Alison Pope-Rhodius

Alison Pope-Rhodius serves as Professor and Program Director of the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program within the School of Liberal Arts and Education at Dominican University of California. A full-time faculty member, she is internationally recognized for her work in mental performance consulting with elite athletes, performing artists, and emergency responders.

Education

• PhD in Sport Psychology from Liverpool John Moores University
• MSc in Sport Science from Liverpool John Moores University

Her research centers on optimizing individual performance across high-stakes environments, with recent specialization in firefighter mental resilience. Drawing from decades of field experience including Olympic Games participation, she develops tailored psychological strategies for performers in sports, entertainment, and critical professions. Her work bridges academic theory with real-world application through private practice and program leadership.

Scientific Awards

• Fellow of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), 2018

As Program Director, Dr. Pope-Rhodius shapes curriculum and mentors students in Dominican's Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program while maintaining an active private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her professional credentials include renewal of the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification in December 2024. She has co-edited the industry text Excelling in Sport Psychology and hosts the pioneering podcast 'Wee Chats with Brilliant People'.