Quarterly Insights
This fall marks an extraordinary moment in Ackerman’s journey. As we celebrate our 65th year, we are full steam ahead, preparing for our gala —honoring our legacy, and building the future together. It is a season of pride and momentum, and I am thrilled to share some of the highlights with you.
We are especially delighted that Kori Chambers, one of last year’s honorees and a tremendous supporter of our mission, will serve as our Master of Ceremonies at the gala. The evening will shine a light on leaders who embody the very best of Ackerman. We are deeply honored to recognize three extraordinary honorees whose leadership and vision have inspired countless lives:
- Fiona True (Legacy Award in Clinical Teaching): A leader, therapist, faculty member, and mentor, Fiona is known worldwide as HAVING the “heart of Ackerman.” Her groundbreaking work in relational therapy—particularly in addressing child and family trauma with compassion and innovation—has transformed the field. As Co-Director of the Relational Trauma Center and a global educator, her efforts have advanced the Ackerman Relational Approach (ARA), ensuring that Ackerman’s values continue to guide generations of therapists. Her recognition with the Legacy Award in Clinical Teaching underscores her role as both guardian of Ackerman’s history and a force shaping its future.
- Joshua Rahn (Visionary Award): A bold innovator, Joshua has been at the leading edge of every great wave of technological change since his early days at Facebook. Today, as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Oceans, he exemplifies foresight, creativity, and courage in redefining how technology and mental health intersect . By cultivating extraordinary teams and inspiring bold thinking, his leadership demonstrates the possibilities of innovation for social good and the future of care.
- Moncler (Corporate Philanthropy Award): A brand whose commitment to excellence extends far beyond design and innovation. Guided by a deep awareness of its impact on society and the environment, Moncler embodies the spirit of generosity, inclusion, and connection. Through its global initiatives and dedication to creating meaningful change, Moncler continues to inspire and lead with warmth, integrity, and purpose—values that align closely with Ackerman’s mission to strengthen families and communities.
These honorees are not only leaders in their respective fields—they are also cherished friends to the Institute, instrumental in so many people’s professional and personal development.
As we look ahead, the new academic year is off to a strong start. I am delighted to welcome Dr. Kiran Shahreen Kaur Arora as our new Vice President of Training and Student Life. Kiran brings decades of experience as a distinguished educator, clinician, and leader, and she will be instrumental in shaping the future of Ackerman’s training programs. Alongside the forthcoming Dean of Admissions and Student Life, we expect this powerhouse team to expand opportunities for our students and set the stage for remarkable new programming in the year ahead and into 2026.
We are also thrilled to announce an expansion of our certificate training offerings. Michele Scheinkman—an internationally respected leader in the field of couples therapy whose teaching and clinical innovations have influenced generations of therapists— and her team will launch a 10-week in-person Couples Certificate module this fall, as part of the full certificate program. And for the first time, Ackerman is introducing a faith-based program—an exciting opportunity to engage new communities and bring relational and systemic thinking to a broader audience.
Meanwhile, our Continuing Education, Community Training, and International Training programs continue to thrive. Each month, we are expanding our on-demand content and fine-tuning our fall programming, guided by data-driven decisions about content, timing, and format. These efforts are already paying off as our programs grow in popularity. Just last week, we launched a new Learning Management System that makes registration, evaluations, and CE certification seamless for participants—a major step forward in creating a dynamic, accessible learning environment.
We are also stepping boldly into the world of technology. This year, we are launching the Ackerman AI & Tech Council, a group of visionary leaders in AI, mental health, ethics, and innovation who will guide our work at the intersection of family therapy and technology . The Council will help ensure that Ackerman becomes a global leader in transforming family therapy and relational healing through AI and data, grounded in access, equity, and impact.
At the same time, we are expanding our pilot use of AI scribes for clinicians and trainees. This tool reduces administrative burden, allowing more time for families, while also generating a powerful dataset that can fuel future research. By combining innovation with care, we are positioning Ackerman to lead not only in therapy but in shaping the ethical, human-centered use of technology in mental health.
It is a thrilling moment for Ackerman. With gala celebrations underway, new leadership stepping in, innovation across our programs, and bold steps into the future of technology, we are honoring our past while building a sustainable, vibrant future. Together, we refuse to be the best-kept secret in New York. Family therapy matters—and with your continued support, we will ensure Ackerman leads the way for the next 65 years and beyond.
With appreciation,
Adi Loebl, MD
CEO and President
Get Updates from Ackerman with news and training information: Sign up Now
Listen to the Ackerman in Action podcast: