Quick Links

Christine M Besaw-McGavren
Residential Faculty - Counseling
Office: RDM-PV Palo Verde - Room: 221
480-461-7588 (alt)
Office Hours
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
By appointment | By appointment | By appointment | By appointment | By appointment |
Although I do not have consistent office hours available, my schedule is flexible, and I will make every effort to accomodate your availability. Please email me ([email protected]) or send a Canvas message to set an appointment.
Profile
As a counselor, I am here to support you. Seeking counseling is a brave step - choosing to face your challenges head on and making life changes in the face of uncertainty. In counseling, we work together to develop insight, self-compassion, resiliency, emotional relief, and self-agency, among other strengths, in service of academic success and a more fulfilling and congruent life. My counseling approach provides perspectives, interventions, and practical strategies to help you overcome your struggles.
I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment to make it easier for you to open up about your life challenges. I treat each student as a unique individual, and take into consideration your whole person-hood to understand the deeper issues underlying your concerns. Life can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Although we are limited to solution focused counseling, I can also work with you to find a therapist in the community that will help you to achieve your long term mental health goals.
As an instructor, my job is to help you to be a more confident student. Professionally, my previous experiences include early childhood development and non-profit work. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Arizona. I have worked in both agency and private practice settings as a mental health professional. I am now privileged to be able to serve Mesa Community College as a Counselor and Residential Faculty member at Red Mountain!
Classes Taught
Spring 2025
CAP240 | Introduction to Counseling Skills | 3 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Introduction to basic skills and techniques used in the counseling field. Focuses on active listening, self-awareness, and other related skills. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CAP120. |
||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
28267 |
Online Course |
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
|
01/13/2025 – 03/07/2025 |
Class Ended |
||
Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.
Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information. |
||||||
Book Information |
CPD102AH | Stress Management | 3 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reviews the sources of stress, the physiological effects and the psychological impact of stress on the individual. Provides strategies to manage and reduce stress. Helps students develop and understand behaviors to create a healthy balance in their lives by studying the biological, psychological, physiological, and social aspects of stress and wellness. Prerequisites: None. |
||||||
General Education Designations: Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] | ||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
28269 |
Online Course |
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
|
01/13/2025 – 03/07/2025 |
Class Ended |
||
Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.
Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information. |
||||||
Book Information |
FYE103 | Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 3 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Focus on student success through exploration of academic, career, and life skills. Includes study of goal-setting/success strategies, academic mindset, interpersonal skills, financial literacy, self-care strategies, diverse perspectives, and campus tools and resources. Develop an education/career plan utilizing career assessments and other college resources. Prerequisites: None. |
||||||
Course Notes: Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less. Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0. |
||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
28328 |
Red Mountain Campus |
In-Person
Lecture
|
01/13/2025 – 05/09/2025 |
MoWe |
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM |
Class Started |
Notes: iBelong Student Success Initiative. Class 28328: is part of “iBelong” utilizing an iPad to complete coursework. Please visit our iBelong website for more information on student iPad checkouts. https://www.mesacc.edu/ibelong |
Spring Flex Start 2025
CAP240 | Introduction to Counseling Skills | 3 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Introduction to basic skills and techniques used in the counseling field. Focuses on active listening, self-awareness, and other related skills. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CAP120. |
||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
34369 |
Online Course |
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
|
03/17/2025 – 05/09/2025 |
Closed |
||
Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.
Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information. |
CPD282AC | Volunteerism for Counseling and Personal Development: A Service Learning Experience | 3 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Service-learning field experience within private/public agencies, and citizen volunteer groups. Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor. |
||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
26296 |
Dobson Campus SD Instructor Office |
Field Based
Lab
|
03/17/2025 – 05/09/2025 |
Class Started |
||
Notes: Class 26296 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected] |
FYE101 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success | 1 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Focus on student success through exploration of academic, career and life skills. Includes study of goal-setting/success strategies, academic mindset and financial literacy. Develop an education/career plan utilizing career assessments and other college resources. Prerequisites: None. |
||||||
Course Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0. Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less. |
||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
28312 |
Red Mountain Campus |
In-Person
Lecture
|
03/18/2025 – 05/09/2025 |
TuTh |
9:30 AM – 10:20 AM |
Class Started |
Notes: iBelong Student Success Initiative. Class 28312: is part of “iBelong” utilizing an iPad to complete coursework. Please visit our iBelong website for more information on student iPad checkouts. https://www.mesacc.edu/ibelong |
Summer 2025
FYE101 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success | 1 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Focus on student success through exploration of academic, career and life skills. Includes study of goal-setting/success strategies, academic mindset and financial literacy. Develop an education/career plan utilizing career assessments and other college resources. Prerequisites: None. |
||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
16554 |
Online Course |
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
|
05/27/2025 – 06/26/2025 |
Closed |
||
Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.
Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information. |
Fall 2025
FYE103 | Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 3 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Focus on student success through exploration of academic, career, and life skills. Includes study of goal-setting/success strategies, academic mindset, interpersonal skills, financial literacy, self-care strategies, diverse perspectives, and campus tools and resources. Develop an education/career plan utilizing career assessments and other college resources. Prerequisites: None. |
||||||
Course Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0. |
||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
24939 |
Red Mountain Campus |
In-Person
Lecture
|
08/25/2025 – 12/19/2025 |
MoWe |
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM |
Open 18 of 26 |
Notes: iBelong Student Success Initiative. Class 24939: is part of “iBelong” utilizing an iPad to complete coursework. Please visit our iBelong website for more information on student iPad checkouts. https://www.mesacc.edu/ibelong |
||||||
24377 |
Red Mountain Campus |
In-Person
Lecture
|
08/25/2025 – 12/19/2025 |
MoWe |
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM |
Open 12 of 24 |
Notes: iBelong Student Success Initiative. Class 24377: is part of “iBelong” utilizing an iPad to complete coursework. Please visit our iBelong website for more information on student iPad checkouts. https://www.mesacc.edu/ibelong |
Fall Flex Start 2025
CAP240 | Introduction to Counseling Skills | 3 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Introduction to basic skills and techniques used in the counseling field. Focuses on active listening, self-awareness, and other related skills. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CAP120. |
||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
24073 |
Online Course |
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
|
09/08/2025 – 12/19/2025 |
Open 13 of 25 |
||
Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.
Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information. |
||||||
Book Information |
CPD102AH | Stress Management | 3 Credits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reviews the sources of stress, the physiological effects and the psychological impact of stress on the individual. Provides strategies to manage and reduce stress. Helps students develop and understand behaviors to create a healthy balance in their lives by studying the biological, psychological, physiological, and social aspects of stress and wellness. Prerequisites: None. |
||||||
General Education Designations: Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] | ||||||
Section | Location | Delivery | Dates | Days | Times | Availability |
22170 |
Online Course |
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
|
09/08/2025 – 12/19/2025 |
Open 18 of 20 |
||
Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified.
Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information. |
||||||
Book Information |
Degrees & Awards
Master of Counseling, Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Devlopment, Arizona State University
My Links
Click here for a Wellness Wheel (Self-Care) Workbook
Click here for an Anxiety Coping Skills Worksheet
Click here for a Depression Coping Skills Worksheet
MCC directories are not to be used for commercial or political solicitation of college employees by mail, email or telephone. MCC treats all student information as confidential.