1.05

Evidence of Compliance:

All full time faculty members were hired on competitive searches that produced highly qualified faculty with diverse professional backgrounds and expertise. The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is fortunate to have a many professionals willing to serve as part time lecturers for our department. Their expertise enriches our program, and we are honored to work with them. The following descriptions of our faculty offer a summary of the experience they each bring to their classes.

Curt Davidson is a faculty member at California State University serving in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department. He is interested in the intersection of the natural environment and education. Researching, teaching, and guiding, he fell in love with the idea of alternative forms of education such as Experiential Education. Having worked for over 10 years as a field instructor, he has been able to hone his skills as an experiential educator, while grounding his work in theory through obtaining his Doctorate. He is also the author of several peer reviewed publications and two books including The Outdoor Facilitator's Handbook and Behavior Management in Outdoor Adventure Education. His passion for research and teaching has shown through in his efforts to provide valuable information to the field of Adventure Education and how it can contribute to building a more robust society.

Keith Fulthorp has over 25 years of experience within the Recreation and School Counseling Professions, and is currently an Associate Professor at California State University, Long Beach in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies. Keith’s research interests are in the area of municipal recreation and parks in urban areas, leadership, teambuilding and solution-focused counseling. He completed his doctorate degree from the University of Southern California in 2009 and continues to be closely tied to both the Recreation and School Counseling Professions. Keith’s Municipal Recreation research and education sessions have been presented at the California Park and Recreation Society (Annually since 2004), the National Recreation and Park Association (Annually since 2010), The American Therapeutic Recreation Association, The Midwest Therapeutic Recreation Conference, and the Academy of Leisure Sciences Teaching Institute. Keith has presented both educational and research sessions at many local, state, and national school counseling conferences including: local school districts in California, Colorado and Nebraska; state school counseling associations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington; the American School Counselor Association (Annually since 2009), California School Counselor Association, and the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Association.

Chungsup Lee received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and B.S. in Sports and Leisure Studies at Yonsei University in Korea. Currently, he is an assistant professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University Long Beach (CSULB). He is interested in understanding the roles of leisure in people with and without disabilities’ health and well-being. Specifically, his research concentrates on examining individuals' leisure behaviors and perceptions and how they utilize it to cope with their life transitions and conditions. Also, Dr. Lee has been involved in multiple community-based projects to serve a diverse population from people with chronic disease and balance issues to older adults who. Moreover, he is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and has experience of providing recreational therapy services for older adults and children with disabilities.

Nancy Matthews is a Lecturer in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies where she has been a faculty member since 2005. Nancy earned her Master’s with Honors in Higher Education, Work and Adult Development from UCLA and completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Women’s Studies at Scripps College in Claremont, CA. Nancy has over 30 years’ experience developing and managing “Quality of Life” programs and services in the areas of Campus, Municipal and Community Recreation and currently serves on the City of Monrovia's Community Services Commission. Nancy has served as Member Knowledge Chair for the CPRS Legislative Committee for over 15 years. On campus, Nancy is a founding member and trainer for the current CSULB Safe Zone Ally Program and was recently elected to a fourth term on the Academic Senate. Nancy also is a member of the Committee on Athletics and serves as a Title IX Respondent Adviser. Nancy values diversity and inclusion as well as service to the community. She is characterized as “energetic”, “organized” and “service-oriented”.

Laurel Richmond is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University, Long Beach. She earned her doctorate in Recreation and Leisure Studies from The University of Georgia, as well as Qualitative Research and Women’s Studies Certificates. She also earned her master’s degree in Recreation Administration from California State University, Long Beach and her bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University. As a practitioner, Dr. Richmond has worked predominantly in the field of aquatics, managing both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities for municipal governments. Dr. Richmond’s research focuses primarily on access to leisure from a social justice perspective. She is interested in learning more about how leisure is used as a tool to maintain and/or disrupt class and economic status. Currently, she is responsible for the Event Planning minor certificate and teaches courses in Recreation Administration and Event Planning. In addition, she is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.

Terry Robertson is an experienced educator, academic leader and practitioner. Over the past 20 plus years, Dr. Robertson has served as a faculty member, a program director, a department chair (3 different departments), an Associate Dean, and he has also served in a variety of other administrative roles. Prior to working in Higher education, Dr. Robertson worked professionally in a variety of settings (mental health, substance abuse, senior services, and community based special recreation <inclusive and clinical> programs and services). Dr. Robertson has served on many local, state, national, and international boards and commissions. He also served 8 years as a publicly elected member (chair) of a county health board. Dr. Robertson has published numerous articles, a textbook, multiple book chapters, research monographs, technical reports and training program materials. Dr. Robertson has also successfully written (and received) significant external funding from federal, state and local public agencies, as well as, from private foundations and industry partners via grants/contracts. Dr. Robertson has also provided significant service, as he served as co-editor of the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, as an Associate Editor of the ATRA Annual, and on editorial boards of other publications.

Heewon Yang earned his master’s degree in Leisure, Tourism, and Hospitality at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and received his Doctoral degree in Leisure Behavior from Indiana University. Currently, Dr. Yang is a professor and graduate coordinator. Dr. Yang has been teaching both general recreation and therapeutic recreation courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His primary research interest is in examining the effects of various recreation therapy programs for various populations. He has been working as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) since 1999 and as a practitioner, he has provided multiple service-learning projects including Respite and Recreation Program for adopted children with special needs, aquatic program for older adults, and brain fitness program for people with brain injuries. Dr. Yang has been a recipient of recognizable awards such as outstanding teacher award (Southern Illinois University), Researcher of the Year (ATRA, 2012), and Professional of the Year (Illinois Recreation Therapy Association). He also served for the Exam Maintenance Committee (NCTRC) for three years and for the International Relations Team (ATRA) for many years. Lastly, he has served as a board member for Illinois Recreation Therapy Association for 12 years.

Gina Allen: is an Adjunct Professor teaching recreation programing with California State University, Long Beach. Before devoting herself to the Recreation and Leisure Studies department, Gina served as Recreation Services Manager supervising administrative practices, implementing recreation programs, and developing and executing branding campaigns for the City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department. Her education includes a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts, Recreation and Leisure Studies with a certificate in Campus Recreation from California State University, Long Beach. In addition to being an educator, Gina is a full time mom and a charity fundraiser for her daughter’s school. Raising over $50,000 dollars annual through family and community bonding events.

April Batson: Recreation professionals don’t start at the top and April Batson is no exception to this. She started as a summer lifeguard at the YMCA while attending CSULB for her undergrad. The stars aligned when she found her passion for Recreation both inside and outside the classroom. After graduating from CSULB with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, she started full time in municipal Parks & Rec. April completed her Master’s degree at Chapman University and started teaching at CSULB with the Recreation department shortly after, while still working full time. April enjoys teaching the future Recreation professional both in the classroom and in the work place.

Margaret Brewer is a retired attorney who earned her J.D. degree from the Columbus School of Law and practiced law with the US Department of Justice, Organized Crime Division, and as Deputy District Attorney in Maryland, Michigan, and Colorado. In addition to her legal expertise, Ms. Brewer has extensive experience in volunteer management, having served as the Volunteer Program Management for the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and the Interim Executive Director of Leadership Long Beach. She also has experience in commercial recreation, as the former co-owner and Dive Master for Scuba Express Dive Boat. Ms. Brewer has taught REC 427, Legal Aspects of Leisure Services, since Spring 2008.

Frances Caron has worked as a professional in the recreation field for over 10 years, the past five as the Assistant Director of Recreation at University of California, Riverside. She currently holds a board of director position with Southern California Public Pool Operators Association, serves on multiple committees for the Association of Aquatic Professionals and NIRSA, and is an active member in collegiate recreation. She also films a monthly lesson in leadership for the Association of Aquatic Professionals. Frances has overseen a total of ten (10) facilities in her professional career, staff ranging from 20-150+, facility design and maintenance, and a vast array of programming and special events. She has overseen two (2) facilities from construction to completion/regular usage. Frances is currently on administrative overhang, overseeing a campus-wide initiative at the University of California, Riverside focusing on student employment. In addition, Frances has received multiple professional awards in the field of recreation.

Jon Cicchetti is a Registered Landscape Architect who earned his degree from Cal Polytechnic University, Pomona, as well as completing additional course work in architecture at UCLA. He is the Principal Architect and owner of Jon D. Cicchetti Landscape Architects, in Long Beach. His firm has designed numerous parks and park facilities in Long Beach, Signal Hills, and several other Southern California locations. Mr. Cicchetti teaches REC 423, Facility Operation and Maintenance.

Roya DeDeaudx has a M.S. in Counseling and a B.A. in Recreation and Leisure Studies. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a private practice in Los Alamitos. She is also a professor in the Recreation and Leisure Department at California State University, Long Beach. She believes strongly in the importance and power of play for all ages, and has spent the majority of her personal and professional life inspiring others to become more playful. She has worked in community mental health, with adults with developmental disabilities, and with the diverse community of homeschoolers all over the United States. Roya's area of expertise is in using art, play, and games in her therapy practice, and researching how recreation impacts the field of mental health. She is the author of “Protect Their Passions” a workbook with practical exercises to help work parents through emotional and logistical barriers to connecting more with their children through recreational activities.

Greg D’Eloia Since Greg's first summer at camp, he has believed in the power of the great outdoors to promote personal growth and meaningful change. Since then, he has accumulated 11 years of professional experience in the camping industry, from cabin counselor to camp director. In the winters, he put in over 14 years as a professional snowboard instructor. His love for the outdoors inspired him to earn a Master of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Utah in 2006. Working as an instructor and administrator of experiential education programs at therapeutic boarding school inspired Greg to focus his efforts in mental health. He earned a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Long Beach, in 2014. Currently, he works for a community mental health agency, providing school-based counseling services for several schools in the local district. In his spare time, he like to play outside, travel, and teach online classes.

Rita Hayes is currently the Director of Club Sports and Recreation at CSU Long Beach. She has been employed at CSU Long Beach for 33 years and has taught part time for the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies for 31 years. Her Undergraduate Degree is in Physical Education with a Single Subject Credential in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education. Her Masters Degree is in Recreation Administration. As the Director of Club Sports and Recreation she is responsible for supervising and advising 50 club teams, several fitness classes, and a summer academic camp for children. Her current and past campus involvement includes: Committee on Athletics, Recreation Society Advisor, Health and Wellness Committee; Smorgasport, Parent and Family Orientation, Homecoming, SOAR, BeachDays and Health and Safety Planning Committees. She feels that what she learns and experiences on a day to day basis with in her full time professional position allows her to bring out of classroom knowledge and materials to the students she teaches.

Christopher Huebner was born and raised in Saint Louis Missouri and attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in Outdoor Adventure Leadership. He worked at resorts, residential summer camps, with a majority of his professional work experience in academic departments, non-profit organizations, and university campus auxiliaries under the Division of Student Affairs. He had the pleasure of working in Colorado, Texas, and now California. He is currently employed at California State University Long Beach working for Associated Students Inc. as their Assistant Director of Programs in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Previously, he was developing and managing the Rock and Outdoor Adventure Program as well as the wellness program "Beach Balance". He has been teaching at CSULB since 2016 under the department of Recreation and Leisure Studies. He instructs the Team Work and Group Dynamics classes and has instructed a few courses in Recreation and Leisure in Contemporary Society.

Aileen Kingsley currently teachings in the Wilderness Studies Program at California State University, Long Beach. Additionally, Aileen teaches in the prosthetic program at Loma Linda University. She is a graduate of California Lutheran University in exercise science and then received her masters degree from Loma Linda University where she graduated with honors. Aileen has also work for the United States Forest Service and can be found hiking and climbing in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Patti LaPlace currently holds the position of Lecturer at California State University Long Beach with the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department in the College of Health and Human Services. Prior to this position, Patti was the Mental Health Coordinator with the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from CSULB and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Patti has worked in Mental Health for over 30 years and has been recognized for her work with the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS), Recreation Therapy Section, Mental Health America, Long Beach Police Department and VA Long Beach Healthcare System. In addition, she has done numerous presentations for CPRS, City or Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Long Beach Police Department, Long Beach City College and other special interest groups in the greater Long Beach area. She is currently serves on the Board of Directors for both Mental Health America and Alternative 4 Vets as well as a community volunteer for various non-profit and advocacy organizations. Patti was awarded the outstanding Educator Award by CPRS RT. Section in 2018 at the Statewide Conference held in Long Beach.

Pearl Raya is a life-long resident of Santa Ana, wife and proud mother of four children. She attended public schools and graduated from Santa Ana High School. As a single mother of two she graduated from Santa Ana College and later received her bachelor’s degree from Cal State University Fullerton in Human Services. She later earned her Master Degree in Gerontology from the University of La Verne while raising her two youngest children. Pearl has spent her life supporting and mentoring families and children in Santa Ana. She worked for the City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department for over 30 years, retiring in 2012. During her career she managed and developed community programs for at risk youth, families and senior citizens. Her professional work has touched hundreds of lives. She still encounters seniors who greet her with hugs and thanks for her friendship and caring while director of the Southwest Senior Center and Santa Ana Senior Center. Pearl founded a non –profit (501c3) Rise Above Your Ambitions, (RAYA) Foundation. The mission of the RAYA Foundation is to building successful Santa Ana youth through athletic opportunities, academic support and family support. The Club offers the Aztecs basketball club that serves over 70 youth ages 8 – 18 every year. It also overs its BOOM training clinic for 60 youth, and its Prep High School league for teens who are not able to play on their high school team. The high school league serves 60 teens for 8 weeks each year in a fun, competitive league that emphasizes sportsmanship. The Foundation also offers its annual Santa Ana Youth Track and Field games to offer children who are not involved in team sports, a chance to participate in and individual sport. It has awarded 14 scholarships to former Club members who are now in college. Pearl mentors parents who are seeking advice on children raising as well and helping them to navigate the school system and understand the requirements for college. She links students and parents to financial aid and scholarship opportunities. She has received several awards and accolades during her career but considers her 2016 Women of the Year from Assemblyman Tom Daly as among her most memorable and thanks him for the recognition.

Cassandra Reyes With a strong belief in the WHY, the Recreation career of Cassandra Reyes is based on a desire to connect to three important aspects: to always seek out opportunities for development, to utilize leadership whenever possible, and to interact and affect others. These passions have led her through 21 years with the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks, a Masters degree in Leadership and Management, and teaching at California State University, Long Beach. In addition to teaching Capstone Recreation courses, Cassandra manages LA Kids, an arts and culture program producing close to 300 classes weekly at 75 centers with 30 instructors, for the City of Los Angeles.

Shelly Robertson is an experienced educator and human service professional. Shelly has a Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Northwest Missouri State University and Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation from UNLV. She has been teaching recreation related courses for over 10 years, as well as having taught courses in Health and Social Work. Shelly’s profession practice work has been focused on youth and youth development. Before moving to California, she was the Public Achievement manager for the Heartland Foundation for over 10 years. In this role, she worked with youth in 31 different counties, across a three state area, to develop and empower them to help make positive change in their personal lives as well as in their communities. This Healthy Communities effort was unique at the time, as part of her role also involved the facilitation of youth and related community volunteer’s applied research efforts. In fact, she planned and deployed many health related special events in the region, facilitated numerous community and stakeholder meetings, as well as, lead youth teams in empirical studies using the photo voice method. As part of her role within the broader healthy community’s effort, Shelly facilitated dialog at a number of regional community forums helping to establishing shared core values and focusing on creative solutions to building healthier more livable communities. www.heartlandfoundation.org Shelly has been successful in securing grants, contracts, and interagency MOU’s. She has made numerous professional presentations, workshops and specialty conferences including those at the local, regional, state, national and international level. For example, She helped facilitate an International Youth Conference on evaluation of Public Work, in Corrymeela, Ireland. She presented a unique Public Achievement model <using Youth Voice> to University Students at the International Forum on Sport, Exercise and Leisure in Shijiazhuang, China. Her work with youth, also included those at risk. In conjunction with local and regional court personnel, as well as University partners, she led a regional effort entitled “emPowerMe”. This “youth at risk” program was designed to empower adjudicated youth to bring about positive change in their community and themselves selves through a six stage Public Achievement process of civic engagement. Most importantly, these efforts helped reduced crime in certain targeted areas and the total number of you entering the court system over a 3 year period.

Mark Wagner has held executive positions in both the public and non profit sectors serving as the Director of Recreation & Community Services for the City of Los Alamitos, California for over twenty-five years, and as the chief administrative officier for Los Alamitos Youth Center, Inc. a non profit United Way agency for nine (9) years. Areas of emphasis within Parks, Recreation and Human Services included Personnel, Finance, Grant Acquisition, Revenue Generation, Contract Administration, Risk Management, and Development of Park & Recreational Facilities. In addition, he has sixteen (16) years of upper division Academic instruction as a Lecturer within the Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies at California State University, Long Beach.