SGVPA
About Us
Empowering Psychologists. Informing the Public. Building Connections.
The San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association (SGVPA) exists as a chapter of the California Psychological Association and is a professional organization addressing the needs of the psychological community and the general population throughout Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.
Its members are dedicated to providing psychologists, consumers, the media, and other clinicians with information about psychological issues. We are actively involved in all areas of psychology, including professional practice, academic, and public service. New members are always welcome.
We Have Open Board Member Positions
Mission Statement
SGVPA was formed in 1967 with the mission to advance a network of psychologists through the following means: education, advocacy, and disseminating information to the community.
Education
Advocacy
Dissemination
Board Members
Meet the dedicated professionals who guide the mission and vision of the San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association. Our board members bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to advancing psychology throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
Executive Board
President
Dr. Shannon N. Thomas, Psy.D.
Therapy@DrShannonThomas.com
Vice President
Dr. Elisa Hernandez, Ph.D.
drelisah@gmail.com
Former President
Wayne Kao, Ph.D.
dr.waynekao@gmail.com
Treasurer
Duke Vo
IntuitiveAsian@gmail.com
Secretary
Melissa Udell, Ph.D.
melissaudellphd@gmail.com
Committee Chairs
Diversity
Dr. Emily Morales, Psy.D.
emily.n.morales@gmail.com
Early Career Development
Mercy Huang, Ph.D.
mmhuang14@gmail.com
Local Advocacy
Linda Bortell, Psy.D.
lbortellpsyd@sbcglobal.net
Membership
Thomas Zhong
tzhong21@apu.edu
Newsletter Editor
Kristen Goradietsky, Ph.D.
kristingorad@gmail.com
Program
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Stuart, Psy.D.
lizzystuartphd@gmail.com
Website
Dr. James Hamill, Psy.D.
jameswilliamhamill@gmail.com
Student Representatives
Student Rep.
Lisa Sui
lsui22@apu.edu
Student Rep.
Duc Vo
dvo@antioch.edu
Open Positions
Interested in getting more involved with SGVPA? We're currently seeking passionate members to join our board and help shape the future of psychology in the San Gabriel Valley.
Disaster Response Chair
Open Position
Details
SGVPA’s Disaster Response Committee acts as a liaison to CPA’s (the California Psychological Association) Disaster Response Network.
The Disaster Response Committee is responsible for keeping SGVPA members informed and aware of local and statewide disaster response efforts. We continuously identify ways in which psychologists can provide services to disaster victims. If you are further interested in our disaster response efforts, please contact
Ethics Chair
Open Position
Details
SGVPA is seeking an Ethics Chair to join our Board of Directors. This important role supports our mission by promoting ethical awareness and providing informal guidance to members on professional ethics in psychology.
The Ethics Chair helps organize ethics-related programming, stays current on APA and California Board of Psychology guidelines, and serves as a resource—not an investigator—for ethical concerns within our community.
We welcome licensed psychologists who are SGVPA and CPA members with a strong interest in ethics and a collaborative mindset. If you're passionate about supporting integrity in our field, we’d love to hear from you!
Care Chair
Open Position
Details
SGVPA is looking for a compassionate and community-minded Care Chair to join our Board of Directors. This role is focused on supporting the well-being of our members by fostering connection, offering support during times of need, and celebrating life events.
The Care Chair helps acknowledge important milestones—such as births, losses, illnesses, and achievements—and ensures members feel seen and supported within our professional community.
We invite SGVPA and CPA members who are warm, thoughtful, and organized to apply. If you’re passionate about creating a more connected and caring community, we’d love to have you on board!
