TWU Bellingham Faculty & Staff
Dr. Cynthia Gibson, Dean of TWU U.S. Extension
B.S., M.B.A., Ed.D.
Dr. Cynthia Gibson accepted the position of Dean of Trinity Western University U.S. Extension after serving as a marketing faculty professor in the School of Business at the TWU Langley, Canada campus. Prior to that, she had attained the rank of full professor and earned tenure at Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana as a marketing professor there for seven years. She has also taught marketing and economics at Keuka College in Keuka Park, New York; management courses at Oklahoma State University; and marketing courses at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Dr. Gibson has taught at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels in both traditional and online settings. She has earned B.S. (Biomedical Science) and M.B.A. degrees from Texas A&M University and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education/Educational Administration/College Teaching from Oklahoma State University.
Barbara Audley, D.P.A. -Leadership Instructor
Dr. Audley has extensive teaching, training, and management experience in a variety of contexts. Her professional roles have included teaching undergraduate and graduate adult learners, growing adult-education and continuing education programs, as well as K-12 leadership. Specifically, she served for five years as Executive Director of Extended Education and summer programs at Western Washington University. Dr. Audley has both written and presented numerous publications regarding the necessity and value of quality education. Dr. Audley has been and continues to be very involved in her respective community in a variety of leadership and service-oriented roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cal State University, Long Beach, and a Doctor of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University.
Maria Bahkt, Psy.D. -Psychology Instructor
Dr. Bahkt is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist working in the local community providing psychotherapy as well as assessments to individuals of all ages. Specifically, she works with undergraduate and graduate populations helping to provide personality and vocational discernment. Additionally, she has been a faculty member at various institutions of higher learning, and has presented lectures and workshops not only in North America, but across the globe as well. Dr. Bahkt completed her B.S. at University of the State of New York in Albany, and her M.A. and Psy.D through Arizona School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.
Paul Chamberlain, Ph.D. - Religion/Leadership Instructor
Dr. Chamberlain is a full-time Assistant Professor (Philosophy and Apologetics) at the undergraduate and graduate levels at Trinity Western University. Dr. Chamberlain is currently the Director of the Institute for Christian Apologetics, and previously served as Dean at TWU, as well as executive director of Ravi Zacharias Ministries. Dr. Chamberlain has authored several books and published numerous articles in the field of ethics, philosophy of religion, and apologetics. He has participated widely in public debates and has made guest appearances on numerous radio and TV programs. Dr. Chamberlain received his M.Div from Trinity International University and his Ph.D. from Marquette University, where he specialized in Ethics, Political Philosophy, and Philosophy of Religion.
Jayme Fergoda, M.S.W., (Doctoral student) - Psychology Instructor
Currently finishing her doctorate of philosophy in Clinical Psychology with Seattle Pacific University, Ms.Fergoda brings valuable expertise in research methods and cognitive studies. She is a Psychometrist providing psychometric services to children and adults in Bellingham. Previously she was a therapist with Catholic Community Services and a crisis home staff counselor. She has been a social services education specialist and teaching assistant at Seattle Pacific University.
Patrick Geracie, M.Div, M.A., M.A., LMHC, NCC, BCPCC - Psychology/Social Sciences Instructor
Patrick Geracie integrates scriptural teaching and Christian counseling research within the broader field of psychotherapy assessment and treatment in order to facilitate healthy changes and spiritual growth. He has a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He also holds a Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology and Master of Divinity from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Oak Hills Bible College in Bemidji, Minnesota. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State, a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor and a Certified Child Mental Health Specialist. He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is also a member of the Christian Care Network and the New Life Ministries Referral Network. Patrick teaches Marriage and Family and Psychology of Religion for Trinity Western University, Bellingham campus
Mark Halvorson, M.A. (PhD student) - Organizational Learning
Mr. Halvorson is an instructor in the TWU, Langley, Department of Communications and is half time administrator with TWU Extensions. He received is Bachelor's from Simon Fraser University, Master's degree in Leadership from the graduate school at Trinity Western University, and is back at Simon Fraser pursuing his Ph.D in Curriculum Theory and Implementation.
Debra Hanenburg, M.C., LMHC, Assistant Director, Praxis Coordinator
A licensed mental health counselor, Debra Hanenburg received her Master's in Counseling from (ACTS) Trinity Western University. She has experience in private practice, school counseling, wilderness therapy, play therapy, youth treatment facilities, abuse/domestic violence treatment and university residence life. Her attention will be given to advising and enrichment programs in Human Services and teaching practicum courses. In addition to administrative work and advising Praxis, Ms. Hanenburg facilitates the final projects for those students within the in Human Service field.
Peter Holdaas, M.T.S. - Psychology Instructor
Mr. Holdaas is a licensed mental health therapist with Catholic Community Services in Bellingham. He has been a trainer and instructor, administrator, and church pastor. Mr. Holdaas has significant training and experience facilitating cutting edge wrap-around community health programs. Mr. Holdaas holds a Master of Theological Studies and is a graduate of Trinity Western University.
Jean Kleinhesselink, M.A. - Sociology Instructor
A counselor for Nooksack Public Schools, Ms. Kleinhesselink has been practicing as a school counselor in Whatcom County and teaching part time. She received her Master's degree from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Prior to her moving here, Ms. Kleinhesselink was Solicitor General in Alberta, Canada serving as a counselor/caseworker for the Calgary Correctional Center.
Philip Laird, Ph.D. - Organizational Systems
Dr. Laird is Associate Provost of TWU Extensions and Associate Professor of Psychology at TWU. Specializing in organizational systems, Dr. Laird received his B.A. from University of British Columbia, M.A. and Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University.
Linda Long, M.Ed. - Leadership Studies
Ms. Long is the Executive Director of TWU Extension and a specialist in adult education and leadership studies. She received her Master's degree from University of Victoria.
Steve Merritt, M.A. - Psychology Instructor
Mr. Merritt, a licensed mental health counselor, is in private practice specializing in adolescent counseling, and is associate pastor of Christ the King Church in Anacortes. He is contributing editor and columnist for GROUP Magazine and former adjunct professor and Dean of Students at Mars Hill Graduate School. He received his M.A. from Colorado Christian University and also completed graduate studies at Regent College in Vancouver, BC.
Gary Minetti. Ph.D. - Psychology Instructor
Dr. Minetti is emeritus Associate Professor of Education at Pacific Lutheran University. He worked at PLU for over thirty years as an instructor in Psychology and Education as well as Director of Counseling and Testing Services. In addition to teaching university students and adult learners, Dr. Minetti has had unique assignments helping professional counselors at Western State Hospital and as a specialist in suicide prevention. Dr. Minetti received his B.S. from Washington State University, his M.A. from Pacific Lutheran University, and his Ph.D from University of Washington.
Carol Nicolay, Ed.D.-Leadership Instructor
Dr. Nicolay is an experienced adult educator with successful leadership experience both in and out of the classroom. She brings with her valuable insight and tools from her time as an instructor, administrator, and trainer in various institutions of higher learning specifically, as Director of Professional Studies and Independent Learning at Western Washington University. Her desire for leadership development and effective communication is evident as she both encourages and challenges adult students. Dr. Nicolay completed all of her studies in Arizona as she received her Bachelor of Science from Grand Canyon University, and her Doctorate in Education from Northern Arizona University.
Aaron Oosterwyk, M.A. -Director of Leadership Praxis
Aaron Oosterwyk joined the Bellingham campus as a part-time instructor within the Leadership program and brings with him a passion for servant-leadership. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Trinity Western University (ACTS). As an adult learner himself, Aaron is aware of both the rewards and challenges of pursuing higher-education; his passion is to help equip adult-learners as they realize their professional, personal, and educational goals. Aaron lives in Bellingham with his wife and daughter.
Mark Polhamus, M.S.E., PMP- Project Management Instructor
Mark joined the Bellingham faculty with extensive experience in Project Management, Information Technology, and Business Consultation. He has worked in both the private and public sector, and is certainly aware of the ever changing dynamics of each. Currently, Mark is a Project Manager for Sterling Life Insurance, and also plays an active role in the local (Mt Baker) Project Management Institute. Mark has a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Western Washington University, and Master's in Software Engineering from Seattle University.
Dr. Dale Pollard, D.Min. - Sociology/Psychology Instructor
Dale Pollard is the Executive Director of Eighth Day Community, a local non-profit that trains individuals and churches in social outreach, spiritual formation and leadership. Dale also has a mentoring/coaching ministry for emerging and current leaders in all avenues of vocation. Dale has experience in pastoral care, spiritual formation and leadership development. Dr. Pollard received his Bachelors in Psychology from Western Washington University, his Master's from Regent College, and his Doctorate from Bakke Graduate University.
Melody Rhode, Ph.D.- Psychology Instructor
Dr. Rhode is a Clinical Psychologist who brings to the classroom extensive experience as a psychotherapist for adults, children, and families. Her leadership and volunteer experience is far-reaching and includes successful roles working with non-profits, various ministries, and health-care. Dr. Rhode's specialization includes exploring the relationship between therapy, faith, leadership, and healthy psychological development. Both her Master of Arts and Ph.D degrees are from the Graduate School of Psychology within Fuller Theological Seminary.
Mark Warren, M.Ed. - Leadership Instructor
Mr. Warren is a Teaching Pastor at Christ the King Community Church in Bellingham, an adjunct faculty instructor at Whatcom Community College, and a consultant with Mark Warren Associates. Mark's primary passion includes helping people and students of all ages better understand their strengths, gifts, and talents and thus how to best live out their personal and professional calling. He received both his Bachelor's and Master of Education degrees from Western Washington University.
It has given me so many tools for my professional and personal life. Class is the highlight of my week.
~ Admin. Assistant (Communications Co.) more
The classes are relevant. I am able to apply the knowledge immediately.
~ Payroll Analyst, (Health Services) more
What is a "cohort"?
It's a learning team. You begin and end the program in this supporting and enjoyable learning environment of like-minded learners in similar positions - balancing busy life schedules at home and work. Find out more.
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