The Department of Counseling and Family Sciences is delighted to welcome Dr. Danielle Lascano as Associate Professor and Program Director for the Counseling MS and Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate programs. We are honored to welcome her to our department and the School of Behavioral Health, where she brings a wealth of clinical, academic, and leadership experience.
Dr. Lascano is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor, and holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. She joins us from Azusa Pacific University, where she served as Program and Clinical Director for the MS in Counseling Psychology program. Throughout her career, she has shown a deep commitment to educating future counselors and advancing excellence in clinical training.
In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Lascano is passionate about serving children and families. Alongside her colleague, Dr. Kristen Watkins, she co-founded the Morning Sunrise Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training helping professionals in play therapy while expanding access to mental health services for children and their families. Her research focuses on best practices in the education of clinical graduate students and on helping children and families navigate grief and loss through the healing power of play therapy.
Dr. Lascano is also the owner of a private practice committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health care by providing low-cost and no-cost services to Hispanic families seeking therapy. This work reflects her dedication to increasing access to compassionate, culturally responsive mental health care within communities with limited access to care.
Outside of her professional roles, Dr. Lascano enjoys spending time with her two college-aged children. Whether attending concerts, caring for foster puppies, enjoying movies, or spending time outdoors, she values the moments that bring connection, joy, and balance to life.
Please join us in giving Dr. Danielle Lascano a warm welcome to the Counseling and Family Sciences family. We look forward to the leadership, expertise, and heart she brings to our programs, and to the impact she will have on our students, faculty, and the communities we serve.