Gina Balit, MA, LMFT, ATR

03/09/2024

Did you watch “Vardavar!,” Disney’s episode centered on the traditional Armenian festival, Vardavar?

The episode of MICKEY MOUSE FUNHOUSE premiered on the Disney Channel and is written by Kathleen Sarnelli Kapukchyan, whose husband is Armenian.

In the episode, Minnie Mouse wears the wrong outfit to celebrate Vardavar. Minnie, Mickey, and their friends are greeted by the goddess Astghik who wears a traditional Armenian Taraz, as she comes down from her magical temple and splashes them with water! The episode is set in the Land of Myth and Legend, which is modeled after Armenian architecture– notably Garni and Cascade, creating an amalgamation of the two sites. The character of Astghik is voiced by Liana Bdéwi, who is of Armenian heritage.

The episode is filled with cultural references– Minnie wears an Armenian Taraz, Armenian is spoken throughout the episode, and we even catch a glimpse of Chip and Dale selling tahn and making khorovats.

The episode marks the first-ever representation of Armenian culture at Disney.

“Vardavar!’’ is available on DisneyNow.com and in the DisneyNow app, and will be available on Disney+ at a later date.

03/09/2024

03/09/2024

Mattel’s Barbie brand just launched its first mental health career—and they chose to show Barbie as an art therapist! AATA hopes Art Therapy Barbie will give parents and caregivers an opportunity to talk about mental health with kids and explore the power of art-making in wellness.

02/08/2024

So honored to have received this award! I completed my year as President of our wonderful chapter. Forever grateful for the impact it's had on my professional journey. 🙏

01/22/2024

Since 2019, we have been recognizing one chapter member each month on social media for their service as a volunteer. This month we celebrate Gina Balit, LMFT, ATR!
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Gina is now Past President on our board as has been the Advertising Chair for many years. She was known as VP of Marketing for 6 years and last year was honored to complete her presidency. She is a Registered Art Therapist and SoulCollage®️ facilitator. She works with young children of divorce and abuse in her Woodland Hills private practice. She is also passionate about helping her Armenian community and doing freelance designing and bookkeeping on the side. Visit her website to find out more: www.theartofmft.com. Thank you Gina!

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For a full list of our volunteers (board members, special interest group chairs, committee chairs, etc), visit our website www.sfvcamft.org.
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01/10/2023

Officially President! Alot to get used to, but honored and hopeful for we can bring to our members and community this year!

01/03/2023

Excited about this! Join us as I also transition into my presidency!

    Christy directs all aspects of the A Window Between Worlds (AWBW) live and on-demand trauma-informed art facilitation trainings and outreach initiatives.  She began her workwith AWBW as a trained Program Facilitator at the YWCA of San Gabriel Valley's Outreach and Shelter Programs. She has...

08/26/2022

Honored🙏

Inspired by April 2019's National Volunteer Week acknowledgements and posts, beginning May 2019, we have been recognizing one chapter member volunteer each month on social media. The month of July 2022, we want to recognize Gina Balit, LMFT, ATR!
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Gina is the current President Elect on our board as well as Advertising Chair. Prior, she had been VP of Marketing for 6 years. Next year, she's excited yet nervous about representing the chapter as President. She is a Registered Art Therapist and SoulCollage®️ facilitator. She works with young children of divorce and abuse in her Woodland Hills private practice. She is also passionate about helping her Armenian community and doing freelance designing and bookkeeping on the side. Visit her website to find out more: www.theartofmft.com. Thank you Gina!

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For a full list of our volunteers (board members, special interest group chairs, committee chairs, etc), visit our website www.sfvcamft.org.
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12/24/2021

My colleague and I made this holiday scavenger hunt last year but it's still applicable this year, especially with the surge. Do this on a drive with your kiddos around your neighborhood (since it's raining this week) or have fun with other indoor activities on last page. Many people are still not gathering, but make the most out of your holidays with these suggestions. Merry Christmas! 🎄☃️

11/14/2021

Honored to be recognized again and to be stepping up next year for my chapter and community!

Inspired by April 2019's National Volunteer Week acknowledgements and posts, beginning May 2019, we have been recognizing one chapter member volunteer each month on social media. This month 2021, we want to recognize Gina Balit, LMFT, ATR!
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Gina has been on the board as our VP of Marketing as well as been our Advertising Chair for 6 years (fun fact: she's the one posting these recognitions 😅🙈). Next year, she's excited yet nervous about stepping into the presidencial cycle as President Elect. She continues to be part of the expressive arts, outreach, and sponsorship groups/committees. She is a Registered Art Therapist and SoulCollage®️ facilitator. She works with young children of divorce and abuse in her Woodland Hills private practice. She is also passionate about helping her Armenian community and doing some freelance designing and bookeeping on the side. Visit her website to find out more: www.theartofmft.com. Thank you Gina!
Gina Balit, MA, LMFT, ATR
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For a full list of our volunteers (board members, special interest group chairs, committee chairs, etc), visit our website www.sfvcamft.org.
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11/01/2021

Domestic violence and awareness doesn't end when October does.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the 'Day of Unity' in October 1981 as a way to connect advocates and unite organizations across the nation who were working to end violence against and raise awareness on issues related to women and their children.

Domestic violence creates a violent and hostile environment that can have devastating effects on children, both physical and emotional. Here are some scary facts about DV and children 🎃👻:

Children’s immediate reaction to experiencing or witnessing domestic violence include generalized anxiety, sleeplessness, aggression, difficulty concentrating/paying attention, nightmares, hyperactivity, and separation anxiety.

They are often used for threatening to gain sole custody, kill, kidnap or otherwise harm children if victims leave). 1 in 3 children who witness domestic violence are also child abuse victims.

Overtime, they become fearful in different settings and concerned for themselves, siblings, and their parents. They feel worthless and powerless and display depression and withdrawal. As they grow into adulthood, they are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of abuse in their own relationships; they've learned that violence is an appropriate way to solve conflict. These children are 3 times as likely as their peers to engage in
violent behavior and more likely to be in abusive intimate partner relationships in the future (either as victims or perpetrators).

These children are also at greater risk of serious adult health problems including obesity, cancer, heart disease, depression, substance abuse, to***co use and unintended pregnancies than peers who did not witness domestic violence.

Let's teach/model to kids what healthy relationships, conversations, and even endings, look like. Get involved in your community, connect with organizations and speak up when you can!

If you or someone you love is a victim of DV, reach out to the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat online at thehotline.org.