A Message from Our President/CEO, Kathleen Welch-Torres, Ph.D.

I am honored and excited to assume the role of President/CEO here at the Child and Family Guidance Center, a leading, non-profit community mental health and social service organization that has served the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys for more than sixty years. I recognize the significance of this transition for our donors, community stakeholders, and employees alike. As I move forward, I want to build upon the strengths of CFGC and facilitate continued growth and success in the coming years. I hope that all of you will continue supporting our mission to empower children and families to achieve health and well-being through innovative mental health services and community programs. Your continued support and engagement are vital to the children and families we serve.

With more than 36 years of experience working at CFGC in a variety of capacities, I have experienced first-hand the successes as well as the challenges facing CFGC and the public mental health system as a whole. Today, we are seeing an unprecedented need and demand for mental health services for our youth. At the same time, we are faced with a severe workforce shortage in the behavioral health profession. A key priority for me is to provide leadership and support to our talented and dedicated staff so as to create a shared vision for serving our community and a positive work environment.

Remaining abreast of national, state and local initiatives, trends, and standards will be an essential part of my role so that CFGC remains competitive and at the forefront of service delivery. My vision for CFGC is one of sustained growth, innovation, and continuous quality improvement. I know that I cannot do this alone. I am fortunate to have a dedicated staff of more than 300, a board who is committed to our success, and many stakeholders and partners willing to collaborate and work towards our goal of bringing high quality mental health programs to our community. Together, we will write the next chapter in CFGC’s history, and I am excited to embark on this journey with each and every one of you.

Warm regards,

Kathleen Welch-Torres, Ph.D.
President/CEO