CANDIDATE FOR CLINICAL DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Ava Denise Phillips
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
                                                                                  Maya Angelou

Dear CAMFT membership,

Have you ever been compelled to do something that on its face appears outrageous?! I have learned over the years to fall forward, when compelled, into whatever is to follow…so here I am. I have been placed into nomination as CAMFT Clinical Board Director-At-Large. In this position I will listen to and expand your voice. As stated in my application:

The opportunity to serve on the board that recognizes, supports and fights for my end game is not one I could pass up. Sometimes we have to take the daunting responsibility to sit at the table and offer our unique perspective. My voice will represent those who have spoken to me. Additionally, I want to be held accountable to know what is going on in our field. If I’m on the CAMFT board I will have to know and be in the know. It’s scary, but that’s why we have courage, right?

The CAMFT core values of Integrity, Accountability, Transparency, Inclusiveness, and Collaboration are values that are interwoven into the fabric of my life, both personally and professionally. You may also want to know that I am loyal and committed to your cause, humble enough to understand the gravity of this appointment, secure enough to stand in my truth and mature enough to know that good synergy and collaboration work better than being “right”.

I have served my community in the mental health field for over 22 years; 19 of those years as an LMFT. I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of all ages, backgrounds and socioeconomic levels to change and improve their lives. My strengths are instilling hope, embracing multiple realities, utilizing humor and creating a space of unconditional positive regard. My LMFT perspective is broad as I have held many positions from case manager to associate director. I have a private practice in Claremont where I treat clients for anxiety and depression. My goal is to use my education, training and experience to support the CAMFT board and enhance the services available to you, as a CAMFT member, and the greater community.

I have served on the CAMFT Continuing Education Provider Approval (CEPA) committee for over 3 years. I was a member of the inaugural Grassroots Advocacy team in 2017. We had the thrilling opportunity to travel to Sacramento to lobby for AB191…too much fun! I am also a board member of the Inland Empire CAMFT chapter. My interests include the protection and nurturing of associates, embracing and supporting seasoned MFT’s for whom this may be their second career, offering support and guidance for those starting their own private practice and mostly increasing knowledge of and accessibility for the many programs that CAMFT already offers. Thank you for taking the time to read my musings. 2020 here we come!

Respectfully,

Ava Denise Phillips, LMFT