Doctoral Degree Graduates

I own a holistic event management company along with my husband, Jean-Pierre. My career in fundraising/development spans 25 years and I presently work in a non-profit foundation that supports a medical center. My mission is to help individuals awaken to a "wholistic" life that allows them to reach their spiritual mission in this lifetime.

Richard J. Kajuth, MLS, EdS, DD, has been a student of both Western and Eastern religions and their metaphysics all his adult life.  As a consequence of his study of Eastern philosophy and religion and in combination with his literary skills, Richard has had the opportunity to edit works of Hindu spirituality, most notably as the editor of Swami Mukundananda’s 2013 commentary on the Bhagavad Gita as well as other works on yoga meditation. As a certified yoga teacher, he has also conducted sessions in meditation and the study of Yoga ethos through the lens of the Yamas and Niyamas. In 2014, Richard began a monthly study group entitled “Alternative Readings in Everything.” It is open to the public and sponsored by two local Carnegie libraries. The group is designed to explore ideas about a wide range of metaphysical subjects and the nature of the Self and consciousness. His Summary and Insights on the subject material covered in each session can be found at www.facebook.com/ReadingAlternativeEverything

Richard is also an ardent student of Theosophy. He retired in 2010 from the Ohio Department of Education as a director of a state support team for school improvement covering a four county region in eastern Ohio.  Since then, he has devoted his full attention to spiritual and alternative health endeavors.

• Held CEO, MD and Director positions locally and internationally for the last 31 years. Worked in the United States, Europe, South East Asia, Australia and Africa.
• Primarily focused on the IT Industry and the Education Industry but has had a broad working exposure to most industries (financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, consulting, construction, etc.) over the last 41 years.
• Lectured at Business Schools within South Africa since 1985 and had very strong ties with international Business Schools such as University of Michigan (US top 10) and Cranfield (UK top 10).
• Has researched and practiced leadership over the last 35 years.
• Started Microsoft in Sub-Sahara Africa in 1992 and grew it from $6m to $135m in 5 years. In 1997 was chosen as a regional CEO together with another 18 leaders globally to spend a three-day retreat with Bill Gates and the Senior VP’s of Microsoft to research and propose solutions to the key challenges facing Microsoft.
• He worked with the new ANC Government coming into power in a new democratic South Africa, together with the old NP Government on the best entry of Microsoft into South Africa and the region. He worked with the Black Management Forum to assist black owned businesses enter the IT software and distribution business through accelerated education and strategy. Rob worked with Governments and US ambassadors throughout Africa to address anti-piracy in their countries, where software piracy ranged from 20% to 80%. An example was Mauritius where software sales grew from $100k annually to $5 million annually in one year through government cooperation and policy changes (1996-1995).
• Has been deeply involved in public speaking for 27 years (since starting Microsoft). Size of group has varied from 30 to 3000 people. Was closely involved in bringing Bill Gates to South Africa in 1997 and doing a satellite conference with him in 1993. Worked closely with Steve Ballmer when at Microsoft and did a joint conference with him whilst at FrontRange in 1999.
• Involved in the field of coaching and leadership development since 1983 where he developed and coached his own leadership teams. Strategy and Leadership development and coaching is his current focus. His company that drives these initiatives is called Spiritpower.

His qualifications and other companies worked for are described below:

Rob Katz holds a Civil Engineering and a master’s degree in commerce (Information Technology) from the University of Cape Town. He also holds a diploma in Business Administration, which he obtained with distinction. Rob completed his DPhil in Spiritual Leadership (Conscious Leadership) at the University of Johannesburg, which has been implemented locally and internationally by companies across many industries since 2006. He completed researching his second PhD at the University of Metaphysical Sciences in Northern California, focussing on Demystifying Consciousness which takes leadership beyond IQ, EQ and embraces SQ (Spiritual Intelligence – which focuses on meaning and purpose of a leaders and personal mastery) in July 2019.

He has developed a leadership model and leadership workshops that focus on Conscious Leadership embracing personal mastery, the key life dimensions that a leader needs to be aware of in order to deliver optimal performance and results to all stakeholders. He has developed his leadership model through rigorous research throughout his career, his master and doctoral programs and working with Business Schools both locally and internationally (the Business Schools of Harvard, Columbia, Steve Ross (Michigan), Wharton, Yale Cranfield and London; and the Universities of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Stellenbosch). He has studied the Singularity University leadership model and added to it through his Conscious Leadership research.

Formerly, CEO of EDUCOR the largest Private education company for Higher and Further Education and Training in South Africa. Rob was international director of Ixchange, a previously listed software organisation that owned FrontRange (Customer Relation Management Software). Many people will recognise him from his time as Managing Director of Microsoft for the Sub Sahara and Indian Ocean Islands, a position he held between 1992 and 1998. Prior to 1992 he was IT Partner for KPMG in South Africa and was the first IT Director for Adcock Ingram, one of the largest Pharmaceutical companies in South Africa (at age 32).

He is a member of various professional societies including the Computer Society of South Africa, the Institute of Directors and the Young Presidents’ Organisation both in Cape Town and the YPO Gold EuroChapter. He was appointed to the Council on Higher Education (CHE Board) in July 2006 (an advisory body on Higher Education to the Minister of Education) until December 2010.

He has been a member YPO/WPO since 1996 which is a global organisation of 23000 CEO’s worldwide. He has been on the Exco of YPO Cape Town Gold Chapter since 2008 (key focus on chapter exchanges with Florence in 2013 and Hong Kong in 2015 and 2018) and assumed the Education Chair position for the YPO Gold EuroChapter (Pan European, US and South African chapter of 90 global members) in July 2014, Chapter Chair of YPO Gold EuroChapter in July 2015. He is currently Mentorship Officer for the chapter driving its mentorship programme.

He championed the 2018 Singularity University Summit South Africa event in partnership with Singularity South Africa for the YPO African Region.

Mr. Collins is a practicing Buddhist Scholar and Clinical Biotechnology Researcher. His Linage benefactor was Roshi Suda Doki of Tenyuji, Soto-Zen Temple in Isahaya, Japan with whom he co-founded Tenkaiji Mani Zen Institute in San Francisco. His published work includes Mani-Zen, The Dark Jewel Transmission, and “Understanding Zazen”, as well as several clinical Oncology papers. He is currently working on several translations of Tendai Taishu Kaju daily Scriptures for The California Tendai Monastery and daily Buddhist scriptures in Tagalog for the Philippines Buddhist Society. He is well known and sought after for his culinary capability and his love and patronage of artists and musicians worldwide. He works with State and private organizations on behalf of people with cognitive and physical disabilities. He is recognized as an industry leader in Industrial Compliance and a proponent of Corporate Responsibility and Lean 6 Sigma Methodology. His personal practice is based on his training in Japan and Korea and a ongoing study of Mahayana Mūlamadhyamaka-kārikā (Fundamental Verses of the Middle Way).

Dr Rory Brown, PhD
Learning & Development Specialist | Transpersonal Counsellor | Recovery Coach

Dr Rory Brown is a Learning and Development specialist, transpersonal counsellor, and systemic recovery coach whose work bridges the worlds of professional education, mental health, and spiritual transformation. He holds a PhD in Transpersonal Counselling and a Master of Metaphysical Sciences, grounding his practice in both academic rigour and metaphysical wisdom.

As co-founder of Createlings, a holistic transformation practice, and Head of Faculty and Projects with Recovery Capital CIC, Rory has designed and facilitated transformative learning experiences across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. His work supports individuals and organisations in cultivating awareness, resilience, and conscious growth, with a special focus on mental health and substance use disorder recovery.

Rory’s approach integrates modern neuroscience, behavioural psychology, and experiential learning with transpersonal perspectives on consciousness and human potential. He views recovery and learning not merely as processes of skill-building or behaviour change, but as sacred journeys of self-discovery, belonging, and balance.

At the heart of his work is a metaphysical belief: that each person is a co-creator of their reality, capable of deep healing, growth, and transformation when given the right tools, community, and consciousness.

Ruth Kramer, The Holistic Soul Healer, is an Internationally known Intuitive Spiritual Healer, Reiki Master and Angel Reader, with over 32 years of experience guiding people to live their best lives. Originally from the UK, Ruth has travelled much of the world and has spent time living in various places throughout the UK and the United States. She personalizes meditations which direct clients to greater peace and transformation. Ruth is an accomplished author of over 20 books, expanding the imagination of readers in various subjects. Ruth’s mission is to touch hearts, open minds and reach the true spiritual essence of individuals. Ruth resides and travels the world with her darling man.

My name is Saiyra-Mary and I have been studying at UMS for the past three years and I love it. I believe I have grown much in my knowledge of Metaphysics. The teachers, staff members are very knowledgeable, understanding and supportive. The courses and meditations are exceptional and have helped me immensely. Best wishes, love and light to Christina Breese and the staff at UMS.

Philosopher of Metaphysical Sciences, Ph.D., M.Sc., Bach. Ed

- Teacher, Ordained Minister, Humanitarian, and Philanthropist
- Here to remind people that NATURE is your FRIEND, and it should ALWAYS be RESPECTED, REMEMBERED, and used for the purpose of "GOOD for ALL".
- Here to remind people WHO they are, and remember that the IMPOSSIBLE is POSSIBLE by the positive changes we make with our MIND. (Romans 12:2)
*** A positive Intelligent Mind (IM) + infinite Possibilities (Possible) = IM-POSSIBLE ***

My name is Sarah Grigg and I have thoroughly and undeniably enjoyed this journey with UMS!!! I now own my own metaphysical practice in Castle Rock CO and love every moment having become a vessel of love and light!!!

Scott Mangis is a Zen Monk living near Tokyo, Japan.

In 1980, I earned my Diploma from The Armenian Catholicos (Universal Church) of the Great House of Cilicia in Beirut, Lebanon. In my twenties, I became very attached to the studies in humanities: religion, philosophy, metaphysics, history, literature, poetry, art, music, paintings, psychology and politics.

The curriculum in the academic circles could not provide answers to the on-going ontological, epistemological, teleological, and especially, metaphysical questions.

It has taken more than thirty years of self-introspection, meditation and self-study courses (i.e.; Great Books of the Western World) that have blossomed into a mature understanding of the self, the nature of the soul, the nature of God, the nature of spirit, ourselves as humans and the cosmos at large.

I’m thankful to both UMS in California and UMS in Minnesota for having provided me with the opportunity to voice my thoughts in the domain of metaphysics so crucial especially in the New Age where humanity is faced with many challenges in their pursuit for spiritual growth, peace, love and happiness.

Shahrokh Ferdosi earned his MA degree IN "Dramatic arts university" and continued his Doctoral training in Istanbul university. His second degree of study was about "Government Management".

During the high school, he had especial mentor about spirituality and the study of hypnotism, metaphysical, and human energy field with new scientific method. Ferdosi's experiences took him through living and studying for a while in different temples to understand and study human & universe energy filed secrets. He is the founder of "Z, theory energy " and "Z hypnotize theory".

Dr. Ferdosi offers videos' production to " Zoroastrian" . Some of his work can be found on you tube for public use.

“Shannon’s light-work is devotional in Self~Mastery. Her ability to gently support the excavation of deep blockages is offered as a tool to unlock the inner-knowing of each one of us in order to develop the highest good for all. Guiding one through illusions to the truth of who we truly are is an ‘ah-ha moment’ she loves to share in. Along with her love of Shamanism, she is an aspiring author and an exceptional Chakra oracle card reader. With her faith in the power of meditation and the law of attraction, she helps transform wounds into gifts via shifts in perception and deep inquiry. An authentic experience awaits one when working with Shannon." Website:  www.therootchakra.wordpress.com

Sheila is an author and a speaker on the subject of spiritual laws and principles. Sheila's mission is to help spread the message of love and unity to this world, helping humanity to radically connect to higher consciousness.

As a UMS graduate, Certified Public Accountant and M.S. in Psychology, Sheri brings a unique approach to supporting her clients as they work through their financial challenges. Her mission statement is “Serving Community – Providing Peace-of-Mind.” Unlike many of her peer, Sheri specializes in providing a centering and calming influence based in years of scientific and spiritual study to potentially stress-filled issues such as taxation and business management. Furthermore, as part of this mission, Sheri volunteers heavily in the community providing hours of discounted and pro-bono services to the community, local churches and non-profits.