Dear IE-CAMFT Colleagues,

Happy New Year! As we step into 2024 with renewed energy and focus, I am excited to share the journey that lies ahead for our amazing chapter. This year is not just a continuation, but a revitalization of our commitment to the fundamental values that make us a unique and vibrant community. We're still going "back to basics" by strengthening our roots while embracing innovative approaches to meet the ever-evolving needs of our profession and our members.

Reflecting on the past year, I am filled with immense pride for the strides we have made together. Our ability to adapt and thrive is evident through the significant increase of in-person events in 2023. This is a testament to our resilience and dedication to our craft. While we experimented with in-person seminars, your feedback was clear – the flexibility of web-based offerings remains paramount for your continuing education. Your voice guides our path, and thus, we will continue our monthly webinars while enhancing our in-person networking offerings.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming events, including a Happy Hour in March, our Welcome a Board kick-off meeting in June, the Board Retreat in July, our revitalized Fall Homecoming Author's Fair in September, and the Annual Holiday Party in December. These gatherings are not just networking events, but milestones in our journey of growth, learning, and connection. We love seeing you in person so be sure to join!

Financially, our organization is in the best position it has been in recent history, a reflection of your trust and partnership. We are channeling this fiscal strength into an ambitious initiative – a small initial investment of the funds you have entrusted us with. Our vision is to create an enduring legacy, fostering a future where small business grants, student scholarships, loan repayment grants, and event sponsorships can transform potential into achievement for our members.

That being said, the leadership of our chapter, the Board of Directors, needs your participation. Our membership is a mosaic of perspectives and experiences, and it's imperative that our board mirrors this diversity of experience and background. We invite you to step forward for a current opening of a Board Member at Large position! This is a temporary assignment until April when there will be a formal election. For 2024, the Board will need a Member at Large and Board Secretary. Both of these positions are cornerstones for our chapter's successful governance.

To shape the future of our Board of Directors, we seek passionate members to form a special committee for the forthcoming election of our Board Officers. Your involvement is your voice in action, shaping the trajectory of our chapter. For those interested in the Member at Large vacancy or joining the election committee, please reach out at iecamft@gmail.com.

If you are considering board service, let the 2024 CAMFT Leadership Conference on Saturday the 3rd be your stepping stone. Remember, as part of our board, the chapter supports your journey by sponsoring attendance at this enriching event.

As we navigate the year ahead, let's move with intention, embracing each opportunity, each challenge, as a catalyst for growth and innovation. Your involvement, your ideas, and your passion are the keystones of our chapter. Together, let's make 2024 a year of action, inspiration, and collective achievement. Here's to a year of building foundations and embracing opportunities – a year of growth, unity, and empowerment.

Respectfully,

Omar González-Valentino, MS, LMFT#115094, LPCC#6913
President, IE-CAMFT Board of Directors
Vice-Chair, CAMFT Chapter Advisory Council

Holiday Party!

Location Riverside

Friday, Dec 8, 6:00 PM

Dearest IE-CAMFT Colleagues,

As we move towards the close of another year, I find myself in a reflective state, contemplating the journey we've taken together over the past several months. I'd like to share a personal note that I believe resonates with many of us in these trying times.

Lately, I've been feeling the strain of trying to balance life's demands – a sentiment I'm sure is familiar to many of you. There are days when the scale tips, when the hours seem shorter, and the to-do list gets longer. It is in these moments, when exhaustion whispers that it's too much, that I am reminded of the profound impact of our work. This is not just a job; it is a calling that touches lives. Ours is a service that weaves hope into the fabric of society.

This month, let's pause and take stock of the good we've contributed to the world. When the burden becomes too heavy, let us remember the lives we've touched, the healing we've facilitated, and the silent victories we've witnessed. Our profession is not just important; it's essential, a beacon of hope in a landscape often clouded with strife.

And so, I invite you to join us next month at our annual holiday retreat. Let this be more than just a gathering; let it be a sanctuary where we can share in gratitude and find a moment of respite together. It's a time to recharge, to celebrate our shared dedication, and to lift each other in camaraderie and support.

Until then, take care of yourselves with the same compassion you pour into others. The world needs you, your talents, your empathy, and your strength.

With sincere appreciation,

Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, LMFT, LPCC
President, IE-CAMFT

Esteemed Chapter Members,

September is here, and as I sit to write this month's message, I’m brimming with both excitement and immense pride. Reflecting on the last six months, our achievements as a community stand as a testament to our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to our craft.

And now, the moment we've all been eagerly anticipating is right around the corner – our first in-person seminar since 2020! The excitement around our "Back to Basics" gatherings has been electric. It's not just about the event itself but what it symbolizes: Reconnection, renewal, and a joyful return to the roots of our beloved profession!

Hosting this seminar at Central Counseling Services in Riverside holds its own personal significance for me. As we converge in a place dedicated to mental wellness, it's an opportunity to rejuvenate ourselves, to engage in meaningful dialogues, and to foster the personal connections that digital platforms, no matter how sophisticated, just can't replicate.

This event celebrates more than our return to in-person interactions; It's a nod to our collective efforts and accomplishments over the past half-year. Every webinar we've attended, every new skill we've acquired, every new challenge we've overcome – they’ve all culminated in this milestone.

Let's come together to mark this occasion with the enthusiasm it deserves. Let's share our stories, our learnings, and our hopes for the future. Let's not just attend an event but be part of a moment that defines our chapter's legacy.

Thank you for being the heartbeat of this community, for your passion, and for your relentless drive towards excellence. Here's to many more milestones and memories.

Very Respectfully,

Omar González-Valentino, MS, LMFT#115094, LPCC#6913
President, IE-CAMFT Board of Directors
Vice-Chair, CAMFT Chapter Advisory Council

Esteemed Chapter Members,

I would like to extend a warm greeting to our dynamic community of dedicated therapists! I hope this message finds you rejuvenated, hopeful, and excited for the chapter's forthcoming events. Can you believe we are nearing the end of Summer already? This year has flown by!

First and foremost, your Board of Directors is deeply committed to ensuring that our chapter remains at the forefront of professional development. In these ever-evolving times, our responsibility is not just to adapt, but thrive. With that in mind, we're excited to announce our upcoming webinar tailored to meet California's AB1759 telehealth education requirement. Our promise is to ensure that each of our members is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a healing professional in California.

I also want to remind you of our “Back to Basics” platform for this year. We understand the value of human connection and the essence of our profession that blossoms in face-to-face interactions. With immense pleasure, I'd like to inform you that we are taking our first step in that direction by hosting our first in-person seminar since 2020 at the Central Counseling Services office in Riverside, CA this September. This will be offered as a hybrid event with live-stream recording offered to those who cannot make it in person. Given the intimate nature of our venue and our commitment to a safe and engaging environment, we are limiting in-person attendees to no more than 25 people. So, be sure to reserve your spot soon!

In recognizing the talent and expertise contained within our chapter membership, we are seeking new and insightful speakers to host our monthly training seminars. If you or someone you know possesses wisdom to share and a brand to promote, we need you! It's a great opportunity to give back to our professional community while enhancing your own brand visibility. Connect with Dr. Jane Akponye, our membership chair if you would like to host a speaking engagement for our chapter.

Our commitment to fostering growth goes beyond our monthly seminars. This fall, we are aiming to host our second ever Author's Fair. It’s not just a networking event, but a celebration of the thought leaders and storytellers in our midst. To all our published authors, this is your moment to shine and share your literary gems with fellow members and the wider public.

As we navigate our way back to “normalcy”, let's embrace these events as opportunities to rekindle our shared passions, forge fresh connections, and continue our lifelong journey of learning. Your board stands resolute in its commitment to uplifting our profession and each individual member. Let's make the remainder of this year memorable, impactful, and above all, a testament to our collective resilience. Thank you all for being who you are. You make this chapter strong. You make this chapter glow.

Very Respectfully,

Omar González-Valentino, MS, LMFT#115094, LPCC#6913
President, IE-CAMFT Board of Directors
Vice-Chair, CAMFT Chapter Advisory Council

Dear Members and Colleagues,

I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the remarkable events of this past month and share some exciting updates.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who attended our "Welcome A Board" mixer last week. It was an incredible evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose. Seeing our members come together, reconnect, and forge new connections reminded me of the power of in-person interactions. The nautical-themed ambiance brought an extra touch of fun and celebration to the event. It truly showcased our organization's renewed commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and providing valuable networking opportunities. We are delighted to witness the success of our "Getting back to basics" platform as we continue to prioritize the importance of face-to-face engagement alongside our accessible and high-quality webinars.

In the spirit of our dedication to your professional development, I am thrilled to announce the upcoming CAMFT-offered Law & Ethics Training session on July 20th. "What’s App With Therapists? Exploring the Legal Ins and Outs of Advertising on Social Media" will delve into the intricacies of navigating advertising on social media platforms, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to stay ethically sound while effectively promoting your practice. We believe this session will be invaluable for enhancing your understanding of the ever-evolving digital landscape.

I want each and every one of you to know that your board is working tirelessly to provide exceptional services and create a collegial environment that supports you in your professional journey. We recognize that this path can sometimes be daunting and isolating, which is why we remain committed to fostering a sense of community and ensuring that you have a home base where you can find support and understanding.

As we progress through the year, our focus remains steadfast on offering accessible and enriching continuing education while also creating opportunities for local members to connect, collaborate, and be part of our larger mission. Your engagement and feedback continue to guide us in shaping a vibrant and inclusive community that values your expertise and contributions.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. It is through your active participation that we can achieve great things together. Let's celebrate our accomplishments thus far and look forward to a future filled with growth, learning, and meaningful connections.

Wishing you all the best,

Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, MS, LMFT, LPCC
President, IE-CAMFT Board of Directors

I would personally like to thank those members who stepped up and volunteered to fill a board position this year. See for our newest elected board below.  Hopefully others will soon join to assist with upcoming projects. I'm really looking forward to a great year ahead!

We have a fun event planned for the end of June and we hope to see many of you there to meet the new board and welcome new people to our IE-CAMFT community. Please keep an eye out for the details - coming soon!

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to any of the board members if you have questions or suggestions.

Kindly,
Ilse - President-Elect

Dear Members and Colleagues,

I want to take a moment to reflect on the exciting events that have been taking place at IE-CAMFT and share some upcoming events.

First, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who participated in our highly productive Board Retreat in May. It was an invaluable opportunity for our dedicated board members to come together, discuss important matters, and strategize for the future of our chapter. The retreat provided us with a platform to address key issues, explore innovative ideas, and strengthen the bond that drives our collective vision of providing training, networking, and advocacy for Marriage and Family Therapists.

Looking ahead, I am pleased to inform you about the upcoming Law & Ethics Training scheduled for mid-June. Reclaiming Your Reputation: How a Professional Will Can Help Therapists will be presented by CAMFT Staff Attorneys Bradley Muldrow, Esq. and Alain Montgomery, Esq. on Friday, June 16th from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM.

Continuing education is a cornerstone of our commitment to professional excellence, and we are fortunate to have esteemed experts in the field to guide us through the intricate landscape of ethical practice. Mark your calendars and seize this chance to enhance your knowledge and elevate your professional skills.

Lastly, I am delighted to invite you all to our highly anticipated "Welcome a Board" mixer at the end of the month. This event promises to be an evening of connection, camaraderie, and celebration as we introduce our new board members to our esteemed membership. It's an opportunity to foster a sense of community, engage in meaningful conversations, and set the stage for more exciting in-person events in the future. It will be held in Riverside on June 30th from 6pm-9pm. Sign up on our website!

Together, let's continue to build upon the momentum generated during our Board Retreat, delve into the nuances of our practice, and create an inclusive and supportive environment for all our members as we get back to basics this year!

Stay tuned for further details on future events and don't forget to visit our website to sign up. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming gatherings.

Very Respectfully,

Omar González-Valentino, MS, LMFT#115094, LPCC#6913
President, IE-CAMFT Board of Directors
Member, CAMFT Chapter Advisory Council

Dear IE-CAMFT Members,

As we strive to promote active participation and engagement in our organization, I want to emphasize the importance of your vote BEFORE APRIL 15 in our elections. Every engaged vote matters and contributes to increased representation and inclusivity within our leadership.

As members, you have a duty to participate in the election process and make your voice heard. Your vote is a powerful tool to shape the future of our organization and ensure that our leadership reflects the diverse needs, perspectives, and experiences of our membership.

By actively participating in the election process, you are not only exercising your right as a member, but you are also helping to create a more inclusive and representative organization. Your vote matters, and it can make a difference in shaping the direction of our organization.

I urge each and every one of you to take your responsibility as a member seriously and actively participate in the upcoming elections. Your engagement and participation are crucial in building a stronger, more inclusive, and vibrant organization.

Thank you for your commitment to our organization and for making your voice heard through your vote BEFORE April 15.

Respectfully,

Omar González-Valentino, MS, LMFT#115094, LPCC#6913
President-Elect IE-CAMFT Board of Directors
Member, CAMFT Chapter Advisory Council