Michelle Befi Ma, Lmft

Michelle Befi, MA, LMFT has a diverse and extensive work experience history. Starting in 2008, they worked as a Therapist in a private practice until 2011. During this time, they also served as a Mentor at College Living Experience (CLE) from 2008 to 2010. From 2010 to 2013, Michelle held various roles at CLE, including Director and Student Services Coordinator.

In 2013, they transitioned to Easterseals Bay Area, where they held several positions, such as Regional Director, ABA; Area Director, ABA; Director of Behavioral Health Services; Vice President of Programs; Chief Operating Officer; and Customer Solutions Officer. Michelle worked in these roles until 2019 when they joined Catalight Foundation as Senior Vice President of Intelligence & Analytics.

Michelle returned to Easterseals Hawaii in 2020 and served as the Interim Vice President of Programs. Later in 2020, they moved back to Catalight Foundation as the Senior Vice President of Sustainable Program Design. Currently, they are working as a Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist, which they started in November 2021.

Throughout their career, Michelle has been passionate about helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, providing them with exceptional and individualized services. Michelle has also been involved in building the capacity of home and community-based organizations through various infrastructure solutions.

Michelle Befi obtained their Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Learning and Development with a minor in Educational Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin. Michelle then went on to earn their Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology with concentrations in LPC and LMFT from St.Edward's University. Michelle has also obtained certifications as a Licensed Professional Counselor from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors in September 2008, and as a Marriage and Family Therapist from the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists in March 2008. In November 2021, they received certification as a Marriage and Family Therapist from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and in September 2021, they became a Clinical Fellow of the AAMFT.