Mentoring

October 21. 2020

To whom it may concern,

My name is Natalie Freeman and I am a 2020 Brandman University graduate. This past June, I
earned my Masters in Psychology in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Ontario Campus.
This journey to complete my graduate program at Brandman University was highly influenced
by my former professor, Dr. Nakisha Castillo. Dr. Castillo was incredibly supportive throughout
my entire program and she went above and beyond to assist me when I needed it and continued
to motivate me and mentor me. As a professor, Dr. Castillo made it a point to engage her
students in class and always conducted dynamic discussions and lessons that were truly
interesting and thought provoking. Most importantly, Dr. Castillo was a stellar mentor to me,
helping me grow both academically and emotionally throughout my graduate program and I am
very much appreciative of the mentorship relationship that I was able to have with her.
I wholeheartedly support Dr. Nakisha Castillo’s promotion to Associate Professor as she has
demonstrated true excellence as a professor and her love for what she does shines through the
genuine care and support of her students.

Sincerely,

Natalie Freeman
2020 Brandman University Graduate
 BRANDMAN
Chapman University
University System

To Whom It May Concern: 21 October 2020

It is without reservation that I highly recommend Dr. Nakisha Castillo for promotion to Associate
Professor at Brandman University. I have known and worked with Dr. Nakisha Castillo for approximately
5 years.

As the Senior Academic Advisor for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, to include the
MFT/PCC programs, at the Brandman Ontario Academic Campus, I have had the privilege of working
closely with Dr. Castillo in her position as Psychology Full-time faculty. Dr. Castillo’s Psychology degree
program coordination and mentoring of students at the Ontario Campus is superior.

Her collaboration in establishing student education plans toward student milestones such as their
Advancement to Candidacy interviews and practicums has been outstanding. I have personally observed
her working with students, and she was always informative, professional and ethical in her interactions
with students. In addition, we have worked together in coordinating Adjunct Faculty for teaching
assignments in the Undergraduate and Graduate Psychology degree programs over the past 5 years.

Psychology courses taught by Dr. Castillo are academically presented with the highest levels of
competence, dedication and expertise. Dr. Castillo’s blending of professional skills along with her
occupational understanding of the Graduate Degree Programs has led to Dr. Castillo’s student evaluations
being consistently outstanding and merit special recognition. Dr. Castillo’s students regard her as
exceptionally challenging while successfully eliciting the best performance of which they are capable.

Dr. Castillo has had a consistent and positive presence over the last 5 years and has been diligent and
professional in her support of the Ontario campus and the Graduate and Undergraduate Psychology
degree programs. Her ongoing support, expertise and ethical presence has added stability to our
Psychology programs and has provided a professional, experienced and skilled role model and mentor for
our students. She also constantly works to promote a highly professional and effective collaboration with
other Faculty and Staff.

Again, it is without reservation that I highly recommend Dr. Nakish Castillo for promotion to Associate
Professor at Brandman University.

ALAN S. DUMKE, MA, LMFT, CADC II

Senior Academic Advisor
Undergraduate/Graduate Programs

Brandman University, Ontario Campus

3990 Concours Drive, Suite 100
Ontario, California 91764
[email protected]
T 909-980-4445
 Letter of Support

Re: Nakisha Castillo

10/22/2020

To whom it may concern,

I am pleased to provide this letter of support for Dr. Nakisha Castillo.

For over three years Dr. Castillo has provided me with mentorship and guidance on my journey as an
adjunct faculty and mental health professional. She and I have collaborated on various projects,
including creating courses, class content, and community presentations and I have witnessed firsthand
her passion for knowledge, teaching, and supporting students.

Dr. Nakisha’s work has had an incredible influence over me and those around her. I’ve had many
students who have taken her classes mention how impactful her classes were and how much they
admire her. I know I can count on her support when I am struggling with an issue and her feedback and
guidance have made me a better instructor and clinician. She is selfless, organized, hard-working,
trustworthy, and an inspiration to me personally. Her desire to excel, partner with colleagues, and
compassionately meet student’s needs in why I whole-heartedly believe that she would be an
exceptional associate professor and I would, without hesitation, support her promotion.

Thank you for your time, feel free to contact me with any question you may have or to follow up
regarding this letter.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Quintana, LMFT, DMFT

Adjunct Faculty,
Brandman University&
Loma Linda Univesity
760-212-9128
[email protected]
Elizabeth Medina
3550 Vine St. Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92508
951-697-0111
[email protected]

October 16, 2020

Dear Selection Committee,

It is my pleasure to support and strongly recommend Dr. Nakisha Castillo for the position of
Associate Professor.

As an Academic Advisor for Brandman University’s Riverside campus, I have had the pleasure
of working with Dr. Castillo for the past three years. During this time, I have witnessed her share
experiences, expertise, and advice to support any student questions or concerns—her
commitment to student advocacy reflects through her responsiveness to individual circumstances
and is flexible to students' needs.

Not only has Dr. Castillo served our student population with excellence, but she has also
provided strong academic support to Professors and Academic Advisors. She has collaborated
with the Advisor Training Committee to host several presentations that give Academic Advisors
the knowledge and resources needed to facilitate our role in advising students. Her experience
is undoubtedly valuable; however, it is essential to note that her positive attitude, respectfulness,
and optimism are valued not just by myself but also by her peers and students.

I am confident that Dr. Castillo would be a great fit as an Associate Professor. Not only does she
provide the kind of skills and experiences to serve our students, but she continues to demonstrate
a willingness to collaborate with various departments to offer unconditional support.

If you need more information or specific examples, please do not hesitate to contact me. As a
recommendation letter may only provide a snapshot of her talents and achievements, I would be
happy to further elaborate on my time working with Dr. Castillo.

Respectfully,

Elizabeth Medina
Academic Advisor

Brandman University, Riverside Campus

3550 Vine Street, Ste 200, Riverside CA 92507
Phone: (951) 697-0111 Fax: (951) 653-5891
To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Emily Dubay and I am an Academic Advisor and Professor of Undergraduate

Psychology at Brandman University. I write to you today to proudly express my support for Dr.
Nakisha Castillo with her promotion to Associate Professor. I came to know Dr. Castillo over
the last few years while working collaboratively on serving our student population at the
Victorville campus. I have observed her interacting with students on countless occasions. Dr.
Castillo is a wonderful and caring person as well as co-worker and I feel I can attest to her
strengths and quality of character.

During the time we worked together Dr. Castillo has helped mentor me in enhancing my skills as
a professor. She has worked through difficult student issues that arise. She has also developed a
fantastic rapport with our students.

In addition to her impressive work ethic, Dr. Castillo is also a great team member, and a natural
leader. She has a great attitude and is always willing to help another colleague.

For the above reasons, I am confident that Dr. Castillo will make an excellent addition as
associate professor, and I wholeheartedly support her in this manner.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need more information. You can reach me at 760-843-
2566, or by email at [email protected]. Thank you for your time and attention.

Emily Dubay
Academic Advisor III
 Dr. Diana R. Muñoz, DMFT, LMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist

Dr. Diana R. Muñoz, DMFT, LMFT

312 Brookside Ave
Redlands CA, 92373
10/17/2020

Dear Promotion committee,

It is with great pleasure that I offer this letter of recommendation to support Dr. Nakisha Castillo
as you consider her candidacy for promotion to the rank of Associate Professor. As a mental
health clinician and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Brandman University, I have had the
honor and privilege of knowing and working alongside Dr. Castillo for over the past decade in
various capacities. Her work in the mental health field and in higher education is consistently for
the betterment of everyone she crosses paths with, whether it be her clients, students, peers, or
even superiors.
Dr. Castillo’s career and educational path includes work serving underserved and marginalized
populations. Through both clinical work and as an educator, I have an interest in the work of Dr.
Castillo as she has mentored and supported my growth as a clinician and educator for several
years. Dr. Castillo has invited me to facilitate psychoeducational workshops and team-building
exercises, fostering healthy personal and professional relationships. She has also invited me to
participate as a panel speaker on mental health, isolation, and relationships through COVID.
Her engagement and collaborative style have supported my professional growth, providing
valuable information and tools I have been able to adopt and pass on to my clients and students.
Dr. Castillo’s professional acumen, teaching standards, and mentoring are valuable assets, passed
along to all she mentors.
It is with the great joy that I offer my highest recommendation for the promotion of Dr. Castillo
to the rank of Associate Professor. Should you have any questions, please contact me at the
information provided below.
In peace,

Diana R. Muñoz, DMFT, LMFT #111465

Diana R. Muñoz, DMFT, LMFT #111465

Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

312 Brookside Ave. Redlands, CA 92373

(909) 907-2529 [email protected]
November 1, 2020

To Whom It May Concern,

It is with great pleasure to endorse Dr. Nakisha Castillo for the position of Associate Professor.

Dr. Castillo’s work in the field, based on my interaction with her has been impeccable. She has

been an asset to the students that I have taught during my three years at Brandman University.

During my years at Brandman, I have been able to utilize Dr. Castillo’s expertise in the

classroom as a guest lecturer to assist with educating my students by using relevant topics to the

field and practice of psychology. Her life’s skills have always been beneficial in giving the

students what is needed in preparation to become excellent clinicians.

I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Castillo when we began working on our master’s degree

together at Loma Linda University. Dr. Castillo is highly intelligent, mature, and has great

knowledge of the community, diversity issues the business world and had the advantage of

previous training in the field of marriage and family therapy. She approaches her work with

enthusiasm and contagious energy, which she imparts into her adjuncts, peers, and her students.

Dr. Castillo has demonstrated flexibility and competence and is constantly working to improve

her skillset as well as those who work under her. I have personally grown from her leadership as

an adjunct professor at Brandman University, and Dr. Castillo continues to assist in my growth

both professionally and personally. Based on the skills demonstrated in this letter, I recommend

Dr. Castillo for the position of Associate Professor.

Sincerely,

Dimietri R. Hollimon, AMFT, RPA

Adjunct Professor