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Fishing for Funds: How to Search for Grants and Loan Repayment Programs

Shanti Ezrine, State Government Affairs Associate, CAMFT

Shanti Ezrine is the State Government Affairs Associate at CAMFT, where he leads the organization’s work on state regulation, behavioral health policy, and advocacy to advance the marriage and family therapist profession. Shanti began his career in mental health policy as a college intern with the Steinberg Institute and returned to the field in 2024 at CAMFT. Before joining CAMFT, Shanti served as Policy Manager at the California Department of Rehabilitation and as a Legislative and Policy Advocate at the Alliance for Children’s Rights. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication from UC Davis and a master’s degree in Public Administration from McGeorge School of Law. 

Dae’Jah Foster, LMFT (she/her/hers)

Dae’Jah Foster is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a deep passion for healing and helping others, demonstrated through her education, experience, community involvement, and professional training. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Early Childhood Education & Development, a Master of Arts in Urban Education, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.

Throughout her career, Dae’Jah has served in a variety of roles including teacher, tutor, behavioral therapist, curriculum developer, after-school coordinator, residential director, committee member, and psychotherapist. These diverse experiences inform her holistic approach as a therapist, leader, and active member of her community.

Dae’Jah’s clinical foundations include evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, EMDR, and crisis management. She is committed to empowering clients to develop autonomy, build essential skills, and cultivate their best selves while contributing to their communities. Grounded in systems theory, Dae’Jah recognizes how privilege, power, injustice, and mental health intersect to shape individual and collective experiences. She continually seeks opportunities for learning and growth to enhance her collaboration with clients, colleagues, and the broader community through trauma-informed care.

Her work is person-centered, emphasizing autonomy, wellness, and empowerment. Dae’Jah has extensive experience in community-based, crisis residential, intensive outpatient, and short-term residential mental health settings. She works with individuals, families, groups, and institutions to advocate for healing and the realization of each client’s and community’s preferred life outcomes.

Hayley Sutter has been with the Board of Behavioral Sciences since 2021.  She has worked with the APCC/LPCC applicants since starting.  She is also fully trained and assists both the LMFT and LCSW teams evaluating supervised experience.