Pacifica Faculty News
PGI Alumni Clara Oropeza, Ph.D., is the author of A Re-mapping of Womanhood and Creativity: A Literary and Depth Psychological Perspective, which will be out in April. She will be giving the talk “A Reunion With the Feminine” on Pacifica Extension and International Studies on April 23 & 30, 2025, as well as a PEIS book talk on July 9, 2025.
Pacifica Graduate Institute has received reaffirmation of accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) for another six-year term. This reaffirmation reflects WSCUC’s confidence in our commitment to student learning, institutional development, and continuous improvement.
Elisabeth Gonella, M.A., and Gioia Jacobson, M.A., are the Interim Department Co-Chairs of the Masters in Counseling Psychology Program. We’re delighted to speak with them about the Counseling Program and their own work.
Black History Month invites us to hold multiple truths at once. It is a time to celebrate the rich history, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals across generations. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and equality, recognizing the depths of our shared history and the work still ahead. I am learning that my growth relies on me not ignoring my emotions and instead taking time to embrace and reflect on them —acknowledging both the weight of the past and the possibility of a more just future.
Gerui Grace Ma is in her second year in Pacifica’s M.A. Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities program. We’re excited to hear about her work in Beijing and her experience at Pacifica in Part II of this interview.
Gerui Grace Ma is in her second year in Pacifica’s M.A. Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities program. We’re excited to hear about her work in Beijing and her experience at Pacifica in this two part interview.
Glen Slater is the author of Jung vs. Borg: Finding the Deeply Human in a Posthuman Age, as well as being a faculty member of the M.A./Ph.D. Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies program’s new online cohort (DJO). We’re delighted to catch up with Glen about his new book, as well as this exciting new online offering from Pacifica.
Chantal Noa Forbes is a transdisciplinary scholar, storyteller, and educator at the intersection of ecology, spirituality, and culture, who will be joining the new fully online M.A./Ph.D. in Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness (PRC) in the Fall as an adjunct faculty member. We’re delighted to speak with Chantal about her work and upcoming participation in Pacifica’s new program.
As we approach the December holidays—a season rich with traditions around the world like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Ōmisoka, and the celebration of the New Year—it’s a fitting time to pause and reflect on our shared journey. This moment invites us to honor the diversity of our community, the beauty of the traditions we carry, and the collective mission that unites us: animae mundi colendae gratia” (tending the soul of and in the world).
As we entered the introspective winter months, Pacifica reached out across our community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, asking for reflections on our core values: Logos, Eros, Consciousness, Integrity, Service, and Stewardship.
David Odorisio, Ph.D., currently the Chair of Pacifica’s Mythological Studies program, will be leading the launch of a new M.A./Ph.D. program in Fall 2025, in Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness. We’re delighted to find out more about this ground-breaking development in Part II of this interview.
David Odorisio, Ph.D., currently the Chair of Pacifica’s Mythological Studies program, will be leading the launch of a new M.A./Ph.D. program in Fall 2025, in Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness. We’re delighted to find out more about this ground-breaking development.
“On Veterans Day, we pause to acknowledge and honor the courage, sacrifice, dedication, and needs of those who have served in our Armed Forces. Veterans hold a unique perspective shaped by profound experiences and challenges, and their commitment to defending our freedoms has paved the way for countless opportunities. In our depth psychological community, we also recognize the immense effects of war on the individual and collective psyche and aim to positively support the needs of our veterans, particularly in mental health, as we work toward a peaceful society.”-Deneatrice A. Lewis, PGI Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging
Dr. Emily Lord-Kambitsch, Pacifica Faculty & Co-Chair of the Mythological Studies Program was recently awarded first prize in the Classical Association Poetry Competition, 2024 for the poem, “Pluto’s Wife in Transit.” We’re delighted to speak with her about her poetry and also hear what is new in the Mythological Studies Program.
With the departure of Dr. Loraine Devos-Comby from Pacifica, we wish to recognize her many dedicated contributions, thoughtful and wise leadership, and generous presence as our Interim Provost, VP of Academic Affairs, and VP of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation. Please read below for a letter from Dr. Devos-Comby and words of appreciation from her colleagues.
“Psychedelics and Depth Psychology: Treatment and Transformation in an Animated Cosmos” is a Graduate Certificate in Psychedelics and Depth Psychology that will be offered online by Pacifica Extension and International Studies over 13 weeks, with Brian Stafford being one of the instructors. The course will introduce essential topics in the current medical/psychiatric model of treatment and research as well as a deep dive into the indigenous history of these medicines, their cultural significance, and original worldview of the cosmos that challenges current Western societal perspectives. It will be held June 5, 2024 – August 28th, 2024. Register now!
“Psychedelics and Depth Psychology: Treatment and Transformation in an Animated Cosmos” is a Graduate Certificate in Psychedelics and Depth Psychology that will be offered online by Pacifica Extension and International Studies over 13 weeks, with Brian Stafford being one of the instructors. The course will introduce essential topics in the current medical/psychiatric model of treatment and research as well as a deep dive into the indigenous history of these medicines, their cultural significance, and original worldview of the cosmos that challenges current Western societal perspectives. It will be held June 5, 2024 – August 28th, 2024. Register now!
Pacifica’s annual culminating events for graduating students are coming up this weekend! On Saturday, May 25th, Pacifica will once again host its Commencement ceremony at the beautiful Hilton Santa Barbara, where approximately 160 graduates of the over 250 total graduates of Pacifica’s class of 2024 will fill the main ballroom along with their family, friends, and our staff and faculty. Delivering this year’s commencement address is Leigh J. McCloskey, who is an artist, author, actor, and visual philosopher.
“Psychedelics and Depth Psychology: Treatment and Transformation in an Animated Cosmos” is a Graduate Certificate in Psychedelics and Depth Psychology that will be offered online by Pacifica Extension and International Studies over 13 weeks, with Dylan Hoffman being one of the instructors. The course will introduce essential topics in the current medical/psychiatric model of treatment and research as well as a deep dive into the indigenous history of these medicines, their cultural significance, and original worldview of the cosmos that challenges current Western societal perspectives. It will be held June 5, 2024 – August 28th, 2024. Register now!
With Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies, programs, and initiatives under the microscope of legislative and political pressures across the higher education landscape, Pacifica Graduate Institute – with its motto to “tend to the soul in and of the world” – maintains its unwavering commitment to nurturing an environment in its depth psychological academic community where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are integral. This dedication is embodied in the announcement of its new Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging, Deneatrice A. Lewis, MS.
As we celebrate Earth Day, we reflect on our collective and individual relationship with nature, our commitment to sustainability, and the ways we can continue to reduce our environmental impact and fight for the necessary changes to address the needs of our planet. At Pacifica Graduate Institute, we believe that promoting sustainability, protection, and restoration, as well as connecting with the awe and wonder of nature are essential parts of our mission of tending the soul of the world. We believe in the power of education to inspire positive change in the world and meet the urgent environmental challenges we face. Our programs encourage students to explore ecological sustainability, environmental justice, and social responsibility.
David Odorisio, Ph.D., currently the Co-Chair of Pacifica’s Mythological Studies program, will be leading the launch of a new M.A./Ph.D. program in Fall 2024, in Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness. This is the final part in a two-part interview
Connie Alexander-Boaitey is the co-founder of Gateway Educational Services, advocating for Santa Barbara’s underserved students through education. She is also the current president of the Santa Barbara NAACP. On April 20th, the NAACP is holding the “Black Women’s Health Equity Conference” in Santa Barbara, a free event for Black women from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria & Lompoc. PGI President & CEO Dr. Leonie H. Mattison will be speaking at and participating in the conference. We’re delighted to hear more about Connie’s work in Part I of II of this interview, which is part of the Pacifica Soul Promise Series.
David Odorisio, Ph.D., currently the Chair of Pacifica’s Mythological Studies program, will be leading the launch of a new M.A./Ph.D. program in Fall 2025, in Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness. We’re delighted to find out more about this ground-breaking development.
Connie Alexander-Boaitey is the co-founder of Gateway Educational Services, advocating for Santa Barbara’s underserved students through education. She is also the current president of the Santa Barbara NAACP. On April 20th, the NAACP is holding the “Black Women’s Health Equity Conference” in Santa Barbara, a free event for Black women from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria & Lompoc. PGI President & CEO Dr. Leonie H. Mattison will be speaking at and participating in the conference. We’re delighted to hear more about Connie’s work in Part I of II of this interview, which is part of the Pacifica Soul Promise Series.
Juliet Rohde-Brown, Ph.D., is the Chair for the Depth Psychology: Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices doctoral specialization program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, and a mentor to many. She will be teaching the Pacifica Extension course, “Shadow and Society: The Forgotten Child in Collective Contexts,” on April 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2024. The class will be offered live on Zoom.
Gather a hundred people in a room and ask them to name a woman who they admire, and you will likely get a hundred different answers. Ask a Pacifica scholar to do the same, and you have Pacifica Extensions “Trailblazers, Renegades and Mystics” Series, featuring PGI faculty members delving into the lives of extraordinary women who have shaped history. In this thought-provoking, five-part series, Mary Wood, David Odorisio, Camille Harris, Emily Lord-Kambitsch, and Dylan Hoffman offer a depth psychological snapshot of trail-blazing women. These half-hour long talks, available free on Pacifica’s YouTube channel, illuminate the complexities, contributions and relevance of these women’s lives and work for the contemporary challenges we face today.
Patricia O. Katsky is a core faculty member of the Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices and was formerly provost at Pacifica. We’re delighted to speak with her about her experiences in becoming a therapist and also about her years of service at Pacifica.
An Interview with Alisa Orduña, Ph.D.Alisa is a graduate of Pacifica’s specialization in Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychology. She has been a practitioner, policy analyst, collaborator and thought leader in the urban community development field for the past 25 years
An Interview with Alisa Orduña, Ph.D.Alisa is a graduate of Pacifica’s specialization in Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychology. She has been a practitioner, policy analyst, collaborator and thought leader in the urban community development field for the past 25 years
Pacifica is pleased to welcome Dr. Jenny Escobar to the position of Core Faculty in the M.A./Ph.D. Program in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychologies specialization. Dr. Escobar began teaching this fall, and I’m delighted to find out more about her work.
As part of Pacifica’s Journeys of the Soul Conference, an immersive weekend of learning and connecting at Pacifica Graduate Institute to be held September 29 – October 1, Susan Rowland, Ph.D., a faculty member of Pacifica’s M.A. in Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities department, the 2023 C.G. Jung Award…
As part of Pacifica’s Journeys of the Soul Conference, an immersive weekend of learning and connecting at Pacifica Graduate Institute to be held September 29 – October 1, Bayo Akomolafe, Ph.D., an adjunct lecturer at Pacifica, a poet and the Executive Director and for The Emergence Network, will offer a special long-distance welcome and introduction…
As part of Pacifica’s Journeys of the Soul Conference, an immersive weekend of learning and connecting at Pacifica Graduate Institute to be held September 29 – October 1, Dick Russell, an award-winning investigative journalist and author of a biographical trilogy, The Life and Ideas of James Hillman, will be participating in an author salon with…
As part of Pacifica’s Journey week, an immersive week of learning and connecting at Pacifica Graduate Institute to be held September 27-October 1, Roland Palencia, documentarian and filmmaker, will be a featured presenter, screening the groundbreaking, PBS co-produced documentary film UNIDAD: Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos and discussing his longtime activism and advocacy within the…
Dr. Fanny Brewster, Ph.D., is the author of Race and the Unconscious: An Africanist Depth Psychology Perspective on Dreaming, as well as being a core faculty member of Pacifica Graduate Institute’s Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices Program. She will be participating in the launch of her book on Friday, August…
An article featuring recent work by Pacifica adjunct faculty Victoria Stevens. Victoria is an adjunct faculty member in the Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices program.
David M. Odorisio, PhD, is Co-Chair and Associate Core Faculty in Pacifica’s Mythological Studies graduate degree program. David is editor of A New Gnosis: Comic Books, Comparative Mythology, and Depth Psychology. I’m delighted to speak with him about his new book.
Pacifica is proud to share the announcement of two new faculty emeriti, the highest recognition bestowed upon retiring faculty.
Joanna Gardnener is an alumni of and adjunct professor at Pacifica Graduate Institute, in the Mythological Studies specialization. She is also the co-founder of the Fates and Graces Mythologium, which will be held July 28-30, 2023, in Carpinteria, CA
The Board of Directors of the International Association for Jungian Studies (IAJS) has recently conducted a vote, and it is with great pleasure that we announce the recipient of this year’s prestigious C.G. Jung Award is Pacifica Graduate Institute’s very own Dr. Susan Rowland, Core Faculty and Advisor in Research and the Humanities in our…
I do not intend to, nor can I, speak of Judaism or Jewishness for all Jews; rather, here I intend to share my perspective as a Jewish person. In its history spanning millennia, Jews from all over the world have forged their own understandings. Growing up, Judaism to me came to mean valuing knowledge and…
Camille Jarmie Harris, Ph.D. has recently joined the faculty at Pacifica in the Clinical Psychology program. This is Part II in the conversation I had with Dr. Harris about her work and teaching in hermeneutic analysis.
Introducing Our Esteemed Program Chairs at Pacifica Graduate Institute. At Pacifica Graduate Institute, we are privileged to have a distinguished group of Program Chairs who lead our renowned graduate degree programs with expertise, vision, and a deep commitment to the exploration of depth psychology, mythology and the humanities. Get to know our esteemed Program Chairs…
Camille Jarmie Harris, Ph.D. has recently joined the faculty at Pacifica in the Clinical Psychology program. I’m excited to hear more about her work and teaching in hermeneutic analysis.
Evolution and Growth in the Integrative Therapy and Healing Program: An Interview with Juliet Rohde-Brown, Ph.D. Juliet Rohde-Brown, Ph.D. is the Chair for the Depth Psychology: Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices doctoral specialization program at Pacifica Graduate Institute. I’m delighted to speak with her to hear about the program’s evolution and growth.
Congratulations to David M. Odorisio, PhD, Co-Chair of the Mythological Studies program, on his recent publication, “A New Gnosis: Comic Books, Comparative Mythology, and Depth Psychology”.
Mary A. Wood, Ph.D., is the Chair of the M.A. Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities program, which is currently accepting applications for Spring and Fall. She will be presenting the webinar “World-Bridging and Shapeshifting: Soul, Image, and Imagination in Gloria Anzaldúa, James Hillman, and C.G. Jung” on January 13th.…
Having come through the pandemic as a strong community at Pacifica, there is a delight and a joy in convening once again on campus for the 2022-23 school year, which our reopening conference, “Portals to the Imaginal: Re-Visioning Depth Psychology for the 21st Century”, will celebrate. Emily Chow-Kambitsch, Co-Chair and Associate Core Faculty in our…
I do think the psyche is so mysterious that we need symbols—both imaginal and material—to mediate our relationship with the unknown. But such symbols aren’t of our making, not things we construct for ourselves in an attempt to make sense of the psyche. That kind of attempt would be useless in terms of understanding the…
Dr. Corbett serves as a professor of depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. He is the author of several books, the most recent of which is The God-Image from Antiquity to Jung. I am delighted to speak to him about his work with the God image in the context of Jung’s scholarship.
Mary Antonia Wood is the Chair of the M.A. in Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities at Pacifica Graduate Institute, and has published The Archetypal Artist: Reimagining Creativity and the Call to Create, a book that addresses the confluence of Jungian and archetypal psychologies, the artist, the shaman, and creativity…
Susan Rowland, core faculty at Pacifica Graduate Institute, and author of The Sleuth and the Goddess in Women’s Detective Fiction, among other works of academic writing and fiction, has just had a new book published by Chiron Publications, The Sacred Well Murders. “A simple job turns deadly when Mary Wandwalker, novice detective, is hired to…
Elizabeth Éowyn Nelson, Ph.D., is Core Faculty in the Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices, as well as the author of Psyche’s Knife: Archetypal Explorations of Love.
