1.05

Evidence of Compliance: 

All full time faculty members were hired on competitive searches that produced highly qualified faculty with diverse professional backgrounds and expertise. The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is fortunate to have many professionals willing to serve as part time lecturers for our department.  Their expertise enriches our program, and we are honored to work with them. The following descriptions of our faculty offer a summary of the experience they each bring to their classes.

Katie Dudley was an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University, Long Beach. She earned her doctorate in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University, a master’s degree in Strategic Communication from Texas State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Advertising from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. As a practitioner, Dr. Dudley has worked in outdoor recreation, adventure tourism marketing, political organizing, and corporate training—bringing an applied and interdisciplinary background to her academic work. Dr. Dudley’s research focuses on sustainable tourism, visitor use management, and rural community development, with special attention to workforce resilience, social dynamics, and the human dimensions of outdoor recreation. Currently, she is responsible for the tourism concentration and teaches courses in tourism, outdoor recreation, digital media and event planning. 

(Dr. Dudley was an RLS Tenure Track Faculty Fall 2019-Summer 2025, during this accreditation cycle.)

Keith Fulthorp With over 30 years of experience in the Recreation and School Counseling professions, Dr. Keith Fulthorp brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role as an Associate Professor at California State University, Long Beach. His work in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies bridges academic research and real-world application, making a lasting impact on urban parks, special events, and the professionals who manage them. Dr. Fulthorp’s research dives deep into municipal recreation and urban park dynamics, focusing on how place attachment, involvement, and agency loyalty shape community engagement. His latest projects explore urban pocket park design, aiming to maximize their utility and appeal in densely populated areas. He has also analyzed key competencies for entry-level professionals in municipal recreation agencies, helping to define pathways to success in the field. As a thought leader, Dr. Fulthorp’s insights have been spotlighted at premier conferences, including the California Park and Recreation Society, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the Academy of Leisure Sciences. His presentations, spanning over two decades, inspire both practitioners and scholars alike. Equally committed to school counseling, Dr. Fulthorp is a recognized authority on solution-focused brief counseling (SFBC). He has delivered transformative training sessions for school districts across California, Colorado, Nebraska, and beyond, as well as for state and national associations such as the American School Counselor Association and the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Association. His engaging, practical workshops empower school counselors with tools to foster positive, lasting change in students' lives. Dr. Fulthorp earned his doctorate from the University of Southern California in 2009 and continues to advance his dual passions for recreation and counseling. Whether through research, education, or training, he remains a dedicated advocate for creating vibrant communities and supporting the professionals who serve them.

Ross Garner Ross Garner is a Full-Time Lecturer for CSULB and the Challenge Course Manager for the OUTBAC, Long Beach’s professional team building facility. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the operations, staff training, and program development. Before transitioning to higher education, Ross served as the Outdoor Adventure Manager for Peak Adventures at Sacramento State. In this role, he managed all facets of the program including both programming and administrative responsibilities, such as staff recruitment and training, budgeting, and operational oversight. In his previous role as Challenge Center Program Assistant at Peak Adventures, Ross managed staff training and the maintenance of the CSUS Challenge Course in accordance with ACCT standards. His work extended to a wide range of community and professional programs, including collaborations with the Army Corps of Engineers, Kaiser Permanente, Kings Esports, and Kings Cheerleaders. Ross also spearheaded the development of an adaptive climbing program for the CSUS Challenge Course. Additionally, Ross’s experience includes overseeing water-based activities and training at the CSUS (lakeside) Aquatic Center, serving as a part-time lecturer at CSUS, and is a founding member of the first NOLS Graduate Program.

Patti LaPlace Patti is Executive Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University, Long Beach. In addition, she is currently on faculty as a lecturer at California State University Long Beach with the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department in the College of Health and Human Services. Prior to this position, Patti was the Mental Health Coordinator with the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from CSULB and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Patti has worked in Mental Health for over 30 years and has been recognized for her work with the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS), Recreation Therapy Section, Mental Health America, Long Beach Police Department and VA Long Beach Healthcare System. In addition, she has done numerous presentations for CPRS, City Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Long Beach Police Department, Long Beach City College and other special interest groups in the greater Long Beach area. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Mental Health America, Community Health Advisory Committee and Pathways as well as a participant in the Long Beach Aging Collaborative. 

Chungsup Lee received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and B.S. in Sports and Leisure Studies at Yonsei University in Korea. Currently, he is an Associate Professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University Long Beach (CSULB). He is interested in understanding the roles of leisure in people with and without disabilities’ health and well-being. Specifically, his research concentrates on examining individuals' leisure behaviors and perceptions and how they utilize it to cope with their life transitions and conditions. Also, Dr. Lee has been involved in multiple community-based projects to serve a diverse population from people with chronic disease and balance issues to older adults who. Moreover, he is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and has experience of providing recreational therapy services for older adults and children with disabilities.

Laurel Richmond  is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University, Long Beach. She earned her doctorate in Recreation and Leisure Studies from The University of Georgia, as well as Qualitative Research and Women’s Studies Certificates. She also earned her master’s degree in Recreation Administration from California State University, Long Beach and her bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University. As a practitioner, Dr. Richmond has worked predominantly in the field of aquatics, managing both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities for municipal governments. Dr. Richmond’s research focuses primarily on access to leisure from a social justice perspective. She is interested in learning more about how leisure is used as a tool to maintain and/or disrupt class and economic status. Currently, she is responsible for the Event Planning minor, the Wilderness Studies Certificate and serves as Graduate Coordinator. Dr. Richmond teaches courses in Recreation Administration and Event Planning. In addition, she is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and Aquatic Facility Operator, as well as an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor.

Terry Robertson is an experienced educator, academic leader and practitioner. Over the past 20 plus years, Dr. Robertson has served as a faculty member, a program director, a department chair (4 different departments), an Associate Dean (3 different areas), and he has also served in a variety of other administrative roles. Prior to working in Higher education, Dr. Robertson worked professionally in a variety of settings (mental health, substance abuse, senior services, and community based special recreation programs and inclusive recreation services). Dr. Robertson has served on many local, state, national, and international boards and commissions. He also served 8 years as a publicly elected member (chair) of a county health board. Dr. Robertson has published numerous articles, a textbook, multiple book chapters, research monographs, technical reports and training program materials. Dr. Robertson has also successfully written (and received) significant external funding from federal, state and local public agencies, as well as, from private foundations and industry partners via grants/contracts. Dr. Robertson has also provided significant service, as he served as a co-editor of the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, as an Associate Editor of the ATRA Annual, and on editorial boards for other professional publications. 

 Heewon Yang earned his master’s degree in Leisure, Tourism, and Hospitality at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and received his Doctoral degree in Leisure Behavior from Indiana University. Currently, Dr. Yang is a professor and graduate coordinator. Dr. Yang has been teaching both general recreation and therapeutic recreation courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His primary research interest is in examining the effects of various recreation therapy programs for various populations. He has been working as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) since 1999 and as a practitioner, he has provided multiple service-learning projects including Respite and Recreation Program for adopted children with special needs, aquatic program for older adults, and brain fitness program for people with brain injuries. Dr. Yang has been a recipient of recognizable awards such as outstanding teacher award (Southern Illinois University), Researcher of the Year (ATRA, 2012), and Professional of the Year (Illinois Recreation Therapy Association). He also served for the Exam Maintenance Committee (NCTRC) for three years and for the International Relations Team (ATRA) for many years. Lastly, he has served as a board member for Illinois Recreation Therapy Association for 12 years. 

Gina Allen: is an Adjunct Professor teaching recreation programing with California State University, Long Beach. Before devoting herself to the Recreation and Leisure Studies department, Gina served as Recreation Services Manager supervising administrative practices, implementing recreation programs, and developing and executing branding campaigns for the City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department. Her education includes a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts, Recreation and Leisure Studies with a certificate in Campus Recreation from California State University, Long Beach. 

Jodi Darensbourg People-focused educator with expertise developing original curriculum, facilitating experiential learning, and operating high-impact learning and development initiatives for universities and international non-profit organizations and corporations. I'm highly collaborative, purpose-driven, creative, and action-oriented. I value people and making changes for the greater good. I currently wear several hats and do work at the intersections of nature, equity, inclusion, and learning 

Chris Foust  is a Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University, Long Beach, where he teaches Techniques of Rock Climbing. He is also the Rock and Outdoor Adventure Manager at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, overseeing experiential education and outdoor leadership programs. His professional role enhances his teaching by providing real-world experience that supports student learning and engagement in recreation and adventure education.

Jesse Goldstein began his recreation career in 2010, when coaching youth ice hockey inspired him to pursue a more fulfilling path.  He obtained an M.S. in Recreation Administration from Long Beach State while facilitating play programs for elementary schools with the nonprofit group Playworks.  These experiences opened his eyes to the power of recreation in producing major community benefits, and the need for using proven practices to effectively achieve those ends. Jesse went on to manage the Recreation department at the Torrance-South Bay YMCA, leading 80+ staff in serving thousands of community members.  There, he developed a wide range of programs from parent-child development to competitive sports leagues and volunteer-led dance for seniors.  Some highlights of his career include partnering with the Los Angeles Kings to create an introductory youth hockey program, and creating an elementary PE program that grew to serve the entire Torrance Unified School District.  These programs brought his nonprofit career full-circle, combining the passions that first brought him into the field with his years of professional experience. At Long Beach State, Jesse is proud to teach developing recreational professionals effective practices to begin their careers, while also providing tools from the recreation field to students pursuing any career path.

Rita Hayes has been employed at CSU Long Beach for 38 years and has taught part time for the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies for 36 years.  Her Undergraduate Degree is in Physical Education with a Single Subject Credential in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education. Her Masters Degree is in Recreation Administration. Rita retired from her position as Club Sports and Recreation Director & Academic Camp Director at CSULB in July 2019.  She continues to teach part time for the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department. In her retirement Rita volunteers with the Southern CA Special Olympics and assists the Recreation and Leisure Studies Alumni Board.  

Christopher Huebner is an Instructor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and Associate Director of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at California State University, Long Beach. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in Outdoor Adventure Leadership from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master of Business Administration in Experiential Business and Entrepreneurship from Lamar University. Since 2016, Christopher has taught courses including Teamwork and Group Dynamics and Recreation and Leisure in Contemporary Society, emphasizing experiential learning, leadership development, and collaborative engagement. His academic interests focus on team performance, experiential education, and applied leadership. In his Associate Director role, Christopher provides leadership in the development and delivery of recreation and wellness programs that serve over 21,700 unique students annually on a campus of more than 42,300. He has advanced through multiple roles within Associated Students, Inc., leading strategic planning, staff development, fiscal management, and university-wide wellness initiatives. He maintains professional certifications in outdoor leadership and instruction and is an active member of NIRSA, AORE, AEE, AOA, and ACUI.

Ryan Miller is an experienced outdoor educator and hiking instructor who has led multi-day backcountry expeditions with NOLS, Wilderness Adventures, and Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. He discovered his passion for outdoor education while leading backpacking orientation trips as a student in Princeton University’s Outdoor Action program. Ryan lives in Southern California, where he also works as a data scientist and enjoys spending his weekends hiking at Crystal Cove State Park.

Cassandra Reyes With a strong belief in the WHY, the Recreation career of Cassandra Reyes is based on a desire to connect to three important aspects: to always seek out opportunities for development, to utilize leadership whenever possible, and to interact and affect others.  These passions have led her through 21 years with the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks, a Masters degree in Leadership and Management, and teaching at California State University, Long Beach.  In addition to teaching Capstone Recreation courses, Cassandra manages LA Kids, an arts and culture program producing close to 300 classes weekly at 75 centers with 30 instructors, for the City of Los Angeles. 

Shelly Robertson is an experienced educator and human service professional. Shelly has a Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Northwest Missouri State University and Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation from UNLV. She has been teaching recreation related courses for over 10 years, as well as having taught courses in Health and Social Work. Shelly’s profession practice work has been focused on youth and youth development. Before moving to California, she was the Public Achievement manager for the Heartland Foundation for over 10 years. In this role, she worked with youth in 31 different counties, across a three state area, to develop and empower them to help make positive change in their personal lives as well as in their communities. This Healthy Communities effort was unique at the time, as part of her role also involved the facilitation of youth and related community volunteer’s applied research efforts. In fact, she planned and deployed many health related special events in the region, facilitated numerous community and stakeholder meetings, as well as, lead youth teams in empirical studies using the photo voice method. As part of her role within the broader healthy community’s effort, Shelly facilitated dialog at a number of regional community forums helping to establishing shared core values and focusing on creative solutions to building healthier more livable communities. www.heartlandfoundation.org  Shelly has been successful in securing grants, contracts, and interagency MOU’s. She has made numerous professional presentations, workshops and specialty conferences including those at the local, regional, state, national and international level. For example, She helped facilitate an International Youth Conference on evaluation of Public Work, in Corrymeela, Ireland. She presented a unique Public Achievement model <using Youth Voice> to University Students at the International Forum on Sport, Exercise and Leisure in Shijiazhuang, China.  Her work with youth, also included those at risk. In conjunction with local and regional court personnel, as well as University partners, she led a regional effort entitled “emPowerMe”. This “youth at risk” program was designed to empower adjudicated youth to bring about positive change in their community and themselves selves through a six stage Public Achievement process of civic engagement. Most importantly, these efforts helped reduced crime in certain targeted areas and the total number of you entering the court system over a 3 year period. 

Becca Seguencia 

Frances Tapper For over two decades, Frances Tapper has been dedicated to enhancing the student experience through leadership, mentorship, and program innovation in higher education and collegiate recreation. She currently serves as the Director of Postsecondary Success for Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), where she leads initiatives to close gaps and ensure all students have access to the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed. Before joining GIA, Frances spent more than a decade in the field of collegiate recreation, including ten years as the Assistant Director of Recreation at the University of California, Riverside. During her career, she has overseen ten facilities, managed teams of 20 to 150+ staff, and led multiple construction projects from design to completion. Her work has included developing diverse programs, events, and leadership opportunities that promote student engagement, well-being, and community. As an adjunct faculty member at California State University, Long Beach, Frances integrates her extensive experience in program management, leadership development, and student engagement into the classroom. Her teaching emphasizes student-centered learning, practical application, and fostering environments where all students can thrive. Frances holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology-Physiology from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge. She has received multiple professional awards recognizing her contributions to the field of recreation and higher education.

Mark Wagner has held executive positions in both the public and non profit sectors serving as the Director of Recreation & Community Services for the City of Los Alamitos, California for over twenty-five years, and as the chief administrative officer for Los Alamitos Youth Center, Inc. a non profit United Way agency for nine (9) years. Areas of emphasis within Parks, Recreation and Human Services included Personnel, Finance, Grant Acquisition, Revenue Generation, Contract Administration, Risk Management, and Development of Park & Recreational Facilities. In addition, he has sixteen (16) years of upper division Academic instruction as a Lecturer within the Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies at California State University, Long Beach.