Executive Officers
President: Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela, AMFT
Mary Ann has transitioned from a 7-year career in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft mechanic while pursuing higher education. She attended Fresno State for her undergraduate studies in 2010 and later pursued a dual degree in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as Professional Clinical Counseling at Pacific Oaks College, completing her graduate studies in 2021.
Currently, Mary Ann is balancing a full-time position at a law enforcement agency along with her part-time work in private practice. Her involvement with the East Bay CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) since 2021 reflects her interest in networking and professional development within her field. Being an active participant on the board she has enjoyed collaborating with the Board and positively contributing to the community of mental health professionals and beyond.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Mary Ann has a passion for travel, fashion and reading books. She enjoys sharing unique dining experiences with her husband. She also shares a huge interest in watching reality television shows.
Email contact
408-341-6550
Urbanhealingtherapy.net
President Elect: Peter Carpentieri, LMFT
Peter received his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a Transpersonal Focus from John F. Kennedy University in 2004. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice since 2011 and a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner* and Training Assistant. He is also certified by the Kripalu Yoga Institute as a Holistic Health Counselor / Educator. Peter is a trained Suicide Bereavement Clinician with lived experience as a suicide-loss survivor and trained with some of the early pioneers of Gestalt Therapy. He has been a dedicated, practicing Zen Buddhist for more than 35 years and has been in 12-Step recovery for over 30 years. Peter enjoys walking, jumping on his trampoline, Yoga, driving along the coast, hiking in the woods, playing his guitar and singing, spending time with friends and colleagues, and helping others find joy and meaning in their lives. He believes that we all have within us the natural capacity and ability to heal and grow, and that it is never too late to awaken or re-awaken this ability.
Secretary: Nanci Finley
My current position on the East Bay CAMFT Board is Board Secretary. I have previously served on this Board as the Director of Membership. Although I live and have worked in Solano County for quite some time, my home CAMFT Chapter is the East Bay Chapter, where I first became involved with CAMFT a number of years ago. I have a strong belief in the importance of Chapters and linking local therapists to each other within the community. I previously served on the CAMFT State Board for four years as a Clinical Director At Large. I have a strong commitment to DEIA, and strive to keep these principals alive in the work I do on this Board and in my work. I was originally trained as a Dance Therapist, and then went onto earn a second Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. I have worked in various agencies both in mental health and in substance abuse, working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. Most recently I retired from working in Children’s Mental Health for Solano County. I enjoy giving back to our therapist community. I joined the EBCAMFT Board to support our local therapist community and continue contributing to our profession. Since retiring in October of 2022, I have been enjoying traveling, spending time with family and friends, listening to live music, and thinking about my next steps professionally.
Treasurer: Khea Gumbs, LMFT
I'm Khea Gumbs, serving as your Treasurer for 2024. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Communications and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have served our board for the past 5 years as Secretary and have been a Member-at-Large. Currently, I am starting my own private practice and have a strong commitment to serving others. I give my time to local communities and donate when I am able.
Exploring diverse cuisines, cherishing moments with my family, and venturing to unexplored destinations are some of my passions.
Joining the board is my way of contributing to the community and being part of a vibrant, inclusive team. With an outgoing and humorous nature, I embrace personal and professional growth in my journey.
Email contact
Directors
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Director: Nauser Wolfe, LMFT
Nauser took the long road to becoming a therapist. After first getting a BA and MA in linguistics from UC Santa Cruz and then completing a pre-med post-baccalaureate program at SF State, eventually, his interest in communication and health led him to complete an MA in counseling psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Today he works primarily with children and parents in private practice at SF Bay Play Therapy, but he also loves working with adults who see their own personal growth and healing as an integral part of their efforts to make the world a healthier, safer, and more just place to live for all beings. When he's not working, he enjoys reading, spending time outside with his wife and son, and building community. Nauser joined the board of East Bay CAMFT in order to connect with other therapists and to further his growth as a leader and a man of service.
Email contact
sfbayplaytherapy.com
nauserbear.com
(510) 394-5373
Events Director: Jeanette (Jen) Shelby, LMFT
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I serve as the Events Director for the East Bay CAMFT board meetings, retreats, and events, driven by my commitment to support mental health professionals and the community at large. My involvement with the board stems from my desire to be a part of a compassionate community dedicated to providing essential mental health services and resources. Joining the board offered me the chance to contribute to the growth of both pre-licensed and licensed therapists, ultimately leading to enhanced mental health services for our community.
I firmly believe that nurturing therapists' professional development directly impacts the availability of high-quality mental health services. By offering resources and continuous education opportunities, therapists can refine their skills, remain updated on the latest research and techniques, and foster their personal and professional growth. This, in turn, ensures that individuals seeking mental health support receive care from skilled and devoted experts.
I am dedicated to creating an environment where mental health professionals can flourish personally and professionally, a crucial step toward establishing a robust and resilient mental health support system. I believe that this dedication bears a positive influence on the lives of individuals and the entire community.
Beyond my role as a venue coordinator, I hold the position of Executive Director at Heart in Balance Counseling Center. In this capacity, there is a deep-seated commitment to aiding Registered Marriage Family Therapist Associates and MFT Trainees in Practicum, who aspire to enhance community access to mental health services. This commitment gains significance in light of the shortage of mental health professionals, while simultaneously upholding affordability and sliding scale fees to ensure therapy is accessible to a wider range of individuals.
Moreover, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice, with a focus on individual and couple’s therapy. My private practice employs an integrative and holistic approach, tailoring the therapeutic environment to the unique needs of each client. This work places me in a position to meaningfully impact the lives of my clients, guiding them through challenges, strengthening relationships, and fostering personal growth.
Email contact
heartinbalancetherapy.com
Hospitality Director: Laura Friedeberg, LMFT
I am a licensed marriage family therapist with 25+ years experience. Practice includes in-person and digital platforms with adults, teens, families, and groups. I have extensive training in crisis management, trauma-informed treatment, and marginalized populations. Other specialty areas include substance abuse, disaster mental health, and re-entry.
Grounded in evidence based practices and cultural humility, my goal is to support clients in developing healthy and secure connections with others improving quality of life. I’ve earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in 1999 and MFT license in 2003.
Additionally, I have 20+ years of leadership experience driving positive mental health outcomes with team culture development, program development/management, publicizing playbooks and training materials, and empowering trainees and associates in clinical supervision,
Leadership positions include Clinical Director at Foresight Mental Health (foundational start-up leadership), Clinical Supervisor - Motivo Health / John F. Kennedy University / Axis Community Health, and Asian Community Mental Health Services. I have served on the Board of Directors of East Bay CAMFT in many roles.
Outside of my professional identity, what I enjoy most is East Bay dog parks and trails with my canine son Sampson.
Member-at-Large: Beth Hermosillo, LMFT (she/her)
My current position on the Board of East Bay CAMFT is Member-at-Large. I joined the Board of Directors in 2019 as a Member-at-Large and held the position of President from 2020-2021 and 2021- 2022. I am proud to have been able to serve in that role as we were all navigating the big changes and challenges that COVID brought, including shifting to virtual trainings, networking events, and even holiday parties! I received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of California at Berkeley and after traveling extensively and living abroad, I eventually moved back to my hometown and earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles. I always knew I wanted to move back to the Bay Area. I returned to the East Bay in 2016 and joined the East Bay Chapter as a way to meet fellow therapists while I transitioned from 11 years of working in Community Mental Health. After a few years at a group private practice, where I worked as the Clinical Director, supervisor, and therapist, I have started my own private practice, Reframe Psychotherapy. Being a member of the chapter and the Board of Directors has been a great experience and I continue to enjoy serving this diverse community of caring and talented professionals, who have also helped me in my growth as a leader, clinician and entrepreneur. I now call Oakland my hometown and on the weekends you will find me cycling the Oakland Hills and surrounding areas and stopping for pastries at local bakeries and coffee shops.
Email contact
reframeyourmindtherapy.com
Networking Director: Natasha Griffin
My name is Natasha Griffin and I am the Director of Networking for the East Bay CAMFT chapter. I graduated from Saint Mary's College of California with a Masters in counseling, with dual emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. I graduated in the spring of 2020 during the height of the pandemic, because I moved through most of my hours and associate experience during COVID, I feel passionate about building a sense of community for the mental health professionals in this area. I hope to provide a space for us to collaborate, and connect so we feel held and supported to continue to do the work we do. I live in Martinez and have a private practice named Ebb and Flow Family Counseling. I offer evening telehealth appointments for individuals, couples, and families, working closely with symptoms of anxiety and depression. I enjoy reading, hiking and exploring bay area coffee shops!
Email contact
Pre-Licensed Director: Tanya Jacobs
Tanya is a selfless practitioner who wholeheartedly enjoys the connection with others. Tanya earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in juvenile justice and the correctional systems. She earned a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University. Tanya has on the job training with experience in community based mental health programs for more than 16 years of serving her community. She’s the founder of a nonprofit in Northern California that focuses on mental health advocacy, food securities, unhoused outreach, and re-entry services for the underserved communities led by a group of volunteers within the community. She’s also full-time working within Alameda county to help survivors of crime access mental health services.
She enjoys spending time with family and friends traveling, dancing within the Caribbean culture and journaling during her free time.
Email contact
Program Director: Danielle Horne, LPCC
Danielle is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor working in private practice in Walnut Creek, supporting couples and adult clients processing childhood trauma. She graduated from Liberty University with her M.A. in Professional Counseling in 2020. She joined the East Bay chapter of CAMFT to connect with other therapists and learn more about the profession in 2023.
Danielle is a lifelong learner who has earned degrees in business, women’s chaplaincy and leadership, and counseling. Managing programs naturally fits her curiosity and propensity toward growth and development. She is passionate about the voice of the self and healing in community spaces. She looks forward to hearing from our membership about spaces for therapists to regroup, connect, and prepare for the future! She enjoys great food, working out, and hiking with East Bay CAMFT.
Email contact
510-214-3980
Program Co/Director: Andrea Mar, LMFT
Andrea Mar has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 25 years and has a deep passion for working with couples. Using an EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) approach, she helps couples navigate difficult topics in a compassionate space.
When not in the therapy office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and cherishes the companionship of her adorable 14-year-old poodle-mix pup. She loves the outdoors, getting in her daily 10K steps, taking road trips, and cooking healthy meals.
Committed to ongoing growth and learning, Andrea is an avid consumer of continuing education and is excited to bring this to her role on the board. She looks forward to connecting with others through EBCAMFT’s programs and events!
Email contact
www.andrea-mar.com
Special Interest Groups:
Hiking/Special Events Group Director: Craig Toondor, LMFT
Craig Toonder is a licensed MFT specializing in somatic psychology and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. He received his Master’s degree at John F. Kennedy University in 2003. Craig is trained in several body-mind psychotherapies including Formative Therapy, the Hakomi Method, Somatic Experiencing, the Tamura Method, Somatic Resilience & Regulation, Psycho-Physical Therapy and Psychedelic Somatic Institute Psychotherapy.
He has a private practice in Oakland, CA and teaches private classes in the use of touch in psychotherapy.
He enjoys hiking, camping, baseball, Italy and non-dual consciousness.
Email contact
Networking Group Alameda County: Annia Raysberg, LMFT
Annia Raysberg, LMFT, is a dedicated therapist with a thriving private practice situated in Castro Valley, CA. Annia earned her B.A. in Psychology with Honors from the University of California at Berkeley, laying the foundation for her commitment to the field. Continuing her educational journey, she achieved her M.A. in Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy, earning High Honors at Golden Gate University from 2008 to 2010.
Annia specializes in EMDR/Flash Technique and has a keen focus on Addiction & Recovery, catering to the needs of adults aged 18 and over. Beyond her clinical work, she is deeply engaged in various psychology-related activities. Annia finds fulfillment in spending quality time with her husband and 7-year-old son. She actively facilitates psychology-related groups and participates in 12-step meetings.
A passionate advocate for mental health, Annia extends her expertise to creative psychotherapy projects. She has developed a deck of Wellness Exercises, showcasing her innovative approach to therapeutic practices (visit her website for more information). Additionally, Annia expresses her dedication to the field through the creation of videos, insightful articles, and other impactful contributions. With a holistic and dynamic approach to her work, Annia Raysberg embodies a commitment to the well-being of her clients and the broader community.
Email contact
www.AnniaRaysberg.com
Mobile & confidential voicemail: 415-244-6647
Open board positions:
Member-at-Large: (open)
Membership Director: (open)
Pre-Licensed Co/Director: (open)
Social Media Liaison: (open)
Continuing Education Director: (open)
Non-board positions:
Administrative Lead: Sandy Smith
Website Coordinator: Nancy Orr