Commit to Your Own Career

We have several cool ideas that we are working on to build our website's functionality, convenience, and member support -- we just need a few more hands!

Join our all-volunteer force to help us build:

• member database networking and referrals
• continuous conversation via topic-focused blogs
• more critical news on California career issues
• hot regional resources to help your clients
• best practices and professional development

contact our Communications Chair,
Robin Wortley Hammond, at communications@ccdaweb.org,
or call direct at 916-453-0395.

Why We Serve . . .

Kathy Engelstad, MA
Have served as: President, Regional Director, Secretary
I am not sure what year I first became a member of CCDA. It was while I was a graduate student with exciting dreams and hopes for the future. I immediately began to attend meetings and enjoy the benefits, including the ICDC conferences. In 2001 I became a board member as Secretary, and then moved up to Regional Director, and then President. It is truly hard to believe! There have been many rewards, and many challenges over the last few years, but what has always kept me interested has been the relationships that have nourished my career and that of my associates. I believe that the growth that has taken place for me has been through the mentoring I have received, and the caring and supportive people in our special field. We come from different arenas on the career development spectrum, but all are here to make a difference. We continue to learn and grow together.

JoAnn Tennyson, MS, NCC
Have served as: Secretary, ICDC Co-Chair
I have been a member of CCDA since 2001 and Board Secretary for this organization since 2005. It is exciting to be a part of CCDA as we move closer to licensure. I have enjoyed being a part of the process as we work towards an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) designation. I have met many wonderful colleagues who share their enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment towards helping our profession grow and gain professional stature among other counselors in California. Career counselors in California continue to grow in their diversity. I have enjoyed mentoring and being a part of their professional lives. They bring rich life experiences and eagerness to our profession. I look forward to many more years of this rewarding partnership!

Robin Wortley Hammond, MS, RPC
Have served as: Communications Chair, Newsletter Editor, Graduate Student Representative
After being the 2000-2001 Graduate Student Representative, I have consistently served on the CCDA Board in a variety of communications capacities including newsletter editing and production, website design and redevelopment, and member services. Currently as Communications Chair, I get to work primarily on the website along with some other projects, including advertising and member support. For myself, I can say that I've benefited greatly from participating in CCDA leadership and the wonderful connections I've maintained both professionally and personally. This is a group of dedicated professionals whose hearts and souls are committed to promoting the important role of career development practitioners in achieving true health, balance and continuous employability among California’s great workforce!

Mary Robins, MA
Have served as: President, ICDC Program Chair, Silicon Valley Chapter Chair
I like being connected and I like contributing. However, I wasn't quite prepared for the depth and breadth of the connections I made when I volunteered to become a Board member for CCDA. All of a sudden a very large state became much, much smaller. I've met and become friends and colleagues with individuals whom I deeply respect. And, I've learned more about myself, my capabilities, and the many ways that I can contribute to my profession.

Serena Santillanes, MS, NCC, MCC
Have served as: President, Secretary, ICDC Program Chair
It has been an honor and pleasure to serve the California Career
Development Association. Not only did I have the chance to make many new
friends, connect with other career professionals around the country and
further develop my leadership skills, but I also had the opportunity to
give back to this profession. There are many people who are in need of our
services and if our profession is to continue to develop, grow, and
evolve, I think we all need to make an effort to serve our professional
societies at some point in our career.