Dear EB-CAMFT members,

Spring is in the air, and with it comes renewed energy and exciting opportunities for connection, learning, and growth within our East Bay CAMFT community!

Our chapter continues to flourish thanks to the dedication of our members and volunteers. We are thrilled to highlight our ongoing monthly gatherings:

3000 Hour Club Meetings – Led by Tanya Jacobs, AMFT, these meetings offer vital support to our pre-licensed members on their journey toward licensure.

Online Networking Group – Facilitated by Natasha Griffin, LMFT, this monthly gathering provides space for connection, collaboration, and encouragement among our professional peers.

Hiking Group Meetups – Join Craig Toonder, LMFT, for monthly outdoor adventures that combine fresh air, movement, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with fellow therapists. 

Volunteer Opportunities – Juneteenth Community Celebrations 

We are excited to show up and represent East Bay CAMFT at two community Juneteenth events this June!

Antioch Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration

Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Williamson Ranch Park, Antioch, CA

Richmond Juneteenth Festival 

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA

These are fantastic opportunities to show our presence, uplift community voices, and engage with attendees. If you're interested in volunteering at either event, please contact Tanya Jacobs at tanya@ebcamft.org. We’d love to have your support!

Spring Networking Event: Bloom, Connect, Thrive!

We’re hosting a free in-person event just for you:

Bloom, Connect, Thrive: Spring into Fun with East Bay CAMFT

Date: Sunday, May 18th, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Larkey Park, Walnut Creek

Bring your families, partners, and kiddos! Enjoy games, food, raffle prizes, and the opportunity to expand your professional network while soaking up the spring sunshine.

Let’s head into summer together with a baseball social! 

Oakland Ballers Baseball / Prescott Market Hall Social 

Date: Friday, May 30th, 2025

Social starts: 5:00 PM

Game time: 6:35 PM

Please join us for the 2025 Oakland Ballers Baseball Social. The Ballers are a minor league team located in West Oakland, and Prescott Market Hall has recently (soft) opened just down the street from the stadium.

Come enjoy a bite, a drink, or just the game!

Tickets are $20 – to secure the group rate, please REGISTER and prepay by Thursday, April 24th at 1:00 PM.

Contact Craig Toonder at ctoondemft@gmail.com for more information.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities 

CAMFT Annual Conference 

Date: May 2–3, 2025

Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Join clinicians from across the state for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration.

Parts Informed EMDR – CE Workshop 

Date: Saturday, June 7th, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: Online | 2 CE Credits

Presenter: Jeffrey Gianelli, LCSW

Learn how to integrate Internal Family Systems into EMDR. Registration deadline: Friday, June 6th.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – We Want to Hear From You

How can the East Bay CAMFT Board best direct its DEI efforts? Your input is important. My name is Nauser (rhymes with “saucer”) Wolfe, and I’m the Board’s DEI Director. My goal for this year is to focus on forming therapist support groups, client advocacy committees, and cultural competence/humility learning groups. And I’d like to do it in a way that brings people closer together.

Your responses to the questions in this SURVEY will help shape this vision. Thank you!

Get Involved in 2025! 

Whether you’re interested in board leadership, helping out at an event, or joining a committee, we invite you to get involved. Your unique talents and experiences help build the strength and vibrancy of our community. Sign up to volunteer at www.eastbaytherapist.org – every bit makes a difference!

And stay tuned—there are more trainings and events coming your way, including an in-person gathering for our Online Networking Group later this year!

Wishing you a season of renewal, joy, and meaningful connections.

Warmly,

Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela, AMFT

President, East Bay CAMFT

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025!

I am honored to serve as your President for the East Bay Chapter of CAMFT, and I am excited to embark on another year of growth, connection, and professional development with all of you.

First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new board members who have joined us in leadership: President Elect Peter Carpentieri, LMFT, Hospitality Director Laura Friedeberg, LMFT, and Co-Program Director Andrea Mar, LMFT. Thank you for stepping into these vital roles—we appreciate your dedication to our community.

I am also pleased to introduce the 2025-2026 East Bay CAMFT Board:

President: Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela, AMFT
President Elect: Peter Carpentieri, LMFT
Secretary: Nanci Finley, LMFT
Treasurer: Khea Gumbs, LMFT
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Director: Nauser Wolfe, LMFT
Events Director: Jeanette (Jen) Shelby, LMFT
Hospitality Director: Laura Friedeberg, LMFT
Member-at-Large: Beth Hermosillo, LMFT
Networking Director: Natasha Griffin, LMFT
Pre-Licensed Director: Tanya Jacobs, AMFT
Program Director: Danielle Horne, LPCC
Co-Program Director: Andrea Mar, LMFT

Additionally, we are excited to announce our Special Interest Groups:

Hiking/Special Events Group Director: Craig Toondor, LMFT
Networking Group Alameda County: Annia Raysberg, LMFT

Reflecting on 2024

Last year was filled with meaningful gatherings, learning opportunities, and networking events. We hosted numerous CEU courses, networking meet-ups, and social events throughout the year. Some of the highlights included:

Therapist Peer Networking Groups held monthly, providing ongoing support and professional connection.

The 3000 Hour Club Meetings, supporting our pre-licensed members on their journey to licensure.

Special events such as the Fall Back & Kick Back Member Event, Summer Member Pizza in the Park, and Pre-Licensed Networking Gatherings.

Hiking and outdoor networking opportunities including hikes at Redwood Regional, Briones Regional Park, and Point Pinole.

CEU workshops covering essential topics such as Mandated Child Abuse Reporting, Working with Suicidal Patients, and Legal & Ethical Considerations.

Community presence at tabling events like Juneteenth in Antioch and Richmond, Oakland Pride, and the Folsom Street Event.

Get Involved in 2025!

We encourage all members to consider joining our board or volunteering! If you are unable to commit to a board position, we invite you to sign up to volunteer on our website. Your contributions help us continue building a vibrant and supportive professional community.

Upcoming Events & Black History Month 

We are kicking off the year with the Black Joy Parade on Saturday, February 23 in Oakland. We will be tabling and are looking for volunteers—come join us in celebrating and supporting Black joy, culture, and resilience. Please contact Tanya Jacobs for more information.

As we enter Black History Month, we honor the contributions and legacies of Black therapists, scholars, and mental health professionals. If you are interested in getting involved with our DEI initiatives, please reach out to Nauser Wolfe, LMFT. We have exciting plans ahead and look forward to expanding our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our chapter.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for an exciting year filled with networking events, hiking meet-ups, CEU courses, and special interest group activities. We look forward to seeing you at our events and continuing to build a strong, supportive East Bay CAMFT community.

Wishing you all a fantastic start to 2025!

Warmly,

Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela, AMFT
President, East Bay CAMFT

Attention East Bay CAMFT members! Our first volunteer event is coming up this June.
Juneteenth Tabling in Antioch and Richmond

Antioch Juneteenth:
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2024 | 12PM-5PM
WILLIAMSON RANCH PARK, ANTIOCH, CA 94531

Richmond Juneteenth:
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024 | 10A-6PM
NICHOLL PARK 3230 MACDONALD AVE, RICHMOND, CA 94804

What is Juneteenth:
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the freedom of enslaved people, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education, and celebration of African American culture and heritage, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Why volunteer:
Volunteering for tabling events such as Juneteenth is crucial for promoting diversity and inclusion, fostering community bonds, and developing leadership skills. It enhances personal growth, supports the EB CAMFT's mission, and increases visibility. Volunteers gain networking opportunities, improve their mental health, and possibly learn something new! By participating, members set a positive example, encourage broader involvement, and contribute to sustainable, long-term change.

Please email Tanya@ebcamft.org if you have any questions or are interested in volunteering!

See you there!
East Bay CAMFT Board

Dear East Bay CAMFT Members,

As we navigate this new quarter together, I am filled with gratitude for each of you and the invaluable contributions you make to East Bay CAMFT. Your dedication to the well-being of our clients and the advancement of our field is truly commendable.

In the past few months, we have faced challenges and celebrated successes, but through it all, our commitment to providing compassionate care and fostering growth remains unwavering. As we look ahead, let us continue to prioritize collaboration, innovation, and professional development.

It’s my pleasure to introduce our 2024 Board this year:
https://www.eastbaytherapist.org/board-of-directors

President: Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela
Secretary: Nanci Finley
Treasurer: Khea Gumbs
DEI Director: Nauser Wolfe
Events Director: Jen Shelby
Networking Director: Natasha Griffin
Pre-Licensed Director: Tanya Jacobs
Program Director: Danielle Horne
Member-At-Large: Beth Hermosillo

President-elect: VACANT
Past President: VACANT
Continuing Education Director: VACANT
Hospitality Director: VACANT
Membership Director: VACANT
Pre-Licensed Co/Director: VACANT
Program Co/Director: VACANT
Member-At-Large: VACANT
Social Media/Marketing Liaison: VACANT

If you are interested in finding out more about our Board members, specific job descriptions, or open vacancies, please visit our website and contact us. I cannot repeat this enough: We still have several open positions on our board! If you want to know more about being on our board, or the different positions that are available please feel free to reach out to us: admin@ebcamft.org. We can schedule one on one time with one of our board members either via zoom or in person (time and schedule permitting). Our website lists all of our current board members, our contact information, as well as all of our job descriptions.

Increasing diversity on our board is one of the primary focuses I have had as president. Having a board that is more reflective of our membership, and reflective of the communities and persons that we serve here in the East Bay. My intention is to continue to help recruit board members with this goal in mind.

Increasing Volunteerism within our membership. If you feel that you cannot commit to applying as a board member, but would still like to be involved with our events and community outreach, we would still love you to volunteer with us! If you are interested in signing up for our volunteer list, please visit our website to register! Please visit our website, click ‘Events’ and then 'EB CAMFT Volunteer Signups’ towards the very bottom of the page.

Recently, we sent out a survey regarding an increase in dues. The votes are in, and the request for a dues increase has PASSED by a majority vote. Thank you for all of you who participated in our voting. These new prices go into effect on March 1, 2024.

THERAPISTS OF COLOR SUPPORT GROUP: I am looking for Licensed MFTs who are interested in hosting once a month support groups via zoom. Any EB CAMFT member would be able to attend these meetings. TOC Support Group information is available on our website. If you can commit to hosting at least one meeting or have any questions, please reach out to me!

LGBTQIA+ COMMITTEE: I am looking for members to join our committee! This committee on LGBTQIA+ issues addresses many important topics of interest to LGBTQIA+ clients, LGBTQ therapists, and straight allies. This committee will develop, review, and monitor programs of EB CAMFT. This committee shall also promote the development of knowledge, policies, theory and practice related to the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as participate with coalitions of related organizations, agencies, and professional associations. LGBTQIA+ Committee information is available on our website.

We are also asking for our members to complete our Membership Survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PB9P2YJ

Completing this feedback survey serves as a collaborative effort that benefits both East Bay CAMFT members and our Board. It creates a channel for open communication, facilitates improvements, and contributes to the overall success and effectiveness of the organization in serving our members. Please complete by March 15, 2024.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Please register for all events on our website EBCAMFT.org

3000 Hour Club w/ Tanya Jacobs: Pre-licensed Networking group meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month - same zoom link every meeting

Networking Group w/ Natasha Griffin (online): Meets the 4th Monday of every month - same zoom link every meeting

March 30: Hike with EB CAMFT! *Rescheduled* Mt Diablo Regency Drive Waterfall Hike - Clayton Community Park Regency Dr, Clayton CA 94517 at 9:30A

We encourage each of you to take advantage of the resources and support available to our chapter , whether through networking groups, continuing education opportunities, or simply connecting with one another as a form of self care. Together, we can continue to elevate the standard of care in psychotherapy and make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Here's to a productive and fulfilling quarter ahead!

Warm regards,
Mary Ann D. Dawkins-Padigela
2024 President of East Bay CAMFT