MEET THE BOARD Board of Directors
President Alex Briceño, L-MBA, LMFT, CSA®
J. Alex Briceño is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and behavioral health leader with over 15 years of experience across clinical care, program development, and systems-level operations. He currently serves as President of the San Diego CAMFT Board of Directors, where he is focused on strengthening the organization’s role as an active, engaged resource for clinicians and moving beyond passive membership toward a more connected and impactful professional community. Throughout his career, Alex has worked across a wide range of settings, including community mental health, substance use treatment, criminal justice programs, crisis services, and elder care. He has held leadership roles in program management and clinical oversight, and has served as a Floating Administrator overseeing behavioral health operations across multiple counties and states. Alex brings a thoughtful, analytical, and relational approach to his work. He is particularly interested in how systems either support or hinder effective care, and is committed to building structures that are practical, sustainable, and grounded in the realities clinicians face day to day. In his role with SD CAMFT, he is focused on strengthening the chapter’s operational foundation and expanding opportunities for connection, education, and professional development. He is especially interested in supporting clinicians at different stages of their careers and creating pathways for deeper engagement within the organization. He is also passionate about developing clinicians and supporting their growth through supervision, mentorship, and leadership development. In addition to his professional roles, he has served as a mentor to MFT students at National University, supporting emerging clinicians as they enter the field. Alex is bilingual in English and Spanish and remains committed to serving diverse communities and advancing the field through thoughtful, systems-oriented leadership. He believes meaningful change in behavioral health begins with building stronger systems, developing people, and fostering communities that can sustain both. Email ALEX
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President Elect VACANT
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Past President Donna Chapman, PhD, LMFT
I am a private practice psychotherapist. My areas of specialty are Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy on a foundation of Depth Psychology. I have provided services to a variety of populations including: LGBT, Trans-Gender men and women, and couples with a partner who is Trans-Gender, kink and polyamorous individuals and couples, and transgender adolescents and children. I have also worked with active duty military as well as veterans who are transgender. I am a San Diego native who grew up in a military family. In 2007 I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy specializing in Eastern Thought, with a minor in Religious Studies from California State University at Northridge. My background in religious studies allows me to authentically align with clients from a variety of religious perspectives. I utilize mindfulness in all areas of my practice as well as in my personal life. Private practice website: dmchapman.com. Email Donna
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Secretary Sophie Penix, AMFT
Sophie Penix, M.A., is a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Secretary of the San Diego chapter of CAMFT. Having earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy, her clinical training spans individual, family, and couples therapy. Her particular interests include youth mental health, trauma-informed care, and high acuity presentations. Sophie's favorite modalities are Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and she particularly appreciates the non-pathologizing nature of ACT. She has received additional training in ACT as well as the Gottman Method. She is passionate about mental health advocacy and reducing barriers to care so that all persons and communities have access to quality mental healthcare, and she brings a culturally humble, client-centered, and authentic approach to her clinical work. Originally from Oregon, in her free time Sophie enjoys hiking and drinking good coffee from independent shops here in San Diego. She is excited to bring her passion for therapy and her administrative skills to support the San Diego chapter as its Secretary in its mission to bring together and support local MFTs.
EMAIL SOPHIE
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Treasurer Tamalina Cummings, LMFT
Tamalina is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a 20 year history as a Naval combat veteran. She graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors from University of Maryland University college with a B.S. in Psychology, and later went on to earn her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University. She served as a therapist and substance treatment counselor for homeless veterans seeking sobriety at Veterans Village of San Diego and went from Associate to Program Director of their medi-cal program of 150 residents in under 8 years. Currently Tamalina is the founder and primary counselor at Rebooting Life and is also certified as a clinical trauma professional and certified as an Intervention Specialist. Tamalina is licensed to work in both California and Nevada and specializes in trauma, depression, and anxiety. She also recently just passed the Ca licensing exam to assist family's in preparing for financial success and insurance needs.
Email Tamalina
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Director at Large 1
VACANT
Stay tuned! EMAIL
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Director at Large 2 VACANT Stay tuned! EMAIL
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Membership Director Director at Large 3
Gabino Guerrero
Gabino is a recent graduate of Azusa Pacific University receiving his master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in both, Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. He decided to go back to school and return to supporting people in their lives during challenging times. He has been working in the field of grief with a concentration of pre and post bereavement. Gabino worked in the field of education and in mental health early in his career before going out to discover other career interest. He later ventured out into the business world in various capacities owning his own business and working abroad in Europe. Part of his earlier experience was bridging education and the business community to form partnerships and curriculum in the classroom. His experience in the business world was suitable for his position as the sponsorship director. He hopes to make an impact on the local level of SD-CAMFT for its members and the community. EMAIL GABINO
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Director - Acting
Director at Large 4
Alex Briceño, L-MBA, LMFT, CSA®
J. Alex Briceño is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and behavioral health leader with over 15 years of experience across clinical care, program development, and systems-level operations. He currently serves as President of the San Diego CAMFT Board of Directors, where he is focused on strengthening the organization’s role as an active, engaged resource for clinicians and moving beyond passive membership toward a more connected and impactful professional community. Throughout his career, Alex has worked across a wide range of settings, including community mental health, substance use treatment, criminal justice programs, crisis services, and elder care. He has held leadership roles in program management and clinical oversight, and has served as a Floating Administrator overseeing behavioral health operations across multiple counties and states. Alex brings a thoughtful, analytical, and relational approach to his work. He is particularly interested in how systems either support or hinder effective care, and is committed to building structures that are practical, sustainable, and grounded in the realities clinicians face day to day. In his role with SD CAMFT, he is focused on strengthening the chapter’s operational foundation and expanding opportunities for connection, education, and professional development. He is especially interested in supporting clinicians at different stages of their careers and creating pathways for deeper engagement within the organization. He is also passionate about developing clinicians and supporting their growth through supervision, mentorship, and leadership development. In addition to his professional roles, he has served as a mentor to MFT students at National University, supporting emerging clinicians as they enter the field. Alex is bilingual in English and Spanish and remains committed to serving diverse communities and advancing the field through thoughtful, systems-oriented leadership. He believes meaningful change in behavioral health begins with building stronger systems, developing people, and fostering communities that can sustain both.
EMAIL ALEX
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Pre-License Director Director at Large 5
Luyi “Chloe” Xu, AMFT, MBA
Chloe is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who brings warmth, curiosity, and a thoughtful systems perspective to her work. Her experience includes inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, school-based counseling, and suicide prevention within the VA, allowing her to support individuals and families across diverse backgrounds and life stages. Chloe earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and currently practices as an AMFT at LiveBetter Psychotherapy, offering both in-person and telehealth services. Before becoming a therapist, Chloe built a career in business operations, marketing, and talent acquisition, as an MBA professional. Chloe’s background in the business world brings a grounded, real-life perspective to therapy. Having navigated work stress, complex relationships, and major life transitions herself, she helps clients approach challenges with both empathy and practicality. As an immigrant from China, she brings a deep understanding of identity, resilience, and belonging into her clinical work. Chloe is committed to advocating for pre-licensed therapists, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are supported. She is dedicated to fostering a strong, engaged community where individuals feel empowered, informed, and connected. If you have any concerns, ideas, or topics you’d like addressed, please feel free to reach out to her via email. EMAIL CHLOE
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Sponsorship Director - Acting Director at Large 6
Gabino Guerrero
Gabino is a recent graduate of Azusa Pacific University receiving his master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in both, Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. He decided to go back to school and return to supporting people in their lives during challenging times. He has been working in the field of grief with a concentration of pre and post bereavement. Gabino worked in the field of education and in mental health early in his career before going out to discover other career interest. He later ventured out into the business world in various capacities owning his own business and working abroad in Europe. Part of his earlier experience was bridging education and the business community to form partnerships and curriculum in the classroom. His experience in the business world was suitable for his position as the sponsorship director. He hopes to make an impact on the local level of SD-CAMFT for its members and the community. EMAIL GAMBINO
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Education Chair & Continuing Education (CE) Chair Donna Chapman, PhD, LMFT
I am a private practice psychotherapist. My areas of specialty are Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy on a foundation of Depth Psychology. I have provided services to a variety of populations including: LGBT, Trans-Gender men and women, and couples with a partner who is Trans-Gender, kink and polyamorous individuals and couples, and transgender adolescents and children. I have also worked with active duty military as well as veterans who are transgender. I am a San Diego native who grew up in a military family. In 2007 I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy specializing in Eastern Thought, with a minor in Religious Studies from California State University at Northridge. My background in religious studies allows me to authentically align with clients from a variety of religious perspectives. I utilize mindfulness in all areas of my practice as well as in my personal life. Private practice website: dmchapman.com. Email Donna
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Communications Chair Donna Chapman, PhD, LMFT
I am a private practice psychotherapist. My areas of specialty are Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy on a foundation of Depth Psychology. I have provided services to a variety of populations including: LGBT, Trans-Gender men and women, and couples with a partner who is Trans-Gender, kink and polyamorous individuals and couples, and transgender adolescents and children. I have also worked with active duty military as well as veterans who are transgender. I am a San Diego native who grew up in a military family. In 2007 I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy specializing in Eastern Thought, with a minor in Religious Studies from California State University at Northridge. My background in religious studies allows me to authentically align with clients from a variety of religious perspectives. I utilize mindfulness in all areas of my practice as well as in my personal life. Private practice website: dmchapman.com. Email Donna
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ByLaws Committee Chair Alex Briceño, L-MBA, LMFT, CSA®
J. Alex Briceño is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and behavioral health leader with over 15 years of experience across clinical care, program development, and systems-level operations. He currently serves as President of the San Diego CAMFT Board of Directors, where he is focused on strengthening the organization’s role as an active, engaged resource for clinicians and moving beyond passive membership toward a more connected and impactful professional community. Throughout his career, Alex has worked across a wide range of settings, including community mental health, substance use treatment, criminal justice programs, crisis services, and elder care. He has held leadership roles in program management and clinical oversight, and has served as a Floating Administrator overseeing behavioral health operations across multiple counties and states. Alex brings a thoughtful, analytical, and relational approach to his work. He is particularly interested in how systems either support or hinder effective care, and is committed to building structures that are practical, sustainable, and grounded in the realities clinicians face day to day. In his role with SD CAMFT, he is focused on strengthening the chapter’s operational foundation and expanding opportunities for connection, education, and professional development. He is especially interested in supporting clinicians at different stages of their careers and creating pathways for deeper engagement within the organization. He is also passionate about developing clinicians and supporting their growth through supervision, mentorship, and leadership development. In addition to his professional roles, he has served as a mentor to MFT students at National University, supporting emerging clinicians as they enter the field. Alex is bilingual in English and Spanish and remains committed to serving diverse communities and advancing the field through thoughtful, systems-oriented leadership. He believes meaningful change in behavioral health begins with building stronger systems, developing people, and fostering communities that can sustain both.
EMAIL ALEX
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Community Outreach Chair VACANT Stay tuned! EMAIL
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OPEN POSITIONS BOARD: Secretary; Director at Large (1 & 2); Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Director CHAIRS: ByLaws Committee Chair, Community Outreach Chair If you are interested in joining the board and learning about its benefits and job descriptions, please click on button below. Click here to view past board members.
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