Graduates of IAA
The following individuals have successfully completed the Diploma Module of the Professional Training Department curriculum at IAA, and are authorized to use the title Dipl. O.C.A. (Diploma of the ONLINE College of Astrology) after their names. This title demonstrates that they have completed our rigorous course of training and are fully qualified to practice astrology in a professional capacity.
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Class of 2010 |
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Ricardo Santacruz, Dipl. O.C.A. I was born on May 6th, 1958, at 9:27 A.M., in Pamplona, Colombia, South America, and became interested in the so called "occult sciences" since I was very young. I received my initiation in Kriya Yoga techniques when I was 17 from a Paramahansa Yogananda's disciple, Rajarshi Krishna Yogananda. I practiced with him Hatha Yoga and meditation during five years under his supervision. At the same time I went to college and studied Computer Science in Bogotá and also obtained a master degree in networks and communications. Simultaneously I felt great interest in Astrology, Kabbalah, and Chinese martial arts and Tai Chi Chuan. Actually (when I have the time) I teach Tai Chi. Twenty years ago I also became a Traditional Feng Shui student and more recently I became a professional in that field under Master Larry Sang's supervision in Los Angeles, California. After several years of practicing Astrology, reading charts and studying with Colombian teachers, I felt that my knowledge was very incipient or incomplete and I decided to search for a professional institute which might fill my needs, and that is how I happily and fortunately found the IAA, formerly OCA, in 2005. Now I'm graduating, I'm a professional Astrologer, and I feel that this is, again, the beginning of a longer road! In this institute I have found many wonderful teachers who encourage me to continue when I wanted to give up. |
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Sharon Harris, Dipl. O.C.A. I was born in Waco, Texas, Feb 8, 1945, 5:52 a.m., and reared in a very conservative, Southern Baptist environment. In 1964, I married and moved to Southern California, giving birth in November 1965, to my only child and son. In 1966 I relocated to San Jose and remained there until 1978. The years in California were liberating and led to an absorbing interest in esoteric philosophy as mediated by Alice Bailey with my studying briefly, but intensely, with the Arcane School. I emerged from this experience with a greater interest in astrology. In 1980 I received intermediate certification through a correspondence program with the Jeff Mayo School of Astrology. Not only was I interested in the arcane, but also began pursuing a degree program which was interrupted by a move to the Denver area. In 1982 I finally graduated from the University of Colorado (Denver) with a B.A. degree in English with distinction. In 1990 my marriage of 26 years, which had been in decline for some time, ended. I then worked as a secretary at Denver International Airport for the City and County of Denver in the Finance Department during the '90s. In 2000 I returned to Texas, this time to coastal Rockport, to be nearer aging parents, and secured employment in the estimating department of a nearby offshore platform fabrication yard. My interest in astrology slowly began to revive along with the realization that I had never really advanced very far in my astrological studies. I searched for an affordable, accessible, and academic approach, which I was pleased to discover in the Online College of Astrology (now, of course, International Academy of Astrology -- IAA) and enrolled enthusiastically in January 2005 for Astro 101. Not only were the courses exciting and enlightening with supportive and encouraging instructors, but also the program encouraged extemporaneous communication and interaction with others -- skills which most people take for granted, but which I find challenging. Study by correspondence would have been much easier for me but not so rewarding. Whether or not I will join the ranks of professional consulting astrologers is still undecided, but it is certain that my astrological understanding as well as my personal growth has been deepened and enriched by the IAA curriculum and faculty. |
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Class of 2009 |
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Luiza Azancot, Dipl. O.C.A.
My journey with OCA started in 2005 with an email to Evan Bortnick followed by a long phone conversation with Ena. This triple Gemini encounter (I am also a Gemini) was so stimulating that I immediately enrolled. I felt that OCA was the right school for me. I loved every minute of the grueling semesters and my exchanges with instructors and fellow students. I am indebted to all that contributed to my astrological education but especially to Ena to have the vision and the courage to lead OCA. The focus of this school is on teaching astrology and developing critical thinking not indoctrination, a characteristic that I deeply appreciate. I see that my life's purpose is to take my very direct and positive astrological voice and use it in the service of my clients and my community. Having lived in several continents and speaking several languages I have a pretty wide sense of community. So let's say that I want to make the Universe a better place through astrological knowledge. My plans for the future include expanding the number of people that I touch. I have already given consultations to clients in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. I am passionate about the value to astrology, Jungian psychology and mythology and through teaching, conducting workshops and writing I intend to promote this sacred knowledge. Now that I have celebrated my second Saturn return I can proudly and confidently say "I am a Professional Astrologer and an Instructor at OCA." |
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Dori Alsop Paden, Dipl. O.C.A. I am a Scorpio with a stellium in Libra (9th and 10th house) and with what you might call an ambidextrous (right and left brain) personality. Not only did I graduate with a BA in Geology and worked in IT for 25 years, I also have been a working psychic for 45+ years. My decision to study astrology came from an astrology reading that "felt wrong." (It turned out the person's math was off and was looking at the wrong houses). The Rooster (and Snake Daymaster) in me decided that it was time not to rely totally on someone else's perceptions, but to learn my own. Astrology feels like a good "fit," as it is both metaphysical and scientific. Currently, I publish a blog at www.theastraltourist.com, most business days, that features metaphysical writings that are moving from channeled sources to direct exploration of other realities, including astrological realities from time to time. My intention, at this time, is to consolidate the blogs, which I have published since August of 2005 into books, and to build a part time business doing readings that consolidate astrology -- both Western, and Chinese -- which is my next astrological project -- and the paranormal. |
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Class of 2008 |
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Ruby Bulkhalter, Dipl. O.C.A. I am a Libra who lives in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains with my Gemini Doberman pinscher, Jupiter. In my day job I work as a legal assistant, where I draft wills, trusts, etc., and keep the office and computers running smoothly. In my spare time, I like to hike, garden, attend seminars and practice my creativity in decorating and collage. My passion for astrology began when I was eight. Later, I studied with several fine teachers in Denver, Colorado, and dabbled in astrology for many years -- gave readings at psychic fairs and taught several beginning astrology classes. At my second Saturn return I decided to become very serious about my astrological studies and enrolled in OCA. What a ride it was!! It was challenging but wonderful and amazing in so many ways!! Now that I have graduated, I am very excited about pursuing a second career in this fascinating arena. I am now busy working on a website and plan to do astrological consulting, public speaking, and will be teaching astrology classes as my schedule allows. Somewhere in the distant future, I may even write articles and/or a book. The sky is the limit -— I will let life guide my steps! |
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Arthur R. Gianfermo, Dipl. O.C.A.
Astrology has been my passion for well over 35 years. My studies at Online College of Astrolgy have helped me integrate multiple techniques to advance a true "stellar consciousness." I owe a great debt to Ena and the staff at AstroCollege. My commitment to both the practice and study of astrological techniques is as deep as my devotion to creating a healthier planet. My other lifetime passion is gardening, the practice of permaculture and sustainable living. I practice as an astrological counselor and help with a number of gardening projects including sitting on the Board of Directors of the non-profit Sustainable Community Gardens. Perhaps it is best to describe me as an all around Aquarian multi-dimensional, multi-cultural, multi-tasking human being. I can be reached via my website, www.aquasoul.com. |
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Grace Davison Topping, FSAC, Dipl. O.C.A. Through a combination of Feng Shui and Astrology, quite possibly I will be able to help a few people to find more harmony and guidance in their lives. |
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Class of 2007 |
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Ron Dankowich, Dipl. O.C.A.
Ron enjoys a quiet life in Hockley, Ontario, Canada. He employs the many skills he learned through the IAA in a modest astrology consulting practice as "The Village Astrologer" and is also an instructor on the IAA Faculty. |
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Cheryl Manley, Dipl. O.C.A. |
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Daniel Piper, Dipl. O.C.A. Daniel lives in Chicago, Illinois, and is currently pursuing a degree in psychology. |
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Madji Abraham, Dipl. O.C.A. I was born in Lebanon on October 22, 1958. Initiated in the Sufi order in 1972, I studied Logic, religions, Astronomy, Philosophy, Esoteric, Classical Astrology, Geomancy and Planetary Magic. I joined the university in 1979 and I had a diploma in Pure-Maths and was a karate instructor by early 1982. After a few short stays in France (1975-1981) I settled in Bordeaux, where I joined the university again and had a second diploma but this time it was in Physics! I also dedicated myself to the study of Freudian Psychoanalysis and Hypnosis. They constituted all the electives I had studied during that time. I was a member of Jacques Cousteau Environmental Society as I came to adopt the peaceful fight for better human resources and became an environmental adept. I emigrated to Australia in 1988 where I worked for my community for fourteen years as a counselor, teacher of languages and religions. I initiated several students in the Sufi order. Meanwhile I founded my own distribution company and worked hard for twelve years to achieve the biggest dream I ever had that was to see my daughter and my son have their names printed on Honours certificates. Since every action is doomed to enact a possible reaction -- to simulate one of Newton’s three laws in Physics -- my health deteriorated in early 2000. During the trauma, and in order to resist the heavy physical burden of cancer, I intensified my readings in western esoteric books and I had the privilege to study Jungian Psychology which paved the way for me to reanimate my old astrological beliefs in new psychological concepts. In early 2003, I was still under medical scrutiny as a result of two major surgeries when I joined the OCA to follow four years of rigorous studies in astrology. I graduated on January 28, 2007. I am currently a member of the FAA, a writer and a practicing astrologer. |
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Class of 2005 |
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Rae Alston-Harris, Dipl. O.C.A.
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Mary L. Barcella, Ph.D, Dipl. O.C.A.
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Terry L. Johnson, MA, Dipl. O.C.A.
My first introduction to astrology was an unforgettable experience. I was seventeen years old, a high school senior wandering the SMU campus in Dallas with my boyfriend in search of a Bahai Faith meeting. A friend of Johnny's waved us over and immediately asked me when my birthday was. I was perplexed but when I gave him my date, February 27, he confounded me further. "Oh my gosh, you are the most perfect Pisces I have ever seen! Blue eyes, long hair, tiny hands and feet...and here you are looking for a spiritual group to visit, seeking the numinous!" He went on to tell me several things about myself that evidently impressed me profoundly, despite his use of the largely debunked "physical" Sun sign types. For the next 30 years, I was never able to turn away from anything that promised me more knowledge of astrology. I found a spiritual path that day back in Dallas, just not the one I though I was seeking. I went through college, obtaining a B.F.A. and later an M.F.A. in Fine Arts and had a successful career as a studio artist, all the while collecting books on astrology that were often out of my grasp. It was 1999 when I had a few dollars left on a Barnes and Noble gift card that the Mountain Astrologer with the ad for OCA jumped off the rack and led me to the Gates of the Kingdom. From entering my first virtual classroom, I spent hundreds of hours on homework. I loved and hated classes, I tangled with frustration and doubt and a couple of instructors, but all the while I became more passionately entwined in the Cosmos, my clear evidence of the DIVINE. Despite or because of my singleton earth Capricorn Moon, I graduated. Today I study Joytish Astrology with Ernst Wilhelm and have a small word-of-mouth consulting practice in which I do blended east/west charts. My blog http://exitingchaos.blogspot.com is an expression of my reflections on astrology as a practical tool for everyone and their everyday concerns. My goal is to bring the wisdom and order of astrology back into conversations, considerations and consciousness. |
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Julene Packer, Dipl. O.C.A., ISAR-C.A.P.
Julene teaches Astro 201 and Astro 202 in the Diploma Module and is IAA's Education Director. She is also on the IAA Board of Directors. For seven years she was the IAA Media Director, until her "Sky Watch" column was purchased by The Mountain Astrologer magazine. She is Secretary on AFAN's Steering Committee. She lectures at national conferences and holds local classes in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. |
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Class of 2000 |
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Evan Bortnick, Dipl. O.C.A., AP.D, NCGR IV(rect)
Former Dean of Education and Dean of Professional Training at International Academy of Astrology as well as a former member of the Board of Directors, Evan has been author and co-author of much of the IAA curriculum, some of which have been e-published and are available in the IAA Shopping Area. He lives in Wiesbaden, Germany, and has a certificate in Cranio-Sacral work as well as his practioner and master certificates in neuro-linguistic-programming (NLP). A former opera soloist and present dozent in functional vocal pedagogy at the U. of Weimar, he also teaches voice and presentation training at his academy Musa-Vocalis (www.musa-vocalis.de). He has an active private astrology practice where he creatively combines these various disciplines to help his clients and students on their voyage of self-discovery. He has formerly taught Astro 102, 103, 105, 106, 201 and 202 and has, over the years, added to and improved the structure of IAA's Professional Tracks. He lectures and gives seminars in applied archetypal astrology in Germany. He is presently on sabbatical from IAA. |
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Cathy Coleman, Ph.D., Dipl. O.C.A.
I have an ongoing astrological practice and see a few clients on a regular basis. However, my practice is small as I have a very big day job as Director of Administration and the Retreat Center at the Institute of Noetic Science (www.Noetic.org). The past couple of years I have focused on studying Vedic astrology more deeply, as my goal has always been to be an East-West practitioner of astrology, equally knowledgeable in both traditions. I have studied more methodically through classes with three Vedic teachers this past year, and passed my Level I ACVA (American College of Vedic Astrology) exam in July 2007. Professionally I read charts from a Western perspective, and am working by practicing with friends and colleagues to incorporate Vedic information into my consultations as well. My special interests are locational astrology (I'm Jim Lewis Certified), health, and relationships, including parent-child relationships. In 2007 I published my first article on astrology, an article about OCA's 10th anniversary -- published in the Nov-Dec issues of Mountain Astrologer. Also in 2007 I passed the written portion of NCGR's Level III exam. My goals in 2008 are to complete the electional and mundane take-home test aspects of the NCGR Level III exam, to complete NCGR Level IV, to launch a website, and to begin again teaching astrological classes. I have become a part of an archetypal astrological study group with Rick Tarnas leading, thus keeping my Western archetypal psychological astrological channels of knowledge sharpened as well. As director of the IONS Retreat Center, I hope to host some astrological workshops and conferences there as well. |
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