President's Message — Nikki Gabriel, LMFT

A Time of Transition

There is something about the end of summer, as we move into fall, back to school, and the end of the year, that feels like a time of transition. This year is no exception. Personally I am preparing to return to my practice following maternity leave, and figuring out what my life as a working professional will look like now that I am also a Mother. The chapter is looking to transition to a future of both in person, virtual, and hybrid events. Our community is trying to determine what it looks like to come out of a pandemic, while learning to live with Covid-19, and adjust to permanent impacts the last two and a half years have had on our lives. Needless to say the learning curve feels high, change is surrounding us, and anxiety may be increasing with the unknowns accompanying all this transition.

The chapter board is working to create consistency, stability, and support during this time of transition for our membership. The fall will mean a familiar schedule of events with three member presentations happening in September, October, and November. The annual State of the Profession will give the chapter an update on state and federal legislation that could impact LMFT practice and will address regulatory topics from the Board of Behavioral Sciences. This will also introduce our membership to Joy Alafia, the new Executive Director of CAMFT, on Wednesday, October 5 from 12:00pm t0 1:30pm. Our pre-licensed event will take place on September 16, and we will finish out our year by celebrating all our chapter volunteers.

At the October member meeting we will vote to approve the slate of nominees for the 2023 Board of Directors.

• President — Gina Balit
• Past President — Nikki Gabriel
• President Elect — Shawn LaRe’ Brinkley
• CFO — Parshaw Barati-Marnani
• Vice President of Programs — Jennifer Calderon
• Vice President of Membership — Shari Manculich
• Vice President of Marketing — Daniel Hermosillo
• Secretary — Stephanie Gonzalez
• Pre-Licensed Representative — Savannah Okada
• Member at Large — David Eshleman
• Member at Large — Manny Serenil
• Member at Large — Virginia “Ginny” Lincoln

The current board is excited to put forth this group of individuals for the future leadership of our chapter. Chapter volunteers are the foundation of our existence. Without volunteers and individuals willing to step up and take on leadership roles we would not have a chapter. It is impossible to say enough about how much value volunteers bring to the chapter. In return, the chapter shows that appreciation through an annual event, offering free member meetings to all board members and all pre-licensed members that volunteer their time, and recognition on social media. Volunteering for the chapter helps a therapist to build a community, be known and seen, and get over imposter syndrome. Please consider taking on a volunteer role with the chapter.

As we transition to in person meetings this fall it will be nice to see many of you in person again. If you have any questions about the chapter, board of directors, volunteer opportunities, in person meetings, or any other related topic please send me an email at sfvcamtpre@gmail.com. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the chapter with you. Thank you!

Nikki Gabriel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist taking a short break from her practice to take on the role of new Mom. 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. Nikki can be reached at 818-473-0088 or nikkigabrielmft@gmail.com.