New beginnings,

IE-CAMFT has never lost sight of its purpose: to serve our members with valuable services. As your new president, I am humbled to accept this responsibility. If you are unsure about the services we offer our members: we have our (almost) monthly presentations (at free or reduced fees for members), networking events, free inclusion in our Therapist Directory, and
free classified advertising in the monthly ad bulletin as well as on the website.

I want to thank Omar Valentino-Gonzalez, my predecessor for being able to accomplish many of the goals our board set out last year and I am hoping to continue moving forward in his footsteps.

In this newsletter, I would like to (re)introduce myself (just in case you don’t know me yet): In 2001 I moved to the Inland Empire from Belgium and have since raised our 2 kids who are gradually stepping out in the adult world. I learned about IE-CAMFT around 2012 at a time when I started to venture out as (at that time) an intern (now they are called associates). Doreen Van Leeuwen took me under her wings and got me more involved first as co-program chair, then as program chair. When she moved on to a different chapter, I changed my role to membership chair. I have enjoyed each position to connect more with other like minded people and grow my network and knowledge along the way. I am so happy and grateful that some of our members have stepped up and joined our board and hope to get a similar experience as I have. Welcome to Muriel (president-elect), Angie (Secretary), Jamie, Susan and Ayo (Members at large). Hopefully we can inspire others to do the same and step up in the future since it is after all YOUR chapter. Please don’t hesitate to ask us about our roles in our upcoming Welcome-a-Board social event in the next few months (more details to follow).

May is Mental Health Awareness month, so hopefully we will get some good information out to the public. If you have any suggestions, please let me know by emailing me: iecamft@gmail.com.

This month’s presentation will be our second part of Law and Ethics by Dr. Mah. If you happen to have missed the first part, not to worry, check it out in our ‘on demand’ library. As mentioned in our previous message, this year has been a little different and we have given our members the option to mix and match between what we offer as well as state CAMFT to get to your required
6 hours L&E. Offering them in blocks of 3 hours also gives our associates the opportunity to fulfill their required renewal CE.

Looking forward to seeing you all in one of our upcoming networking events as well as at the presentations or at our board meetings (all members are welcome to attend).

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any suggestions, questions or concerns, looking forward to hearing from you.

Kindly,
Ilse

Dear IE-CAMFT Members,

It was fun to see familiar and new faces at our Winds of March Happy Hour event. If you missed it, hopefully you can join our next networking event in June.

I liked that during our March event we were able to share more about the different board positions and even inspired a few people to join us with hopes to make our board and community an even better place for our members.

By now you should have received an email about the presented board slate. I encourage you to vote or nominate ASAP since the voting will close on 4/15.

The upcoming 2 months (April and May) we will be hosting our yearly Law and Ethics event.  Different from previous years, we will do 3 hours each month.  You can RSVP on our event’s page.  If for some reason you can’t attend live, we will make the recordings available on our ‘on demand’ page as we have done with many of the previous presentations.  If you haven’t checked it out yet, you should and might be good to note that you can obtain CE’s when passing the quiz at the end. As a member at the moment all those recordings are still free to watch, please take advantage of it. https://ie-camft.org/Online-Webinars

Last but not least I want to let you know that we are planning an Author’s fair in the fall.  So if you are an author and/or have a program that you would like to showcase/promote, please email us so we can provide you with more information.

Looking forward to connecting with you soon.
Kindly,
Ilse
President-Elect

Dear IE-CAMFT Members,

As we stand at the threshold of a new season, I am heartened to reflect on our journey together. The "Back to Basics" initiative has not only been a call to our foundational values but also a testament to our collective resilience and adaptability. We have accomplished what we set out to do, hosting more in-person events this past year than we did during the entirety of the pandemic, all while offering a robust schedule of online webinars. This blend of offerings ensures that every member can engage in a way that best suits their needs and schedules.

As this will be my final message as your President, I am proud to say it's been a phenomenal ride, filled with challenges we've transformed into achievements. The legacy we've built together is not just in the events we've hosted or the financial stability we've achieved, but in the community we've strengthened.

Looking to the future, the April Elections are a chance for new leadership to emerge and continue this momentum. We seek passionate volunteers for the roles of President-Elect, Board Secretary, and four Members at Large. Step forward and make your mark – the interest form is waiting for you here: Interest Form Link.

March is bustling with opportunities, starting with our Happy Hour event at El Torito on March 22, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Register here! Hurry, space is filling up fast!

We also have an enriching webinar called "Breaking the Silence: Empowering Male Survivors of Child Abuse" set for earlier that day. These events embody our mission: to learn, to connect, and to grow.

Our strong financial position is preparing the chapter for lasting initiatives for scholarships, grants, and sponsorships that will benefit members for years to come. I encourage you to join the board, be part of this exciting evolution, and help guide IE-CAMFT to new heights.

As I pass the baton, I am confident in the bright future that awaits us. Let's make this transition as impactful as our time together has been. Join me in celebrating our achievements at the Happy Hour, and let’s embrace the changes that lie ahead.

With heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of serving you,

Respectfully,

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

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