Meet Our Faculty
Expert Educators Fostering Growth and Making Connections
COCC's dynamic Psychology program connects students to expert faculty who specialize in a wide variety of fields within the discipline. Instructors are also research mentors, advisors, and field study leaders who are deeply committed to student growth. At COCC, you'll find approachable faculty eager to guide you through every step of your academic journey, fostering both your professional development and personal growth in the fascinating field of psychology.
Advising Faculty Profiles
Matthew Novak
Professor of Psychology
Email: mnovak@cocc.edu
A University of Washington graduate with a Ph.D. in developmental psychology, Matthew brings a wealth of experience to his post at COCC, having served as a research scientist at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institutes of Health. After retiring from scientific research, he saw teaching as a chance to give back to the educational community that once supported him. "As a community college student myself, I feel incredibly fortunate to be paying back the efforts of the great professors I had, and hopefully paying forward a few future researchers and professors," he shares.
Matthew emphasizes the importance of opportunities for students outside of the classroom. He has helped spearhead initiatives such as the Institutional Review Board for student research, Psychology Movie Nights, the Social Science Lecture Series, and the campus-wide Student Showcase. He also serves as the faculty advisor for the student clubs COPE (Central Oregon Psychology Enthusiasts) and NeuroPsychology.
Matthew's impact extends globally through COCC's Indonesia Field Study Program, providing students with immersive experiences in global health, biodiversity, and animal behavior. "Students live and work in rural Indonesia, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, while gaining hands-on experience in field work." Through teaching and advocacy, Matthew inspires students to explore, question, and contribute to the ever-evolving worlds of science and conservation.
Sean Roberts
Assistant Professor of Human Services/Psychology
Email: sroberts5@cocc.edu
Sean is a direct and compassionate counselor, supervisor, and educator. With a doctorate in counseling from Oregon State University, Sean is a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. He uses an experiential, process-oriented approach in order to help students increase self-awareness, learn material, and tap into their innate capacity to adapt and thrive. As an educator, Sean believes that the intersection of deep connection and passionate engagement ignites a powerful dynamic for learning.
Sean works to create a classroom culture that cultivates discussion and direct experiences. Students are invited to grapple with concepts and reflect on their own process as they move toward deeper understanding and greater compassion for self and others. As a practicing counselor and owner of a local counseling group, Sean is able to bring in real life examples and practice what he is teaching on a daily basis.
Andria Woodell
Professor of Psychology
Email: awoodell@cocc.edu
Andria Woodell, known for her spirited teaching style, joined COCC in 2004 while completing her Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Arkansas. Teaching diverse courses, from Introduction to Social Psychology and challenging topics like Violence and Aggression, she aims to foster resilience and positive change through scientific literacy. In 2017, Andria was selected by her colleagues as the COCC Faculty Achievement Award recipient.
Andria's commitment extends beyond the classroom. Drawing from her own journey of navigating academic uncertainties, Andria is passionate about providing advising, mentorship, and learning opportunities to her students. She coordinates the Psychology Undergraduate Research Lab to provide opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the field of psychology, explore careers, and build applications for lab positions and internships after transferring to a university. She actively works to connect her students and the community to the field of psychology by bringing guest speakers in the field of psychology to campus, presenting on topics of interest to the community, and serving as an advisor for COCC's COPE (Central Oregon Psychology Enthusiasts) club.
Andria's pride in her students fuels her dedication. "Their hard work inspires me," she shares. Her mission is to empower students with tools for success, igniting their potential.