Christina “Tina” Cacho Sakai, LMFT
President, LA-CAMFT

In January 2023, LA-CAMFT Board of Directors launched its theme for the year: Leadership. We believe that leadership is the key to a successful organization. However, there is so much that goes into effective leadership. Each Board Member was asked to identify word/s that came to mind when they thought of LA-CAMFT Leadership and above are the results. Take time to review the wordcloud and explore which words resonate with you.  

On Saturday, February 4, 2023, the Board of Directors attended the CAMFT Leadership Conference (CLC) where we shared virtual space with other Chapters across the state of California. We learned from other CAMFT Chapters along with the Presentation Speakers how to become effective leaders. 

LA-CAMFT was honored to be presented with the following awards: 

• Outstanding Chapter Leader — Leanne Nettles, LMFT (Past President)
• Chapter Excellence First Place Awards
• • Best Cultural Awareness Program
  • Best Program & Events Marketing Practices
• Chapter Excellence Second Place Awards:
• • Best Board Management
  • Best Membership Recruitment and Development

During the February 2023 Board of Directors Meeting, LA-CAMFT set its goals for the year: 

1. Increase integration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
2. Increase Engagement
3. Increase Membership

The intention to increase integration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) across all aspects of LA-CAMFT is to have DEI woven into every decision that the organization makes and not just siloed under the Diversity Committee. So often, DEI is left to the BIPOC community to work double duty. The goal is that the work of DEI be shared amongst all. 

The intention to increase engagement with all facets of our community (students, associates, licensed, retired, affiliates, mentors, mentees, presenters, sponsors, social media, venues, vendors, other CAMFT Chapters, members, non-members, universities and training programs, hospitals, treatment centers, community agencies and individual and group practices, etc.) is to create a more robust and trusting relationship with the community at large in order to better service the LA-CAMFT Community.  

The intention to increase membership is for our therapeutic community to have a place where therapists can build relationships, network, have fun, learn from presenters, seek guidance through our support groups and mentorship program, engage in social justice advocacy and obtain the resources they may need; such as, mentors, supervisors, supervisees, grants, office space and more. 

On behalf of the LA-CAMFT Board of Directors and the Diversity Committee we would like to invite you all to our upcoming Anti-Racism Roundtable 3: Listen and Learn taking place on Sunday, April 30th from 1-4pm via zoom.

• Come listen and learn as therapists of color share their experiences navigating racism in the profession.
• Share the impact from listening and learning in thoughtful reflection with one another.
• Share and learn about local anti-racism resources available to you in our community.

If you are interested in growing and sharing your leadership skills with LA-CAMFT, please email me directly at President@lacamft.org. We have plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. 

Hope to connect with you soon! 

Christina “Tina” Cacho Sakai, LMFT 

Christina "Tina" Cacho Sakai, LMFT (she/her) is a Latinx (Mexican-American) psychotherapist in private practice and a former community based therapist, clinical supervisor, associate director, and adjunct faculty at CSULA. She provides psychotherapy in a culturally responsive, LGBTQIA+ affirming and social justice-oriented atmosphere. Treatment specializations include healing from trauma, processing grief and loss, exploring creativity, and honoring full intersectional identities. She is currently in the BIPOC Somatic Experiencing Training Certificate Program.