Sarah Peterson-Guada is a full-time psychology instructor and the Chair of the psychology department at College of Alameda. Her intention with teaching is to provide a space for people to apply psychological tools and knowledge to themselves in hopes of increasing personal awareness to empower themselves and enhance their personal and professional lives.

She uses the framework of mindfulness in her psychology classes to support students become more present and fulfilled. Self-awareness, effective communication, authenticity, courage, and life-purpose are themes that she skillfully weaves into each class. She takes a person-centered approach to her teaching where active listening, reflections, and empathy are practiced. Each classroom activity, lecture, and course project is designed for students to gain a deeper awareness about themselves to experience greater emotional and psychological freedom in their own lives and then be of greater service to their communities and world.

Likewise, Ms. Peterson-Guada prizes cultural diversity and inclusion, including and not limited to: ethnicity/race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, socio-economic and age. From her lived experience, she understands what it feels like to be “othered” and welcomes people of all backgrounds where their lived experiences are welcomed in the classroom to process, heal, and use to fuel one’s life-purpose.

She aims to create a nurturing, welcoming, safe, and fun environment where profound learning occurs.

In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her three children and partner, dancing, traveling with her family, walking in nature, and cooking healthy, nutrient-dense foods.

Psychology Department Events