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