JEFF AVANTS
EDUCATION
2023 – Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing (in progress), Butler University, Indianapolis, IN.
2022 – Master of Fine Arts, English, Creative Writing, Lesley University, Boston, MA.
2016 – Doctor of Education, Educational Psychology, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA.
2019 – Master of Science, Educational Counseling/PPS Credential, University of La Verne, La Verne, CA.
2010 – Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy, Hope International University, Fullerton, CA.
2009 – California Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors Certificate, Christian Institute,
Milpitas, CA.
2006 - Master of Arts, Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA.
2006 - Master of Arts, Ministry, Pastoral Counseling, Simpson University, Redding, CA.
1991 - Master of Arts, English, Creative Writing (GPA 4.0, Summa cum Laude), Northern Arizona
University, Flagstaff, AZ.
1987 - Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies – Psychology, History, English - University of California, Santa
Barbara, CA
1984 - Associate of Arts, Journalism, Ventura College, Ventura, CA.
PROFESSSIONAL CREDENTIALS AND LICENSES
Indiana K-12 School Counselor License. Valid, Exp 2/14/2026
California K-12 Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Valid, Exp 3/2/2029
Nevada K-12 School Counselor Teacher License. Valid, Exp 01/26/2029
Indiana Professional Licensing Marriage and Family Therapist, License 35002393A. Valid
California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License, 52882. Valid
Nevada Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License, 1005. Valid
CADAC-II Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification. Valid
Kairos Pacific University - Assistant Professor April 2026-Present
Crisis Intake Coordinator, Ascension St. Vincent Stress Center, Indianapolis, IN, 2024-Present, &
MFT Intern Supervisor, Central Psychological Services, Greenwood, IN, 2025-Present.
EDUCATIONAL/ACADEMIC POSITIONS
INSTRUCTOR OF ADDICTION STUDIES – California Consortium of Addiction Professionals, Long Beach,
CA. 2018 to 2020.
PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH – Ventura County Community College District, Ventura, CA.
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF HUMAN SERVICES – California State University Dominquez Hills, CA.
2014-2015.
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL – Ojai, CA. 2002-2003
Ventura County Christian High School – Ventura, CA. 1997-2003
GRADUATE ASSISTANT DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH – Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.
PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS
CLINICAL DIRECTOR – Renaissance Center for Expressive Therapy and Counseling, Ventura, CA. 2016 to
2023.
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST (LMFT/CADC-II) – Ventura Counseling Center, Ventura,
CA. 2013-2017
BEHAVIORAL HEATLH CLINICIAN III (LMFT/CADC-II) – County of Ventura, Santa Paula Adult Mental
Health and Simi Valley Alcohol/Drug Programs. 2010-2014.
AWARDS
2007 – Commissioned Kentucky Colonel – Awarded Kentucky’s Highest Military Honor for Civilian
Community Service and Leadership by Governor Ernie Fletcher.
1991 - Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society – Summa cum Laude Graduate in English, MA, 4.0 GPA Northern
Arizona University.
1983 - Ventura College Outstanding Writer Award in Journalism.
Published Poetry In: Ekstasis, Syzygy, Dog Music and Anthology by Simmerman and Dumar,
