology with honors and graduated with a M.A. in Education with a 3.9 GPA.
Moises.Olavarrieta@Pepperdine.edu | 310.568.5543
Psychology
Master of Science, Applied Behavior Analysis - ABA
Amarillys Loew, Program Administrator, MS Applied Behavior Analysis
Amarillys serves as the Program Administrator for the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program (MSABA). In addition to her administrative role, she also serves as Student Advisor for MSABA students supporting them with matters such as course planning, registration, practicum, and much more. Amarillys holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from California State University of Los Angeles. She has been a part of the Pepperdine GSEP community since 2018, serving the Psychology Division students and faculty, and is dedicated to continuing to support our students as they reach their academic goals and go on to pursue their careers.
Amarillys.Loew@pepperdine.edu | 310.568.2317 | West LA Campus
Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology - MFT I Aliento
Ashley Blae, Program Administrator, MFT (Aliento/Latinx Format)
Ashley is a first-generation Latinx graduate passionate about supporting students and creating opportunities for academic and personal growth. As the Program Administrator for the Aliento Program at GSEP, she is excited to advise and empower students as they navigate their college journey. Ashley holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from California Lutheran University, and a Master's degree in School Counseling from Concordia University. With a deep commitment to mentorship and advocacy, she looks forward to helping students from diverse backgrounds thrive in higher education.
Ashley.Blae@pepperdine.edu | 949.223.2571 | Irvine Campus
Master of Arts, Psychology-Clinical MFT | General
Sandy Ghoubrial, Senior Academic Advisor, MFT | General (Evening On-Campus Formats)
Sandy is the Senior Psychology Academic Advisor for the on-ground, evening-format Master of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy. She has experience working in the fields of outreach, teaching, and counseling/advising. She is dedicated to student success and enjoys being a support system for students in their Pepperdine graduate journey. Sandy graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Services. She earned her Masters in Education in Educational Counseling from the University of Southern California. She plans on continuing her education to pursue a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.
Sandy.Ghoubrial@pepperdine.edu| 949.223.2511 | West LA and Irvine Campuses
Natasha Guerrero, Academic Advisor, MFT | General (Evening On-Campus Formats)
Natasha, a San Fernando Valley native, has a B.A. in Language, Culture, and Society from UC Santa Barbara and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from CSU Los Angeles. She is bilingual in Spanish and can speak conversational Japanese. After teaching English at middle and elementary schools in Japan for two years, she is excited for the opportunity to serve students outside of the classroom. Natasha aims to provide positive and special tailored assistance to students pursuing new career opportunities through higher education at all points of life. She looks forward to building connections with students by being a reliable resource and providing student-centered support. Carrying a deep love and appreciation for education, Natasha is a lifelong learner with interests in coding and instructional design. Outside of the office, you can find her nose in a book, playing video games, out and about with friends and family, or cuddling her two 3-year old dogs.
Natasha.Guerrero@pepperdine.edu | 818.702.1319 | Calabasas Campus
Chris Walther, Academic Advisor, MFT | General (On-Campus Formats)
Chris is originally from New York and has a B.A in Psychology and a M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Pace University. He has been working within higher education for over 20 years as an adjunct professor in Psychology, professional academic advisor, and student affairs administrator. With a holistic approach to professional advising, he will provide students academic and personal support through integrating and enhancing myriad support services into a seamless, timely, and personal experience for every student. It takes a team effort to achieve our shared goals and he looks forward to being part of the new Pepperdine team.
Christopher.Walther@pepperdine.edu | 310.568.5503 | West LA Campus
Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology
Yasmin (Makki) Rahdari, Senior Program Administrator, PsyD
Yasmin earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #90870) and has several years of experience working in the field of mental health with children, adolescents, and families doing individual, couples, and family psychotherapy. Yasmin is the Senior Program Administrator for the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program, and also serves as an adjunct faculty member for our online psychology programs. She supports the educational needs of current, incoming, and prospective Psy.D. students, as well as alumni. Yasmin also oversees clinical workshops, continuing education and professional development events, and provides administrative support to PsyD faculty and internal and external clinical supervisors. She has a passion for working with students and helping them excel in the field of psychology.
Yasmin.Rahdari@Pepperdine.edu | 310.568.2324 | West LA Campus
Online Psychology
Beth Benn, Student Success Advisor, MFT | General | ABA (Online Formats)
Beth Benn was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women's Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and her Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Colorado Denver. Beth worked as a teaching and research assistant throughout graduate school and most recently as a social worker in the division of child welfare. Beth is passionate about the opportunities higher education can offer individuals and communities and will support each student on their unique path. Beth also enjoys yoga, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and live music.
bbenn@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu | 310.340.6840 | Online Campus
Chad Johnson, Student Success Advisor, MFT I General | ABA (Online Formats)
Chad Johnson is originally from Texas and has lived in Colorado for 8 years. He earned his Bachelors in Political Science from Oklahoma State University and has an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Contemplative Spirituality. He has worked in education for over 10 years, the majority of them in K-12 and online formats. Chad has worked in advising since 2016 and is passionate about helping students achieve their educational and professional goals. He loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, skiing, and camping.
cjohnson3@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu I 424.372.1969 I Online Campus
Elizabeth Fuller, Student Success Advisor, MFT I General | ABA (Online Formats)
Elizabeth Fuller is originally from Long Island, NY, and has lived in Colorado for 12 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art with a Concentration in Oil Painting from Wheaton College. For several years, she developed curriculum and instructed adults in classical drawing and painting technique in an atelier setting. She went on to manage multi-site enrichment programs for elementary-aged children. She has been supporting students as an academic advisor and coach for over three years now. In her free time, Elizabeth continues to paint and enjoys showing her work, collaborating on creative projects, and just having fun with it. She loves to support students to overcome challenges in the pursuit of their passions.
efuller@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu I 424.356.0880 I Online Campus
Heather Scott, Student Success Advisor, MFT | General | ABA (Online Formats)
Heather is originally from Boston, MA but has lived in Colorado for the last 12 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Arizona. Heather started her career in the K-12 public school sector, but has since transitioned from the classroom into higher education. Heather has been a Student Success Advisor for over five years and has a passion for supporting her students as they navigate their programs. In her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and two dogs.
hscott@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu I 424.416.2391 I Online Campus
James "Moose" Riley, Student Success Advisor, MFT | General | ABA (Online Formats)
James is coming to Pepperdine with over fifteen years of experience working in educational advisement. A child of the Pacific Northwest, he received a Masters in Education for Guidance Counseling and has really come to view this as more of a calling than just a job. He mostly grew up in Seattle, and now lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and neurotic dog, Watson. He's an avid fan of nature, reading (fantasy and sci-fi in particular), sports, and horror movies (only the supernatural kind, though). He believes in bringing humor and warmth to every engagement and he loves being a small part of your journey towards making the world a better place.
jriley@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu I 310.906.4091 I Online Campus
Joe Gimmarco, Student Success Advisor, MAP (Online Format)
Joe grew up in Warren, Ohio, and has called Denver home since 2020. He attended the University of Akron, where he earned both a bachelor's degree in Physical Education K-12 and master's degree in Higher Education Administration. He loves being active and you'll often find him hiking, at the gym, playing basketball or pickleball, or at a local sporting event. He has worked in higher education for nearly 10 years, including time in Student Affairs at the University of Akron and in Fraternity & Sorority Life at the University of West Florida. Joe is incredibly passionate about access in education and helping students navigate their educational experience to achieve their goals, and is thrilled to advocate for Pepperdine students!
jgimmarco@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu I 310.340.0017 I Online Campus
Jordan Sien, Student Success Advisor, MFT I General | ABA (Online Formats)
Jordan is originally from Baltimore but has lived in Denver since 2015. She earned her Bachelors in Special Education from the University of Colorado Denver and has worked in Education since 2011. In 2021, Jordan decided to take a new path in her career, shifting from the classroom to higher education advising. Her motivation lies in her genuine passion for facilitating students' success, and this is the driving force behind her work. In her free time, Jordan enjoys Muy Thai kickboxing, snowboarding in the rocky mountains, and traveling to new places.
jsien@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu I 213.996.0653 I Online Campus
Kathryn Schoenfeld, Student Success Advisor, MFT I General | ABA (Online Formats)
Kathryn is a graduate of the University of Denver and holds a BSBA degree in Business Management. She used her degree in business to work in finance and in the non-profit sector. After completing her graduate degree in school counseling, her passion for student success developed and she spent the past 7 years as a high school counselor. She enjoys traveling, taking road trips, playing golf, and spending time with her family. Kathryn is one of many advisors eager to assist our online student population.
kschoenfeld@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu | 424.392.7971 | Online Campus
Kyle Oliver, Student Success Advisor, MFT I General | ABA (Online Formats)
Kyle Oliver joins the team as a Denver Colorado native. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado where he played basketball and graduated with a degree in Human Services. Kyle loves playing games, sports, comic books, and anything geeky. He has been in education for several years and has experience working with all ages. Helping people is his passion and he is excited to be a part of this great program and advising team!
koliver@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu I 424.363.8269 I Online Campus
Meggie McRae, Student Success Advisor, MFT I General I ABA (Online Formats)
Meggie was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Temple University. Through her undergraduate internship opportunities, Meggie discovered her passion for building relationships with students. She enrolled in Teach For America and moved to Denver, Colorado to teach in a K-12 setting, while also earning her Master of Arts in Teaching. After a few years in the classroom, Meggie decided to join the higher education space to serve students who are pursuing their own Master's degrees. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, trying out new restaurants, traveling and hiking around beautiful Colorado!
mmcrae@onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu | 424-317-9591 | Online Campus