CALM WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

After nearly 20 years of devoted service to CALM, Dr. Anna Kokotovic announced that she will retire as Executive Director in June of 2008. Although CALM will say goodbye to a brilliant leader who has made a powerful impact on the prevention and treatment of child abuse, Anna’s legacy will serve as a guiding light and inspiration to continue CALM’s mission in Santa Barbara County. Since September, when Anna announced her decision, the CALM Board of Trustees has managed a comprehensive search to select a new Executive Director to continue to lead CALM in its mission to prevent, assess and treat child abuse in Santa Barbara County. The Board is honored to announce that they have selected Cecilia Rodriguez, MFT, as CALM’s new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2008. Cecilia has worked at CALM for over 22 years, serving alongside Anna as one of its most capable and dedicated leaders. She has held positions in prevention, assessment and treatment of child abuse, and has served as CALM’s Associate Director for the past 4 years. Cecilia is highly respected among staff, is a beloved member of the Santa Barbara community and has always been connected to the children and families CALM serves. Cecilia has been instrumental in the growth of the organization’s critical programs and services, helping build CALM into the successful and well-respected agency it is today. Please join us in welcoming Cecilia as CALM’s new Executive Director!

CALM (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation) is the only private non-profit agency in Santa Barbara county whose sole mission is to prevent, assess, and treat child abuse by providing comprehensive, culturally appropriate services for children, adults and families.

CALM works daily to help children and families in Santa Barbra County live healthier and happier lives, free from abuse and neglect. Major efforts are made to reach high-risk and underserved populations.

CALM's entire resources are dedicated to:
- Preventing child abuse from occuring.
- Offering professional treatment for the entire family when the abuse occurs.
- Eliminating retraumatization of children by working with police, the district attorney, child protective services and medical personnel to investigate alleged abuse in supportive and child friendly environments.

HISTORY

In 1970, a young father under extreme stress killed his eight-week-old son. In response to that act, Claire Miles, a Santa Barbara nurse, launched CALM to reach stressed parents BEFORE THEY HURT THEIR CHILDREN.

CALM remains the only private non-profit agency in Santa Barbara County whose sole mission is to eliminate the devastating effects of child abuse through early prevention, assessment and treatment programs.

CALM's GOALS are to:

* IDENTIFY and reach stressed parents in order to prevent child abuse or its reoccurrence.

* PROVIDE effective treatment and support services for victims and offenders.

* TEACH children how to keep themselves safe from abuse.

* EDUCATE the public about child abuse - its causes and cures.

CALM's services are provided by credentialed psychologists, psychiatrist, marriage & family therapists, and licensed clinical social workers. CALM's administrative support staff and trained volunteers--all work under the direction of Executive Director Anna M. Kokotovic, Ph.D.