Whitney Bruice, M.A., MFT

Whitney Bruice, M.A. MFT works with the Alcohol and Drug Program as an On-Call Counselor/Educator. Originally from Berkeley, California, Whitney graduated from UCSB with a BA in Psychology in 1992, received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 1999 and became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in 2005. Whitney’s work at UCSB involves screening students for substance problems, providing individual counseling, facilitating psycho-educational groups, coordinating campus events such as National Alcohol Screening Day. Her other clinical experience includes working with at-risk youth in foster care and in alternative school settings, working with institutionalized children with autism and other disabilities and facilitating mental health groups on topics such as anger management, social skills, anxiety, and depression. Whitney’s other interests include spending time with her family, enjoying the beach, teaching and coaching swimming, and training for triathlons.

Brad Edwards, M.S.W., A.S.W.

Brad Edwards, M.S.W., is a Counselor/Educator for UCSB’s Alcohol & Drug Program. Originally from Hawaii, Brad came to Santa Barbara in 1991 as an undergraduate at UCSB and later went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Social Welfare from UCLA. Brad has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings including homeless shelters, school districts, summer camps, and non-profit counseling agencies. Brad is registered as an Associate Clinical Social Worker and is currently working towards earning his LCSW license. He loves living in Santa Barbara and enjoys surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and kayaking.

Ian Holland, M.A, MFTI

Ian Holland, M.A, MFTI works with the Alcohol and Drug Program as a Counselor and Educator, assisting students both in group and individual settings. Ian is also the primary clinician for UCSB’s Tobacco Cessation Program, supporting and guiding the efforts of students and staff who are seeking to quit tobacco use. Ian holds a B.A. in Physics from Sonoma State University and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. Ian has worked with children and adults as a clinician since 2001 in community outpatient clinics, schools, the foster care field and residential programs. Ian has a long-term interest in addiction and recovery issues. He is an avid cyclist, surfer and tennis player.

Dana Huffman

Dana Huffman is the Program Coordinator for the Alcohol and Drug Program’s CASE and SAM Programs. Dana attended the University of New Orleans majoring in Biology. She is also currently serving as UCSB’s Designated Safety Representative for Embarcadero Hall in Isla Vista. Her other interests include spending time with her husband and two children, traveling, visiting family & friends, cooking, baking and exploring Santa Barbara.

Lacey Johnson, M.A. MFTI

Lacey Johnson, M.A. MFTI is a Counselor/Educator for UCSB’s Alcohol and Drug Program. She graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2002 with a BS in Health Promotion and an emphasis in Community Health Education. Lacey relocated to Santa Barbara to attend Antioch University and graduated in 2006 with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She is currently a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern working towards licensure. Lacey has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings including outpatient chemical dependency clinics, psychiatric hospital clinics and schools serving at-risk youth. Lacey’s other interests include going to the beach, traveling, hearing live music, and enjoying Santa Barbara.

Ian Kaminsky Ph.D., MFT

Ian Kaminsky Ph.D., M.F.T. is the Director of the UCSB Alcohol and Drug Program. Ian earned his BA in psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He earned his MA in counseling from Pacifica and his Ph. D. in clinical psychology from Pacifica. Ian’s dissertation, “The Landscape of Addiction” is a phenomenological inquiry into the lived experience of being addicted. He has worked in the field of human services since 1990 and has worked as a counselor and supervisor in a multitude of settings including Cottage Hospital's psychiatric service. Ian has taught psychology courses at the junior college, undergraduate, and graduate level and is currently a lecturer at UCSB’s Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. Ian also works in private practice with adults and adolescents.

Michelle Kitson, B.A.

Michelle Kitson is the Outreach Coordinator for the UCSB Alcohol & Drug Program. Hailing from San Diego, California Michelle earned her degree from UCSB in Sociology with a minor in SocioCultural Linguistics. Michelle’s interest in improving local communities and working in Student Affairs, led her to continue at the university in a professional capacity. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors (hikes, the beach, sports in the park), craft projects, volunteering at a local animal shelter, cooking (and tasting!), and the local music scene.

Stuart S. Light, M.A., M.Ed., MFTI

Stuart S. Light, M.A., M.Ed., MFTI is a Counselor/Educator for UCSB’s Alcohol and Drug Program. Stuart received a M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from UCSB, and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. He is a member of the adjunct faculty at AUSB teaching courses in psychology and substance abuse at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. He is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern working toward licensure. Stuart has worked with many community-based and county programs dealing with mental illness, substance abuse, and dual-diagnosis. His work also includes personal counseling at Santa Barbara City College. Stuart was born in Brooklyn New York, grew up in Los Angeles, and he and his family have been long-time residents of Santa Barbara. Stuart is a published columnist whose articles have appeared many times over the years in the Montecito Journal, Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara News-Press, and the Los Angeles Times. Songwriting and playing the guitar are among the many ways he likes to unwind.

Jackie Kurta, M.A.,MFT

Jackie Kurta, M.A., MFT is the Clinical Manager of the UCSB Alcohol and Drug Program. She received a B.A. in English from Tufts University and a Master Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara. Originally from New York City, Jackie and her family relocated to Los Angeles in 1987 and they have made Santa Barbara their home since 2000. In addition to her work as adjunct faculty for AUSB, she has also offered her services to valuable community organizations, including Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara County, Family Court Mediation Program of Santa Barbara County, the American Red Cross of SB County, Transition House, El Puente School and the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Jackie is particularly dedicated to collaborating with local agencies to strengthen the readiness of Santa Barbara County’s disaster mental health resources. Her additional interests include travel, skiing, home improvement projects, cycling and enjoying all that Santa Barbara has to offer.

Corinne Lowe, B.S.

Corinne Lowe is the Contracts and Grants Liaison and Administrative Manager for the Alcohol and Drug Program. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Utah in Community Health Education. With Utah being home, Corinne is partial to skiing and various other winter sports, but her activities surrounding coastal living are equally rewarding.

Sarah Porat, M.A., MFT

Sarah F. Porat, M.A., M.F.T. works as a Counselor with UCSB’s Alcohol & Drug Program. She graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Education Studies, and received an M.A. from Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology. Sarah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. At UCSB, Sarah provides empathic, non-judgmental counseling to students as they examine their attitudes and choices regarding alcohol and substance use. Previous clinical experiences include working at a therapeutic high school with students whose emotional limitations interfered with daily functioning and at a psychiatric hospital with patients suffering from mental illness.

Michelle Pitts, B.A.

Michelle Pitts is the CASE Grant Assistant for the UCSB Alcohol & Drug Program. She earned her degree from UCSB in Psychology with a minor in Education with Applied Psychology. As an undergraduate Michelle served as Secretary of Active Minds, a student-run organization dedicated to reducing mental health stigmas and educating students about mental health. Michelle’s undergraduate experiences at UCSB inspired her to return to the campus as a staff member. Michelle was born and raised in San Diego where she developed a love and appreciation for the outdoors. In her free time she enjoys exploring Santa Barbara through outdoor activities from hiking to sunbathing.