Meet the Dean - Judith Balcerzak, Ph.D., M.S.W., LCSW

Dr. Judith Balcerzak's social work expertise spans over thirty-four years including thirty years in health care. Dr. Balcerzak’s career has involved direct clinical practice, clinical supervision, programme planning, management, social work education, and administration of public and private social work agencies. Judith teaches psychology and social work courses at Ventura College where she created the Human Services Certificate Programme.. She is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to provide continuing education for licensed clinical social workers and licensed marriage and family therapists.

Dr. Balcerzak is the founder of Community First Counseling Center, a 501(c)(3) programme in Ventura, California, where she serves as clinical supervisor and board member, along with overseeing  programme development and grant writing. She is a graduate of International University for Graduate Studies earning a DSW in 2003 and a PhD in Organizational Psychology in 2010.

In 1977, Judith completed a master's degree in social work from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where she was awarded a scholarship from the National Institute for Mental Health. She completed a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Michigan State University in 1973. Dr. Balcerzak holds licenses in clinical social work in both California and Michigan since the early 1980's and maintains a private clinical practice in California since 1983. Among her accomplishments are articles that have appeared in nursing and addictions studies journals.

Dr. Balcerzak's career in higher education includes over two decades as adjunct faculty in graduate degree programmes, upper division university programmes and community colleges, at such institutions as California Lutheran University, California State University Long Beach & Channel Islands Campuses, and Ventura College in Ventura County. Judith serves as a faculty presenter and clinical oral examiner at International University for Graduate Studies residency programmes in St. Kitts, West Indies.

Dr. Balcerzak received the Excellence in Public Service Award from the County of Ventura in 1991. Balcerzak’s credentials include certification as a mediator and as a Zenger-Miller Leadership Trainer. Dr. Balcerzak serves as a consultant and trainer for the University of California at Davis providing training and consulting to counties throughout the State of California.  An avid scuba diver and underwater photographer, and a novice sailor, Judith has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Dr. Balcerzak and her husband, Dr. Daniel Jordan live in Ventura County, California, and at their island home in Dominica, the Eastern Caribbean.