President's Message

For the Making and For the Taking

Jenni Wilson, LMFT, President

Time betrays us by never standing still.  Suddenly it’s August and I’m taking stock as we wind down the summer.

June ended with the Annual Leadership Retreat – a gathering of 30+ past, present, and future LA-CAMFT leaders at my home in the valley.  It was not too horribly hot, and all the people were exceptionally cool.

We started off the year riding the adrenaline-fueled enthusiasm and momentum of the last months of 2025.  Leadership launched into 2026 on the wings of big ideas, looking to Build Back Better the systems that atrophied or were lost in recent years.  But as we all know, healthy growth takes time, and although some progress has been delayed, facing unforeseen obstacles and new challenges, leadership continues to face the future with determination and creativity. 

With our limited human resources, the team generally follows where the LA-CAMFT membership’s energy points us, while also trying to maintain focus on the larger chapter goals of sustainability and financial solvency.  We are heartened by the chapter’s new faces and voices who have been chiming in to offer their time and ideas to improve the collective experience.

One thing I’ve consistently heard is that membership wants more face-to-face interactions – and in August, there are already two chances to get out, touch grass, and get some active and chill networking happening.

First, our newly appointed Special Events Chair Emerald Aueyong, LMFT leads the team planning a lovely afternoon for LA-CAMFT’s Annual Summer Picnic in the usual spot by the big magical tree – PICNIC AREA 2 - at Cheviot Hills/Rancho Park on August 9^th.  (Come say hi to the tree!!)  There’s going to be a raffle, and apparently, you’ll get an extra raffle ticket if you wear your favorite sun-hat.  Register now at: https://lacamft.org/event-6734704

Then, on August 29^th, Emerald and Meet-Up Committee members have been busy organizing the EL DORADO MEET-UP HIKE in Long Beach, to connect with our South Bay members and friends.  According to Emerald, you’re “invited to walk, hike, or socialize at homebase” – so if you’re in the area, come even if you just want to network and hold down the fort.  Register here:  https://lacamft.org/event-6720232

Then… stay tuned for September.

Are you ready for another Back-to-School Self-Care Saturday Night in my backyard? There’ll be door prizes (want to donate anything?), yummy Home State tacos, a chance to introduce yourself to others on the big mic if you want, and much much more. Registration opens soon, and don’t miss the chance to come play with us.  Space is limited.

And for those of you who might be more inclined to join us for online Meet-Ups and networking, we’re scheduling at least two more “Meet LA-CAMFT” members-only Zoom events this year – one in September and one in November.  A “Meet LA-CAMFT” online gathering is:

“…a casual virtual gathering designed to give LA-CAMFT members an easy way to connect with those from the LA-CAMFT Board of Directors, build relationships, share ideas, and strengthen our professional community. Whether you are hoping to learn more about LA-CAMFT, expand your referral network, meet colleagues, or simply connect with fellow members, this informal space is designed to make networking feel easy, welcoming, and accessible.”

Maybe you’ll come to one of these events I’ve mentioned and meet your next supervisor, your future best friend, or even some frenemy or nemesis that will make you better for the striving!  Maybe you’ll pop-by and become inspired to join the leadership team in some way or feel moved to create an offering for the chapter yourself.  Who knows.  Community - it’s ours for the making and ours for the taking.  Whatever you’re looking for, there are many ways to be of service, and lots of opportunities for in-person and virtual social connection on the horizon.  I hope to see you there.

Paz y Amor,

JJVW - Jenni June Villegas Wilson

Jenni J.V. Wilson, LMFT (she/her): As a collaborative conversationalist passionate about empowering and advocating for marginalized groups and underrepresented voices, Jenni uses an integrative approach based on post-modern principles to provide culturally-mindful and trauma-informed therapeutic services and clinical supervision. She works with creative, anxious, mixed race/culture, and co-dependent clients on improving and eliminating toxic relationships, while increasing authentic expression. She has a BA in theatre from Occidental College, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University LA, and is trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, and certified in Narrative Therapy. She is an accomplished writer, has produced/co-hosted multiple podcasts, worked in addiction treatment for nearly a decade, and sees the “worried well” in her private practice in Sherman Oaks. Website: www.JenniJVWilson.com