CCDA Board: 2024-2025

Executive Board


President 

Edna Davoudi


Meet Edna, an accomplished leader in higher education with over two decades of experience in career education, student affairs, and administration. Throughout her career, she has held various leadership positions across multiple colleges and universities, where she has developed a sincere passion for helping students succeed and ensuring smooth and efficient university operations. Edna is particularly passionate about assisting individuals in finding their career paths and achieving fulfillment in their lives. In addition to her work in higher education administration, she is an active member of the California Career Development Association Board, where she has served for the past five years in various capacities, including Chair of the Professional Development Committee. She is also a member of the Training and Education Council with the National Career Development Association. Edna currently works as a Career Development Practitioner, teaches courses in Career Development and Industrial/Organization Psychology, and continues to make a positive impact in the field of higher education.
Edna is a seasoned practitioner in the field of higher education, specializing in Career Development and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She is also a certified instructor and conducts courses in these areas.
As a proponent of collaboration and effective communication in the workplace, Edna has successfully led teams of various sizes. She is highly experienced and has obtained multiple certifications in career development.
Edna is an avid learner who loves to read, continues to expand her knowledge, and keeps growing every day. As a Southern California resident, Edna, her husband, 2 children, and Labrador Retriever enjoy soccer, dance, reading, hiking, camping, and more.



President - Elect Candidate

Rick Villarreal


Rick is a Counselor and Career Coach, running a private practice in the greater LA area. Previously he worked as a Senior Career Counselor and Supervisor of Counseling Interns. He is passionate about the roles that personal exploration and intrinsic motivation play in professional achievement. In recent years, Rick has led talks and seminars for hundreds of students and professionals about topics ranging from life purposes, strengths, strategic job searching, and even how to enjoy networking. What Rick enjoys most is helping people see beyond their personal limits, decide on a course of action, and then build sustainable momentum so they can achieve what they want and become who they always knew they could become.


Past - President

Dr. Heather Zeng


Heather Zeng, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, NCC (C), CCC, BC-TMH has experience in career development counseling, career education policy at the State level, and assessment training/implementation for the 4th largest school district in the U.S. She is an instructor and tireless student advocate in the area of counseling and career development. She has written on topics of international human resource development, ethical and legal issues in coaching, counseling and technology, online collaboration, workplace bullying, and job promotion. She has found in her work the vital question not of "What do you do?" rather "Who are you?" as central helping clients (and students) in their career development.



Secretary/Historian

Esther Lanier


Esther Lanier is the USC Career Center’s Senior Career Advisor focusing on Doctoral and Graduate Students. She enjoys empowering doctoral, and graduate students and alumni to explore the many facets of career exploration, career preparation, and launching into successful careers in a global economy. She brings her enthusiasm and industry knowledge from human resources, banking, and entertainment. To support the needs of Ph.D., post-doctoral, and master's students, Esther manages key programs such as the Beyond the Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Career Conference and collaborates with various departments at USC Health Sciences Campus. Esther enjoys baking cakes and cookie decorating. 




Finance Co-Chair

Markell Morris

Markell Morris is the owner of Futures In Motion, Inc. and adjunct faculty at Santa Monica College, Cypress College and Vanguard University where she teaches undergraduate and graduate level career development classes. 

Markell holds several professional counseling certifications including National Certified Counselor (NCC), Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH), MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory certifications. She received her MA in Counseling from the University of San Diego and a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Markell has been a leader within the field of career development having served at the local, state and national levels. In 2016, she was elected as president for the California Career Development Association (CCDA). As president, Markell reestablished CCDA as the "go to" professional association for career practitioners in California. Following her presidency, Markell has continued to serve on the executive board as Co-Chair of Finance. In 2019, Markell became a founding committee member of the State Leaders Advisory Council for the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Markell became Trustee for State Divisions in 2024. 

Markell helps her clients navigate the job market whether they are seeking career advancement, re-entering the job market or realigning their career after facing life altering circumstances. Based on her personal experience as a young widow and brain tumor survivor, Markell is an expert in navigating a career after loss. She understands the dynamics of rebuilding a career, reestablishing a sense of identity, and finding purpose.

Markell her expertise as a frequent speaker on career- related topics that educate, inspire and empower career changers to shift their focus from obstacles to opportunities. Her books Fast Track Your Career (2nd Edition) and Create a Career You Love: 5 Steps to Define Your Next Career Move guide people step-by-step through how to decide a career direction and position themselves for a career that sparks joy. She has also designed career development classes for colleges, universities and organizations. 

Markell is inspired by her clients and her ultimate desire is for them to confidently pursue their career goals and achieve career success!


Finance Co-Chair

Carrie McKnight


Carrie McKnight is a Career Counselor at San Jose State University Career Center. She is a Past-President of CCDA and has served on the Board for several years in various roles. Carrie has assisted with planning CCDA’s regional conferences and organizes local chapter events in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

DEIA Committee



DEIA Chair

Dr. Cheryl Love

Dr. Love is a Career Counselor and a College Specialist for the Arts, Humanities, School of Education and School of Public Policy in the Career Center at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). In this role she also serves as the Liaison to the African Student Programs, the Black Student Success Initiative, Basic Needs, and the Kessler Scholar Program.   Previously she served as a Career Counselor and Liaison to the College of Education & Integrative Studies and the Broncos Dreamers Center at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona’s (Cal Poly Pomona) Career Center; and as Adjunct Faculty in the College of Education and Integrative Studies – Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Cal Poly Pomona.  She has a Bachelor Degree in Liberal Studies and Master’s Degree in Counseling along with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Pupil Personnel Service Credential from California State University, Fullerton.  Her Doctorate is from the University of California, Los Angeles in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling. 

Dr. Love has 40+ years of experience as a Counselor and Teacher in all four Higher Education systems (UC, CSU, Private and Community) as well as the Public School and Non-Profit sector. Dr. Love’s Professional Associations include:  Member of UCR’s Black Faculty and Staff Association; Member of NCDA & Former Co-Chair of the Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion (DICI) Committee and current Co-Chair of the DICI Training Subcommittee,  Member of NCDA Conference Planning Committee 2025, 2024 & 2023 and member of the NCDA Higher Education Constituency Group Advisory Board.  Past President for the California Career Development Association 2023-24; Member of MPACE & the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee; Board Member – Vice President of Enhearten and organization working to develop unseen leaders in the United States and internationally.   

Professional Development 


Professional Development

Co-Chair

Jaisha White 

Jaisha White (she/her) joined the California Career Development Association (CCDA) because she feels deeply connected to its mission to promote and advance the career development profession. As a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioner, she supports CCDA's efforts to 

provide educational support, resources, and tools that empower career development professionals to approach their work through a social justice and equity-based lens. She is a proud double alumnus of California State University, Sacramento, having earned a Master of Science in Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication. She has 20 years of experience in human resources and holds a Professional in Human Resources certification from HRCI. For the past six years, she has also served as an adjunct instructor, teaching Work Experience and Business courses.

One of Jaisha's core values is community service, which she demonstrates through her volunteer work at a transitional housing program for women and children. Additionally, she dedicates her time to a community-based organization committed to addressing the impacts of traumatic experiences stemming from internalized, interpersonal, and systemic racism. Jaisha is a learning enthusiast and aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior in the future.


Professional Development 

Co-Chair

Dr. Anne Chan

Anne Chan, Ph.D., has over 20 years of experience as a career counselor and a psychotherapist helping people optimize happiness in their careers and personal lives. Her research, writing, and practice interests include mentoring, diversity, and cross-cultural issues in professional relationships. She earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Stanford University. She also holds two Master’s degrees, one in English from the University of Washington in Seattle, and one in Counseling Psychology from California State University, East Bay. She has held a variety of roles in the counseling field, including being an academic counselor at community colleges, adjunct instructor for undergraduates and graduates, and psychotherapist at nonprofit, community, and private practice settings. She has authored a book on mentoring as well as numerous research articles on diversity, mentoring and career counseling.



Professional Development

Sanaz Nabati


Sanaz Nabati is an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Education and Development at University of California, Los Angeles, serving Students with Disabilities and International Students. She also serves as a Pre-Law Advisor. Sanaz is a double Alumnus of California State University Northridge, with a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Career Counseling. After experience in industry working in real estate management, she found her passion in career development helping college students and career changers to identify, prepare, and pursue their ideal profession while optimizing their career success. Her passion for learning, professional development, and advancement in career development makes her an ideal career coach for students and career changers. She thrives in helping her clients reach their career milestones and endeavors.  

Legislative and Public Policy 


Legislative and Public Policy

Shelby McIntyre


Shelby McIntyre is a Career Counselor & Instructor at Pasadena City College, Co-Chair of the NCDA Government Relations Committee, former President of CCDA, and NCDA Certified Career Counselor. She earned her M.S. Counseling, College Counseling & Student Services from California State University, Northridge, and a B.A. in Cinema Studies, minors in Creative Writing & Music, from the University of Oregon. After experiencing her own career change from the film industry to the counseling profession, she is passionate about helping others navigate their career development process to find meaningful work. Her professional passions and interests include social justice, systemic intervention/collective action, civic engagement, bystander intervention, and student leadership.

Constituency Groups


Graduate Students Chair

Dr. Anne Chan

Anne Chan, Ph.D., has over 20 years of experience as a career counselor and a psychotherapist helping people optimize happiness in their careers and personal lives. Her research, writing, and practice interests include mentoring, diversity, and cross-cultural issues in professional relationships. She earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Stanford University. She also holds two Master’s degrees, one in English from the University of Washington in Seattle, and one in Counseling Psychology from California State University, East Bay. She has held a variety of roles in the counseling field, including being an academic counselor at community colleges, adjunct instructor for undergraduates and graduates, and psychotherapist at nonprofit, community, and private practice settings. She has authored a book on mentoring as well as numerous research articles on diversity, mentoring and career counseling.




Higher Education Career Counselor & Specialists Chair

Sanaz Nabati

Sanaz Nabati is an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Education and Development at University of California, Los Angeles, serving Students with Disabilities and International Students. She also serves as a Pre-Law Advisor. Sanaz is a double Alumnus of California State University Northridge, with a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Career Counseling. After experience in industry working in real estate management, she found her passion in career development helping college students and career changers to identify, prepare, and pursue their ideal profession while optimizing their career success. Her passion for learning, professional development, and advancement in career development makes her an ideal career coach for students and career changers. She thrives in helping her clients reach their career milestones and endeavors.  



Career Counselor Educators

& Researchers Chair

Dr. David Paul

Dr. David Paul has a PhD. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP accredited) with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Paul is a Board-Certified Counselor from the National Board for Certified Counselors and was admitted to memberships in Delta Epsilon Iota, Academic & Leadership Honor Society, and Chi Sigma Iota, Academic & Professional Honor Society International. Dr. Paul is also a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Approved Supervisor from the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapies, Minnesota. Dr. Paul has over 30 years of counseling, administrative, supervision, research, and teaching experiences in higher education and community settings. 

Dr. Paul’s research projects have been selected for presentations at the following peer reviewed juried conferences; American Counseling Association, National Career Development Association, National Association of Counselor Education and Supervision, and the California Association of Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors. Dr Paul has been appointed to the Board of Directors for; Care Resource Inc., The California Association of Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, and the California Career Development Association.  

Dr. Paul is currently an Associate Faculty member at the State University of California, Fresno  and the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University.

Prior to relocating to Fresno California, Dr. Paul held the following positions; Program and Clinical Director and Assistant Professor in the Counseling and Student Affairs program in the Graduate School of Education and Human Services at Minnesota State University Moorhead, Clinical Services Manager in the Adrian Dominican School of Education, Counseling Department at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, Academic Dean and Chairperson for the Health Sciences & Related Studies Department, Dean of Administrative Services & Student Services, Director of the Biotechnology Program, and Director of ACCESS Counseling & Career Services, at the Medical Center Campus of Miami Dade College.


Private Practice,

Business/Industry

& Agency Chair

Dr. Daniel Greenwood


Dr. Daniel Greenwood is the CEO of Best Fit Career Finder and Greenwood Associates. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Greenwood specializes in evidence-based career counseling, guiding individuals and institutions toward informed career decisions. He leverages his expertise in innovative and comprehensive career assessment systems, best practice career counseling, and AI integration into the career counseling process. His assessment and process helps professionals and students align their skills with emerging opportunities in today's dynamic job market.




School Career Counselor &

Specialists Chair

Tiffany Phu

Tiffany Phu is the owner of College and Career Champion, helping thousands of students and professionals through her online courses, workshops, articles, book, and private practice as a college and career coach.

She is a certified career service provider (CCSP), published in the National Career Development Association, and has a YouTube Channel @CollegeCareerChamp.

Gratitude and inspiration led her to enter the career services space to advocate, guide, and empower individuals who are looking to improve their future either pursuing a new career path, applying to a four year college, vocational training programs, or even a gap year(s). As an ex-Googler leading tech recruiting teams, she has witnessed the stress candidates and college students experience searching for their next endeavors. Her approach is to maintain well-being meanwhile making actionable strides towards the future.

Member Services

Member Services Chair

Vacant Position

email CCDAconnect@gmail.com if interested 

Executive Director

(Non Board Member)


Consulting Administrator

Kegan Barroso 

Kegan Barroso has been a Career Counselor and Coach for Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust for over 8 years, helping healthcare workers complete their career goals. Kegan was CCDA's Secretary for 2020 - 2022 board term and she continues to work with CCDA as an Administrator. She received her Master in Educational Counseling in 2015 and is a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP). She helps her clients to develop career pathways in order to be successful in whatever industry they pursue. Looking to the future Kegan is working towards certification in Instructional Design and Technology. 


California Career Development Association, is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. CCDA,10736 Jefferson Blvd., #220, Culver City, CA 90230
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