Latest Updates:

 Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council 30th Anniversary Banquet
🎉 You're Invited! 🎉
Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council
30th Anniversary Banquet Lunch
🌺 Honoring 30 Years of API Social Work Leadership, Community & Care 🌺
🗓 Date: 9/6/25, Saturday, lunch event
🕛 Time:  11:30am-2:30pm
📍 Location: Grand Palace Seafood Restaurant, 359 Grand Ave, South San Francisco
Join us as we celebrate 30 years of uplifting Asian and Pacific Islander voices in social work! This special banquet lunch will bring together students, professionals, elders, and allies to reflect on our legacy, honor community leaders, and envision the future of API social work.
✨ Highlights Include:
  • Delicious lunch
  • Recognition of trailblazing API social work leaders
  • Keynote speaker Janlee Wong, addressing "Challenges Of Promoting DEI In A Hostile Environment"
  • Networking and celebration!
🎟️ RSVP link here: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdv53byHbCu8AM1A5F1DB39Z4Xf_mChE-U3bQ4ya4oMELoMyA/viewform
Seats are limited — reserve yours today!
$30 per ticket if purchased by  Friday August 1, 2025 
$40 per ticket after Friday August 1, 2025 
Student scholarships available
Hosted by:
Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council North, NASW

“Challenges Of Promoting DEI In A Hostile Environment"
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Podcast: Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: A Collection of AAPI Social Work Voices. Our first episode
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Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council North Presents
​12 Stranger Dinner
🌸 Connect. Empower. Thrive. 🌸
Join Asian Pacific Islander social work faculty, students & professionals for a dynamic networking event centered on identity, community, and connection in the Bay Area.
When: Friday, May 30th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where: San Pedro Square Market San Jose Food Court
​87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110
​RSVP link: 
We will be hosting our first 12 stranger dinner in the South Bay on Friday May 30th, 6PM to 8PM at San Pedro Square Food Market. While the bay area is rich with so many busy API social workers, we hope to create an opportunity to welcome new API social workers who have never had the chance to meet other API social worker leaders. Please take the time to stop by on Friday May 30th. We will be inviting API SW faculty from San Jose State and students along with local professionals to come out for a dinner activity that will involve cultivating new API social work leadership and mentorship. We hope to do this quarterly and eventually host future networking events in the North and East Bay.
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The Alzheimer’s Association®, in partnership with Openhouse, Family Caregiver Alliance, and the API Social Work Council (APISWC) of Northern California is offering this free training on the care needs of LGBTQ+ seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and their care partners. This training will also include the opportunity to discuss considerations
for API communities + multi-lingual (Cantonese and Mandarin) Q&A. Registrations are now open for both sessions! This program is funded by the San Francisco Department of Disability & Aging Services.
April 25 7-9PM PST: LGBTQ+ Dementia Care Training: LGBTQ+ and Dementia
Register in advance for this webinar:
tinyurl.com/LGBTQDementiaClass
June 6th    7-8:30PM PST: LGBTQ+ Dementia Care Training: Effective Communication Strategies
Register in advance for this webinar:
tinyurl.com/LGBTQEffComm

​APISWC x Asian Law Caucus’ Legal Clinic for Victims and Survivors of Violence

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​APISWC x Asian Law Caucus’ Legal Clinic for Victims and Survivors of Violence – Culturally Competent, Integrated Services Approach to AAPI Victim Support
May 18, 2024 (VIRTUAL Event)
10:00 - 11:30 AM PST
Register at https://lnkd.in/dZWsGpiQ
As social workers, we encounter clients from various walks of life, including those who have experienced hate-motivated or cross-community violence. The API Social Work Council is happy to feature the Asian Law Caucus’ Legal Clinic for Victims and Survivors of Violence at this workshop on a culturally competent, integrated services approach to AAPI victim support. Their legal clinic provides free legal help to victims and survivors of hate-motivated or cross-community violence in San Francisco and Alameda Counties. This workshop aims to achieve the following objectives:
Understand decisions made by the District Attorney’s office and understanding information about the status of victims’ cases
Learn what the criminal legal system can and cannot do to help victims after a violent incident, and other services available
Explore ways to help our clients recover, heal, find safety, and accountability after experiencing violence
Learn about Asian Law Caucus' Legal Clinic for Victims and Survivors of Violence and how their services may be relevant to your clients' needs!

​Diana Ming Chan Bilingual Social Work Scholarship
​Info session

March 24, 2024     10-11 AM PST
​Join us for the info Session to learn about the Diana Ming Chan Bilingual Social Work Scholarship, and the eligibility.  Mingle with APISWC Steering Committee to ask questions and networking. 

Register at http://tinyurl.com/k6fnv8rz​
Questions? Contact [email protected]

Brainspotting Workshops

Brainspotting locates points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. Brainspotting (BSP) was discovered in 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D. Over 13,000 therapists have been trained in BSP (52 internationally), in the United States, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa. Dr. Grand discovered that "Where you look affects how you feel." It is the brain activity, especially in the subcortical brain that organizes itself around that eye position. For more information: 
https://brainspotting.com/

Jiewen (Janice) Huang, LCSW, a certified Brainspotting therapist and Facilitator-in-Training, will provide a free, 60-minute informational workshop on Brainspotting on Oct 25 12-1pm. Participants will have an opportunity to experience a brief experiential exercise in this workshop. *THIS WORKSHOP WILL NOT BE RECORDED. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr45atxf 

Then, there will be PART 2 hosted by Brainspotting International Trainer, Nancy Tung on November 6, 12-1pm! In this 60-minute, free workshop, Nancy will engage in a follow-up discussion on Brainspotting, provide a demo, and host a Q&A. *THIS WORKSHOP WILL NOT BE RECORDED. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/bdp24x7e. Thank you!  

​Support fundraising efforts towards research and awareness!

Did you know...
  • More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
  • Yet only 40% of Americans would talk to their doctor right away if experiencing early memory or cognitive loss, and 97% of primary care physicians report waiting for patients to make them aware of symptoms or request an assessment. In fact, they place the most trust for Alzheimer's diagnosis in neurologists and geriatricians, when there are often a lack of specialists in their areas.
  • Nearly 1/2 of Asian Americans say they are concerned about developing Alzheimer's or dementia?
  • A 2016 study by Kaiser Permanente forecast that 15%-31% of its Pacific Islander members and 27-29% of its Asian American members who are dementia free at age 65 would be diagnosed with dementia over the next 25 years.
  • Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders had the great increase in deaths reported from Alzheimer's, growing almost ten-fold, between 2000 and 2018.
  • More than 1/2 of Asian Americans believe that significant loss of memory or cognitive ability is a normal part of aging.
  • 45% of Asian Americans believe that medical research is biased against people of color.

Research is advocacy! Education is advocacy!
Learn more about Dementia in Asian American populations at alz.org/asianamericans
A 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 also offers care consultations in over 200 languages.

The APISWC Medical and Public Health Subcommittee will be participating in the SF Walk to End Alzheimer's for our FIFTH year in a row! This year's walk will take place on 11/4/23 and continue offering the flexibility of both in-person and remote participation.
To join our team and/or support our fundraising efforts, please visit below link to our team page: http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=16408&pg=team&team_id=819179For any questions, please feel free to reach out to our council email at: [email protected]
Thanks so much for your support/interest!Did you know...
  • More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
  • Yet only 40% of Americans would talk to their doctor right away if experiencing early memory or cognitive loss, and 97% of primary care physicians report waiting for patients to make them aware of symptoms or request an assessment. In fact, they place the most trust for Alzheimer's diagnosis in neurologists and geriatricians, when there are often a lack of specialists in their areas.
  • Nearly 1/2 of Asian Americans say they are concerned about developing Alzheimer's or dementia?
  • A 2016 study by Kaiser Permanente forecast that 15%-31% of its Pacific Islander members and 27-29% of its Asian American members who are dementia free at age 65 would be diagnosed with dementia over the next 25 years.
  • Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders had the great increase in deaths reported from Alzheimer's, growing almost ten-fold, between 2000 and 2018.
  • More than 1/2 of Asian Americans believe that significant loss of memory or cognitive ability is a normal part of aging.
  • 45% of Asian Americans believe that medical research is biased against people of color.

Research is advocacy! Education is advocacy!
Learn more about Dementia in Asian American populations at alz.org/asianamericans
A 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 also offers care consultations in over 200 languages.

APISWC x Alzheimer's Association Collaboration - 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

 Sunday October 8 | 11am-12:00pm 
Alzheimer’s causes changes in memory, thinking, and behavior that are not normal aging. Join us to learn about
  1. The difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s
  2. Common warning signs
  3. The importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis
  4. Next steps and expectations for the diagnostic process
  5. Alzheimer’s Association Resources
Register at tinyurl.com/2man7ezv
Questions? Contact Peining Chang at [email protected]


API Social Work Council: Fall 2023 Covid-19 Boosters Amidst Pandemic Apathy and Fatigue (1.5 CEU)​

 
The API Social Work Council Northern California invites you to a free continuing education webinar on effective outreach and educational intervention strategies for the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) community. This second installation of our two-part webinar series is centered around the rollout of Fall 2023 COVID-19 Boosters and highlights the work of Brandon Yan, MD, MPH, a resident physician in the UCSF Department of Medicine and his groundbreaking research on pandemic health disparities impacting API communities.
The Connect to End COVID-19 initiative aims to provide accurate information to social workers about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines, including its safety and effectiveness, barriers to vaccination, and the role of social workers in supporting informed decision making.
Learning objectives:
  • Foster research-informed awareness of COVID-19 disparities impacting API communities
  • Acquire up-to-date information about Fall 2023 COVID-19 Boosters and their importance in light of pandemic fatigue
  • Learn best practices for promoting vaccine awareness and uptake among API communities

About the Presenter:
Brandon Yan, MD MPH is a resident physician in the UCSF Department of Medicine dedicated to providing high-quality clinical care and bringing evidence to health policy reform. He earned his MD at the UCSF School of Medicine and trained in policy anaglysis and public health at Duke and Harvard, respectively. Brandon’s academic pursuits broadly investigate how public policy can help improve healthcare access, value, and equity. Cited in major media including the SF Chronicle, LA Times, US News & World Report, Newsweek, and KRON4 News, his publications include those on COVID-19's impact on Asian Americans, Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), cost-effectiveness of heart failure treatment guidelines, U.S. elections and mental health, and the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion. His research was the first to uncover why reduction in deaths from Medicaid expansion did not translate into reduction in population mortality. He led some of the first work on COVID's impact on Asian Americans that went on to impact public policy at local, state, and national levels. Brandon further consults on public health policy.
 
The Connect to End COVID-19 initiative is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award totaling $3.3 million with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Register at https://www.naswca.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1786078&group=

APISWC September Networking Forum ft. Jiewen (Janice) Huang

​APISWC September Networking Forum ft. Jiewen (Janice) Huang
September 17 10am-11am PST
Jiewen (Janice) Huang is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified grief educator, psychotherapist, and healing touch practitioner apprentice. Janice speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. She earned both of her BA and Master's in Social Work, concentrating on health and mental health. Janice is also working on her EdD in Organizational Leadership with the emphasis on Organizational Development. Janice has worked in various settings, including Shanti’s Women's Cancer Program, UCSF Oncology Radiation, home health, hospice and palliative, medical inpatient, UCSF Psychiatry, primary care behavioral health, field instructor, etc. Janice has received extensive training on ACT, EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, Sandtray, and her practice focuses on depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. In addition to work, she is an advocate for colleagues, patients/clients, and communities by volunteering her time in social work, healthcare, equity, grief, end-of-life, and advance care planning topics. In her personal life, Janice especially enjoys solo camping and powerlifting. 

Register at https://tinyurl.com/mt284e8h
*Note - this forum will not be recorded!

APISWC July 2023 Events

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APISWC July Networking Forum: IFS Therapist Panel
July 8th, 2023, 12-1:30 pm PST
Presenters: Dora Dui Chen LCSW (Level 2 IFS  Therapist), Rebekah Gong LCSW (Level 1 Trained IFS Therapist), Philip Chang LCSW (Level 2 Trained IFS Therapist)
Introductory workshop-style presentation on the basic assumptions of the IFS model. Attendants are invited to engage in experiential exercises, to participate in Q&A, and to reflect on the panel's sharing of how they use IFS in micro and mezzo clinical social work practice.
Disclaimer: This workshop serves as an introductory session on the IFS model and is not a substitute for IFS Institute training or certification.

*FREE and VIRTUAL - Register at  https://tinyurl.com/48nsyyc8
​Unleashing Strength: The Power of Disability Pride 
Saturday July 15, 2023 11am - 12 PM PST (Zoom)
Experience a transformative and empowering event as NASW-CA Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council of Southern California proudly celebrates Disability Pride! Panelists Dr. Hoa Le and Victor Jih (from APISWC-NorCal!) will share their invaluable lived experiences as AAPI Disability advocates!
Register at http://shorturl.at/dfvEY or scan the QR Code below. For questions, please email [email protected]

APISWC Presents: What is Social Work?

Interested or curious about a career in social work? Not sure what social work is? Check out Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council's "What is Social Work?" virtual event on May 13 from 10am to 12pm, featuring guest speakers with experiences in community mental health, children's bereavement counseling, geriatric social work, veteran mental health, and executive administration! Panelists will talk about how they got to their job now, what a typical day is like, and share some helpful tips and advice. Come curious, leave inspired! If you have any questions you want answered, submit them to [email protected]!
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Register at https://bit.ly/3Zto1SN
Questions? Contact [email protected]
For more information on API Social Work Council, visit apiswc.org

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APISWC March 2023 Networking Forum

APISWC March Networking Forum
Reflections on Social Working with a Social Justice Lens featuring Ashley Mika Decena, LCSW
March 15, 2023 | 7-8PM  PST
Register at https://bit.ly/3YLmHtr

Ashley Mika Decena, LCSW is a Smith College School for Social work alum and identifies as a 2nd generation Filipinx-Japanese, Asian American woman of color from the Bay Area, CA. She has over 10 years of experience working with diverse populations in New York, Oakland, and Silicon Valley. Experiences include working in school based settings, nonprofit, outpatient therapy clinics, and the medical model of psychiatric care working with youth, families, and adults. Other areas of experience include organizing/activism, clinical supervision, and launching a private practice. Ashley will share themes of identity, representation, evolution as a social worker, and opportunities for growth in the field while weaving in how social justice has been expressed in her work.


APISWC January 2023 Networking Forum

APISWC January Networking Forum
January 18, 2023 7-8pm
Register at https://bit.ly/3VWoOtx
Leslie W. Zeitler, LCSW is the Director of Learning Strategies for the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, a program of Race Forward.  Leslie started out working for GARE in 2017 as a California Regional Manager and is now stepping into the role of GARE Director of Learning Strategies.  As Director of Learning Strategies for the Government Alliance on Race & Equity, Leslie provides strategic leadership for the GARE network with respect to developing and refining learning strategies, tools, and approaches that support people at various phases of their racial equity journeys who are stepping into institutional change work for racial equity in the government sector.
Leslie joined Race Forward following a four-year stint with the California State University Bay Area Academy and more than a decade at the California Social Work Education Center. At the Academy, Leslie oversaw development of statewide workforce development initiatives, co-designed cultural humility trainings, helped reform contractor curricula, and advocated for equity for the treatment of mental health issues in the child welfare system.  Prior to this, Leslie worked with underserved children, youth, and families to prevent entry into the foster care system, at Legal Services for Children in San Francisco.  Leslie is a social worker by training with a background in child welfare direct services as well as training and workforce development, with an eye to racial equity throughout her career.

APISWC December Networking Forum

​APISWC December Networking Forum featuring Deborah Son, MSW

Date: 12/11/2022
Time: 10am-11am PST (Virtual)
Register at https://bit.ly/3UdKgt5


Deborah has over 10 years of experience as an activist and leader in the fields of systems change, advocacy, and community engagement. Her work spans across various fields including trauma-informed care, anti-violence, children and family services, and public and behavioral health. Deborah has been the Executive Director of NASW-CA over the past two years and was also heavily involved in APISWC, having once been our Co-Chair! As a recipient of the APISWC Diana Ming Chan scholarship and the founder of the API SW association at CSUEB’s MSW program, she will share her experiences in navigating leadership as a daughter of immigrants in spaces that are often not inclusive of API voices. She will speak to the challenges of bringing lived experiences to the forefront of systems change and the many ways in which social work has informed and fueled her capacity for impact and ongoing growth.

Alzheimer's Association Collaboration: Workshop and Walk!

We are a little less than a month away from the San Francisco Walk to End Alzheimer's! This year's walk, on November 5, will continue to offer the flexibility of both in-person and remote participation.

To join the API Social Work Council (APISWC) team and/or support our fundraising efforts, please visit the link below to our team page:
https://lnkd.in/gBSrxzbn

After the walk, we will conclude with our third and final workshop in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association: Effective Communication Strategies.
Saturday 11/12/2022 11am-12:30pm PST - Effective Communication Strategies
Cindy Wang, MSW, Alzheimer's Association Community Educator, Chief, Systems Operations and Data Analysis Bureau, Adult Programs Division, California Department of Social Service
Register at https://tinyurl.com/EffComAlz
For more information about these workshops, contact Peining Chang at [email protected] or (408) 372 - 9943.

APISWC October Networking Forum

Our October Networking Forum will feature Stacie Hiramoto, MSW! 

Stacie Hiramoto, MSW, has been a mental health advocate and proud NASW member for many years. She is one of the founders and presently Director of the Racial and Ethnic Mental Health Disparities Coalition (REMHDCO), a statewide mental health policy and advocacy organization representing BIPOC communities. Growing up on a small farm in a small town, she never dreamed she would encounter the amazing experiences that have come her way. Being a social worker has been a big part of life and she looks forward to the dialogue with others at this APISWC event.

​October 26, 7-8pm PST
Register at https://bit.ly/3E1rU9G

APISWC x Alzheimer's Association Collaboration 

Come join us for the second workshop of our collaboration series with Alzheimer's Association, focusing this time on a caregiver's journey through dementia.
Register at tinyurl.com/URD-API
Time: Saturday October 8, 2022 11am-12:30 pm PST (virtual)
Cost: FREE
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Come hear from our very own co-chair, Philip Chang, LCSW, as well as Alzheimer's Association Community Educator Ingrid Lai talk about a caregiver's journey through Dementia and how to understand and respond to dementia-related behavior.
To understand a caregiver's journey through dementia is often easier said than done. The frustrations and difficulties in trying to do the "right thing" can be heavy on one's heart.
Behavior is a powerful form of communication and one of the primary ways people living with dementia communicate their needs and feelings; as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Join us to learn how to decode behavioral messages, identify common triggers, and learn strategies to help manage some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

Questions? Contact [email protected] or 408.372.9943

APISWC x Alzheimer's Association Collaboration

We are so excited to partner with Alzheimer's Association to host a series of 3 educational workshops from September to November on the second Saturday of the month, 11am-12:30 PM.

Join us for our first workshop in September: Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Presenter: Alex Tsao, Ph.D.

Caregiver, Member of the Alzheimer’s Association National Board of Directors, Alzheimer’s Association Northern California & Northern Nevada Chinese Advisory Committee Chair; Community Educator

Alzheimer's is not normal aging. It's a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Join us to learn about:
-The impact of Alzheimer's
-The difference between Alzheimer's and dementia
-Alzheimer's disease stages and risk factors
-Current research and treatments available to address some symptoms
-Alzheimer's Association Resources.
Register at tinyurl.com/UAD-API
For more information, please contact Peining Chang at [email protected] or 408.372.9943.
Visit alz.org/CRF to explore additional education programs in your area.
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APISWC August Networking Forum: MACRO Social Work ft. Jenn Torai, MSW

Our August Networking Forum will continue on the theme of MACRO Social Work, featuring Jenn Torai, MSW. Jenn is a former Co-Chair of APISWC and former Board Member of NASW-CA, having also served on two different Committees for the CA Chapter. She is a SJSU alum and has served as an adjunct professor there, and finds great reward in helping others shape their own path. At times, a future in macro social work seemed far from reach, but the support of her community and network of fellow social workers helped her shape her career so that every day is full of gratitude and opportunity to make change. Hear about how her journey has led to co-founding a nonprofit that supports the professional development of AAPI women in Silicon Valley and becoming the Director of Local Government Affair for a world-class academic medical center.

When: August 24, 2022 | 7 - 8 PM PST 
Where: ZOOM
Register at http://bit.ly/3as6Xbx

Through Our Lens, With Our Voice: Clinical Experiences & Applications for Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA) Clinicians and Communities
A VIRTUAL APIDA MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

Co-Sponsored by:
Yellow Chair Collective &
NASW API Social Work Council NorCal/SoCal
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AUGUST 6 - 7, 2022
10:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M. PST  

This 2-day conference, "Through our lens, With our voice," provides an opportunity to amplify the voices and resources of APIDA mental health professionals as they negotiate the continued effects of the pandemic and anti-Asian hate and discrimination. In an often culturally conflicting world, this conference emphasizes the importance of furthering the knowledge APIDA clinicians have about their own communities so that they can solidify their "lens" or view of the world, and find a collective "voice." Presentations will be centered around culturally responsive content centered around clinical applications and approaches, including experiential workshops and educational workshop formats.
This conference meets the qualifications for 10.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 

For more information and to register, please visit our website at 
https://wa.clinicalsocialworksociety.org/event-4851518

The Facebook event page can be found at 
https://fb.me/e/1tZwSOGJL

July Networking Forum - Advocacy 101

Both the Preamble to and Section 6.04 of the NASW Code of Ethics on “Social and Political Action” call upon professional social workers to engage in advocacy on behalf of our clients and communities.
But what does this really mean in practice—and practical terms?
Join former elected representative, Mariko Yamada, MSW, for an informal chat about what led her to engage in policy advocacy and political campaigns along her 50 year - long social work journey, and the five easy steps you can take to be an effective advocate in your own space. Who knows? Perhaps one of YOU will run for office!

When: Wednesday July 27, 2022 7-8 PM
Where: Zoom - Register at https://bit.ly/3xmqYaE
Questions? Email us at [email protected]

June Networking Forum - Medical Social Work

Are you interested in becoming a medical social worker? Chris Lum, LCSW has been a VA medical social worker for the past 11 years. Chris will share about how he transitioned from doing mental health services to being hired as a VA primary care outpatient social worker. After finally surviving through fears and inadequacies as a new medical social worker, the political scene changed when Obama transitioned to Trump, which resulted in changes to VA federal funding programs being cut. This had an impact resulting in Chris deciding to change paths in the VA. Chris moved into VA dialysis and had to learn a new specialty. Chris is an experienced VA dialysis social worker, often using social work collaboration skills to problem solve. Currently, Chris has been organizing VA dialysis social workers across the country to help provide support and discuss ways to advocate dialysis policy changes. Chris will share inspiring tips on how to become a medical social worker. Chris will also share what it is like to work in a large federal medical system and tips for trying to land a job in the VA. 

WHEN: June 22, 2022 | 7-8 PM PST
WHERE: Zoom | Register at https://bit.ly/3wci136
Questions? Email [email protected]
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May Networking Form/APAHM Celebration!

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! We invite you to celebrate and play with is at our upcoming networking forum on May 25, 2022 from 7 - 8 PM.
Register at https://bit.ly/375NY4N.
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Hope to see you there!

April Networking Forum

We are excited to announce that our upcoming April forum will take place on Wednesday April 13 from 7 - 8:30 PM.
In April, our focus will be on behavioral services for children youth, and families, brought to you by one of our co-founders, Nancy Lim-Yee! This talk will also be recorded and sent to registered attendees.
Nancy Lim-Yee, LCSW, (she/her/hers) has been a provider of behavioral health services for over four decades. She worked for 39 years at the Chinatown Child Development Center (CCDC), a clinic of the San Francisco Dept. of Public Health that provides behavioral health services primarily to Asian immigrant children, youth, and their families. In 2012, while she was the Director of CCDC, Nancy obtained a small grant to produce a documentary as part of CCDC’s 40th Anniversary celebration. During April’s Networking Forum, Nancy will show the 23-minute documentary which highlights CCDC’s 40-year history of providing culturally and linguistically-appropriate services to a traditionally underserved population. She will share CCDC’s unique service delivery model in serving this population. 2022 marks CCDC’s 50th Anniversary! Nancy will also share her own professional journey in social work and why she remains very active on nonprofit Boards and committees after retirement.
Register at https://bit.ly/3ijcSzL

Social Work Month 2022 Proclamations

We were honored to receive the following Proclamations from San Francisco Mayor London Breed and District 25 Assemblymember Alex Lee, in celebration and honor of Social Work Month.

March Networking Forum + Social Work Month Celebration

Join us for a talk about geriatric social work and celebration of Social Work Month 2022! Our monthly forums are intended as a networking space for API-identifying social workers to learn about different sectors of social work and discuss issues relevant to the field. This month, we are featuring Philip Chang, LCSW. We are also excited to have NASW-CA's Executive Director, Deborah Son, and Assemblymember Alex Lee of District 25 join us in celebrating Social Work Month 2022!

Philip Chang (he/him/his) is a licensed clinical social worker who has served aging adults in Adult Day Health Center (ADHC) and  Program for All-inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE) and their families since 2016. Before that he also worked in college student health and community mental health. He has a certificate in Supervisory Leaders in Aging Principles from NASW and a certificate in Mental Health for Aging Adults from John F. Kennedy. He is a graduate of CSU East Bay's MSW program in community mental health. His talk is on "Time is Right for Geriatric Social Work!"

When: March 20, 2022 10 - 11:30 AM PST
Register at https://bit.ly/3tmEWrm.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

February Networking Forum


We enjoyed meeting some of you at our first networking forum in January. Subsequent forums will have a "Featured Social Worker" to talk a little about their experiences as we continue to build community and ongoing conversations around the field of social work.

In February, we will be featuring one of our Steering Committee members, Victor Jih, ASW, who been with the Steering Committee since 2016.  Victor has over 8 years of domestic and international NGO experience working with diverse populations in medical, palliative care, acute care, mental health, public health, child and family welfare services, and social community services settings. Since 2019, they have been leading the Children's Bereavement Program with Sutter Care at Home Hospice in San Mateo, which supports the needs of bereaved children, youth, and families both within the hospice and larger community. 
WHEN: February 20, 2022 10 - 11AM PST
WHERE: Zoom - Register at bit.ly/3nz6S98
WHO: Anyone who identifies as an API Social Worker 
Questions? Please contact us at [email protected]

A STATEMENT from APISWC Steering Committee:
​

Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council (APISWC) of Northern California urges NASW, Arizona Chapter, to take immediate action to communicate with Arizona Democratic Senator Krysten Sinema to protect voting rights for ALL Americans, especially people of color, people with disabilities, students, and first-time voters. As Senator Sinema had started her political career as a social worker and experienced homelessness as a child in her family, we implore Senator Sinema to return to her social work roots and support social justice policy reforms for her constituents, as well as for the country. At this critical time in U.S history, America has become more diverse with social justice issues that need to be debated and addressed openly and peacefully with the media, educating people in non-partisan ways to preserve our Democracy.

Many Senate filibusters have occurred since the 1900's to block the passage of a bill. If Senator Sinema voted for a carve-out to the most recent filibuster rule to join with both Democrats and Republican legislators to extend the debt ceiling to protect the solvency of this country, we ask her: Why can't she vote immediately for a carve-out to the archaic filibuster to support the Voting Protection Rights Act to support the fundamental Right to Vote and to know that one's vote will be counted and fairly reported? The state of Arizona, especially Krysten Sinema's constituents, deserve a non-partisan response from their duly-elected public servant.

We urge constituents in Arizona to write to your representatives on this important issue.

Sincerely,
Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council of Northern California
Steering Committee

A Word from Your Co-Chairs

Dear APISWC Community,

What a year it has been. Amid the pain and suffering that was highlighted more than ever earlier this year, we have also witnessed our community's resilience and connectedness. We are so grateful to those of you who have been long-standing members and continue to voice your feedback and support to help our Council improve. We are also grateful to have reached more of you on Facebook and our newsletter list-serv this past year, and are excited to bring you more events and networking opportunities in the year to come. If you have not already, please like our Facebook page and subscribe to our newsletter on the side panel, where we share job opportunities, resources, and announcements that might not always be featured on this site. We wish you a restful and gentle holiday season as we prepare to step into the new year, and also hope to see you at our coming events. 

Please look out for our first monthly networking forum to be hosted on January 16, 2022 at from 10 - 11 AM PST on Zoom. These monthly forums will be a regular place for members to meet and learn from each other. This first forum will be a mingling session focused on intention-setting and community-building; subsequent forums will feature a different social worker each month to share their thoughts and experiences. Hope to see you there!
WHEN: Jan 16, 2022 | 10 - 11 AM PST
WHERE: Zoom - Register at https://bit.ly/3DwTKGX
WHO: Anyone looking to meet other API Social Workers and network!
Questions? Email [email protected]
Our Steering Committee is pleased to announce that the deadline for the Diana Ming Chan Bilingual Scholarship has been extended to July 16, 2021 5PM PST, and some requirements have been modified as well to expand access for interested applicants.

Diana Ming Chan lived from 1929 to 2008 and was a well-respected social worker in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was one of the first Cantonese bilingual social workers in San Francisco Chinatown and advocated for the need of bilingual social workers. Diana was also known for her dumpling diplomacy where she invited top politicians to her home to discuss the importance of school social workers. Eventually, Diana was able to effectively lobby the San Francisco Board of Education to open up school positions for social workers.

Up to three scholarships in the amount of $500 - $1,000 each will be awarded at the NASW-CA Annual Conference in October 2021. BSW and MSW students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Individuals applying for the 2021 scholarship must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate social work student enrolled at any of the following universities: San Jose State, CSU East Bay, San Francisco State, or UC Berkeley. This includes those who just graduated from or who will be entering these programs.
- Be bilingual in an Asian language, including any East Asian language, Southeast Asian language, or Pacific Island language.
- Applicants do not have to be a current member of the APISWC, but scholarship winners will be required to become actively involved with APISWC as follows: Beginning 2 months after graduation, recipients will be asked to attend 70% of Steering Committee meetings and 50% of events hosted by APISWC for a 12-month period.

The application packet must include the following:
1. Cover letter including applicant's name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.
2. One letter of recommendation.
3. Limit of 500 words responding to: “How would you advance social work in the Asian and Pacific Islander Community?" and,
4. Limit of 500 words responding to: "How do you plan to or have you used your bilingual skills to help others, especially addressing challenges during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic?”
All application packets must be electronically submitted by 5:00 PM PST, Friday, July 16, 2021 to [email protected]
Winners will be notified by August 2, 2021.

Any questions can be emailed to [email protected]
For more details, please visit the DMC Scholarship tab on this website or visit this document link.

Thank you!
Best,
Steering Committee
API Social Work Council, Northern CA, NASW

[DEADLINE EXTENDED] Diana Ming Chan Bilingual Social Work Scholarship

UPCOMING: REFLECTING AND RESTORING POWER FOR OURSELVES: SPACE FOR API SOCIAL WORKERS

NASW-CA API Social Work Councils of Northern California and Southern California are excited to co-host a Space for API Social Workers. This is NOT meant to be a psychotherapy group and will not be recorded  we aim to offer an affirming space for API social workers and students to discuss and explore ways to take care of ourselves and support each other in these challenging times involving increasing anti-AAPI hate crimes and violence. 
Time: April 18 1-3PM PST 
Location: Zoom - Register at https://bit.ly/3mlOsGZ
Cost: FREE

Diana Ming Chan Bilingual Scholarship

The API Social Work Council is proud to announce the availability of the 2021 Diana Ming Chan Bilingual Social Work Scholarship.

Individuals applying for the scholarship must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate social work student enrolling in his/her final year beginning in Fall 2021.
- Be bilingual in an Asian language, including any East Asian language, Southeast Asian language, or Pacific Island language.
- Be enrolled at any of the following universities: San Jose State, CSU East Bay, San Francisco State, or UC Berkeley.
- Applicants do not have to be a current member of the APISWC, but scholarship winners will be required to become actively involved with APISWC as follows: Beginning 2 months after graduation, recipients will be asked to attend 70% of Steering Committee meetings and 50% of events hosted by APISWC for a 12-month period. 

Please click here for details and please help us spread the word about the availability of this scholarship.  Of course, please consider applying for the scholarship if you yourself are eligible.
 
Thank you!

APISWC Steering Committee 

UPCOMING: SELF CARE STRATEGIES FOR SURVIVING SOCIAL WORK

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It has nearly been a year into the pandemic, and social workers have been an essential part of the workforce, caring, healing, and helping so many. It's time we take care of ourselves, too. Please join us for our social work month event as we uncover radical self-care strategies that are essential to surviving social work: social workers are essential and self-care is not selfish. 

Sunday, March 7, 2021 | 1-3PM (PST) | ZOOM
Register at bit.ly/2LVUArO 
*don't forget to also click the link on the EventBrite page to obtain your Zoom meeting link.

​Hope to see you there!

Lunar New Year Celebration 2/7/2021

Some snapshots of our recent Lunar New Year Celebration event. We laughed, we played, we learned! What an opportunity to learn about how different cultures celebrate this holiday, honor our identities, and just connect with each other. Part of the beauty of this event was being able to make space to process recent pains in our community with the recent surge in anti-Asian violence as well. To be able to hold both joy, grief, hurt all at once - we are so thankful for the safe space in this Council, and are honored to share this space with you all.

Join Our Lunar New Year Celebration!

Happy Lunar New Year!
​The API Social Work Council invites you to join us for our annual Lunar New Year Event.
During the virtual celebration, in addition to networking opportunities, the Council will also be providing you with a series of fun games.
May the Year of the Ox bring Happiness, Good Health, Good Fortune, and Peace!
Please RSVP here. We hope to see you on February 7th!

API Social Work Council 25th Anniversary Video

Happy 25th Anniversary API Social Work Council!
Video created by our amazing Steering Committee member Vicky Guan!
Slideshow video produced by Vicky Guan.

Photos used in the slideshow were contributed by Janice Wong, Jenny Kwak, and Nancy Lim-Yee.

Other photos:
https://sites.google.com/site/apiswcgroup/
https://m.facebook.com/groups/72414893716/
http://apicsw.blogspot.com/
http://www.apiswc.org/ https://naswcanews.org/

APISWC does not own the rights to music in the slideshow. Below are references for music.

References
Bareilles, S. (2013). Brave. The Blessed Unrest [m4a]. Retrieved from
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-blessed-unrest/1440504715

Horton, B. (2008). Land of Rest. Homespun Songs of the Apostle Islands [m4a]. Retrieved from
https://music.apple.com/us/album/homespun-songs-of-the-apostle-islands/299913998

Little River Band. (1977). Happy Anniversary. Greatest Hits [m4a]. Retrieved from
https://music.apple.com/us/album/greatest-hits-expanded-edition/725831594
​
Platten, R. (2015). Fight Song. Wildfire [m4a]. Retrieved from
https://music.apple.com/us/album/wildfire/1061182666 

BIG THANKS to Past and Current Council Chairs and Co-Chairs!

API Social Work Council’s Virtual 25th Anniversary Celebration 

Thank you for attending the API Social Work Council’s Virtual 25th Anniversary Celebration on December 6th, 2020.  It was wonderful to spend the afternoon with you, reflecting on the Council’s accomplishments, reminiscing about special events and memories, and hearing from some of our members.  We had an opportunity to honor Janlee Wong for his 25 years of unwavering support and guidance to the Council and to wish him the best on his retirement as the Executive Director of NASW-CA.  We hope to continue our collaboration with Janlee in the coming years.  Thanks to Deborah Son, the new Executive Director, for her inspiring words. ​

Thank you again for joining us today! Please stay safe and healthy! Happy Holidays and we hope to see you in 2021!

2020 ​Walk to End Alzheimer’s!

Last Saturday, our council participated in another year of Walk to End Alzheimer’s!

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year we found creative ways to participate! Some of us went on a short hike at the Pacifica, some walked with their own small team of colleagues, friends, or family members, and some walked in place or do some other activities in the comfort of their own home!

Thank you, Victor, Jenny, and Nancy for organizing!

And much thanks to those who made generous donations, our API Social Work Council MPH Subcomittee team has reached this year’s fundraising goal again!
​
Please feel free to reach out next year if you are interested in walking with us! #walk2endalz

​SHOUT OUT to our Council Steering Committee member Jenny Kwak, LCSW, OSW-C for being featured on ASOW’s social media platform for their #KudosMonday campaign! ​

Webinar Panel Discussion:
Supporting International Students' Mental Health Needs in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

​Date & Time: Saturday, Oct 3, 2020, 2:00 - 4:30 PM PT
Cost: Free event. No CEUs.
RSVP by 10/2/2020: https://rb.gy/smxud1

Welcome Deborah Son, MSW
​NASW-CA’s New Executive Director!

​We would like to introduce you to Deborah Son, MSW, the new Executive Director for NASW-California! Deborah will start her position on this Monday, September 14, 2020.

Deborah has over 10 years of experience as an activist and leader in the fields of systems change, advocacy, and community engagement. Her work spans across various fields including trauma-informed care, anti-violence, children and family services, and public and behavioral health. She has dedicated much of her career to bringing various service platforms together in collaboration toward meaningful achievements in social justice.

To read our full statement, click here: https://naswcanews.org/welcome-deborah-son-msw-nasw-cas-new-executive-director/

Systemic Oppression Webinar Part Two
by Francis Joseph Gallego, LCSW
​July 26, 2020 at 2 PM

We touched on so many important topics related to systemic oppression, such as model minority myth, immigration, LGBTQ and mental health, transgender rights, linguistic discrimination, transgenerational trauma, etc. We also discussed how we can do as individuals to fight against systemic oppression.

Thank you very much, Francis, for putting your heart into this webinar! Also, many thanks go to the participants who went deeper into this uncomfortable but essential conversation with Francis!

More webinars on these topics to come! Stay tuned!

Systemic Oppression Zoom Webinar
by Francis Joseph Gallego, LCSW
6/14/2020 (Sunday) 2:00-3:30pm

Thank you very much for joining us today for APISWC's June Event: "Systemic Oppression" Webinar!

Our Council is so touched and empowered to see a number of great webinars and virtual discussions on racial injustice and BLM taking place during this critical time. We are honored to be part of this much-needed conversation about far-reaching social reform! To extend this conversation and respond to Pride Month, we were super grateful that Francis Joseph McCann Gallego, LCSW provided this introductory training on "Systemic Oppression" through the lens of API and LGBTQ. We encourage our partners and communities to participate in as many trainings and discussions on these topics as possible. We must stand together to continue to educate the public and advocate for social reform.

​Thank you very much, Francis, for guiding us to get deeper into this uncomfortable but essential conversation!

More webinars on these topics to come!

Webinars: Death and Grief during COVID-19 in Cantonese and Mandarin (5/24 & 5/31)

​Our webinars, Death and Grief during COVID-19, in Cantonese and Mandarin were indeed a success! Thanks a million to Mr.Arnold Leung and Mr. 冯以量for donating their time and sharing their experiences and expertise! Because of their compassion and efforts, nearly 1,000 people from the U.S., Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China learned more about the topic of death and grief! I am very grateful that these webinars were recorded with the permissions of Arnold and Yee Leong. I hope the recorded videos will benefit more people who are interested in this topic.
Special thanks to our partner of these webinars, AAMARS 香港中文大學宗教研究文學碩士課程校友會, and all behind-the-scene workers from Arnold and Yee Leong’s teams. Of course, deepest gratitude for our APISWC Steering Committee for their hard work and support!

Cantonese: https://youtu.be/Lk-bkMbQAcM
Mandarin: Processing. Please stay tuned​

＊＊＊＊＊
Reading recommended by Mr. Yee Leong Fong:
延伸阅读：
1. 如何规划善终
https://www.facebook.com/…/a.31864652816…/1243934502305936/…
2. 作为一个丧亲者，你最不想听到别人对你说哪一句话？
https://www.facebook.com/130028873696510/posts/2400788179953890/
3. 我如何看待哀伤这面貌
https://www.facebook.com/130028873696510/posts/2505253036174070/
4. 当病人患癌了.....
https://www.facebook.com/130028873696510/posts/2519532144746159/
5. 死亡并没有结束关系
https://www.facebook.com/130028873696510/posts/2640921395940566/

Free Zoom Webinar
A Physician's Perspective of Medical Aid in Dying 
​April 26, 2020, Sunday 1pm -3pm (PST)

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/yp2iUyuoyewkpmcLA

​Social Work Month Celebration & COVID-19 Peer Support Group Webinar

API Social Work Council 2020 Lunar New Year Celebration

Members of our Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council celebrated the Lunar New Year with a luncheon at the Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant in San Francisco.

This restaurant was recommended by the Executive Director of NASW, Janlee Wong. Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant is especially interesting because it is not the typical Chinese restaurant, but one that focuses on Western China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan, as well as one that prepares its dishes in accordance with halal or Islamic law. The restaurant presents the cultures of Chinese and Muslim. 

During the luncheon, in addition to networking opportunities, we also provided a brief update about recent and upcoming Council events.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workshop
​by Phillip Cha, LMFT

API Social Work Council hosted a great workshop on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Phillip Cha, LMFT, at Mission Hospice & Home Care. 👍

API Council Members in Action at NASW CA Annual Conference! 

API Council Co-Chairs Janice Huang and Dora Chen were at NASW CA Annual Conference exhibition table.
Thanks to our APISWC members for volunteering at this year’s California Social Work Hall of Distinction Reception and Induction Ceremony. Witnessing the induction of the 6 social workers into the Hall of Distinction and hearing about their accomplishments and contributions was truly inspiring!

Congratulations to the 2019 Diana Ming Chan Bilingual Social Work Scholarship Recipients：
Hiu (Fiona) Cheung and ​Julius Ervin Javier！

Congratulations to the two recipients of the 2019 Diana Ming Chan Bilingual Social Work Scholarship: Hiu (Fiona) Cheung from San Jose State University; and Julius Ervin Javier from San Jose State University.  ​
​Click here to learn more about Fiona and Julius! ​​
The scholarship awards was presented during a special awards ceremony at the NASW State Conference on Saturday, November 2, 2019.  

​API Social Work Council Co-chair, Janice Jiewen Huang and Dora Dui Chen introduced the awards winners at the NASW-CA Awards Ceremony where each of them were recognized.

Diana Ming Chan’s husband, Clarence, and their 2 children also attended the Awards Ceremony.

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2020 Social Work Month Theme 
Social Workers: Generations Strong 
Read more on https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Month

Upcoming Event: 

Previous Events:

2020

2019

2018

DACA and The Effects on API Communities: What Social Workers Need to Know

Thanks to those of you who were able to join us this past Friday evening at the Marriott San Mateo SFO Airport Hotel for a very interesting presentation by staff from Chinese for Affirmative Action on "DACA and the Effects on API Communities: What Social Workers Need to Know".  
The presenters, Hong Mei Pang and Annette Wong, brought a great deal of resources to share.  The Council is very grateful to them for sharing their time and expertise with us. 
Please go to Chinese for Affirmative Action's website www.caasf.org for more information about the services they provide.  The San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network (www.sfilen.org) also provides some great resources.  Please check them out when you have a chance.

Legal and Social Impacts of the Immigration Ban

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On May 6, 2017, The API Social Work Council invited immigration attorney, Nancy Hing Wong, from Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach to speak on the "Legal and Social Impacts of the Immigration Ban."  Ms. Wong gave a very informative presentation as well as made available a number of useful resources. Council co-chair, Richell Jose, and co-founding member, Nancy Lim-Yee, presented information about the API Social Work Council during the meeting. Our Council member, Jenny Kwak, talked briefly about her article "Standing Up", which recently appeared in NASW-CA News.

2017


​2016
2016 CEU events
​
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The Neuroscience of Addiction: Treatment Strategies to Build Brain Resilency
Presented by: Michael Liao, MSW, Director of Programs, NICOS Chinese Health Coalition












There is an ever-growing body of research to suggest all addictions – substance-based or otherwise, have shared causal pathways, and therefore have commonalities in disease maintenance, treatment, and recovery.  This workshop will present current neurological research on the process of addiction, and provide practical interventions for promoting brain healing and recovery.

For the past 9 years, Michael S. Liao, MSW has been providing problem gambling training and technical assistance to various groups throughout the state of California.  He has also authored various problem gambling training curricula and academic publications.

January 30th, 2016
12:00 to 3:00pm (presentation begins at 1:00pm)
Sunset Mental Health Services
1990 41st. Ave. San Francisco, CA 94116

Light lunch provided & 2 CEUs for LCSW/LMFT!
*Free* for members or $10 at the door.
$10 annual membership pays for itself!

2015

API Social Worker Council: 20th Year Anniversary Celebration!!

It's time to celebrate! APISWC is turning 20!  
Let's come together on August 22nd to share a meal, reflect together on our accomplishments, reunite with familiar faces, and look forward to the next 20 years!

Special guests:
Janlee Wong, MSW
Executive Director of NASW-CA

and co-founders:
Nancy Lim-Yee, LCSW
Janice Wong, LCSW
Dr. Susan Sung, PhD

Saturday, August 22nd, 2015
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Hong Kong Flower Lounge
51 Milbrae Avenue, Milbrae, CA

$20 purchase here!
Deadline is 8/8/15
2014 CEUs event