I am pleased to announce Deanna Hudgins as the recipient of the first ever Rudy Hayek Honorary Scholarship! This scholarship of $1,000 was created in honor of Rudy Hayek (former SGV-CAMFT Board Member and Programs Chair) to support a current student in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy who demonstrates a similar spirit of service, civic engagement, and the desire to advance the profession. Join me in congratulating Deanna on her achievement!

-Kathryn Bikle, President

Rudy Hayek Honorary Scholarship Recipient Deanna Hudgins’ Personal Statement:

Service and support have been guiding principles throughout my life. Prior to pursuing a path in Marriage & Family Therapy, I sought out professions and volunteer opportunities through which I could leverage my skills and contribute to a positive impact on individuals and my community. I was fortunate to teach high-school music programs for 12 years and I have volunteered as a group leader and coach for nonprofit programs such as Team in Training for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Professionally, I currently serve as an event coordinator for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the lives of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. It was my work with students and patients, coupled with my personal growth in individual therapy, that inspired me to apply for an MFT program.

Since joining the Department of Marriage & Family Therapy (DMFT) at Azusa Pacific University, I have been dedicated to forging deeper connections among the student community, with the knowledge that we might one day lean on each other as colleagues. During the pandemic I founded and facilitated a study group to give an opportunity for classmates to meet online in both a practice and personal capacity, and in 2021 I was fortunate to be elected to the position of DMFT Student Union Co-Representative. I am excited to be working with a supportive faculty and a willing cohort as we build and launch programs designed to benefit the DMFT student body, including a Peer Mentor Program for incoming students. I am glad to volunteer for the Membership Committee of SGV-CAMFT and am excited for future opportunities to be of service as I move through my journey towards licensure. 

I am proud to be under the supervision of longtime SGV-CAMFT member Patty Gieselman at Living Success Center and would like to thank Rudy Hayek for his guidance, support, and contributions to SGV-CAMFT as well as the SGV-CAMFT Scholarship Committee for this wonderful and meaningful award. 

-Deanna Hudgins