President's Message — Nikki Gabriel, LMFT

Projects to Finish and Goals to Attain

As MFTs, the last days of summer often mean a return to school, and fuller schedules. There are projects to finish and perhaps goals to attain before we reach the end of this year. For our chapter, this means the return of consistent monthly meetings, interest groups, and workshops. In addition to our regular monthly meetings, our annual pre-licensed event will be held on October 6, headed by Shari Manculich, our Pre-Licensed Representative to the Board.

It is difficult to grasp that my year as Chapter President is quickly coming to a close. I knew it would go by fast, and I am filled with a lot of different feelings about the transition ahead. One that stands out for me is a feeling of deep gratitude to all the members and chapter leaders who have come before me. Being an active part of SFV-CAMFT has created much needed community and support to my life and professional career. Therefore, when I was encouraged by various Board Members, something deep inside called me to actually take on the role of President. The timing was right or as right as it can ever be, and I felt an internal readiness to lead and a need to give something substantial back to SFV-CAMFT.

When I first stepped in to fill Nazila Amighi's shoes, I immediately realized that filling her shoes, or those of any of the President's who came before, would be impossible. Therefore, I focused on the journey before me and began creating my own path, which was made easier, by the well-worn trail that was left in place by previous chapter leaders. I cannot overstate how profoundly grateful I am to Nazila for her unending generosity of spirit, which has been a constant presence and support for me during my Presidency.
Upon looking back on the past year, I am particularly proud of many of the accomplishments we made as a chapter. Including the following:

• Supported the creation and maintenance of connections and event collaborations with other mental health organizations in order to enhance opportunities to promote our profession to the community.


• Furthered the development of a more structured outreach program at Universities, Colleges, and Associate sites in order to increase pre-licensed membership and participation in the organization.


• Encouraged an increase in the number of members involved as volunteers with the chapter through monthly recognition of a chapter-member volunteer on social media.


• Increased member benefits by reducing registration fees to special events and reducing registration fees for the week prior to membership meetings for chapter members.

It has been a goal of mine to continue to build on the strength of our chapter and look for new opportunities to evolve and become even better over time. For me, increasing chapter member benefits, and encouraging new volunteers and developing chapter leaders for tomorrow has been at the top of my list of priorities. I feel confident that this will continue as President-Elect, Natalie Jambazian, prepares to take over as President in the new year.

I want to thank all the many wonderful, chapter volunteers who allow for the amazing events, connecting with outside organizations, and creating a sense of community. It is to those members, who go above and beyond, that we can all be extremely appreciative. It is their time and talents that are the backbone of this organization, that helps keep us all connected, and is the source of the chapter’s strength.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve our community and thank you for everything that you’ve done this year. I look forward to many more years of supporting our wonderful chapter!

Nikki Gabriel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Encino and Granada Hills. She assists teens and adults in learning to manage anger, anxiety, depression, and confidence issues by utilizing interventions from an eclectic background. She enjoys helping people discover new ways to solve problems, develop healthier behavior patterns, and improve communication skills. Learn more about Nikki by visiting her website http://www.nikkigabrielmft.com. She can be reached at 818.473.0088 or nikkigabrielmft@gmail.com.