Faculty & Staff
Full-Time Faculty
Dr. Sherrie Davey
Department Chair
Phone: (323) 265-8741
Email: @email
Office: N/A
As the first person in my family to attend college, I was definitely uncertain about what I wanted to pursue. Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing.
It was when I met an outstanding psychology professor at my community college that everything started to change. It was through her passion for psychology and her strong belief that education is the key to enriching your life, your family’s lives and your community, that I also fell in love with psychology.
After completing my AA at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, California, I transferred to UC Davis to complete my BA in Psychology with a minor in Human Development. After a brief stint in the workforce, I decided to go back to school and pursue a graduate degree in the filed I love—psychology. I started a Master’s Degree at CSU Sacramento and eventually transferred to UC Riverside to complete my Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, specializing in the intersection of psychology and the law, with a research emphasis on eyewitness identification and decision making.
While working on my degree I had the opportunity to teach a number of classes at UC Riverside and at local community colleges. I soon realized that teaching was my true passion. And as a former community college student, I knew that there was no place I’d rather be than a community college.
I’ve been a full-time faculty member in the Psychology Department at East LA College since 2006 and became the Chairperson in 2009. I absolutely love my job.
In addition to having a career that I love, I also have 2 amazing children and a fantastic husband.
Dr. Steven Almaraz
Professor of Psychology
Phone: (323 )415-5013
Email: @email
Office: Southgate 119A
I am an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at East Los Angeles College, but I began my Psychology journey in high school. Like many, my fist exposure to psychology was the classical conditioning of Pavlov’s dogs. I was immediately hooked. I decided to major in Psychology at Mt. San Antonio College and continued on to attain my B.A. in psychology at UCLA.
There, I was fortunate enough to join Dr. Kerri Johnson’s Social Vision lab and investigate how our perceptions of others are affected by our racial and sexual groups and even our current states of mind.
Contributing to the Psychology I once only read about was exhilarating and inspired me to pursue my Ph.D. in Social Psychology with Dr. Kurt Hugenberg at Miami University. With Dr. Hugenberg, I continued to ask questions related to interactions across group lines, with a particular focus on how people make judgments of others cognitive, emotional, and behavioral characteristics, even based on only facial or bodily information.
At Miami, I gained experience teaching and mentoring undergraduates. At first, I was reluctant to take on this daunting task, but I quickly grew to love this role. Seeing the spark in a student’s eyes when they finally grasp a particularly difficult concept is a feeling that cannot be matched. At ELAC, I have the opportunity to reach back to my Community College roots and help new undergraduates begin their own journey into Psychology.
Dr. Cathy Cleveland
Professor of Psychology
Phone: N/A
Email: @email
Office: N/A
As a cognitive-neuroscientist, I examine the connection between human mental experiences and the physical brain. In 2007, I graduated from UC Riverside with a Ph.D. in Psychology. I have taught all levels of college and university psychology courses.
As a researcher, I conducted experiments investigating how the brain's right and left hemispheres “remember” certain types of information in completely different but complementary ways. Biological Psychology, Psychological Research Methods, Human NeuroPsychology, and Behavioral Statistics are my favorite courses to teach.
I confess that I’m a shameless geek. I love anything science fiction, philosophical, and historical. I even lecture on Zombie Brain Diagnosis! On the weekends, I volunteer as a docent with the Los Angeles Conservancy, giving Art Deco historical walking tours of our downtown architectural treasures such as the Eastern Columbia and Oviatt buildings.
I am privileged to serve as a full-time faculty member in ELAC’s renowned Psychology Department. And, yes, the rumors are true – ELAC students are amazing! And so are the students at WLAC and other LACCD colleges.
Arpi Festekjian
Professor of Psychology
Phone: (323) 415-5013
Email: @email
Office: N/A
Hello, my name is Arpi Festekjian, but students simply call me Dr. F :-)
I have been a full-time psychology professor at ELAC since 2010. I teach General Psychology (PSY 1), General Psychology Honors (PSY 1H), Social Psychology (PSY 13), Psychology of Women (PSY 32), Life-Span Psychology (PSY 41), and Psychological Research Methods (PSY 92). I also teach some of these courses online.
I am a facilitator of Guided Pathways at ELAC, which is a framework that helps students stay on track, achieve their goals expeditiously, and align their efforts with future career goals. It has always been very important to me that students use ELAC resources (e.g., Counseling Center, Transfer Center) in order to pursue their dream career. You are welcome to ask me questions about pursuing a career in psychology.
I am a big fan of real-life crime shows and Podcasts like Hidden Brain because psychology-related media interests me. My area of expertise is social psychology and past research has focused on stereotype threat, self-handicapping, and intergroup conflict.
You may find information on my educational background below:
Ph.D., Social and Personality Psychology, University of California, Riverside, June 2009
M.A., General Experimental Psychology, California State University, Northridge, June 2004
B.A., Psychology, California State University, Northridge, June 2002
B.A., Child Development, California State University, Northridge, June 2002
Ryan Godfrey, M.A.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (323) 415-5435
Email: @email
Office: F7-316G
Education: University of California, Riverside M.A. Psychology (2007)
University of Washington B.S. Psychology (2003)
Psychology is stupid
— Me, as a sophomore in college.
I started college as a Biology major, fully intending to go to graduate school to study genetics. I had absolutely no interest in Psychology. So, when one of my best friends suggested I take a Psych class with her that fit my schedule…
I responded with the quote from above. In the end, it fit my schedule, it counted as elective credits, and I signed up for a class that would change my life. Psychology fascinated me in a way that no other subject ever had. I found myself excited to go to class. I found myself reading ahead of lectures because I constantly wanted to know more. I switched majors. I filled my schedule with Psych classes. I signed up to be a research assistant in multiple laboratories. I found my life’s purpose: I was going to be a researcher in Psychology.
Ugh, do I have to teach?! I hate giving class presentations. I don’t want to stand in front of a class the entire time and lecture about whatever!
— Me, as a 1st year graduate student.
I’m an introvert. I’m quiet. I’m shy. As a child I would hide behind my parents’ legs when they introduced me to strangers. Honestly, the thought of standing in front of a class for a few hours every week made me extremely nervous. But once again, I found myself surprised. Not only did I not hate teaching, I found that I loved it. I was excited to be able to share my favorite studies and findings with people and to give demonstrations that would inspire the same fascination that I had as an undergraduate. More than anything, I found that teaching was fun. Once again, I found myself changing the direction my life was heading in, from research to teaching. I chose to fully focus on teaching and in the end, it allowed me to find my place here, at ELAC, doing what I love. Someone wise once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” (They are very wrong, it’s still a lot of work, but at least you will enjoy what you do!)
I started teaching at ELAC part-time in 2009 and full-time in 2016, with General Psychology (PSY 1), Abnormal Psychology (PSY 14) and Life-Span Psychology (PSY 41) being the primary classes that I teach. I have previously taught Biological Psychology (PSY 2) and Research Methods (PSY 92) and might do so again, and we are hoping to add a Forensic Psychology class to the schedule which I would teach. I typically teach in the mornings, so if you are an early riser make sure to come and see me! It is always a pleasure to meet new students and I, of course, love having former students in new classes as well. I am a co-advisor for Psi Beta (the National Honor Society for Psychology in community colleges), a department facilitator for the Learning Assessment Committee, and a member of the Scholarship Selection Committee.
I will leave with one piece of advice that I give to all my students: go talk to your professors! Seriously. Students are quick to look at lecture slides, their notes, the textbook, or online if they have a question, but in many cases your professor is going to be the best resource available. And we are resources! Ask questions in class, ask them before or after class, come to office hours, send an email, but… ASK! Sometimes students apologize for “bothering” me with a question, but I promise you that it is never a bother and I want you to ask questions. If it’s a small question, then it will be an easy and quick answer. If it’s a big question, then it is important for you to get that answer. As a student I was often intimidated by my Professors, but I promise you, we’re not scary (…most of us at least)!
Dr. Bryant Horowitz
Professor of Psychology
Phone: (323) 415-5435
Email: @email
Office: N/A
I am a full time professor in Psychology at East Los Angeles College. I am a former community college alumnus who attended Santa Monica College and transferred to Cal State Northridge where I earned my BA in Psychology.
After a couple years off, I went back to CSUN and completed the Master’s program in General/Experimental Psychology, with an emphasis in Neuro. From there I went on to get my PhD at UCLA in 2012 in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Neuroscience. My favorite class to teach is Psychology 2 (Biopsychology).
As a professor, I have taught at all collegiate levels, encompassing community college, the Cal State and UC systems, as well as graduate courses for Master’s and PhD level. My preference to teach is at the community college level, emphasizing learning and helping students to figure out their academic and career paths. I have research experience with both human and animal studies and I hope to be able to teach research to future students and build a bridge toward 4-year College and beyond to graduate programs. To help in this area, I am part of the transfer committee on campus, I teach and mentor in the honors program, and I am a faculty mentor in the BUILD PODER program. In addition to that, I am co-advisor of the Honors Club as part of the honors program, and I am co-advisor of Psi Beta, an on-campus honors club in psychology, but open to related fields.
Dr. Randy Ludwig
Professor of Psychology
Phone: (323) 780-6773
Email: @email
Office: N/A
Randy Ludwig has been teaching in the Psychology Department at East Los Angeles College since 2006. His undergraduate studies took place at the United States Air Force Academy where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology.
Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University, and is currently working on his Ph.D. at Claremont
Graduate University. Randy regularly teaches several classes including: Statistics for Psychology, Research Methods, Social Psychology, Biological Psychology, and Sport Psychology. Additionally, Randy is the club advisor for psychology club, statistics club, and vision club.
Prior to joining the faculty at East LA College, Randy was a faculty member at the United States Air Force Academy, where he taught from 2002 until 2006. Randy’s research interests include academic success, elite performance, happiness, and self-esteem. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, coach, play sports, and listen to music.
Maria Mayoryk, M.A.
Professor of Psychology
Phone: (323) 415-5439
Email: @email
Office: G5-111L
My interest in psychology began in my senior year in high school. I found the subject fascinating but my teacher made it even more interesting because of the way he taught; he had a game board around the entire room and we had to advance around the board daily by answering the questions correctly.
My interest continued when I went to college. Although I attended a state school in Pennsylvania, we had an animal laboratory! We did experiments in a Skinner Box with our own white rats. I still fondly look back on my Bachelor’s Degree where I established many professional relationships with various faculty members; perhaps this is where my love of teaching began?!
I knew I didn’t want to live in Pennsylvania after graduating college but lived with my parents after spending my summers during college at the Jersey shore. This is where I fell in love with the ocean. It would make sense that I would live on the east coast; however, an opportunity arose and I traveled across the country, arriving in Los Angeles after traveling for over a month. I believe seeing our country was one of the best things I’ve ever done!
I decided to live in California so I could enter a graduate program in psychology but I found the clubs in Hollywood instead! I finally decided to get my Master’s Degree and entered a Marriage and Family Therapy Program five years after arriving on the west coast. However, I wouldn’t change a thing… I loved my graduate program at California State University, Los Angeles. Since I was seeking the best education, I would ask other students which professors were the most demanding. I feel I got the best education! I had a year-long course in assessment. I also loved my course in Abnormal Psychology, where we had to diagnose case studies for a weekly quiz, along with writing Multiaxial Assessment Reports. I finished my program with a year-long internship, counseling clients in the on-site clinic at CSULA. While I was in my program, I was introduced to a new course that was offered called, “Teaching College Psychology” and this is where I fell in love with teaching.
I was hired as an adjunct instructor at East Los Angeles College during the winter session in 1994. I fell in love with our student population and knew I wanted a full-time position here from the start. I did everything I could to promote my getting hired; I would also attend many teaching conferences, learning to become a better teacher. Then, I would have presentations on campus, sharing what I had learned. Luckily, I was in the right place to the right time as I’ve been teaching at ELAC for over 24 years. I love my job and those I teach. I wish everyone has the opportunity to live their life doing what they love.
Dr. Tiffany Rice
Professor of Psychology
Phone: (323) 780-6782
Email: @email
Office: N/A
Hello everyone! My name is Dr. Tiffany Rice, and I’m happy to share a bit about myself and my role as a Professor of Psychology.
I grew up in Fresno, CA, and started out at our local community college, Fresno City College, where I earned my A.A. in Liberal Arts. I then transferred to California State University, Fresno and earned my B.A. in Psychology. Following this, I enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University. En route to the Ph.D., I earned a M.Ed. in Counselor Education.
I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Multicultural Issues in 2006. I completed my Pre-Doctoral Internship at University of California, Irvine and my Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Loyola Marymount University. I am also a Licensed Psychologist in the state of California.
I have been fortunate to teach at the community college, CSU, and UC levels and have found my passion in teaching our students at ELAC since 2007. I enjoy teaching a variety of courses including General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Women, Lifespan Psychology, and Psychology of Human Sexuality. I have also been the faculty advisor to the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Club since 2008, where we advocate for mental health and wellness issues. I am also the Vice Chair of the Psychology Department and am a member of the SAAVE (Sexual Assault Awareness and Violence Education) Team.
My areas of interest are in cultural and contextual factors impacting mental health, LGBTQ mental health, fostering resilience, psychological experiences of people of multiple heritages, and developing culturally-competent mental health services for college students.