Administration

Where I’m From: Los Angeles, California

Education:

• B.A. Dramatic Arts, Distinction, University of California, Santa Barbara
• M.S. Counseling & Guidance (PPS Specialization), California Lutheran University
• Ed.D. Higher Education Leadership, California Lutheran University

Professional Experience: Dr. Buono began her professional career working in the film industry at Egg Pictures.  Deciding to change careers, she attended Cal Lutheran, seeking a master's degree in counseling and guidance.  Simultaneously, Dr. Buono began teaching in the MFA Producer's Program at UCLA.  After completing her degree, Dr. Buono completed her career transition and joined the faculty at Cal Lutheran in 2004.  She earned her doctoral degree in 2011.  In 2012 she was appointed the Interim Director of the Adult Degree Evening Program (now the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program).  After a national search, she was selected to be the Director of the Professionals program in 2013.  In 2020, Dr. Buono became the founding Dean of the School for Professional and Continuing Studies.  

Where I’m From: Novato, California

Education:

• Kristy Fenstermaker is from Novato, California and came to Thousand Oaks to attend Cal Lutheran as an undergraduate transfer student. Kristy earned her B.S. in Psychology and then continued on to complete her Masters Degree in Counseling at Cal Lutheran.

Professional Experience: 

Kristy has worked in the mental health field as a Behavior Specialist and spent a number of years in K-12 both in the classroom as well as a School Counselor before returning to Cal Lutheran in 2011 as an Academic Advisor. Kristy became the Associate Director of the Professionals Undergrad program in January 2020 and continues to serve as an Academic Counselor. In her free time, Kristy enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with her husband and son.

Professional Experience:

Michael is passionate about helping students navigate higher education with clarity and confidence. Michael's work centers on creating inclusive, student-focused support that fosters both academic achievement and personal development. He spent several years working in the Career Center at LAMC before assisting in the department of Student Disability Services at a four-year institution. 

Where I’m From: Dena grew up in Anaheim, California, calls Ventura, California home

Education: 

• B.A. Political Science, California State University Long Beach
• M.P.P., University of Southern California

Professional Experience: With nearly 25 years of combined executive and nonprofit management experience, Dena's first nonprofit job was as the public policy director of a small advocacy organization in Los Angeles.  She served as Vice President and director of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at the Ventura County Community Foundation for ten years before joining the Cal Lutheran family in 2016.  Dena frequently serves as a speaker and trainer on leadership development, organizational capacity, board governance and nonprofit business development.  She believes deeply in the power of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector’s role in creating a just society.  From small efforts taking shape around a kitchen table to our community’s most recognized charitable organizations, Dena is committed to the Center’s mission of “helping nonprofit leaders do better at doing good”.

Where I'm From: Brewster is a native New Englander who moved West to enjoy the warmth and sun. 

Education:

• B.S.E. in Civil / Geologic Engineering from Princeton University
• Executive MBA degree from California Lutheran University

Professional Experience:

Brewster's path to his current role at the Center for Nonprofit Leadership has been a winding one, with stints in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. After graduating from Princeton University with a degree in Civil / Geologic Engineering, he spent six years with the American Heart Association and three years managing business development for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Prior to joining CLU, Brewster held a series of leadership roles in the healthcare industry for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California.

As the Senior Program Specialist at the Center For Nonprofit Leadership, Brewster drives the program development efforts at the Center. Brewster is responsible for brainstorming and executing on workshop and professional development opportunities for nonprofit sector leaders in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties to grow the capacity and impact our regional nonprofits have.

Where I’m From: Christina grew up in Van Nuys, California; currently resides in Mesa, Arizona

Education:

B.S. Business Administration, California Lutheran University

MBA with emphasis in Small Business Entrepreneurship, California Lutheran University

Professional Experience: During her undergraduate years, Christina was a student worker for the ADEP/Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program.  Not long after she graduated, she was hired as the temporary Administrative Assistant for the Professionals program, and was hired on full-time shortly after.  In 2018, due to her position changing over the years, her title was updated to Program Specialist.  Christina moved to Arizona in early 2019, where she worked managing a bakery.  Christina has come back to Cal Lutheran and is working remotely as the Program Specialist for the Fifty and Better program.