Dr. Fanike Young, DBH, LCSW & Dr. Joshua Watson, Ed.D. Step into Leadership Roles at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
April 13, 2020
The nonprofit, private, post-secondary institution specializing in integrated behavioral health education welcomes two new experts to the CGI leadership team.
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is excited to welcome two new experts to the leadership team. Dr. Fanike Young, DBH, LCSW, who has previously served as a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program faculty member, is the newest Assistant Director of the DBH Program, and Dr. Joshua Watson, Ed.D. joins the university in a newly created position, the Assistant Director of Student Services.
Dr. Fanike Young is a Doctor of Behavioral Health, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Master Addiction Counselor, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Master Reiki Practitioner with degrees from Georgia State University and Arizona State University. As the Assistant Director of the DBH Program, Dr. Fanike Young will plan, organize, and manage all of the activities related to academic operations, including day-to-day operations of courses, curriculum, faculty, student advising, and oversight of the DBH degree program in collaboration with the program Director. Additionally, Dr. Young will mentor current DBH students and instruct them in courses throughout their tenure in the program.
With over 11 years of entrepreneurial experience via private practice, consulting, and training, Dr. Young has served in a variety of capacities including but not limited to Interim Clinical Director of a community-based counseling agency, Team Lead of intensive family therapy teams, Lead Therapist, Training Coordinator, Clinical Supervisor, and Quality Improvement Specialist. Prior to her new role, Dr. Young served as faculty in the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree program and developed the student mentorship program. Dr. Young shares, “I believe in the mission and vision of CGI. I believe that integrated care and Doctors of Behavioral Health are essential in healing others and teaching them to heal themselves. CGI’s DBH program ensures our students succeed through continuous support, communication, care and quality education and experiences.
Dr. Joshua Watson is a native Arizonan and alumni of Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of Southern California (USC) where he completed his Doctor of Education degree. He has served in both faculty and administrative capacities at ASU and USC prior to joining Cummings. As the Assistant Director of Student Services, Dr. Watson will manage the day-to-day operations for the university’s suite of student services, including but not limited to academic affairs, military and veteran student services, alumni relations, student disability resources and services, state licensing, and accreditation. Dr. Watson will also support the admissions team, registrar’s office, and student billing department.
Dr. Watson is passionate about creating infrastructure and systemic change to support vulnerable populations and eliminate inequities in higher education. The prospect of being a part of an innovative and forward thinking institution inspired Dr. Watson to join the CGI. “I am excited to advance the institute’s efforts towards veteran and military affairs, accommodating students with disabilities, student success, advocacy, and retention, policy and compliance, alumni affairs, and overall student services at the institute. I will find assurance in knowing that I am doing everything in my capacity in offering all students the advantage and opportunity of a strong education that will prepare them for the careers they desire, in a cultural and social framework that helps them develop the buoyancy to perform and succeed after graduation.”
Dr. Cara English, CEO and Director of the DBH Program at Cummings Graduate Institute, shares “Expanding our leadership during this time is a testament to our university’s unprecedented growth and achievements. Both Dr. Fanike Young and Dr. Joshua Watson bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, expertise, and talent to our institution. More than ever, higher education needs to innovate and evolve to meet the needs of a workforce that can improve healthcare. Dr. Young and Dr. Watson will help CGI continue to rise as a leader and innovator in the field of online integrated behavioral healthcare education.”
As of April 2020, CGI has graduated 11 Doctors of Behavioral Health who are located across the United States practicing in a variety of capacities including healthcare leadership, private practice, and university education. To learn more about the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree program, visit https://cgi.edu/doctorate-of-behavioral-health.
