Guided by Christ’s truth, our faculty equips counselors to blend clinical excellence with biblical wisdom.
Nancy Frigaard
President of Asher Graduate School of Counseling
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, clinical supervisor, professor, author, and former MSMFT Program Director at Fuller Seminary Dr. Nancy Frigaard is passionate about using her experience to help other therapists succeed. She is confident in her calling to provide excellent clinical training. Additionally, Nancy seeks to encourage counselors to welcome Christ’s wisdom and guidance in their healing work. The need has never been greater to bring competent clinical skills and Christ’s healing to our communities.
Outside of her career, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband Rick, a remarkably strong Norwegian man, her two grown children, their spouses, and her two-year-old granddaughter. Nancy loves a good comedy, riding her bike, and reading.
Author of A Playful Approach to Restoration Therapy: Helping Kids Play Their Way from Pain to Peace. New York: Routledge, 2023.
Carolyn Pela, PhD, LMFT
Chief Academic Officer of Asher Graduate School of Counseling
Debbie Austin, DBA, MBA
Chief Operating Officer of Asher Graduate School of Counseling
Dr. Debbie Austin brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education, along with over 20 years in corporate leadership, where she developed deep expertise in strategic planning, information technology, and project management within Fortune 100 organizations. She now serves in both academic and administrative roles, with a focus on curriculum development, instructional design, and advancing innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Dr. Austin teaches in the areas of technology, business, and project management, and is especially passionate about competency based and online education. Her research centers on improving the student experience in online learning environments, and she is committed to integrating her interests in technology, project management, and higher education to create meaningful and effective learning experiences. She holds a Doctor of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership with an emphasis in teaching from George Fox University, an MBA with a concentration in IT Management, an advanced graduate certificate in ecommerce, and a PMP certification.
Beyond her professional work, Dr. Austin is deeply committed to her faith and to developing Christian leaders who can serve their communities with purpose and integrity. She is married to a wonderful Godly example of a husband and father, and values the strong foundation of family life. She is the proud mother of two and grandmother of four, and she treasures time spent with her family. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, camping, and reading.
Eric Schultz
Administrative Faculty
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Eric Schultz is a professor of psychology and behavioral health, where he teaches Systemic Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Issues, Marital Therapy and Practice, Addictions, and Human Sexuality. He brings over a decade of clinical experience specializing in addiction recovery, sexual health, and couples therapy, with advanced training in both the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Eric works as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and is certified in sex therapy. His doctoral work includes specialized training in clinical sexology and sexual compulsivity. His academic interests focus on the integration of therapeutic theory, attachment science, and sexual well-being.
He is the author of Healing the Invisible Scars: A Primer on Attachment (2023) and has published in the Marriage & Family Journal, including the article “Therapeutic Structure for Couples’ Full Disclosure in Sexual Addiction.”
His current research includes a comprehensive sex education survey among college students and a linguistic analysis of sexualized language through word association testing.
Eric lives in Phoenix with his wife and their toothless cat, Agatha. Outside the classroom, he enjoys live music, photography, and research.
Michael Piciucco
Administrative Faculty
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Michael Piciucco is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, board-certified clinical supervisor, and assistant professor at Asher Graduate School of Counseling. Michael’s clinical background includes working with couples, individuals, groups, adolescents, and children. In addition, Michael has extensive experience working with at risk populations including children in juvenile prison, foster care, and group homes. As a Level 2 certified Restoration Therapist, Michael’s therapeutic focus is in the area of emotional regulation. His clinical training also includes psychodrama and experiential therapy.
Prior to becoming a therapist, Michael received his Master’s of Theology focusing on Christianity and Western thought, as well as the integration of Psychology and Theology. Today, Michael’s interests are centered on helping therapists develop sound integration and clinical excellence.
He and his wife Aubrey are originally from Arizona and have two children. In their free time they can be found making art, reading, playing board games, watching the Phoenix Suns, and spending time in nature.
Andee Livas
Administrative Faculty
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Andee Livas brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, academic leadership, and ministry experience to her role as a faculty member with Asher Graduate School of Counseling. With specialized training in Emotion-Focused Therapy and Play Therapy, and as a trained facilitator in Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, she is passionate about equipping graduate students to integrate biblical truth with professional competence in counseling and serving families.
Rooted in a biblical understanding of human development, relationships, and God’s design for families, Andee’s work bridges the gap between theology and therapy. Her experience in church ministry, combined with her commitment to developing Christ-centered leaders, fuels her mission to see communities transformed through competent, compassionate, and faith-driven care.
Outside the classroom and counseling room, Andee serves in worship ministry alongside her husband and finds deep joy in raising their four children. Her life reflects a wholehearted integration of faith, family, and vocation. Through her commitment to discipleship, spiritual formation, and academic mentorship, she remains a trusted guide for students pursuing training in counseling and ministry.
DR. RICHARD SHAW, DMFT, LMFT, LMHC
Affiliate Faculty
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Dr. Richard Shaw serves as Affiliate Faculty at Asher Graduate School of Counseling and is and Associate Professor of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at George Fox University. An ordained pastor, author, speaker and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Dr. Shaw brings decades of experience in ministry, counselor education, and clinical practice. His work reflects a deep commitment to integrating Christian faith with sound clinical training, equipping counselors and ministry leaders to serve with both spiritual wisdom and professional excellence. Dr. Shaw’s teaching and scholarship focus on marriage and family relationships, spiritual formation, grace, and personal transformation, making him a valued mentor to students and speaker to larger audiences, seeking to impact individuals, couples, families, and communities.
DR. ERIK SALWEN, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Affiliate Faculty
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DR. MIKE BISHOP, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC-S
Affiliate Faculty
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DR. HEATHER CAWTHON, PhD, LPC-S
Affiliate Faculty