Christine M Besaw-McGavren

Residential Faculty - Counseling

Counseling

Office: RDM-PV Palo Verde - Room: 221

480-461-7588 (alt)

Office Hours

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
By appointmentBy appointmentBy appointmentBy appointmentBy 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.

Class 28267 Students may contact instructor at [email protected]

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.

Class 28269 Student may contact [email protected]

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.

Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

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.

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.

iBelong Student Success Initiative. Class 16554: 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

Class 16554 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

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
Seats Available

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
Seats Available

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
Seats Available

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.

Class 24073 students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

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
Seats Available

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.

Class 22170 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

Degrees & Awards

Master of Counseling, Arizona State University

Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Devlopment, Arizona State University

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