About Gary Hillerson

Gary Hillerson is a longtime Santa Cruz resident who worked in the high tech world for twenty years before deciding to return to school and start a career in counseling.

Gary earned his  Master’s Degree in Depth Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in 1991, where he concentrated on men's issues, gender studies, group dynamics, and the impact of technology on psychology. After graduating, Gary offered counseling for individuals, couples, and groups.

Prior to attending Pacifica, Gary spent fifteen years working in the high technology world, as a software engineer, project manager, and entrepreneur. He consulted for companies including Apple Computer, Sun Microsystems, Microsoft, and Motorola. In 1994, he started a software company that still provides the world's best software for formatting academic documents and references, especially APA format papers.

Gary raised two daughters as a single father, is an avid golfer, and spends as much time as possible on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Gary is a veteran leader of groups, and has been involved with a variety of men's workshops, leadership councils, and drum circles for the past 15 years. He lead several long-term men's groups in Santa Cruz in the 90s, one of which was active (with the same group of men) for more than five years.

*Note: Although he spent five years working as an MFCC intern in the 90s, Gary did not pursue licensure and is not a licensed therapist. He is ordained as a depth counselor by AIWP, a non-profit, non-denominational church, and offers his services as a pastoral counselor.