Division 49 Midwinter Meeting
January 24, 2026 11:00am-4pm EST
Virtual meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82924723804?pwd=iLTAOPjfU6uEi2fvaEvWlWnFj8u44c.1
Board Members
- Amanda Acevedo-Morales, ECP
- Ilana Ander Student Representative (2025 – 2026)
- Bryan Bonner, Journal Editor
- Joshua “Ale” DeSilva, APA Council of Representatives
- Leann Diederich, Foundation Chair
- Dennis Kivlinghan, Treasurer
- Martin Kivlinghan, Research Domain Representative
- Ronn Johnson, Group Psychology Domain Representative
- Noelle Lefforge, Group Specialty Council Representative
- David Marcus, Fellows Chair
- Joe Miles, President
- Kristin Miserocchi, Program Chair (2025 – 2026)
- Jill Paquin, Practice Domain Representative
- Ernest Park, Secretary
- Megan Prass, Student Representative (2026-2027)
- Michele Ribeiro, President-Elect
- Rita Rivera, Membership Chair
- David Songco, Diversity Domain Representative
- Thomas Treadwell, Newsletter Editor
- Nathaniel Wade, Education and Training Domain Representative
- Kodee Walls, Incoming Program Chair (2027 – 2028)
Board members present: Division members present:
Amanda Acevedo-Morales David Chirko
Ilana Ander Lisa Huelskamp
Joshua “Ale” DeSilva Abigail Johnson (student member)
Leann Diederich Debra O’Connell
Dennis Kivlinghan Martyn Whittingham
Martin Kivlinghan
Joe Miles Guests present:
Kristin Miserocchi David DeVito, Administrative Executive
Jill Paquin Stephen R. Gillaspy, APA Deputy Chief, Health
Ernest Park Policy and Healthcare Financing
Megan Prass
Michele Ribeiro
Rita Rivera
David Songco
Thomas Treadwell
Nathaniel Wade
Kodee Walls
Item 1: President’s Welcome (Lead: Dr. Miles)
Dr. Miles stated that the decision to meet via Zoom was driven by the desire to be financially responsible. He introduced an overarching theme that could be used to guide the work of the division. This theme was “groups for good.” This concept could be used to highlight group work on topics such as immigration, and transgender identity issues.
Item 2: Introductions (Lead: Dr. Miles)
Dr. Miles welcomed attendees to the meeting and invited attendees to introduce themselves. A statement was made that the meeting is being recorded.
Item 3: Member Period (Lead: Dr. Miles)
Members were welcomed and asked if there were any topics of interest to add to the agenda.
Item 4: Agenda Review and Administrative Notes (Lead: Dr. Miles)
Item 5: Midyear Meeting 2025 Minutes (Lead: Ernest Park)
A motion was made to approve the 2025 Midyear meeting minutes. Minutes were unanimously approved (Dr. Miles stated that the President only votes to break a tie). There were no abstentions.
Item 6: Treasurer’s Report (Lead: Dennis Kivlinghan)
The budget and Finance Committee Report were discussed.
Dr. D. Kivlinghan stated that the year-end budget information from APA has not yet been received. Therefore, we can’t determine what has been spent for 2025.
Dr. D. Kivlinghan reported that journal revenues were considerably higher than in the past.
Dr. O’Connell noted there was $20K more than normal from journal royalties (total approximating $76K, not including payment to the journal editor). It was noted that $7K has to be deducted due to changes in journal costs. Dr. O’Connell confirmed that it is not unexpected to not have final accounting numbers from APA for 2025. Usually APA provides preliminary numbers so the Treasurer can review them, but final reports aren’t provided until February. In the past, the editor stipend was paid before royalty totals were received. With the new contract, there is a pay increase for the editor ($8K). APA gives the division $8K, and now we pay the editor.
Dr. D. Kivlinghan reported that the journal budget for 2024 was $50K.
Dr. O’Connell stated that since the midwinter meeting is now on Zoom, the budget is only $1K (for lunch costs).
Dr. Ribeiro wanted to know at what point do we know how much money we have in our budget for 2026.
Dr. D. Kivlinghan replied that by convention time we will know the amount from royalties, and should know most of the expenses for the year. So we should know the budget and what is available by the APA convention.
Dr. O’Connell stated that by the midwinter meeting, or February, we usually have a sense of how much we want to spend for the year. We would have a sense of the budget, but don’t know the royalties for 2026 at this time. Royalties are the biggest driver of revenue.
Dr. D. Kivlinghan stated that the checking account balance is healthy. There is a healthy balance in the investment account. As a division we are in good shape, but there is uncertainty with the new APA model. After 1-2 years, we will have a better sense of budget projections.
Dr. Wade asked if there should be a line in the budget for education and training.
Dr. O’Connell stated that lines can be added as people request things.
Item 7: Group Dynamics: Theory, Research and Practice Journal (Lead: Joe Miles)
2025 was a good year in some respects. The submission rate was 90 manuscripts. The rejection rate was 90%. The net effect was that there were fewer publications accepted for 2025. A goal for 2026 will be to work with authors and to provide feedback and help so the quality of papers increases. The editor intends to have fewer desk rejections so associate editors can work with authors to develop their papers. There were personnel changes (associate editors). Two new associate editors joined. There is a desire for an additional associate editor position, someone who can help review manuscripts that are more clinical in nature. Attendees were asked to contribute suggestions for special issues.
Dr. Miles and Dr. Ribeiro suggested special issues related to current events, especially along the theme of groups doing good.
Dr. Songco suggested an issue on “Us, Them, and the Group: Working clinically with polarization and division.”
Item 8: The Group Psychologist Newsletter (Lead: Tom Treadwell)
The newsletter is doing well. We are getting contributions from graduate students from the University of Michigan and George Washington University. There is a push to have more students involved. There was a request for people to send research ideas to Tom, and he will help people edit and develop their ideas.
The newsletter is reaching more countries (e.g., China, Singapore, Ireland, Vietnam), and not just the US. There is an increased number of views from China (728 views).
Dr. Ribeiro noted that Tom and Leann are doing an amazing job with the newsletter.
Item 9: Break I (5min)
Order Lunch
Item 10: Division Communication (Leads: David DeVito and Michele Ribeiro)
Dr. DeVito asked about the existing avenues of communication with members. It was noted that there is very little traffic on listservs. There is a need for more engagement with members. This is the 1st year for a student rep listserv.
Dr. DeVito mentioned that years ago APA didn’t encourage listservs, or for students to promote their studies on listservs. He asked if Div. 49 wants students to promote their research on our listservs. Would this be beneficial to students?
Ilana Ander stated that listserv activity is low. Promoting dissertation research seems ok and may benefit students.
Dr. Acevedo-Morales suggested that it would be good to use listservs to allow students to promote their research. But people don’t want to receive irrelevant posts. It would be useful to have someone at the front end to monitor posts and to ensure posts are related to group psychology or group psychotherapy.
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Item 18c: Foundation Committee Report (Lead: Leann Diederich)
This item was moved earlier in the agenda to accommodate Dr. Diederich’s scheduling conflicts.
A total of 7 applications for the Moreland Dissertation Award were reviewed and 2 winners were chosen. There was a request for more reviewers.
There was a discussion about the Group Specialty Council. This is a collaboration between organizations. There is no new work. It is expected that it should get renewed and approved. It will lean more heavily on Div. 49 for research collaborations since a research basis is needed.
An action item for the future was proposed. The Research Committee can work with Leann, Gary, and/or Noelle and highlight research in communications that members receive.
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Item 10 continued:
Dr. DeVito noted that APA hosted a webinar to help train moderators to address harm and discrimination. Training included how to moderate uncomfortable conversations. Dr. DeVito currently moderates the listserv and there is no contention right now. But it was suggested that the listserv rules be posted each year in January so members know the APA and Div. 49 rules.
Dr. Ribeiro asked how can we uptick communication on listservs? Is there a way to increase engagement with our division? What can we do to increase traffic, share ideas, and create community? We do need a moderator because we don’t know what content will show up – we don’t want contention, so it’s important to monitor traffic. Any thoughts about the listserv or other communications that relate to increased belonging and community?
Dr. Miles mentioned that all members were added to the listserv last year. He asked if anyone asked to be removed.
Dr. DeVito answered only 3 people removed themselves from the listserv, and this did not seem to stem from any post or source of contention.
Dr. Miles suggested that before posting the listserv rules each year, to send messages to members and to invite people to use the listserv as a resource.
Dr. Songco commented that people are already getting too many emails and do not want more. Instead, have something where members can view discussion threads and follow what they choose (vs. receiving lots of email announcements).
Dr. Walls suggested that we poll members and ask them how they want communication to occur (e.g., reddit, email, or other?).
Dr. DeVito mentioned the APA community site was created a few years ago. APA is disappointed with the low traffic rates. Reddit might be a better option.
Dr. Miserocchi mentioned the appeal of listservs that have a consultative aspect. People are more willing to engage in communications if consultation (ways to get advice or suggestions, answers to questions) is a feature.
Dr. D. Kivlinghan said there have been hardly any posts on either Facebook or X. He suggested as new issues come out, to post content on Facebook and X. This may increase visibility for the journal and newsletter.
Dr. O’Connell asked why there isn’t more traffic on social media. Perhaps the division is relatively small. It might be due to the relatively old average age of our membership. It was stated that the division is small and has 2 arms (therapy and research) and there is not much discussion between these groups.
Dr. Walls mentioned Div. 17 has their journal editor do podcast interviews for lead articles of their journal. Should we produce quarterly webinars?
Dr. Ribeiro mentioned that Martin K. is moving in this direction.
Item 11: Division Membership (Lead: Rita Rivera)
There are 363 members (138 required to pay dues; 70 student affiliates). 38 out of 60 new members are student members. Membership retention is at 78% (declined from 88% 5 years ago). The biggest decline in retention is for student affiliates and professional affiliates. We are doing ok getting new members, but retention is difficult. There is $3848 revenue from dues. Student members do not get the journal as a member benefit. What can we offer students so they remain engaged members? Considering the student value package what can we offer students?
The revenue from each student membership is $14.50. We can’t offer students journal access because that would cost $12.50, leaving a revenue of only $2.
What about professional development seminars? Internships? Seminars for dissertations? Leadership opportunities? A request was made – review membership proposals and if anyone has ideas for how to engage and retain members – please share your suggestions.
Dr. Ribeiro stated that we could connect with domain reps to get help and to get ideas about resources to offer student members.
Dr. D. Kivlinghan suggested that we could offer journal access to students and cover costs.
Dr. Rivera stated that students often already have access to journals via school.
Dr. DeVito said even if they access the journal through school, if we provide the journal to students, then they will get 4 announcements that a new issue is out. This increases contact with students and keeps the division and journal on their mind.
Dr. O’Connell suggested we could offer free membership for students (early career members). This could help get them in the door. We aren’t making much on membership anyways, but maybe it’ll increase
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(pause to get lunches)
Executive Session was held
The information discussed during this period is confidential. Board Members may request a copy of the minutes for this portion of the meeting.
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Membership Report: continued
Dr. Chirko suggested that we contact members who have left and ask them why they have not rejoined.
Dr. Wade mentioned that the Institute was a valuable experience (also said by Amanda Acevedo-Morales) and it had helped him get engaged. He suggested to get the Institute started and active again. Mentors would be needed. Would there be interest in re-starting the Institute? He would be willing to help keep the Institute going if others volunteered to help.
Dr. O’Connell noted that it is difficult finding someone to spearhead the Institute and there is difficulty recruiting people to serve as mentors.
Dr. Miles stated the budget shows $10K for the Institute. This can be used to invest in the Institute for students. Free journal access for students could be offered. What would be an ideal request for the board in terms of things that would help student recruitment and retention? Create proposal and let the board know? Have a proposal by April so we can discuss it for April meeting?
Action item: Dr. Acevedo-Morales said she can work with Rita and Ilana and Megan and by the April meeting they can have an initial proposal for what can be done to increase membership and retention, especially for student and early career members. The division has resources, so we should think about what we need or want and make requests by creating proposals.
Item 12: Student Representatives (Leads: Ilana Ander and Megan Prass)
There was a lot of experimentation this year to determine what works and what doesn’t in terms of engaging students.
Rita brought on new student members, which is great news. Kun Wang put out a survey to students after the 2025 midwinter meeting. Four students replied and said what was and wasn’t useful. Useful things were opportunities to network, information about enhancing group therapy skills, learning about group dynamics, connecting with peers and mentors, and the ability to apply for travel awards.
A happy hour was held at the conference but no student members attended (Tom T., Kun, and Ilana attended). An announcement was sent to students advertising ways to get involved. One person contacted Ilana about finding ways to get involved.
Ideas for increasing student involvement include increasing travel awards, offering relevant webinars, and engaging students early in their graduate careers before they get too busy.
Dr. Wade suggested making pitches to join Div. 49 when people teach group therapy classes. Members can use their networks to identify people who teach group classes. Members can be contacted and asked to make announcements in their classes. Engage students at the Master’s level. Perhaps create a list of members who teach groups. Use this to recruit speakers for classes and also to increase contact with Div. 49.
Dr. Ribeiro suggested a database of directors of clinical training be created so they can be contacted when we need to spread the word and recruit members. This can increase visibility of Div. 49. Perhaps a database that covers clinical psych, counseling psych, and MSW programs? Create an internship training director database? Perhaps look through google drive to see if such lists exist, and if so, use these as starting points.
Megan Prass asked if people have ever collaborated with Div. 29. Perhaps overlap exists. Some of their members might be interested in Div. 49. This is a potential source for attracting more students (from Div. 29)
Item 13: APA Council Representative (Lead: Ale DeSilva and Michele Ribeiro)
Dr. DeSilva shared agenda items for the Feb. council meeting. These include: Revisions to APA standards of accreditation, resolution on promoting global perspectives in psychology (work of APA as an organization, and how we can be less US-centric in language, processes, and procedures), palliative care and end of life issues (get practice guidelines developed, including with interdisciplinary teams – highlight the role of psychologists, and relevant courses)
Item 16: Domain Reports
Item 16a: Diversity (Lead: David Songco)
It is a hard time to be in DEI spaces. Struggles include member engagement, and engagement within specific areas of DEI. Members who showed up to meetings expressed how everything was forced to go underground. Members feel vulnerable. The domain does not utilize its budget. It does not need to spend much money. Would like to use money to help with transportation costs (e.g., three $300 scholarships and awards for travel; can’t restrict to marginalized groups, but can include a statement of need as a requirement for scholarships).
Dr. Ribeiro mentioned we already have travel scholarships (four or five $500 awards). If DEI language isn’t included, how do we separate those from the existing scholarships for travel? Could contact APA office to get suggestions for language that are safe to use if targeting marginalized groups.
Dr. Rivera suggested we could frame travel awards as being “need based, and/or for people who have lost access to funding/resources.”
Dr. Miles mentioned there is no need to vote on such suggestions because there is no request for money. Money is already in the budget for domains, so existing money can be used without the need to vote.
Item 16b: Early Career Psychologists (Lead: Amanda Acevedo-Morales)
Just started in this position. Wants to meet with Rita to discuss membership and how/where domains might intersect. Wants to know specific roles or duties at the convention. Will connect with membership rep and student rep to work on a proposal for how to increase membership engagement and retention.
Dr. Ribeiro said we don’t have someone to move the Institute forward right now. But if early career needs support let her know.
Item 16c: Education and Training (Lead: Nathaniel Wade)
Working on ways to offer continuing education. Have an APA sponsorship so we can offer continuing education. Get to a place so we can use this as revenue stream. Can we get good at offering continuing education so we eventually make money (revenue)? Request initial $3K to pilot ideas. Already have commitment from 1 person (willingness to do 1-hour lunch and learn)
Other ideas? Offer 1 day training (6 hr.) as continuing education. Offer webinars.
Request for help. We seek someone with interests in marketing and social media.
Dr. D. Kivlinghan noted that people can get continuing education credits for reading Counseling Psychology. Can we arrange something similar for reading Group Dynamics? This may help readership and membership. Some societies have interest groups. The journal Small Group Research hosts webinars with article authors.
Dr. Songco suggested psychedelic integration interest groups.
Dr. Park suggested AI education and training (e.g., potential uses and misuses of AI in group psychotherapy practices).
Action item: Dr. D. Kivlinghan suggested that people reach out to Martin about AI because of his research and expertise in this area.
Dr. Miles mentioned there is $3K in the budget, so no need to vote because this money is in the current budget for continuing education.
Dr. Walls stated a willingness to help Dr. Wade with forming training and continuing education sessions.
Dr. O’Connell stated there is a PayPal account that’s back-ended so funds go to APA appropriately. Can use this account to collect payment for continuing education
It was noted that Vinney Dehili had previously expressed motivation and interest in offering experiential group training (6-hr., 1-day). Action item: Nathaniel will follow-up with Vinny Dehili to query of his interest to offer a 6-hour experiential training group as a CE offering for the division.
Dr. Wade suggested a lunch and learn that can focus on group psychology in general, and how various principles or dynamics play out in group therapy. Potential facilitators or speakers could be Georgio Tasca or Craig Parks.
Dr. Miserocchi expressed a willingness to volunteer and help Dr. Wade.
Item 16d: Group Psychology (Lead: Ronn Johnson; not present)
Wrote about APA advocacy (see report).
Item 16e: Practice (Lead: Jill Paquin)
At the 2025 meeting, the practice domain rep job had advocacy built into the role. There was a discussion with Dr. Miles and Dr. Ribeiro about how to conceptualize doing advocacy work. Whether or not to endorse/sign on to issue statement letters? Developed a policy. The other issue that was taken on – how can Div. 49 make contributions to research, especially involving marginalized groups (e.g., best practices for group therapy with non-binary clients)?
Updating datafile that lists group training opportunities (needed to document to get specialty status). Group specialty council giving us money to pay a GA to do this work (updating). GA funding NOT coming from Div. budget.
Dr. Paquin asked if we want to continue advocacy in today’s political climate?
Dr. Miles noted that we don’t have to say we’re endorsing this or that, but we can make statements about the relevance of groups or the utility of groups when they relate to social justice. Keep advocacy in the policy.
Dr. Paquin asked a process question. If endorsing someone’s statement, where does it go from my desk?
Dr. Ribeiro replied the President and President-elect review endorsement statements. If crafting a statement (not endorsement), then APA needs to approve.
Item 16f: Research (Lead: Martin Kivlinghan)
This was the end of year 1 for the Research Domain. Identified a need for the committee. Kun Wang and Anwar Georges-Abeyie joined the committee with Dr. M. Kivlinghan.
Hoping to host small group research webinars and office hours. In 2023 there was a Group Dynamics special issue on data analytics. Nora Chapman hosted a series of talks with authors from that issue. Focused on analytic approach and walked the audience through data analysis and how to interpret results.
Want to do a similar webinar series. Ask authors if they’re willing to host one 2hr. office hr. session. People can consult with that author to get guidance and instruction.
Want to develop a group researcher tool box. Create a repository on the website? Can include resources for people who want to get engaged in group research. Can make measures, tasks, sample IRBs publicly available.
Dr. Park suggested a webinar that offers instruction for how to code or use R. Mentioned INGRoup might have a repository for teaching and research materials. A website page could be created for people who are seeking research collaborators (e.g., bulletin board – researcher with interest in X seeking collaborator…). Similarly, something analogous to the Many Labs replication project could be started. Since group research is laborious, people aren’t very motivated to conduct replication studies of their own work. But if researchers share their materials, people (e.g., graduate students, early career scholars) from other labs could conduct the replication studies instead. They can be set up with the original researchers who could serve as consultants. An arrangement could be made with Group Dynamics where the replication study is guaranteed to be published, regardless of the findings. The new researchers and original researchers could be co-authors (e.g., a special GD issue on replication studies). Graduate students or early-career researchers could benefit from collaboration with established researchers, and could benefit from a guaranteed publication. The original researchers can benefit from a publication, and from forming new collaborations. The community can benefit from learning about which phenomena replicate and which don’t.
Item 17: Break II
Item 18: Standing Committees
Item 18a: Awards (Lead: Michele Ribeiro)
Get the word out about awards, especially to students. Get nominations.
Awards include:
-Arthur Teicher Group Psychologist of the Year Award
-Excellence in Group Practice Award
-Excellence in Teaching of Group Dynamics Award
-the Award for Outstanding Professional Contribution to Diversity in -Group Psychology or Group Psychotherapy (every other year?)
-Student Poster Awards
-Student Poster Awards for Diversity and Social Justice in Groups
-Student Travel Award for APA convention (4 for $500)
Dr. Wade and Dr. Paquin asked if we can give money for the Professional Contribution award. Money will increase interest and can help recruitment/retention.
Dr. Ribeiro wanted to clarify guidelines since we’re together now. Discuss now so information can be added to policies and procedures.
-award Student Diversity Award every year (unanimous vote)
-make Arthur Teicher Award more generous than others ($1K) (unanimous vote)
-other awards accompanied with a $500 prize (group practice, teaching, diversity) (unanimous vote)
-You do not need to be a member to be nominated or win. The nominator does not need to be member. The winner receives 1 year free membership if they are not already a member (unanimous vote)
Item 18b: Fellows (Lead: David Marcus)
Leo W. named Fellow. Need to increase number of qualified nominees. Think of nominees and encourage people to apply
Item 18c: Foundation (Lead: Leann Diederich) (moved to earlier in agenda)
Item 18d: Membership (see Item 10)
Item 18e: Nominations and Elections (Lead: Michele Ribeiro)
2/13/26 – open positions
- President Elect (2027-2028) (no nominations yet)
- Diversity Domain (2027 – 2029) (2 nominees)
- Group Psychology Domain (2027 – 2029) (no nominations yet)
- Practice Domain (2027 – 2029) (2 nominees)
- One (1) Student Representative (2027-2028) (Note that this is a 2-year position) (3 nominees)
Think about nominees. If in a position and want to continue, can stay for 2 terms/cycles. Consider self-nominations.
Item 18f: Program (APA Convention) (Lead: Kristin Miserocchi and Codee Walls)
Proposal portal now closed. 13 session proposals. 23 poster proposals
Dr. Walls will step into the position after the convention. Dr. Miserocchi will not be able to make the convention. Will see if she can transfer her comps to Dr. Walls. Programming hours were reduced. There are 5 programming hours this year (vs. 7 last year). A goal is to have programs be well-attended and to create a smooth transition for the new programming chair.
Item 19: Other Committees and Task Forces
Item 19a: Early Career Professionals Task Force (see Item 12)
Item 19b: Federal Advocacy Coordinator (see Item 14)
Item 20: Group Specialty Council
Item 21: Committee on Division/APA Relations
Item 22: Review of Budget Requests Generated by this Meeting
Motion: approve the shadow budget Dennis presented with the addition of the awards that were voted on today ($2500) (vote: approved unanimously).
Item 23: Future Board Meetings (Lead: Joe Miles)
Dr. DeVito and/or Dr. Miles will send out a poll to identify dates
Item 24: Closing
Meeting end time: 4pm EST