From the Editor by Shawn LaRé Brinkley, M.S., MFTI

Well, as the summer heats up, so has the life of the editor. I am happy to inform you all that I am eagerly anticipating the mailperson each day; as I have submitted my hours to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Having said that, I am sure you all have some type of visceral reaction; whether it be, to breathe in a sigh of relief that you have either jumped this hurdle or you have some time before you find yourself approaching this hurdle. For those of you who have "been there and done that," you will not be in the least bit surprised when I tell you I realize, "I am overwhelmed."

What that looks like for me is, late nights . . . studying, early mornings . . . studying, mid-afternoons . . . studying . . . and Repeat. Needless to say; the editor's note this month; short and to the point . . . as I must get back to . . . studying.

However, before I dash off to get more study food, I would like to acknowledge the new and much appreciated, Assistant Editor, Silva Depanian. Silva, I thank you for joining me on the joyful journey that is SFV-Connections and I look forward to working with you to provide excellent reading for our colleagues. A very special shout out to Barbara Calvi, our gracious and understanding president, who came to my rescue and provided me with the help, I failed to ask for. Thanks for always calmly talking me off the ledge. As well, I thank the other members of the newsletter committee for helping me manage my sanity and Connections all at once. I appreciate you, Gina and Ariel.

A huge thank you to Mike Johnsen, our amazing, capable, and patient publisher who works tirelessly and with great professionalism and dedication to ensure this newsletter is well put together and held to the standard this organization deserves. Mike, I appreciate your expertise.

Now, my friends, my cookies and coffee (for dipping), otherwise known as, sweet study material, are calling my name so off I go into clinical theories-land! Whew! Wish me luck and hopefully, next time we meet, I will be an LMFT!!

Shawn LaRé Brinkley, MS, MFTI, recently began working as the Outpatient Services Program Manager for a non-profit Treatment center working with teenagers with mental health, substance abuse and trauma issues. She will be developing the organization's outpatient programing; overseeing outpatient substance abuse, mental health, and field capable clinical service programs. Shawn LaRé specializes in trauma, complicated grief and loss, and is continues to explore mindfulness as she prepares for licensure. She can be reached at 818.359.6921 or mftgurl@gmail.com.