Our Team

Nicolene Joubert, PhD

Chief Executive Officer

Nicolene Joubert is a licensed Counseling Psychologist, trauma therapist and educator. She holds a PhD in Psychology (Northwest University) and a Masters degree in Online and Distance Education (Open University UK). She has practiced for more than 40 years and founded an Institute for Christian Psychology in South Africa: the Institute for Christian Practitioners (www.icp.org.za).

Her fields of specialty includes: Christian spirituality and worldview in the healing process, trauma counselling, bereavement and dealing with loss, family therapy, career counselling, lifespan development and challenges and dealing with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

She is an adjunct professor at Houston Christian University. She is also a Senior Academic at the South African Theological Seminary (SATS). She has published numerous articles and edited three books: one on Christian counseling in South Africa, and two on Christian Psychology for the European Anthropology, Psychology, and Psychotherapy (EMCAPP).

Eric L. Johnson, PhD

Founder & Director of Training

Eric founded the Christian Psychology Institute a decade ago while serving in Christian higher education. Since retiring from Houston Christian University in May 2024, he has devoted himself to building CPI into a national hub for training, scholarship, and certification in Christ-Centered Therapy.

An accomplished author and editor, Eric is widely respected for his work at the intersection of theology and psychology. He brings over 25 years of pastoral counseling experience and is a frequent speaker at conferences and academic events.

Eric is married to Rebekah and cherishes time with their two children and three grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and bike riding.

Bethel Bumanglag-Webb, MABC, EdD

Director of Communications & Donor Relations

Bethel joined CPI in spring 2024 and leads our communications strategy and donor engagement. She manages our digital presence, coordinates content with CPI scholars, and helps cultivate relationships with our generous supporters.

Originally from Manila, Philippines, Bethel moved to the U.S. to pursue degrees in counseling and education. Her heart is for caring for ministry leaders and their families through meaningful connection and support.

She and her husband Kevin enjoy bookstores, pastry shops, TV shows, and their Nintendo Switch.

Christopher Croley, MABC

Director of Operations

Chris joined the CPI team in January, 2025, and oversees the operational and administrative functions of CPI, managing finances, compliance, business development, and strategic initiatives. He has experience as both a private practice therapist and an agency-based therapist specializing in family reunification, as well as previous operational management experience for a mental health practice.

His passion for Christian psychology and soul care has driven him to pursue over 10 years of training and study in counseling, theology, and mental health. He is committed to CPI’s mission of combining contemporary evidence-based insights with gospel-centered wisdom to support those in need.

He and his wife, Stacey, have three children. In his free time, he enjoys music, video games, reading, fountain pens, and cooking.

Rev. Jared Pingleton, Psy.D.

Chief Strategy Officer

Dr. Jared Pingleton is a Christ-follower, husband, father, and grandfather. He is also a third-generation minister, clinical and consulting psychologist, author, and international speaker who is passionate about communicating Jesus’ love, mercy, and grace to a hurting and conflicted world. A respected leader in the Christian mental health field, Jared has been in professional practice since 1977 offering Christ-centered and clinically sound help, hope, and healing to thousands of individuals, couples, families, and churches.

Jared earned Doctor of Psychology and M.A. degrees in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University; an M.A. in Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City; and a B.S. in Psychology and Biblical Studies (Summa Cum Laude) from Evangel University. He did additional graduate studies at the University of Kansas and at the Assemblies of God, Talbot, and Fuller Theological Seminaries.