This issue spotlights Ada Karlstrand, Oakland native and program chair of EB-CAMFT’s main chapter continuing education presentations. As program chair, Ada plans and coordinates the monthly continuing education programs that alternate between Berkeley and Orinda locations, and Fridays and Saturdays. (Other CEU presentations are the Diablo Satellite and Berkeley-Albany presentations, which have their own chairs.)

How did Ada become involved? Initially, she attended these presentations as an audience member and frequently volunteered to bring refreshments. Her dedicated service was noted. Ada was recruited to the Program Chair position last July and has been orchestrating the presentations ever since with assistance from her equally dedicated colleague, Jeannie Courtney. When I asked Ada why she took on such an intensive position, she answered that it is a great way to get to know the membership and has allowed her to network, market her skills, and learn current practices and the latest client interventions.

Ada completed her undergraduate work in psychology at UC Santa Cruz and received her masters in psychology at the University of San Francisco in 2000. (She did, however, take a respite to recover from a sledding accident!) Like many helping professionals, Ada became a therapist with the intention of being an instigator of change. She has come to realize that her role is that of a witness to the natural process of creative change that unfolds in people, when they are helped to access their feelings. Through it all, Ada has shown perseverance and commitment to her career goals of working in mental health. She recently completed her hours and is awaiting approval so that she may take the licensure exam. Ada loves therapy work and watching people grow. She stated emphatically that she is honored to be a part of it!

Aside from volunteering time and talent for EBCAMFT, Ada also leads a very busy life, both personally and professionally. She divides her time between marriage and her therapy work in an intensive outpatient eating disorder program providing group and individual therapy in addition to counseling work at a local college. She is also working towards her certification in eating disorders and studying for the licensure exam. When asked what information she would like to share with interns and those developing their skills, Ada advises learning as much as possible about the business side of private practice. She believes that business skills are a necessary and valuable component in developing one’s practice, which is often overlooked during initial training. Additionally, she advocates getting involved in EB-CAMFT. She said that it has led her to many opportunities to learn, exchange knowledge and connect with other therapists who share the same passions for helping others and witnessing growth.

We wish Ada continued success as she waits for approval of her hours and studies for her exams. We thank her for helping chapter members develop themselves professionally through the EBCAMFT continuing education program and for her time and commitment to the chapter.