Lina Chmiel began working at Pepperdine University as an athletics counselor in 2022. Her focus is supporting student-athletes mental health and well-being by helping to resolve any barriers that may inhibit their full potential in and out of sport.
Chmiel is a Registered Psychological Associate (PSB94027022) with the California Board of Psychology. She is a former mental health clinician for student-athletes and non-athletes at Long Beach State. Her experience also includes clinical work and research at Sepulveda VA Ambulatory Care Center and UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and working clinically with athletes and performers in private practice in Los Angeles.
She received her doctorate degree in clinical psychology and master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology. With Chmiel’s clinical experience working with elite athletes and performers, she attends to the unique mental health and performance needs of each client by integrating the mental side of sport with physical skill and purposeful strategies to achieve success.
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She collaborates with her clients to manage their mental health concerns integrating evidenced-based and culturally-sensitive treatment modalities that help to nurture growth, clarity, and resilience. She strives to connect with a warm and authentic style that fosters a compassionate and accepting environment,
where identities of any race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, ability, immigration status, or faith are welcome. Â
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As a Los Angeles native, Chmiel is a former nationally-ranked competitive figure skater. Once retired at the age of 20, she worked as a coach and choreographer for national level and recreational competitive figure skaters for fifteen years.
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