Candidate for Secretary
Edward
Elder,
MHS,
M.Div.,
LMFT,
LMHC
I have been very happy to serve as the current Secretary. I started in May of 2011 and have been learning how to do
it ever since. With another term, I might get it right.
I have been coming to EGPS Conferences since about 2000, when I was encouraged to do so by the faculty of the
Blanton‐Peale Group Training program, many of whom were also on the faculty of the EGPS Training Program. My
experience of the people at the Conference was so positive that I decided to join a year or so later. Since then I have
served on the Collegiality Committee, the Membership Committee, the Community Outreach Task Force, the
Training Program faculty, and from 2008‐2011 served as Co‐Chair of the Annual Conference Committee.
I have an eclectic training background having first gotten a Masters in Public Health in International Health
Education, followed by three years of setting up village health workers in Brazil. I then got a Masters in Divinity in
Ethics and Counseling. This led to six years of working with people living with HIV/AIDS. I followed this with training
in individual, marriage and family, and group therapy from the Blanton‐Peale Institute and later the two year training
in analytic group therapy from the Post‐Graduate Center for Mental Health.
I would be delighted to continue serving as secretary of this wonderful organization. My years of academic training
have helped me hone some writing skills that will come in handy at this task, just as my years of group training have
helped me listen to all the voices that are speaking.
Candidate for Treasurer
Cheryl
Gerson,
LCSW,
BCD
I am excited to be nominated to run for EGPS Treasurer. In this time of slowing economy and rising prices, it's a vital
and challenging position. It's also a position for which I have several years' experience, as treasurer for the Met
Chapter of the NY State Society of Clinical Social Workers.
I've had a busy and productive year in EGPS. I accepted the one‐year appointment as Member‐At‐Large, to fill out
Jonah Schwartz' term when he moved into the position of Treasurer. As a member of the Budget and Finance
committee for the past two years, I've learned a great deal about the economic challenges we face. This committee,
under the leadership of Patti Cox and Jonah Schwartz, has accomplished a more unified approach to the fiscal
underpinnings of our Society. I am committed to this principle, and believe that we must take this direction to rectify
the deficit we've now faced for several years.
This Spring, as Co‐Chair of the Fundraiser, I am active in steering and organizing an event that will honor three of our
most cherished members, while raising much‐needed capital.
I have been Managing Editor of GROUP Journal for three years, and am presently focusing on bringing the Journal
online, to make it more easily accessible to everyone, to build national and international readership, and to
significantly reduce costs to the membership. This is a big piece of balancing our budget, while still promoting one of
our finest benefits.
I have some big shoes to fill. The Budget and Finance Committee has agreed on two parallel, equal values: to
support and grow all the wonderful group activities EGPS is known for, and to manage the finances responsibly.
Without either of these values, EGPS loses itself. If we can't balance our budget, we can't keep going as an entity.
But if we cut back on our activity, we lose our "soul."
Therefore, the Fundraiser is about both revenue and recognition. My efforts at the Journal are about both quality
and reduced cost. I believe this combination will carry us into a robust future.
Candidates for Member‐at‐Large (5 to be selected)
Sherry
Breslau,
PhD,
CGP
How do I love EGPS? Let me count the ways….I’ve worn many hats in this organization over the last 12 years, and
I’ve worked with a number of great people. After attending my very first Conference, I was invited to be on the
Conference Committee! How’s that for a hearty welcome? The Annual Conference is very near and dear to my heart,
not only for the quality of its workshops, but because of its ability to attract so many new therapists each year. This
gives us an opportunity to stay fresh and vital as an organization. I am currently serving my 4th year as Conference
Co‐Chair, have been Spring Event Co‐Chair, and Member‐At‐Large at other times. Most recently, I’ve seized the
opportunity to become Editor of the new Online Newsletter (in the works right now!), and to work in conjunction
with our Social Media Co‐Chairs to bring more innovative ways of sharing information and ideas, and to help us all
stay more connected between events.
In the early 2000’s, I was Internship Training Director at North Shore University Hospital…I remain very dedicated to
training and mentoring. And as a middle‐aged, “senioring” clinician, I have abundant respect for those that have
come before me. At this point in time, I’ve been asked to run, once again, for an elected position because my voice
has been clear and energized, and I would feel privileged to represent the membership with a voting voice once
again.
Lee
Kassan,
MA,
CGP
I’ve been on the EGPS Board of Directors for the past two‐year term, and I'm running again for Member‐at‐Large
because I have been an EGPS member and an AGPA member for twenty‐five years. Although there are many
professional meetings and conferences available to the professional community, EGPS is the only one I have
attended every year since joining the organization many years ago. I consider EGPS my professional home. I'd like to
continue to give back to the organization that gives us all so much.
I am a Licensed Psychoanalyst, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Certified Group Psychotherapist in private
practice since 1980. I've been leading therapy groups for thirty years, as well as groups on creativity and on
emotional communication. I have published 5 books on various aspects of the psychotherapy field, most recently
one on peer supervision groups.
Because I get so much from EGPS, I have tried to give back and have offered many workshops at the EGPS Annual
Conferences on professional writing, on group process, and on working with couples.
During my term just ending this May I was on the Marketing Sub‐Committee for our Annual Conference, and was
Chairman of the Spring Events featuring Scott Rutan and Esther Perel. Starting in 2001, I worked as Associate Editor
with Editors Marty Livingston and Dominick Grundy to help make the EGPS journal, GROUP, one of the outstanding
publications in our field. In December of 2012 I took over as Editor, and will oversee the transition to on‐line
publication.
Although I will serve on the Board as editor of the journal, that is a non‐voting position. I want to be able to continue
guiding EGPS into the future. If you vote for me, I'll be able to vote for you and your interests as the Board moves
ahead on its many responsibilities and activities.
Greg
MacColl,
LCSW,
CGP,
FAGPA
I have been fortunate that group therapy was part of my training since I graduated from NYU as a Social Worker
about 30 years ago. My first employment was with the Bronx VA where Group consultation was provided on an
every other week basis. I was hooked. This led to my being encouraged to attend AGPA Institutes where I cut my
teeth on experiencing intensive group learning. For the past 10 years I have led AGPA Institutes and workshops.
About 15 years ago, I joined EGPS and it has become part of my professional family. I found my way to EGPS through
the Long Island Professional Discussion Group which I Chaired for many years. About 5 years ago I sensed that a
similar program could be developed in the Brooklyn area and I ventured out to see if this was possible. Now, the
Brooklyn Professional Discussion Group is going well, with monthly meetings, great support, interesting topics, and
lots of fun! I couldn't do any of this alone; it takes a group commitment to make this possible.
I take what my previous mentor told me seriously: Lou Ormont said go out and teach group, especially to those who
are new to it and need some guidance. I want to be a part of making EGPS a special place to learn about group and
make it an exciting place for colleagues who share similar interests!
I am currently in private practice, teach, and provide consultation for clinicians to maintain and develop groups in
their practice. Recently, I have facilitated discussion groups on trauma at the Faculty Group and Family therapy
conference at Annenberg, at the Brooklyn VA and at NYU and Columbia, School of Social Work.
I would be honored to have your vote for this position.
Elizabeth
Merrill,
PsyD,
CGP
It is with great honor that I have been nominated to run for Member‐at‐Large position on the Board of Directors of
EGPS. I have been passionate about and committed to EGPS since I graduated from the EGPS Training Program in
2010. During my training year, I was greatly influenced by my teachers and mentors to cultivate my professional
identity in group psychotherapy. As a result, in the Summer of 2010 I earned the title of Certified Group
Psychotherapist. In the Fall of 2012, I was asked to join the EGPS Board of Directors as Co‐Chair of the Spring Event. I
am also currently a member of the bi‐annual EGPS Fundraiser Task Force. In addition, I have presented my Animal
Assisted Group Psychotherapy work to the Long Island Discussion Group and plan to present this modality of group
therapy to Spring Event Co‐Chair Philip Luloff's Mt. Sinai residents enrolled in group psychotherapy in June, 2013.
My career path is characterized by a devotion to specializing in group psychotherapy. I am the Group Coordinator at
The Child and Family Institute, St. Luke's‐Roosevelt Hospital Center. I teach Group Supervision of Groups to our
externs and APA accredited interns. I co‐facilitate four psychotherapy groups at CFI, including the Animal Assisted
Psychotherapy Group. Last year, I developed the Animal Assisted Psychotherapy program at my work, characterized
by individual and group work with children, adolescents, and adults.
At CFI, I am the Assistant Director of Child and Adolescent Psychology Education and Training. From this work, I have
developed an avid interest in and appreciation for program development and a commitment to ensuring the growth
and vitality of the organization as a whole. EGPS is an organization I care deeply about. I am most concerned with
allowing young mental health professionals the space to become as excited about and devoted to group
psychotherapy work as I am. Voting for me for Member‐at‐Large will help expand the breadth and depth of this
organization as I represent the voice of burgeoning group psychotherapists.
Juan
Olmedo,
LMSW
I am both flattered and excited to be considered for a Member‐at‐Large role on the EGPS Board of Directors. I am
still a relative newcomer when it comes to EGPS, having graduated from the EGPS One‐Year Training Program in 2011
followed by completing the Second‐Year Supervision Program. What struck me about the Training Program was
something many of you are probably aware of: the sheer number of seasoned clinicians who were teaching in the
program had also completed the program. I remember thinking, “Yeah, I could see myself doing this someday.” So
I set about looking to become more involved with EGPS. After attending several events, including making my
“dramatic debut” in a demo group during the Spring Event two years ago, I was moved by how open and generous
people were with their expressions of support (and amusement at my overacting). By nature, I am a shy person, but
the ongoing sense of welcome made me even more determined to become more involved and make this my
community.
Group work has been part of my career in social services, almost since the beginning, but I really had my trial‐by‐fire
while working at GMHC. I had the good fortune to be part of an innovative prevention program there focusing on
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group work with gay men, both HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative, who were active substance users. My education in
the and client‐centered approach of harm reduction set the stage for becoming a social worker and future roles as a
therapist and administrator, including the work I do now with HIV‐positive adults. Being part of EGPS reminds me of
those earlier days: I’m aware of the massive talent surrounding me and of being hungry and open to learn more.
So with my interest in online communication, it was serendipitous that I was able to connect to the Communications
Task Force, working with Jonah Schwartz and Ella Scheinwald, and to begin to create a social media platform for
EGPS. I am excited that the work Ella and I are spearheading is being received with excitement, curiosity, and maybe
a little trepidation, and I look forward to “expanding the dialogue” in person and online. But while I am buoyed by
the response and energy within the organization around using social media sites to expand and promote the work
of EGPS, I see my work as more than focusing on technology. I am committed to the core concepts of group work
to help communities and individuals in need. I would like to see EGPS bridge the work being done in classic
psychotherapy groups and the amazing range of groups being lead by social workers, psychologists, counselors and
therapists working in schools, hospitals, churches, community‐based organizations and elsewhere. Through the
Annual Conference and events, the local discussion groups, and in the Board meetings, I look forward to continuing
to grow with and to serve the EGPS community for years to come.
Herbert
M.
Rabin,
PhD,
ABPP,
CGP,
LFAGPA
I joined EGPS in the late 1960’s. During the next decade I was active, holding several offices, culminating in
becoming President from 1979‐1981. I came to love EGPS, therefore, I became involved again in 2009 as Co‐Chair of
the Past‐Presidents Committee. Over the years EGPS has made phenomenal progress in membership, committees,
organization, major professional Meetings, technological innovation, etc. Compared to our decent leadership many
years ago, the leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee has, in recent years, really impressed
me in how effective they think through, cooperate and then carry through! They reflect a vital “Esprit de Corps”.
Such leadership can continue to improve in the areas where needed. I would like to add my modest help in
becoming a Member‐at‐Large of the present Board of Directors. Please consider giving me your vote.
Deborah
Ross,
LCSW,
CASAC,
CGP
It was a nice surprise when Patti Cox called to inform me that I've been nominated for Member‐at‐Large for what I
consider my new professional family, EGPS. I have been the Co‐Chair of the EGPS Long Island Discussion Group for
two years. I enjoy the fact that the organization has many long time, devoted members. Since moving to New York
from Las Vegas 15 years ago, EGPS is the first group of professionals that fits with what I am passionate about:
group. I enjoy collaborating with peers who are as interesting and intelligent as the members of EGPS.
Group therapy gave me the foundation of mastering young adulthood in the eighty's when I lived on my own in L.A.
Without group, I am sure my life would have turned out differently and maybe not as well. I learned how important
it is to have a supportive community of deep relationships and that if you do not have a readymade family or
community that you were lucky enough to be born into, you can join or even create one!
In my private practice I currently run three weekly adult process groups, which have been successfully running for
four years. In previous years, I have run groups for severely mentally ill, parenting, adolescent groups, play therapy
groups, psycho‐educational training groups for professionals etc. Besides working as Co‐Chair of the EGPS, Long
Island Discussion Group, I also belong to and attend four other professional discussion groups: EMDR, EAP, Dr.
Zentman's couples supervision and a general peer supervision group. I am a volunteer on call for the Soldiers Project
and HAP emergency responders. Also in my community I am a member of a Business Networking International
networking group.
As Member‐at‐Large, I would offer representation for Long Island as a clinical social worker with group experience
for over thirty years. I offer a passion for group process and group membership with both experienced and creative
ideas for the continued growth of our important organization; EGPS. I am eager to share my ideas (I am not afraid
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to speak up and share my opinion) and offer my knowledge and insights for the continued success of EGPS. I find
comfort in the long term tenure of many EGPS members who I admire and like very much. It is an honor to be an
EGPS member with you. As Member‐at‐Large, I would be happy to fully and seriously commit to filling the role as
one of the pillars that build on the foundation of EGPS.
Jonah Schwartz, LCSW
It has been my pleasure to be on the Board of EGPS since 2006. I have served in a number of capacities: as
Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee; as Co‐Chair of the Community Outreach, Website and
Communications Task Forces; and as a member of the Conference, Fundraiser and Nominating Committees. I have
been an elected Member‐at‐Large since 2010. Last year, I was appointed to serve as Treasurer, succeeding Patti L.
Cox, PhD, who was chosen by the membership to be the next EGPS President. As Treasurer, I have instituted new
procedures to ensure the organization’s fiscal health. Due to other commitments, I cannot continue in this role at
the present time. However, I am honored to have received a nomination to run for another term as Member‐at‐
Large.
If there is a consistent theme to my participation on the EGPS Board of Directors, it has been one of inclusion and
openness to change. We live in a time of tremendous shifts, and EGPS needs to successfully navigate this altered
terrain in order to remain vital. New technology can carry our mission of promoting “group approaches to the
human services” to a much wider audience. I also seek to preserve what’s best about the organization while
welcoming new members from different disciplines and diverse areas of practice. If elected as a Member‐at‐Large, I
will continue the work of striking a balance between continuity and change.
