Several Pacific Clinics executives, program leaders and teams came together to participate in the 2025 California Alliance of Child and Family Services conference in Anaheim. This year’s theme – Stronger Together – was appropriate, as the event brought together thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers and innovators from across the state to engage in sessions that sparked meaningful dialogue about how we can strengthen and care for children, youth and families while navigating the evolving landscape of community-based services. Throughout the multi-day conference, sessions highlighted the challenges, opportunities and best practices, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration, adaptation and innovation.
Pacific Clinics leaders hosted five sold-out informative sessions over the three-day event. They included Navigating the Health Plan Contracting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for CBOs led by Kim M. Wells, chief legal officer and Garret Zabel, executive director, healthcare business, The Pacific Clinics approach to Clinical Administration – responding to CalAIM Transformations led by Gordon Richardson, senior vice president, clinical administration, Mental Health Care for Fire-Affected Communities in Los Angeles: Building a More Robust Monitoring Platform in a Community-Based Organization led by Dan Lakin, director, outcomes and evaluations and Kris Stevens, director, new business analytics and innovation, Building the Sacramento Children’s Continuum: A Work-in-Progress Toward Integrated Care for Youth with Complex Needs, featured panelist Mary Sheppard, executive director, foster care, Whole Child, Whole System: Integrating Enhanced Care Management in Schools led by Lacey Castellese, executive director, education services, Rachelle Grant, executive director, statewide enhanced care management and community supports, and Kristin McCarthy, associate director, CalAim.
In addition to earning Continuing Education Units (CEU) credits, participants could begin each day centered with a yoga session or enjoy time with a furry friend during the pet therapy breakout, both sponsored by Pacific Clinics.
“The conference reinforced that meaningful change happens when we all listen, collaborate and stay responsive to the communities we serve,” said Pacific Clinics CEO/President Kathy McCarthy, who was recently elected board president of the California Alliance. “Our time together also provides opportunities to build partnerships that drive solutions, address the needs of children, youth and families.”
Whether through stronger partnerships, smarter data systems, or reimagined care in schools, the conversations in Anaheim remind us that change starts with people who care deeply and act with purpose.
