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Meet Our Faculty

All faculty members are well experienced professionals in the field of expertise in which they teach,
have earned doctorates and licenses, and are active in the counseling profession.

President

Jay Oh, Ph.D. CV

Jay Oh, Ph.D. is the President of Daybreak University. He holds masters and doctorate degrees in Theology and Pastoral Counseling from Harvard University and the University of Toronto. He also received a Ph.D. in Counseling from the University of New England. Dr. Oh has completed the COAMFTE accredited Post-Graduate MFT Program at Council for Relationships in Philadelphia (formerly Penn Marriage Council). He also completed the internship specialized in PTSD at the Rogers Memorial Hospital in Bedford, MA. He is a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and an Imago Clinical Instructor and a Faculty at Imago International Training Institute (IITI). He was a former Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at Soongsil University and Baekseok University in South Korea. He was the Director of Soongsil University Student Counseling Center, Director of the Institute for Couples and Family Counseling (ICFC), and a Chief Editor of the Journal of Family and Counseling (JFC). He also taught as a Visiting Scholar of Couples and Family Therapy at University of Oregon as well as a Visiting Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Kean University in New Jersey. Dr. Oh is a founder of the Korean Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (KAMFT), which has a national network of 60 counseling centers with 6,000 members of professional counselors and therapists. Dr. Oh is a frequent guest on television such as KBS and EBS where he has made an effort to make counseling known to the public by offering live counseling and special lectures. His book, I Love Myself the Way I Am (2009) became a national best seller in South Korea. His publication was also selected as the outstanding scholar work by both the National Academy of Sciences as well as Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in South Korea. He also received the Best Teacher’s Award, the Best Lecturer’s Award four times at Soongsil University and the Best Research Award and the Best Supervisor Award by the National Council of Graduate School of Counseling and Psychotherapy (NCGSCP). Dr. Oh’s article was nominated as the best article by JMFT and he received the International Development Award and Helen LaKelly Hunt Award for Community Building by Imago Relationships International (IRI).

e-mail : jayoh@daybreak.edu

Chancellors and Distinguished Professors

About Harville and Helen

Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D. are partners in life and work, and Co-Chancellors and Distinguished Professors of Imago Relationship Therapy at Daybreak University. Together, they have written over 10 books, including three New York Times bestsellers. Harville and Helen co-created Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) to promote the transformation of couples and families by creating relational cultures that support universal equality.

Harville Hendrix, Ph.D.

Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. is the co-founder of Imago Relationships International (IRI) with Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D., and Chancellor of the Imago International Training Institute (IITI). He is a New York Times bestselling author of the popularly acclaimed books: Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples, Keeping the Love You Find: A Guide for Singles, Giving the Love That Heals: A Guide for Parents, and Receiving Love: Transform Your Relationship by Letting Yourself Be Loved. He is an international speaker, and couples therapist with more than 40 years' experience as an educator, clinical trainer and lecturer who has appeared on Oprah's television program 17 times. A former professor at Southern Methodist University, Dr. Hendrix holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Psychology and Religion from the University of Chicago. He is a Diplomat in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and a clinical member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and the International Transactional Analysis Association.

e-mail : harville@daybreak.edu

Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D.

Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D., is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and noted philanthropist. Her partnership with Dr. Harville Hendrix has led to the creation of 10 books on relationships and the widespread effectiveness of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT). She holds Ph.D. degree from Union Theological Seminary (NY). Dr. Hunt has been active within the women’s movement for the past eighteen years. She is founder and president of The Sister Fund, a private women’s fund dedicated to the social, political, economic, and spiritual empowerment of women and girls. Helen has helped to create a number of other women’s funding institutions, including the Dallas Women’s Foundation, the New York Women’s Foundation, and the Women’s Funding Network. Helen has served on the Boards of Directors of the Ms. Foundation for Women, Women and Foundations, and the New York City Women’s Agenda. In 2004, shortly after completing a Doctoral degree at Union Theological Seminary in New York, she wrote Faith and Feminism: A Holy Alliance. For her distinguished contributions to the women’s movement, Helen has received many awards including the LEAD Award, Gloria Steinem’s Women of Vision Award, and has been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

e-mail : helen@daybreak.edu


Harville and Helen have been married for more than 30 years. They have six children, six grandchildren, and reside in Dallas, Texas. Harville and Helen invite you to strengthen the communication in your life and join them to heal relationships, heal the family, and heal the world. The following is their homepage: harvilleandhelen.com

Academic Dean

Jin Kim, Ph.D., LMFTCV

Jin Kim, Ph.D. is a Director of Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Daybreak University. She was an Tenured Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program at Kean University in New Jersey. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Fellow, and Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). She is also a Certified Imago Therapist by Imago International Training Institute (IITI). Dr. Kim was a Core Faculty and an Associate Clinical Director of the Couples and Family Therapy program at the University of Oregon. She is a reviewer of Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT). She has research interests in cross-cultural studies, research with marginalized populations, and family health matters that impact family dynamics. She has been teaching MFT Theories and Practice, Martial Therapy and Techniques, Relational Assessment, Group Psychotherapy, Diversity in MFT, Human Sexuality in Counseling, Child/Adolescent Mental Health & Diagnosis, and MFT Practicum in MFT graduate programs. Dr. Kim’s article was nominated as the best JMFT Article of the year in 2015 and she received Emerging Scholar Award from JMFT in 2016.


Director of Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Daybreak University in California

Former Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Kean University in New Jersey

Former Core Faculty of Couples and Family Therapy Program and Associate Clinical Director of Couples and Family Counseling Center, University of Oregon in Oregon

AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow

Reviewer of Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT)

Certified Imago Relationship Therapist

Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Texas Tech University

M.S. in Child Development and Family Studies, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Purdue University Calumet

B.A. in Psychology, SUNY Buffalo

e-mail : jinkim@daybreak.edu

Director of Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy Program

Tammy Nelson, Ph.D., LPC CV

Director of M.A. & Ph.D. Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy Specialization, Daybreak University

Board Certified Sexologist and Diplomate of the American Board of Sexology

AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and Organizational Provider by American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Certified Imago Relationship Therapist,Couple Workshop Presenter, and Advanced Clinicianby Imago International Training Institute (IITI)

Ph.D. in Sexology, American Academy of Clinical Sexology

M.S. in Art Therapy, College of New Rochelle

B.A. in Social Sciences/Psychology, University of Bridgeport

e-mail : tammynelson@daybreak.edu

Director of Imago Relationship Therapy Program

Wendy Patterson, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW

Dr. Wendy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been in private practice since 1980. She has led numerous workshops and groups on relationships, communications, power, money, sexuality, roles and responsibilities. Wendy is well known for her extraordinarily warm and empathetic style as a teacher and therapist. She has trained with Dr. Harville Hendrix and is a Senior Faculty member and Clinical Instructor at Imago International Training Institute (IITI). She led the first Imago Clinical Training Group in South Korea in 2012 with Mike Borash. She received BA from University of Oregon and holds MSW degree from University of Georgia and a Ph.D. in Counseling with a specialization in Imago Relationship Therapy at Daybreak University. Currently, Dr. Wendy is a Professor and Director of Imago Relationship Therapy program (MA and Ph.D.) at Daybrea University.

e-mail : wendy@daybreak.edu

Full-time and Part-time Faculty

Fred P. Piercy, Ph.D., LMFT CV

Distinguished Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Daybreak University

Professor Emeritus of Marriage and Family Therapy, Department of Human Development, Virginia Tech University

Former Professor at Virginia Tech (18 years), Purdue University (18 years) & Texas A&M Commerce (7 years)

Former Consultant to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Past Editor of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT)

AAMFT Approved Supervisor

Over 185 published journal articles and book chapters, five books, and 43 funded grants

Selected books: Research Methods in Family Therapy(with Douglas Sprenkle), Handbook for the Clinical Treatment of Infidelity (with co-editors Katherine Hertlein, and Joseph Wetchler), & Family Therapy Sourcebook (with Douglas Sprenkle, Joseph Wetchler, and Associates)

Recipient of the AAMFT’s 2007 Outstanding Contribution to Marriage and Family Therapy Award, 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award of the American Family Therapy Academy, and Virginia Tech’s 2007 Alumni Award for Outstanding Graduate Student Advising

Lorna Hecker, Ph.D., LMFT

Distinguished Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Daybreak University

Emerita of Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Purdue University Northwest

AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow

Ph.D. in Child Development and Family Studies, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Purdue University

MS.Ed. in Counselor Education, Western Illinois University

B.S. in Psychology, Western Illinois University

e-mail : lorna@daybreak.edu

Deanna Linville, Ph.D., LMFTCV

Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Daybreak University

Co-Founder, Executive & Clinical Research Director, Center for Transformative Healing

Clinical Supervisor of MFT and Affiliated Research Faculty, International Institute for Couples and Family and Relationships (IICFR)

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow

KAFC (Korean Association of Family and Counseling) Certified Family Counseling Supervisor

Ph.D. in Human Development, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Virginia Tech University

M.S. in Human Development, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Virginia Tech University (Northern Virginia Center)

B.S. in Family and Child Development/Psychology (Dual Major), Virginia Tech University

e-mail : deanna@daybreak.edu

Mei-Ju Ko, Ph.D.CV

Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy

Former Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy program at Texas Tech University

Ph.D. in Child Development and Family Studies, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Purdue University

M.A. in Couples and Family Therapy, University of Oregon

e-mail : merylko@daybreak.edu

Monica Lee, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCCCV

The Director of Ph.D. in Counseling Program, Daybreak University

Assistant Professor of Imago Relationship Therapy & Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Daybreak University

Clinical Director and Supervisor, Daybreak University Couple and Family Therapy Center (DBU-CFTC)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow

Faculty Associate & Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist (CIRT), Imago International Training Institute (IITI)

Ph.D. in Counseling with the Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Daybreak University

M.S. in Clinical Counseling, Loyola University Maryland, Columbia, MD

M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

B.A. in Family Study, Seoul National University, Seoul Korea

e-mail : monicalee@daybreak.edu

Youngyoon Ha, Ph.D.

The Director of M.A. in Counseling Program, Daybreak University

Certified Clinical Psychologist of Korean Psychological Association

Certified Mental Health Clinical Psychologist of Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Seoul Women’s University

M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology, Seoul Women’s University

B.A. in Educational Psychology, Seoul Women’s University

Research Interest : Psychological Assessment, Women’s Health, Psychological Supports for Infertile Women, Medical Family Therapy, Phenomenological Research.

Anne Prouty, Ph.D., LMFT

Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Daybreak University

Guest lecturer/Consulting supervisor of Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Daybreak University

Former Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program at Texas Tech University

AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow

Ph.D. in Child Development and Family Studies, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Purdue University

M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, East Carolina University

B.S. in Biology, University of South Carolina Columbia

Kenneth Silvestri, Ed.D., LMFT CV

Professor and Clinical Supervisor, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Daybreak University

AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow

Former President of New Jersey Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

Ed.D. in Family and Community Studies, Columbia University

M.A.T. in Social Science, Fairleigh Dickinson University

B.A. in History and Philosophy, Bloomfield College

e-mail : kensilvestri@daybreak.edu

Jane Goldberg, Ph.D., LMFT, R.E.A.T., C.E.T. CV

Clinical Supervisor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Daybreak University

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Director of Expressive Arts Training Institute Trainer of a National Certification Program in Expressive Arts Therapy

Faculty/Mentor at International University of Professional Studies

Ph.D. in Transformational Psychology, International College, Los Angeles, California

MS in Counseling Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, California

BA in Secondary Education, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Certified Expressive Therapist - C.E.T. National Expressive Therapy Association

Registered Expressive Arts Therapist - R.E.A.T. International Expressive Arts Therapy Association

e-mail : jane@daybreak.edu

Nichole Nahal Hydaryacil, PsyD, LMFT CV

Associate Clinical Director of Daybreak University Couple and Family Therapy Center (DBU-CFTC)

Clinical Supervisor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Daybreak University

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor Cand.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

PsyD. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Alliant International University

MA in Counseling, National University

BS in Psychology, Cal State University, Long Beach

e-mail : nicholeh@daybreak.edu

Stephanie Buehler, PsyD., MPW, CST CV

Professor of M.A. & Ph.D. Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy Specialization, Daybreak University

AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and Organizational Provider by American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

PsyD. in Clinical Psychology, Specialization in Family Therapy, Alliant University

MA in Psychology, Pepperdine University

BA in English Literature, UCLA

Director & Founder, The Buehler Institute, Laguna Beach, California

Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (IF)

e-mail : dr.stephaniebuehler@gmail.com

Maya Kollman, Ph.D.

Clinical Professor of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Daybreak University

Master Trainer and Faculty of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) at Imago International Training Institute (IITI)

Clinical Instructor of IRT at International Institute for Couples and Family Relationships (IICFR)

Ph.D. in Counseling with the Specialization in Imago Relationship Therapy, Daybreak University

e-mail : maya@daybreak.edu

Rebecca Sears, Ph.D., LPC

Clinical Professor of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Daybreak University

Clinical Instructor and Faculty of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Imago International Training Institute (IITI)

Ph.D. in Counseling with the Specialization in Imago Relationship Therapy, Daybreak University

M.Div., Boston University

e-mail : rebecca@daybreak.edu

John Hjarso Mortensen, Psychologist, Ph.D.

Clinical Professor of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Daybreak University

Clinical Instructor and Faculty of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Imago International Training Institute (IITI)

Lecturer, University of Copenhagen

Ph.D. in Counseling with the Specialization in Imago Relationship Therapy, Daybreak University

Cand. Psych., in Psychology, University of Copenhagen

e-mail : john@daybreak.edu

Kobus Van der Merwe, Ph.D. Cand.

Clinical Professor of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Daybreak University

Clinical Instructor and Faculty of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Imago International Training Institute (IITI)

Clinical Instructor of IRT at International Institute for Couples and Family Relationships (IICFR)

Ph.D. Cand. Specialized in Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Daybreak University

e-mail : kobus@daybreak.edu

Orli Wahrman, Ph.D. Cand., MSW

Senior Imago Faculty of Imago International Training Institute (IITI)

Clinical Professor of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Daybreak University

Ph.D. Cand. Specialized in Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Daybreak University

Orli is a Clinical Social Worker, a Sex Therapist and Supervisor, and a Senior Faculty and Clinical Instructor at IITI. She has a degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies from the Hebrew University, and a teachingdegree in Arabic. She has been the Co-chair of Imago Israel for the last 10 years and served in numerous roles at the Imago International Organization. Orli has a passion forImago, for building relationships, and for contributing to making the world a better place.

e-mail : orliw@daybreak.edu

Caroline Bernhardt-Lanier, Ph.D.

Clinical Professor of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Daybreak University

Faculty Associate of Imago International Training Institute (IITI)

Certified Imago Advanced Clinician and Workshop Presenter

Director of Education and Training, Imago Center DC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Former President, Mid-Atlantic Association for Imago and Relationship Therapists, USA

Former Chair, Stewardship Circle of Imago Relationships North America

Ph.D. in Counseling with the Specialization in Imago Relationship Therapy, Daybreak University

M.S. in Counseling, Loyola University of Maryland

M.Ed., Harvard University

e-mail : caroline.bernhardt.lanier@imagocenterdc.com

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