I am Dr. Muriel Casamayor, LMFT, and it is an honor to serve as your President-Elect. As a proud formerly undocumented and Afrolatina therapist, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share a bit about my journey and passions. My focus is on working with the undocumented and LGBTQIA+ communities, addressing disparities in mental health, breaking the stigmas surrounding mental health and HIV, and advocating for more BIPOC therapists in a field that has been predominantly white.
IE-CAMFT is committed to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse professional landscape. As we look toward the future, we are not only focused on growing in numbers, but also in advocacy, equality, and accessibility for all. I want to extend an invitation to more BIPOC therapists in the Inland Empire to join us as members, to bring your unique perspectives and experiences, and help us make a difference in addressing the systemic inequities that affect our communities. Together, we can break down barriers and create lasting change.
Last month, we took a step in this direction by hosting a Therapy Book Fair, where 11 incredible authors were able to share their knowledge through books and workbooks. It was a great opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. We are also becoming more active on social media, and if you haven’t yet, I encourage you to follow us on Instagram and be part of our virtual community.
As a board, we are committed to not only growing our membership but also challenging ourselves to embrace future changes in the profession. We are actively working to deepen our understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensure that these values are reflected in everything we do. Change begins with us, and we are dedicated to creating a space where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered to make an impact.
Please continue to check our website for updates and stay tuned for more in-person meetups and events. I look forward to connecting with many of you as we build and grow together.
