Meet the LDC Team

The Life Directions Center staff is dedicated to assisting students throughout their entire educational experience at CCU.

 

Emily WrightEmily Wright
Administrative Assistant

Emily graduated with an English degree from the College of William and Mary in 2006. In addition to scheduling and facilitating advisor appointments, Emily coordinates technology for students that qualify for accommodations. She also oversees the CLEP, DSST and Compass testing on the Lakewood campus.

 

Joy StricklandJoy Strickland
Director

Joy brings sixteen years of higher education experience to her role in the Life Directions Center. Joy is certified to administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a well-known personality assessment, that assists students in learning about themselves and how their personality affects their studies, relationships and future career plans. Joy is the LDC liaison to the School of Humanities and Sciences. She has an M.S. in Education from Alfred University.

 

Class of 2015 Advisors

Melanie AllenMelanie Allan
Ministry Hour Coordinator

Melanie brings experience in the counseling field and training in both career counseling and assessment to the LDC. In addition to advising her cohort of 2015 students, Melanie coordinates the Ministry Hours Program. Melanie graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling from Denver Seminary in 2011.

 

Mark McCormickMark McCormick

Mark comes to CCU after twenty one years living in a freshman dorm as a resident director at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. He is excited to be working with the Class of 2015 at CCU as they all begin their journey together. He has a M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

 

Class of 2014 Advisors

Carol TrejosCarol Trejos
Assistant Director - Career Development

Carol has over 17 years of working in Higher Education. Carol also coordinates our Career Development Program. She holds a master's degree in Education (Counseling & Guidance) from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and has a certificate in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Denver Seminary.


 

Derek ZellerDerek Zeller
Disabilities Coordinator

Derek graduated from CCU in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in Youth Ministry and completed a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2010. In addition to advising his 2014 student cohort, Derek coordinates Disability Services, providing documentation evaluation as well as compliance to the American Disability Act.

 

Class of 2013 Advisors

Matt JonesMatt Jones
Assistant Director - Americorp

Matt has worked in higher education for nine years. In addition to his cohort of 2013 students, Matt is the liaison for the School of Business and Leadership and School of Theology and is CCU's expert on the AmeriCorps programs. He also teaches for the School of Theology. Matt earned his master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently working on his Ph.D. through Regent University. He has been married for 15 years to Cathy and has three amazing kids.

 

Melissa ReedMelissa Reed
Study Abroad and International Student Coordinator

Melissa is completing her fourth year at CCU. In addition to advising her cohort of 2013 students, Melissa coordinates International Student Services and Study Abroad programs. She is also a liaison to majors within the School of Education. Melissa has a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Taylor University and has been married to Dan Reed for 5 years.