Meet Our Faculty
Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, Ph.D., BCBA-D
B.A. Psychology
Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, Ph.D., BCBA-D is the department chair for the B.A. Psychology program and professor in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School’s Chicago Campus.
Dr. Rehfeldt has dedicated more than 20 years to the identification of effective language interventions for children and adults with developmental disorders and has more recently focused her interests on behavior analysis of culture and the role of Acceptance and Commitment Training in promoting the well-being of cultures and societies. Her research has culminated in the publication of more than 100 scholarly articles and chapters and two textbooks. Dr. Rehfeldt has also held numerous editorial and leadership positions. She is currently president-elect for the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
"As an instructor, I believe that students should be challenged to think critically yet feel supported in their academic development. I believe that all voices have a coveted, welcome space, and that as future mental health professionals hoping to improve our communities we should celebrate all that makes us each unique as humans. As a behavior analyst, I have witnessed the powerful role that context plays in actualizing effective and adaptive behaviors that are prosocial and community-focused in nature."
Gary Bruss, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology
Gary Bruss, Ph.D., is the department chair for the Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School’s Anaheim Campus.
Since the early 1990s, Dr. Bruss has conducted a variety of presentations at conferences around the United States as well as in the Bahamas, covering topics such as the psychological evaluation of oocyte donors and gestational surrogates, complex differential diagnosis, depression comorbidity, and dimensional models in the DSM. As a former teacher, clinician, and faculty member in the APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship program at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital, Dr. Bruss’ repertoire encompasses psychotherapy, psychodiagnostics, and consultation. He has served as an administrator and professor since 2001 at both the American School of Professional Psychology and currently The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
"I am especially proud of our department’s recent accomplishments, which include receiving 10 years of accreditation from the American Psychological Association, as well as our excellent internship placement rates at prestigious accredited sites throughout the country. Both are a testament to the commitment of our faculty to provide outstanding training to our clinical psychology graduate students."
Renee Roman, Ph.D.
I/O Business Psychology, Organization Leadership, Behavioral Economics
Renee Roman, Ph.D., is the department chair for master’s and doctoral level students in the Business Psychology Department at The Chicago School’s Washington, D.C., Campus.
For more than two decades, Dr. Roman has practiced industrial organization and business psychology to help organizations perform at the highest levels possible. Dr. Roman has served at the senior executive service level both in the federal government—as a military officer in the U.S. Navy—and as the leader of her own executive coaching practice. Additionally, Dr. Roman has experience as the chief of staff in a large Department of Defense organization and as the deputy associate director in the Office of Personnel Management’s Human Resources Services.
"I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get to teach and to learn at the same time. The opportunity to be in an environment with passionate, learning-oriented, and diverse humans makes it fun every day."
Iris Hobson, D.H.Ed.
College of Nursing and Advanced Health Professions
Iris Hobson, D.H.Ed., is a professor in the College of Nursing and Advanced Health Professions at The Chicago School’s Dallas Campus.
As a licensed family nurse practitioner, Dr. Hobson has a range of clinical experience in the areas of chronic pain, substance abuse management, and neurology. Holding a master’s degree in Nursing Education as well as a doctorate in Education for Health Professions, Dr. Hobson works as a program coordinator helping develop distance education courses for various health professions. With more than 20 years of experience in the fields of nursing and education, Dr. Hobson is passionate about encouraging professional nurses to become lifelong learners.
"I enjoy teaching at the College of Nursing and Advanced Health Professions because the college encourages innovation and diversity in clinical practice and in their programs. Regarding my teaching philosophy, I believe teaching excellence, research, and service to the community is an integral part of the student experience in a nursing."
Susan Foster, Ph.D.
Counselor Education
Susan Foster, Ph.D., is the department chair of Counselor Education at The Chicago School’s Online Campus.
Dr. Foster has garnered an extensive range of expertise through counseling and supervising in a diverse list of settings—including community mental health, higher education, K-12 education, and more. With a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, as well as a master’s degree in Counselor Education and Legal Studies, Dr. Foster utilizes myriad approaches to help faculty members and students succeed despite personal disorders, identity issues, or transitional phases in life.
"I believe that the helping professions are some of the most important careers. I am so honored to be a part of a profession, faculty, and school that is committed to educating future clinical mental health counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors in the most innovative, exciting ways."