Meet the Board |
| Sara Baker, LMFT (she) President Sara Baker, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of SABI Holistic Therapy, one of the top holistic therapy clinics serving clients across California. Here she mentors a dynamic team of 15+ clinicians and their caseloads. With over a decade of clinical experience, Sara developed Breakthrough Release Therapy (BRT), an integrative therapeutic modality that blends NLP, MER®, hypnosis, and somatic healing to help clients achieve rapid, lasting transformation. She now trains therapists in this approach through her CAMFT-approved CE certification program, while continuing to advocate for holistic, results-driven mental health care. |
| Tara D'Orazio, LMFT (she) Treasurer Tara D'Orazio is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of Athena Counseling, a telehealth practice serving adults throughout California. She specializes in trauma healing and anxiety, with an emphasis on sexual trauma survivors. Her approach weaves together EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) helping clients gently explore their inner world and move toward healing with curiosity and self-compassion. In addition to her clinical work, Tara is deeply involved in nonprofit leadership, having served almost a decade on the board of the Redwood Empire Chapter of CAMFT, including as President. She brings a thoughtful, systems-minded approach to board governance, strategic planning, and community building. A lifelong learner and creative at heart, Tara can be found reading 10,000 books at once, crocheting, or enjoying the beach. |
| Marsi Walker, LMFT (she) Secretary Marsi Walker is a San Diego native and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with kids, teens, young adults, and women of all ages. Marsi works in a group private practice in San Marcos, Therapeutic and Wellness Solution Center, in addition to working at Palomar Family Counseling Services in their school-based program, serving the students of Valley Center High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Public Relations from Brigham Young University and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. A life-long learner, she is trained in EMDR and can facilitate sessions for both children and adults and is passionate about healing generational patterns, childhood traumas, and guiding clients through life transitions. Marsi offers a secular or Christian/faith-based therapeutic approach and believes in walking with clients on their unique journeys to self-healing and interpersonal growth. Beyond her professional endeavors, Marsi enjoys the beach, hiking, hot fudge sundaes, and traveling, especially to see her kids and grandchildren. |
| Leila Atiyeh, LPCC (she) Director at Large - Membership Leila is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. Leila works in private practice with a focus on relationships (romantic, family, friendships, work), multicultural counseling, life transitions, and confidence. Prior to becoming a therapist, Leila worked in the corporate world for 13 years. Having a long-standing interest in human behavior and helping others, Leila decided to follow her passion of becoming a therapist. Leila was born and raised overseas and has been living in the US for 20 years. |
| Andrew Capobianco, AMFT (he) Director at Large - Professional Development Andrew is pursuing a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University in San Diego, with an expected graduation date of December 2024. Prior to setting out on this new career path, Andrew earned a Master of Arts in Economics and Environmental Studies from St. Lawrence University in 2010, and a Juris Doctorate from New England Law in Boston in 2015. One of Andrew's passions in life, outside of improving the lives of those around him, is that of being a connector - someone who enjoys bringing colleagues, acquaintances, and friends together to expand their personal networks. As a Pre-Licensed member of CAMFT, Andrew is excited to bring his passion and skillset to other pre-licensed members to help expand and facilitate the creation of new professional networks. Outside of work and school, Andrew enjoys surfing, open-ocean paddling, mountain biking, skiing, yoga, quality time with loved ones, and going on adventures with his dog, Benji. |
| Veronica Duford, MFT Trainee (she) Director at Large - Professional Development Veronica is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy in San Diego, with an anticipated graduation in September 2025. She previously earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of San Diego in 2011 and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine, awarded in 2006. In addition to her passion for providing therapeutic support to clients, Veronica is deeply committed to facilitating professional networking opportunities and offering psychoeducation within low-income migrant communities. As a Pre-Licensed member of CAMFT, she is enthusiastic about supporting fellow pre-licensed professionals by fostering connection and collaboration across emerging networks. Outside of her academic and professional life, Veronica enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her family. |
| Kristen Hansen, AMFT (she) Director at Large - Team 3000, Pre-Licensed Representative Kirsten is a passionate and dedicated professional with a prior career in branding and marketing. Two years ago, she made a meaningful career shift to the field of mental health, graduating with a Master's degree in January 2025 while maintaining Dean's list status throughout her program. Her year-long practicum experience at a nonprofit clinic was deeply rewarding, offering exposure to a wide range of presenting concerns and diverse populations. While an AMFT still refining her niche, Kirsten is particularly drawn to working with people with physical disabilities, couples, and also supporting women navigating midlife transitions who are experiencing mental health challenges. Her goal is to support women to embrace their present selves and step into the best new version of themselves. Kirsten discovered the SDNC CAMFT Board and community in October and knew she had found her tribe. Inspired by the organization's positive and supportive culture, she applied for a Board position. Originally from Western Australia, Kirsten is an avid world traveler, cook, surfer, and snowboarder. She and her husband also instruct self-defense clinics empowering women with self confidence and practical skills. |
Cynthia Savage, AMFT (she) Director at Large - Sponsorship |
PAST CHAPTER PRESIDENTS |
Jaclyn Chung - 2024, 2025 Brandi Nichols - 2022, 2023 Shauntis Bussey - 2021, 2022 Kathlyne Barnum - 2019, 2020 Robin Andersen - 2017, 2018 |