Steve Mabry, LMFT holds a MS Educational Psychology and is joining the academy with 22 years of experience in child welfare, 9 years in the Permanency/Resource Family Approval Programs, and 13 years as a FFA Social worker. His areas of expertise are Resource Family Approval and Adoptions.      

 Mabry shares that ”While working as an operations manager of a local video store chain, I (very) slowly completed my bachelor’s degree. Afterwards, I embarked on a Master’s degree to become a Marriage & Family Therapist. Following my graduation, I was hired at a Foster Family Agency where I worked to gain my intern hours toward licensure. Here is where I became a social worker! While my education taught me to become a therapist, my experiences working with kids and families led me toward a career in this field. One of my great passions was providing training to families who are building their families through adoption. At this time, the Resource Family Approval program has been a natural progression in my work life and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences through the Academy for Professional Excellence/Child Welfare Development Services.”

He currently serves as a County of Ventura Child Welfare Social Worker-Lead Worker in the RFA Program.   

“When not busy with work, I enjoy running at the beach. I didn’t start running until later in life but I have found it has been a great way to de-stress. I also enjoy sneaking down to Disneyland occasionally to hang out at the Happiest Place on Earth!” he adds.