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Dr. Christina's Professional Background

A curated overview of the roles, training, and leadership experiences that shaped Dr. Christina's path as a grief educator and guide and clinician.

Education

  • Psy.D., Clinical Forensic Psychology — Alliant International University

  • B.A., Communications & Media Studies — Clayton State University

  • Certificate in School Leadership and Management-Harvard University Business School Online

  • Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship: The Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship- Cornell University Online

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Certifications

  • End of Life Doula (2023)

  • Vibrational Sound Therapy (2023)

  • Mental Health First Aid for Children and Older Adults (2023)

 

 

Hospice & End-of-Life Care

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Kindred Hospice 

Manager of Volunteer Services (2016–2018)

  • Expanded and revitalized hospice volunteer program, increasing membership by over 75%.

  • Led quality assurance audits, personnel reviews, and quarterly program evaluations.

  • Designed and delivered training for volunteers, student interns, and clinical teams.

  • Created veteran recognition ceremonies for patients in-home and in long-term care facilities.

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United Healthcare Hospice
Patient Support Volunteer (2011–2012)

  • Offered social and emotional support to patients and families during late-stage illness.

  • Documented psychosocial progress and attended hospice care trainings.

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Grief-Centered Care
 

The Dinner Party Host (2018-2019), Table Attendee (2019-2020), and Current Community Advisory Table Member (2023-present)

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Kate’s Club (2016-2018)
● Facilitated grief-focused activities and support groups in local elementary schools
● Supported new Club members and their caregivers at program orientations

Camp I Believe Grief Camp (2016 and 2017)

  •  Assisted with organization of grief camp activities for children

  •  Facilitated grief groups for children aged 11-14

  •  Co-facilitated memorial service for families

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Elder Care 
 

AgeSong / Pacific Institute 

Counseling Intern → Recruitment Director (2012–2014)

  • Provided psychotherapy to medically fragile elders and those navigating end-of-life transitions.

  • Co-facilitated psychoeducational groups and participated in care planning meetings.

  • Redesigned the intern recruitment program, handbook, and onboarding process.

  • Led community programming and student-driven events.
     

Alzheimer’s Association 

Executive Assistant → Program Manager (2006–2008)

  • Trained first responders under POST requirements on dementia, safety, and crisis situations.

  • Managed caregiver workshops and assisted with major fundraising initiatives.

  • Oversaw regional data reporting and volunteer engagement.​

 

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Clinical, Forensic & Academic Training
 

Audrey Hepburn Children’s House 

Forensic Psychology Fellow (2014–2015)

  • Conducted trauma-informed assessments and provided clinical services in a leading forensic setting.
     

Sex Crimes & Paraphilias Institute (SCPI) / Alliant University

Institutional Director; Clinical Practicum Roles (2009–2012)

  • Supervised practicum training and worked with complex clinical and forensic cases.

     

Psychotherapy & Clinical Work
 

Gateway Community Service Board
Clinician (2024-present)

  • Provides psychotherapy with a focus on grief, trauma, life transitions, and identity.

  • Awarded Employee of the Quarter (Fall, 2025)

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The Gathering Place Charter School

Founding Director of Social Emotional Learning > Founding Director of Student Supports (2021-2024)​

  • Campus Certified Crisis Prevention Institute Trainer (restraint training)

  • Managed, coached, and supervised: LPC (licensed professional counselor), restorative justice coordinator, special education coordinator, special education aides, special education teachers, special education coordinator, and behavioral interventionists

  • Decreased department budget spending by 45%

  • Reduced student incident and code of conduct violations by 70%

  • Decreased number of campus suspensions by 50%​​​

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I Can Think Positive! 

Therapist / Independent Contractor (2019–2020)

  • Provides psychotherapy with a focus on grief, trauma, life transitions, and identity.​​

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Academic Teaching
 

Meridian University

Adjunct Faculty

  • Teaches Healing & Transforming Trauma, integrating somatic, psycho-spiritual, and community-based practices.

  • Supports graduate students exploring embodied healing, grief wisdom, and trauma-responsive care.

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Our Lady of the Lake University

Adjunct Faculty

  • Teaches criminal justice courses: Intro to forensic psychology, restorative justice, juvenile delinquency, crime and society, law and society

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