A graduate of Rutgers, the State University, and Kent State University, is a retired professor of psychology at Miami Dade College.  He has been awarded an Endowed Teaching Chair and received the NISOD Excellence in Teaching Award.  Dr. Abascal has also been honored with the Service-Learning Professor of the Year Award.  As a graduate of the Salzburg International Education Institute, he has been involved in the Global Education Initiative as well as the Earth Ethics Institute.  He has also served the college as a department chairperson, Associate Dean, Academic Dean, and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. A clinical psychologist by training, Dr. Abascal has conducted numerous personal effectiveness and stress mastery seminars and workshops with people from all walks of life, from the lay person to the professional health care provider.  He co-founded MindWorks, Int., Inc. a stress management center and comprehensive private practice of clinical psychology.  In his clinical practice, Dr. Abascal specializes in helping individuals suffering from anxiety disorders and couples experiencing marital distress.  He is committed to the principle that any individual willing to follow a step-by-step process can learn to function optimally and achieve joy in their lives.