Dr. Bonnie Paul is a faculty member at the University of Santa Monica, serving as a Faculty Project Reader in the Second Year. She previously served for three years as a Faculty Reader Leader in the Second Year class and also serves as Faculty for the Consciousness, Health, and Healing Program. Dr. Paul co-directs the USM Prison Project with her husband and fellow faculty member, Dr. David Paul. The USM Prison Project teaches the basic principles of Spiritual Psychology to women in Valley State Prison for Women, one of the largest women's prisons in the world. In 2005 the program was nominated for a national award recognizing excellence in prison reform programs. A documentary about this work won "Best Documentary" at the Emerging Filmmakers Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009. Drs. Paul received the Bohemian Foundation's E-Chievement Award in 2009. Dr. Paul was also interviewed about her work in USM's Prison Project for Arianna Huffington's book: On Becoming Fearless. Dr. Paul and her husband also co-facilitate USM's Couples and Singles Workshops with Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick.

Dr. Paul earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at Saybrook University in 2006.  Her doctoral research focused on the healing benefits of the expressive arts and the healing benefits of belly dance. One of her candidacy essays was nominated for the Outstanding Essay Award.  Dr. Paul received her M.A. in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica in 2000.  She also holds certificates of completion in two additional programs from the University of Santa Monica:  Consciousness, Health, and Healing in 2002 and Soul-Centered Leadership in 2005.

Dr. Paul's background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University at Northridge in 1989. During her undergraduate studies, she spent two years as an exchange student in Montreal, Canada, and Florence, Italy, where she learned to speak Italian and a smattering of French. Her professional background includes five years as General Manager of an electronics-manufacturing corporation. Dr. Paul's focus there was to integrate the principles of operating a successful business along with supporting and encouraging each person's growth as an individual. She is also a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and has worked as a Graphic Designer and professional artist. Dr. Paul also teaches dance in Santa Barbara, focusing on assisting women in healing issues with their bodies and their creative self-expression through movement. She has also developed and taught dance, dream, and journaling workshops for Glendale Community College in Southern California. She is also a knitwear designer and has had several designs published.

Bonnie lives with her wonderful husband, David, and their two precious dogs. She enjoys dancing, painting, biking, knitting, and taking walks on the beach.