Dear Colleagues,
I heard at the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) National Conference that every; incoming president sets his or her agenda. Six (or was it seven?) years ago when I became president of RIMHCA I may have set an agenda but there’s no documentation.
I do like to think that with the support of an amazing Board and an administrative wizard we may have accomplished many things—planned or serendipitous.
A few highlights of this fiscal year:
- Membership is now at 157 (and includes several social workers)
- During this fiscal year seven topical Seminars were offered making it possible to earn 20 CEUS—half those required for license renewal.
The Psychology of the Chakras: Yoga Philosophy meets Western Psychology presented by Coral Brown, LMHC
Navigating Gender Identity with Clients: Expanding Practices for Mental Health Professionals presented by Dr. Michelle Crossley
RIMHCA at RIC: Professional Pathways after Licensure presented by RIMHCA board members Kimberly Leandre, Phillow Lowry, and Todd Schmenk
Using a Trauma Informed Framework for Working with Men presented by Chris Dorval, LCSW
Working with Couples: A Therapist’s Greatest Challenge presented by Larry Shushansky, LCSW
Using Visually-Mediated Strategies in Psychotherapy and Counseling: Interventions for Varied Clinical Populations presented by Dr. Charles Boisvert and Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed
What Mental Health Professionals need to know about Gender Affirming Care for their Child, Adolescent and Adult Clients presented by Michelle Forcier, MD and Jill Wagner, LCSW
- Four networking events were held throughout the state providing an opportunity for us to share our professional and personal experiences as colleagues and friends.
Serving as President of RIMHCA has truly been an honor and a privilege. I hope to show my appreciation by continuing on the Board as Past President and supporting the Board and the Association.
A very special thank you to our new President and the Executive Committee:
President: Michelle Crossley
President-elect: vacant
Secretary: Phillip Lowry
Treasurer: Norma Faraone-Ledgard
Board members: Kim Leandre, Deidre Farmer, Todd Schmenk
Administrator: Ashley Marzullo
I look forward to seeing everyone as our new fiscal year starts and additional wonderful events are offered. And if you find that you’d like to spend more time with your RIMHCA colleagues, please consider visiting a Board meeting and joining the Board. (Board members receive CEUs for assuming this important leadership role.)
Sincerely,
Vera