About the Instructors

Theresa Benson, Ph.D.
I started working with the CCP program in 2007 as the Program Coordinator. I come to the program with a masters degree in holistic health education from JFK University.  I received my doctoral degree in counseling psychology from The University of Akron.

As an instructor, I take an experiential learning approach with a holistic emphasis focusing on the development and integration of the cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the students. My clinical interests include Eastern therapies with an emphasis on Morita therapy, holistic health practices and interventions, self-care practices of caregivers, body-based psychotherapies, post-traumatic growth, and social justice issues. I am looking forward to sharing aspects of my clinical interests, training, and experiences within the CCP Program.

Rukiyah Gbajabiamila, Graduate Assistant 
I have had the pleasure of participating as a paraprofessional as an undergraduate as well as continuing to be a paid paraprofessional and graduate assistant with the CCP Program.

I completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology and I am currently a master student studying Human Resource Development through the College of Education. Within my role in the CCP program, I have the ability to serve as a coach, trainer, and consultant for the paraprofessionals and use my background in intentional interviewing, positive psychology coaching and organizational development to aid in the program’s growth and advancement. I incorporate my professional interest of strength-based development, a holistic approach, and social justice issues to our practices and teachings within the classroom.

The work I have done with the program and with its extremely hard-working and inspiring students has been extremely rewarding and I hope to continue aspects of training, coaching and consulting in future aspects of my career. The beliefs of “creating a community that celebrates personal growth” and that “a little laughter can go a long way” are just some of the things that fuel the work that I do with CCPs.