Faculty

Assistant Professor

Biography

Dr. Marissa Brash holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Public Health Degree in Biostatistics from Loma Linda University, a Doctor of Public Health Degree in Epidemiology from Loma Linda University, and a Doctor of Education Degree in Mind, Brain, Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. She is also Certified in Public Health by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Dr. Brash has a passion for teaching while also working on curriculum design, accreditation standards, program implementation, evaluation, and assessment. She is interested in integrating curriculum through interprofessional education efforts between the public health, nursing, health administration, business, mathematics, and social and behavioral health sectors of higher learning healthcare. Her research interests include epigenetic-based autoimmune public health prevention efforts through lifestyle interventions, and neuroeducation topics related to academic stress and anxiety in the STEM subjects. Additionally, she sits on the Medical Science Advisory Board for Global Genes, a non-profit serving the rare disease community.

Adjunct Professor

Biography:

Dr. Dale L. Gooden, is a healthcare administration, science, and technology professor with over five years of instructional expertise in healthcare technology, informatics, administration, and management. Additionally, he is an evidence-based healthcare professional with over ten years of progressive experience in leading macro healthcare projects in hospital and clinical environments. He is proficient in facilitating workforce dynamics to accomplish reengineering initiatives and organizational goals.

Dr. Gooden received a Doctor of Health Sciences degree from A.T. Still University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of La Verne. He has a proven track-record of engaged student learning through a student-centeredness and a holistic approach to the health sciences. Dr. Gooden is an award-winning instructor who is valued for integrating academic rigor and professional expertise in both on-ground and online instructional environments.

Adjunct Faculty

Biography

Dr. Dustin McLemore is a scholar-practitioner and teaches courses in healthcare administration at Concordia University Irvine. His specializations include healthcare quality, performance improvement, leadership, strategy, law, and regulation. Dr. McLemore's research focuses on improving healthcare organizations through stakeholder engagement and program sustainability. He earned a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Colorado State University. Dustin is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Originally from Texas, Dr. McLemore began his career working with diverse populations to improve health outcomes and the experience of care through work on the Social Determinants of Health. He worked progressively in positions of increasing responsibility, focusing on data-driven program management and evaluation. Before relocating to southern California, he served in leadership positions in a health plan, community health system, and a nationally ranked research hospital in Colorado.

Biography

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Science Degree in Human Resources from Chapman University in Orange, California. Mark also holds a lifetime SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute.

Mark currently serves as the Vice President of Human Resources at MBK Senior Living. MBK provides Seniors with Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care, and associated services. MBK has nearly 2000 Associates in six States.

In addition to his experience at MBK, Mark has over 30 years of experience as a Human Resources and Administration Executive. He has worked in a variety of industries including: Automotive, Staffing, Internet, Medical Device, and Dental industries. He has successfully lead Administrative functions for these large and medium-sized companies where he has been responsible for Employee Relations, Recruiting, Risk Management, Organizational Development, Total Rewards, Purchasing, and Payroll.

Assistant Professor

Biography

Kellie has been teaching since 2008 and has taught classes at California State University Long Beach, Concordia University Irvine and Long Beach City College. She has taught courses in Writing, Public Speaking, Workplace Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Small Group Communication, Argumentation and Debate and Interviewing. Kellie enjoys teaching all areas of Communication Studies but tend to focus on Organizational Communication, Professional Writing and Public Speaking. She enjoys teaching at Concordia University because it allows her to combine her love of teaching with her Christian beliefs.

Degrees Earned

• M.A., California State University Long Beach (May 2010)
• B.A., California State University Long Beach (May 2007)

Courses Taught

IOP/NPL 311, Writing in the Workplace

Program Director and Associate Professor

Professional Experience

Dr. Catherine Sinardi is Director of Healthcare Management, overseeing the following degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management (traditional and online) and Master of Healthcare Administration. She teaches a variety of courses in aforementioned programs, and is an instructor in the Townsend Institute’s Master of Arts in Counseling curriculum. Previously, she was Regional Director of Clinical Services at Children’s Institute and Director of Quality Assurance and Program Evaluation at Counseling4Kids, both in the greater Los Angeles area. She also worked in private practice as a licensed counselor and held various administrative positions at ChildNet Youth and Family Services in Long Beach.

Biography

Dr. Sinardi holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from St. Cloud State University and a Master's degree in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach. She became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2006. In 2011, Dr. Sinardi completed her Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne.