President's Message — Gina Balit, LMFT, ATR

Forever Grateful

The year has flown by and has almost come to an end. This is the final newsletter issue of the year and thus my final president’s message. The chapter has one more board meeting and membership meeting remaining in November, as well as our annual volunteer appreciation event in December.

I am both extremely grateful and emotional as I write this message. I look back at my starting message filled with hope and can reflect on what we’ve accomplished this year, such as completing the first entire year of hybrid meetings with improved quality for both in person and online participants, completing the second round of student scholarships (aided nearly 100 students on their journey to become therapists by covering one year of membership with CAMFT) and partnered with Therapist Development Center to begin the Tzedakah Project application process for pre-licensees in December (8 recipients will be awarded with $250 each via a discount code, along with a $25 discount code for test prep courses and 10% off of one CE course), and updating many important policies and procedures that help keep the chapter running smoothly.

I not only reflect on this year, but also the past 9 years. Yes, 9 years with SFV-CAMFT. While I’ll be returning on the board as Past President and off the board as Advertising Chair next year, amongst other volunteer roles, I feel I’ve completed a big chapter in my life. I began in 2015 while I was still working on my hours as an associate. Knowing I had to put myself out there and network, I sent out emails asking about meetings and if there were opportunities to volunteer. I was quickly brought in and sat in on board meetings, training under the VP of Marketing at the time, who saw the “knack” I had for the role (shoutout to Stephanie Kavoulakos). In 2016, I officially served on the board as VP of Marketing until 2021, at which point I needed to step up in another way and represent the chapter. I was President Elect in 2022 and currently serve as 2023 President.

It was difficult for me this year because I had always considered myself a behind-the-scenes leader. I was certainly afraid of speaking in front of attendees at meetings and running board meetings, but I let the love and care I have for the chapter keep me grounded. I embraced being vulnerable and nervous and felt accepted for who I was. Many who know me knew I also struggled with my final board exam during the start of my journey with the chapter. If it wasn’t for the warm and inviting nature of the chapter and the wonderful colleagues and friends I’ve met through the years, it would have been much harder to cope with and overcome difficulties. Thank you, SFV-CAMFT for keeping me sane through these professional challenges as well as personal, for teaching me how to be a leader, for challenging me, for supporting me with community, and for bringing more meaning and inspiration to my life. I hope that this story gives a chapter member an idea of how important and impactful volunteering can be. The chapter is always in need of volunteers to help it succeed; feel free to be involved in any capacity and duration that feels good to you and experience the benefits the chapter has to offer for yourself.

I have to thank my team, the board and other volunteers, who I couldn’t lead or accomplish goals without. I also want to thank the 2024 board we voted in at our October meeting in advance for the time and efforts they’ll be putting into the chapter. Below is a list of the chapter member volunteers and their corresponding roles. I’d also like to thank all our active members for showing up and speaking up at our meetings throughout the year as well as our “IT” person and eBlast and Newsletter Editor/Publisher, Michael Johnsen, who has serviced our chapter for 12 years.

Chapter Member Volunteers

I look forward to finishing the last couple of months strong, and passing the “big shoes” on to our 2024 president at our January annual experiential meeting. If you have any questions about the chapter, please email sfvcamftpre@gmail.com. Should you wish to contact me in the new year, please use sfvcamftppre@gmail.com or directly gina@theartofmft.com. Thank you again, SFV-CAMFT. I’m forever grateful.

Warmly,
Gina

Gina Balit, LMFT, ATR, is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and Registered Art Therapist working in private practice in Woodland Hills, CA. She is passionate about working with young children of divorce and abuse as well as supporting her Armenian community.