CONTEMPO
Winter 2026
President's Message
Dear CA-AFCS Members,
As we move forward from an exciting and productive spring, I am honored and grateful to continue serving as your President for the 2026–2028 term. Thank you for your confidence and support of our association and its mission to advance Family and Consumer Sciences throughout California.
I would also like to congratulate the newly elected members of the CA-AFCS Executive Committee:
- President (2026–2028): Jody Roubanis
- Vice President for Programs (2026–2028): Emily Oertling
- Secretary (2026–2028): Soheyla Mohammadi-Gorji
- EEF Board Member (2026–2030): Kellye Carroll
These dedicated leaders bring valuable experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to our profession. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to strengthen CA-AFCS and support the important work of Family and Consumer Sciences professionals across our state.
Our association recently celebrated a successful 2026 CA-AFCS Biennial Conference, which brought together members, students, educators, and professionals for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. On behalf of the entire membership, I extend heartfelt appreciation to Diane Lewis-Goldstein, Doris Barela-Fossen, and Dolores Robles, who served as conference tri-chairs. Their vision, leadership, countless hours of planning, and attention to detail created a meaningful and memorable experience for all who attended. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and service.
In this issue of Contempo, we are pleased to highlight Dr. Nancy Dayne, a longtime advocate for Family and Consumer Sciences, an outgoing member of the EEF Board, and a recipient of an EEF grant. Dr. Dayne's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and supporting underserved communities exemplifies the impact that Family and Consumer Sciences professionals can have on the lives of individuals and families. Conference attendees were inspired by her presentation and the work made possible through EEF support.
As we celebrate Dr. Dayne's contributions and recognize the leadership of our newly elected officers and conference volunteers, we are reminded that the strength of CA-AFCS lies in the dedication of its members. Thank you for your continued involvement, advocacy, and commitment to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities throughout California.
I look forward to working with you during the coming biennium and to continuing our shared efforts to promote the value and impact of Family and Consumer Sciences.
With appreciation,
Jody L. Roubanis, CFCS
President, CA-AFCS
2026-2028
CA-AFCS Officers
President Jody Roubanis
VP Programs Emily Oertling
Secretary Soheyla Mohammadi-Gorji
Treasurer Sue Chelini
EEF Nancy Rabolt
EEF Sue Chelini
EEF Sandy Carpenter
EEF Kellye Carroll
Emily J. Oertling, 2026-2028 VP of Programs
Dr. Oertling is a socio-culturist focused on sustainability issues in the broader fashion industry. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at California State University - Sacramento, teaching in the Fashion Merchandising and Management program.
Soheyla MohammadiGorji, 2026-2028 Secretary
Dr. MohammadiGorji is an Assistant Professor in the Interior Design & Architecture program at San Francisco State University. Her research centers on improving safety and supporting aggression prevention in high-risk healthcare environments, with a particular focus on Emergency Departments.
Kellye Carroll, 2026-2030 EEF Board Member
Dr. Carroll is an associate professor in the department of Sociology, Social Work and Family Sciences at Point Loma Nazarene University. She teaches in the Child and Adolescent Development program. Her students say that she is very engaging and that her classes are interesting because she cares about the topics she is teaching.
Jana Din Keynote Speaker
AAFCS Body of Knowledge
Sacramento State University Faculty
Celebrating Leadership, Learning, and the Future of Family and Consumer Sciences
Members, students, and guests from across California gathered in March 2026 for the California Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (CA-AFCS) Biennial Conference, an inspiring event dedicated to professional growth, collaboration, and advancing the mission of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). Hosted by the Los Angeles District, the conference brought together educators, university faculty, students, and professionals who share a commitment to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and service.
The conference began with poster check-in, networking opportunities, and a continental breakfast, allowing attendees to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and welcome new members to the organization. The event officially opened with a special video presentation from Dr. Cara Simmons, President of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). In her message, Dr. Simmons emphasized the importance of leadership, advocacy, and innovation in today's rapidly changing world and encouraged members to continue elevating the visibility and impact of the FCS profession.
Attendees were welcomed by Los Angeles District President Doris Barela-Fossen, whose remarks highlighted the value of professional connection, collaboration, and the continued strength of the California affiliate. Her welcome set the tone for a day filled with learning, engagement, and inspiration.
Throughout the conference, participants attended dynamic presentations addressing current issues and emerging trends in Family and Consumer Sciences. Topics included health and wellness, nutrition, consumer education, family studies, leadership development, financial literacy, technology integration, interior design, fashion history, and career readiness.
One of the conference highlights was a university faculty wellness panel moderated by a student leader. Panelists discussed the interconnected nature of wellness, emphasizing the importance of physical health, nutrition, stress management, financial preparedness through budgeting and emergency savings, and maintaining a positive perspective on aging as a lifelong process. Additional presenters shared research-based insights, innovative practices, and practical strategies that attendees could immediately apply within their classrooms, programs, and communities.
The conference also celebrated student achievement and showcased the next generation of Family and Consumer Sciences professionals. Student participation demonstrated the bright future of the profession and reinforced the value of mentorship, leadership development, and professional involvement.
A robust poster session featured presentations from faculty, professionals, undergraduate students, and graduate students. Faculty from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and San Francisco State University (SFSU) shared research and projects related to fashion history and influence, technology in the classroom, financial wellness, and interior design. Student and professional poster presentations represented institutions including CSUN, CSULB, SFSU, Sacramento State University, and Point Loma Nazarene University, highlighting creativity, scholarship, and applied learning across multiple FCS disciplines.
Beyond professional learning, the conference fostered meaningful fellowship and collaboration among attendees. Conversations throughout the day reflected the shared passion of CA-AFCS members to advocate for the profession, support one another, and expand opportunities for students and professionals alike. The event served as a powerful reminder that Family and Consumer Sciences continues to play a vital role in preparing individuals and families for healthy, productive, and resilient lives.
The 2026 Biennial Conference also provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication of the many volunteers, officers, presenters, and conference organizers whose efforts contributed to its success. Their commitment to excellence created a welcoming and enriching experience for all who attended.
As CA-AFCS looks ahead to future initiatives and opportunities, the enthusiasm and momentum generated during the conference will continue to inspire members across the state. The association remains committed to promoting leadership, professional development, advocacy, and lifelong learning while advancing the mission and impact of Family and Consumer Sciences throughout California.
The 2026 CA-AFCS Biennial Conference was more than a professional gathering—it was a celebration of the enduring value of Family and Consumer Sciences and the dedicated individuals who advance its mission every day.
Conference Tri-Chairs
Diane Lewis-Goldstein
Doris Barela-Fossen
Dolores Robles
LA District Student Scholarship Winners
Lauren Stone, CSULB Nutrition
Alanis Devezin, CSULB Consumer Affairs
Caedence Franklin, CSULB Fashion
Dzifa Dzotrah, CSUN Dietetics
Professional Service Awards
Doris Barela-Fossen, right presented awards
Dr. Jody L. Roubanis
Dr. Gus Vouchilas
Dr. Sandy Carpenter
Dr. Nancy J. Rabolt
CA-AFCS EEF Grant Supports Innovative Family Resource Center at CSULB
The California Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (CA-AFCS) is proud to highlight the work of Dr. Nancy Dayne, former CA-AFCS EEF Board Member, whose vision and leadership have helped create new opportunities for both university students and families through the Family Resource Center (FRC) at California State University, Long Beach.
As a longtime advocate for Family and Consumer Sciences and a dedicated supporter of educational innovation, Dr. Dayne received support through a CA-AFCS EEF grant to advance an initiative focused on enhancing STEM learning opportunities for underprivileged students. Her commitment to expanding educational access reflects the core values of Family and Consumer Sciences—strengthening individuals, families, and communities through education and applied learning experiences.
Building upon this mission, Dr. Dayne has led the development of the Family Resource Center (FRC) at California State University, Long Beach. Officially opened in February 2026, the FRC serves as both a student training site and a valuable campus resource for students with dependents. The center aligns with CSULB's Beach 2030 strategic priorities to expand access, cultivate community, and build resilience.
The Family Resource Center provides Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) students with hands-on training and internship experiences in family services and parent education. Through these experiences, future professionals gain practical skills while supporting an often-overlooked population on college campuses—student parents and their families.
“The goal was to create a space that serves multiple purposes,” explains Dr. Dayne. “The center provides resources and support for student parents while also offering meaningful training opportunities for CDFS students who aspire to work with children and families.”
The FRC's objectives include increasing internship and training opportunities for Child Development and Family Studies students and improving students' sense of belonging, well-being, and persistence through support in child development, parenting, resilience, and access to campus resources.
The center represents an excellent example of Family and Consumer Sciences in action. By addressing the needs of student parents while preparing future family service professionals, the FRC creates a positive impact that extends beyond the university campus and into the broader community.
CA-AFCS celebrates Dr. Dayne's continued leadership and innovation. Her work demonstrates how EEF-supported initiatives can foster educational opportunity, strengthen families, and create pathways for student success. The Family Resource Center stands as a model of collaboration, service, and the transformative power of Family and Consumer Sciences.
For more information about the Family Resource Center, visit the CSULB Family Resource Center website.
