Psychology Faculty
The faculty in the Psychology and Human Services Department represent a diverse group of professors with varying interests, backgrounds, and areas of focus. Our faculty are dedicated to providing the highest quality education to our students. Together they form a collaborative teaching and learning community that inspires and motivates our students towards happiness and success. To learn more about our faculty or get in contact with them, click the links below.
Full-Time Faculty
Jeffrey Blum Ph.D.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100B
Ext: 2932
Email: @email
Blythe Daniel B.A., M.A.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100F
Ext: 2933
Email: @email
I am a graduate of »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app, earning an AA degree and certificate in Human Services. I then received a BA degree from UCLA in Sociology and a MA degree in Psychology from Cal State Dominguez Hills.
My greatest joy comes from being in a class, promoting curiosity and fostering growth in every student. Teaching isn’t just part of my career – it’s the heart of it. With an unshakable belief in the power of education to transform lives, my goal is to create a learning environment where students feel seen, heard and supported.
Whether examining psychological theories or engaging students in meaningful conversations about human behavior, my approach to teaching is rooted in connection and purpose. I invite you to, not just study psychology with me, but to live it!
Lauren Hofschneider Ph.D.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100H
Ext: 2938
Email: @email
My name is Dr. Lauren Hofschneider, but my unofficial name at »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app is Prof Hof. I joined the Psychology Department here in 2022, the same year I was finishing up my Ph.D. in Health Psychology at UCLA. My graduate research focused on the emotional and behavioral effects of food insecurity. And while my career has shifted exclusively towards teaching, I remain passionate about research methods, social inequalities, and health.
I teach Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Health Psychology (NEW!), and Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences. Throughout my time as a faculty member at »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app, I have mentored several Ralph Bunche Honors students through their independent research projects. I also work with other faculty and staff to create workshops for students. Some of our past events include a psychology career panel, a transfer student panel featuring »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app alumni, and Psychology Department open house event. Come and join us at our next event!
Growing up in Saipan (CNMI), my access to education was fairly limited due to geographical and economic circumstances. My goal as a professor is to provide a rigorous—but entertaining— curriculum in my courses and help my students succeed.
When I’m not teaching, I like being a student. You can find me reading a book or participating in a Pilates, French, or art class!
David Sedghi B.A., M.A., LMFT
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Chair of Psychology and Human Services
Office: HH 100G
Ext: 2935
Email: sedghidm@lacitycollege.edu
My journey into the field of psychology began as a California Community College student, an experience that continues to shape my approach to teaching and mentorship. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University.
Since joining Los Angeles City College in 2005, first as an intern, then as an adjunct instructor, and now as a tenured professor and department chair, I’ve had the privilege of serving a dynamic and diverse student body. I regularly teach courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, and Lifespan Psychology. Each course is an opportunity to explore the complexities of human behavior and foster critical thinking in my students.
I am actively involved across campus and consider it a true privilege to work alongside such passionate faculty and inspiring students. I strive to bring energy, empathy, and clarity to every class session and every student interaction.
On a more personal note, I am the son of immigrant parents and among the first in my family born in the United States. Education has always been a core value in my household, and I remain deeply grateful to the professors and mentors who supported me along the way. My work at City College is an extension of that legacy, and I’m committed to paying it forward by supporting our students in their academic and personal growth.
Quincy Singleton B.A., M.A., LMFT
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100A
Ext: 2930
Email: @email
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a dedicated faculty member at Los Angeles City College, where I teach in the Addiction Studies and Psychology courses. I bring extensive clinical experience to the classroom, drawing on my work supporting individuals and families affected by addiction to enrich my teaching and connect theory to real-world practice. I believe that education is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation, and that every student has the potential to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. My commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care not only benefits my clients, but also inspires my students to approach their future work with empathy and integrity. By integrating my clinical expertise with my passion for education, I strive to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities.
Amy Sweetman B.A., M.A.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100C
Ext: 2931
Email: @email
My name is Amy Sweetman, though you may also see me listed on campus as Amy Baldwin—either name works just fine. I’ve been teaching at »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app since my early twenties, and not a single day has gone by when I haven’t felt excited to walk into the classroom. I genuinely love being a part of this community, and I’m always evolving my teaching style to reflect the changing world around us.
My academic specialty is neuroscience, which I find endlessly fascinating, but my favorite course to teach is Introduction to Psychology. It allows me to introduce students to the wide range of topics within the field and help them discover what resonates most with them. I also teach Psychology of Sexuality and Group Dynamics.
I believe my greatest strengths as a professor are my enthusiasm and creativity. I’m deeply passionate about every subject I teach, and I’m always looking for new, engaging ways to connect with students. If I had to name a weakness, it would probably be my relaxed approach to structure and organization—I tend to favor inspiration over strict formality.
Outside the classroom, I’m incredibly proud to be the mother of five boys, whom I raised on my own. That experience, along with a wide range of life challenges, has helped me deeply relate to the perseverance, resilience, and drive I see in so many of my students. I truly believe that with dedication, anything is possible.
In addition to teaching, I’m a business owner and creative entrepreneur. I’ve founded two museums near campus and have developed over 500 original products. My life is a joyful balancing act between my family, my work, and my passions—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Adjunct Faculty
Annie Bloom B.A., M.F.A, M.A., LMFT
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100
Email: blooma@lacitycollege.edu
After a wonderful acting career, it was time to rediscover my life purpose.
Gratefully I found »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app’s Psychology Department. I now have a
Psychotherapy Private Practice. One of my many specialties is Addictions.
I honor the »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Psych department and its many gifts.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: DANIELDE@LACITYCOLLEGE.EDU
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: DENIZD@»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app.EDU
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: HERRERR2@LACITYCOLLEGE.EDU
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: KINGJD@WLAC.EDU
Tanner Leiderman B.A., M.A.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100
Email: leidertb@lacitycollege.edu
After having attended Santa Monica City College and receiving my Associate of Arts degree in Psychology, I transferred to Cal State LA and was awarded a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Psychology.
I have been teaching psychology classes at Cal State LA and »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app for a number of years. In the classroom, I am committed to creating a culturally rich environment which celebrates student’s diverse backgrounds, life experiences and values. Mostly importantly, I want students to see themselves and their communities in what they are learning.
I invite you to explore the field of psychology with me and feel the power of what psychology can do for you.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: MIKAELL@LACITYCOLLEGE.EDU
Andrea Rashtian Ph.D.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100
Email: rashtiam@lacitycollege.edu
Hello! My name is Andrea Rashtian. I am a licensed counseling psychologist and have been teaching at »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app since 2002. In addition to teaching at »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app, I am also an instructor at CSUN, UCLA extension, and College of the Canyons. I primarily teach undergraduate courses in Psychology and Child Development. My career paths have taken me to many college settings, and I have also worked as a social worker for the Department of Children and Family Services.
As a Counseling Psychologist, I work with a diverse population in a private practice setting. I specialize in over 30 years of working with survivors of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques to decrease their symptoms and improve their quality of life. To all of the courses that I teach, I bring a clinical and a research-based perspective to personalize material for my students. My research interests include the effects of social media on student anxiety, neurofeedback use in decreasing symptoms, and night terrors in infants.
My teaching style as a Professor is to create an open environment to invite dialogue and challenge my students to process and personalize information they are reading about. I am very approachable and I want to encourage students to explore the many career opportunities in the field of Psychology. I truly have a passion to teach, and I expect students to be fully engaged in classroom activities and discussions. I see the teaching environment as a two-way street, and I look forward to the diversity that each class can bring.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: SECHOORL@LACITYCOLLEGE.EDU
Yaneli Sedghi B.A., M.A., LMFT
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100
Email: sedghiye@lacitycollege.edu
My name is Yaneli Sedghi. I was born in Nayarit, Mexico, and immigrated to the U.S. at age 9. I grew up in the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles and graduated from Belmont High School. I began my academic journey at Los Angeles City College (»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app), where I earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts, and later completed a B.A. in Chicana/o Studies at Cal State Northridge.
After taking some time off, I pursued my lifelong passion for psychology and earned an M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for over a decade, working primarily with at-risk youth, adults, and families in underserved populations facing a broad range of mental health challenges both in community mental health centers and more recently in private practice.
Teaching at »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app where my academic journey began, has been an incredible honor. I now teach psychology at both »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app and Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. I’m passionate about both education and mental health and I’m committed to supporting students in and out of the classroom. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: SNEEDR@LACITYCOLLEGE.EDU
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: STASEYY@LACITYCOLLEGE.EDU
James Sutherland B.A., M.A., LMFT
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Office: HH 100
Email: sutherj2@email.laccd.edu
Greetings to all incoming and current students here at »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app. I am Professor James Sutherland, and I am living proof that an education at »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app can be life changing. I am a graduate of »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app and am the only person in my nuclear family to have a college degree. After leaving »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app I went on to graduate from Antioch University, Los Angeles with a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and achieved licensure as an L.M.F.T. I have a private practice here in Los Angeles, and deal with real life issues that we teach and discuss in classes on a weekly basis. Education is a lifelong journey for me, as I hope it can be for you. In 2023 I became one of the founding group members of TEAM F.U.N, more widely known as Faculty United Network, promoting equity and diversity in learning throughout the greater »¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app family. My teaching philosophy is: Education Levels the Economic Playing Field.
Welcome.
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: VARTANLM@ELAC.EDU
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: WHEELEMJ@LACITYCOLLEGE.EDU
»¨ÃÛÖ±²¥app Faculty Member
Email: WHITEGB@WLAC.EDU
