President’s Update Moving Forward with Purpose
By Marlene Taube-Schiff
Introduction to 2026-2027 Board
We are pleased to introduce to you our 2026-2027 Board of Directors. Our Board is made up of dedicated professionals from diverse mental health backgrounds across Canada who generously volunteer their time, expertise, and leadership in support of the Association’s mission. Together the Board works collaboratively to guide the continued growth and sustainability of CACBT in the areas of CBT training, knowledge advancement, certification and advocacy. Through regular meetings, strategic planning, and ongoing collaboration, the Board remains committed to strengthening the CBT community across Canada and supporting our valued members. It is truly an honour to work alongside such a talented and passionate group of individuals.
We are excited to introduce our 2026-2027 Board of Directors: Marlene Taube-Schiff (President), Janani Sankar (President-Elect), Fjola Helgadottir (Past-President), Ryan Ferguson (Secretary-Treasurer), Michael Best (Certification Chair), Leanne Kane (Membership Chair), Nina Laugesen (Interim Communications and Advocacy Chair), Dean Carcone (Member-at-Large), Jean-Philippe Gagné (Member-at-Large, Francophone Relations), and Cailyn Fridgen (Student Affiliate Representative).
Reflecting on Our Strategic Plan
As I step into the role of President of CACBT, I have been reflecting on both the strengths of our Association and the opportunities that lie ahead. Prior to the conference this year, the Board participated in a strategic planning meeting on April 30, 2026, led by an external facilitator. During these thoughtful and collaborative discussions, it became very clear that CACBT is an Association with tremendous momentum, commitment, and potential for continued growth.
The strategic planning discussions highlighted many of the strengths that make CACBT such a meaningful professional home for clinicians, researchers, educators, and students across Canada. Participants repeatedly identified the quality of our conferences and training opportunities, the strength of our professional network, our commitment to evidence-based care, and the value of certification as core strengths of the organization. At the same time, the discussions also encouraged us to think carefully about sustainability, organizational capacity, succession planning, member engagement, and how we continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our field.
Turning Priorities into Action
Several themes emerged throughout the planning process, including growing CACBT membership and certification, strengthening engagement across disciplines and career stages, increasing accessibility and national reach, supporting organizational sustainability, and continuing to build strong conference and training opportunities for our members. There was also thoughtful discussion regarding opportunities to strengthen engagement and representation within our francophone community, which will continue to be an important focus moving forward.
What I appreciated most about the strategic planning process was not simply the identification of goals, but beginning to think about how we can deliberately take action to make those goals a reality. As an organization, we have many exciting ideas and opportunities ahead. The next step will involve the formation of a strategic planning working group that can help guide implementation efforts and support the organization in prioritizing initiatives over the coming years. We will be looking for engaged members to be part of these groups so that your voices can be heard. Please reach out to us if you want to get involved.
Conference Updates: Montreal 2027
Conference planning is also progressing well, and I am very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to Montreal for our 17th Annual CACBT Conference in 2027. The venue has now been established, invited speakers have been contacted, and final agreements are currently being negotiated. Upcoming planning will include continued work related to sponsorship, communication, and conference development.
Conferences remain one of the most valuable ways that we connect as a professional community. This is true in terms of learning and knowledge dissemination, and also for collaboration, mentorship, and strengthening relationships across disciplines and regions. Collaboration and in-person events connect us in unique and meaningful ways. Please watch our website and future communications for additional conference updates and registration information.
Looking Ahead
There is a great deal to look forward to in the coming year. Thanks to the many efforts over the past year, our organization is in a stable financial position, and we want to continue building on that foundation. As I begin this year, I want to acknowledge the many Board members, committee members, volunteers, and organizational leaders whose dedication continues to move CACBT forward. The passion, thoughtfulness, and collaborative spirit within this organization are evident in every conversation and initiative currently underway.
I am genuinely excited about everything that has already been accomplished and about the direction CACBT is heading. I look forward to continuing this work together over the coming year and beyond. Thank you for your continued involvement, engagement, and support of CACBT.
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”
