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

New and Returning

Allow me to introduce you to new members of the LA-CAMFT Board of Directors, Keonna Robinson, LMFT—Therapist of Color Mentorship Program Chair, Board Member At-Large AND Diversity Committee Member who fills in to co-facilitate the Black Therapist Support Group and Therapist of Color Support Group and returning member of the LA-CAMFT Board of Directors, Jill Landefeld, LMFT‑—Membership Chair AND White Therapist Anti-Racist Group Member.

I had the honor of getting to know Keonna Robinson, LMFT when she applied to be a Therapist of Color Mentor during the first round of the mentorship program last year. Not only was Keonna willing to be a mentor she was also willing to take on 5 mentees in a group. Keonna emailed us with thoughtful questions about the program and shared critical information she was incorporating in her mentorship group.

It was clear that Keonna had a passion for being a mentor. Keonna quickly became part of the TOC Mentorship Program Committee, then TOC Mentorship Co-Chair and now the TOC Mentorship Chair and LA-CAMFT Board Member At-Large. It is with high regard that I share Keonna’s “why” journey to becoming a new LA-CAMFT leader.

Keonna shares her “why” to becoming a Therapist of Color Mentor:

• Path to licensure was a challenge and realization through teaching that a lot of clinicians of color experience the same thing because we are often the trail blazers in our families, first generation therapists, caretakers for our family and holding generational and collective trauma. We try to juggle it all.
• Through working with DMH contracted agencies, I learned a system on how to balance work, life, school, licensure study, etc. Therapists of color need to learn these skills and that becoming a therapist is possible.
• It is imperative that no one I come across struggles the way I have and have seen others struggle.

Keonna shares what she learned about leadership through the TOC Mentorship Program Committee:

• Intentionality and diligence behind every decision that is being made.
• Handling the role and each other with care.
• Do no harm to the community we are serving and to each other.
• Time and attention to decisions made and how it impacts each part of the program.
• Breath of collaboration and a feeling of safety within diverse and minority cultures.

Keonna shares what leadership role she brings as Board Member At-Large:

• Someone who is very reflective, considers all the options and is a sound voice.
• Someone who is unbiased, has an eagle eye’s view and is looking out for what is good for the entire organization.
• Someone who is aligned with the goals and professional decorum inside and outside of meetings.
• Someone who maintains a level of respectfulness and professionalism.

I had the honor to first get to know Jill Landefeld, LMFT back when we were both working for DMH contracted Community Mental Health Agencies and attending School Based Mental Health Collaborative Meetings for Service Area 3 & 7. Jill has 25 years of working in Community Mental Health Agencies (Starview, San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Hathaway and Aviva), 10 years working in Private Practice and currently works at Trauma and Beyond Psychological Center. For all of you that don’t know, Jill was a LA-CAMFT Board Member and Membership Chair back in the 1980’s where she doubled the Chapter’s Membership in 1 year! It is with high regard that I share Jill’s “why” to becoming a returning LA-CAMFT Leader:

Jill’s “why” to becoming a Returning LA-CAMFT Leader:

• My heart has always been with LA-CAMFT and it was a matter of time that I would return.
• I believe in what LA-CAMFT stands for.
• Wanting to gain community and personal connections.
• Inspired to see what could be done to increase membership.
• Jill’s leadership vision as Membership Chair:
• Draw membership from all pieces of the pie (community mental health centers, counseling centers, private practice, schools, hospitals, etc.)
• Passion to increase membership for students, associates and licensed therapists who are working in community mental health who may not have been represented and may have been more marginalized.
• Increase leadership through membership in order to continue revitalizing and enriching LA-CAMFT.

Jill’s hopes and dreams with her leadership on the LA-CAMFT Board of Directors:

• Learn the ins and outs of how the Board works along with getting to know the people on the Board.
• Work together to make things happen.
• Establish good friendships.

Special thank you to Keonna and Jill for allowing me to interview you and share your greatness with the broader LA-CAMFT Community! If you would like to get in contact with either of them, you could find them here: https://lacamft.org/Board-of-Directors-2023. If you are interested in leadership opportunities, please email me directly at President@lacamft.org

Hope to connect 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.