Katherine Bailey, MBA, is an Executive Admissions Advisor at Pacifica, who is the advisor for the Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices, the M.A/Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian and Archetypal Studies, the M.A in Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities, and the M.A/Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology.
Angela: Tell us a little about your life, your background, and how you came to Pacifica.
Katherine: I was born and raised in Rancho Palos Verdes and I have three brothers. I have a close family since my brothers and their families all live in and around Los Angeles. We get together in Palos Verdes at the home we grew up in regularly. My parents were born in China, but left to go to Taiwan; they were called outsiders there, so they came to the U.S. seeking a new beginning and opportunity. My father was part of the first group of exchange students to come to the U.S. from Taiwan. He received a full scholarship at St. John’s University in Minnesota and became a chemist. My parents owned a healthcare business where my father was the chemist and my mother was in marketing/sales. I grew up in a health-care setting where making a difference in other’s lives was the norm. My parents taught me life is about leadership, service, and purpose. I admired my parents for always wanting to help people in need.
After graduating from U.C. Irvine, I started a career in college admissions. I was surprised that I could have a career doing something as fulfilling as helping others begin a journey that would be enriching and life changing. From the first moment I observed an interview, I knew it was the right career for me. Twenty years later, I am still enjoying a rewarding career as an Admissions Advisor at Pacifica Graduate Institute. I am so thankful to have the honor of helping applicants take the next step in their career to do something that excites and challenges them. I love helping applicants address their concerns and challenges through the admissions process. It is truly a career of leadership, service, and purpose.
I found Pacifica through a colleague who said wonderful things about the Institute, and I felt like working in the area of psychology was a great fit for me since I happen to also be an RN. In 2020, I took a part-time RN program and after graduation in 2022, started working as an RN. Although it must seem like a strange hobby, I work as a per diem RN in the ICU, and I see a great need for psychological services. Working at Pacifica helps me to tend to the soul of the world, by helping students achieve their goals to meet the psychological needs of society. Besides working as an Admissions Advisor and an RN in the ICU, I also enjoying having fun with my three children. I can definitely relate to my applicants since I am planning on applying to a doctorate program in nursing one day. I would like to also work as a nurse anesthesiologist in the future and teach. I know just how important it is to have a good admissions advisor on your side to help you figure things out in order to achieve your dreams. That’s why I tell my applicants they can call me anytime. I know it’s important.
Angela: You are an advisor for four of our programs. What is it like to field such a wide array of interests and how do you determine the right fit for people?
Katherine: Because I have the privilege of working with four programs, when I have a conversation with an applicant, I start by letting them talk and finding out about them. Based on what they tell me, and degrees they may already have, I give them suggestions based on that. So if licensure is important to them, I present licensure options. I list everything that pertains to their interests and schedule needs. It just depends on what their goals are. I work with many professionals who already have established careers who are pursuing a program at Pacifica Graduate Institute. They are not seeking an education simply to obtain a job; they aspire to bring positive change to the world. They dare to dream big and want to help make advancements in the world of psychology. So the way I work with students is not to pick programs for them, but instead work together to organically find the best options for them. The more we communicate, the easier it is to help my applicants navigate the admissions process so they can start school successfully.
Angela: What do you most like about working at Pacifica and being an admissions advisor?
Katherine: Two things come to mind. The first is the moment when we connect and they realize that this is the perfect school and program for them, after talking about their goals and figuring out solutions to their challenges, and they feel motivated and sure of their decision, and they’re excited. I can totally feel that. They’re grateful for the connection and the help. It’s that moment when I feel so glad we talked and figured it out together. The second favorite moment would be when they tell me they’re accepted.
Angela: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? Where might we find you on a Saturday or Sunday?
Katherine: Outside of work, I like meditation, going to the spa, yoga, swimming, biking, hiking, ice skating, cooking, reading for fun and work, and spending time with family and friends. On most weekends, you can find me in Palos Verdes, going for a hike, trying new places to eat, and cooking. And when I have time, I love to take short trips.
Katherine Bailey, MBA,
Executive Admissions Advisor
805-881-1638
Angela Borda is a writer for Pacifica Graduate Institute, as well as the editor of the Santa Barbara Literary Journal. Her work has been published in Food & Home, Peregrine, Hurricanes & Swan Songs, Delirium Corridor, Still Arts Quarterly, Danse Macabre, and is forthcoming in The Tertiary Lodger and Running Wild Anthology of Stories, Vol. 5.
