Forensic Section Interview with Ann Wallace
Third in a series
The Experts' Express is pleased to publish these interviews of past leaders of the Forensic interest section since 1996. This is done to once again commend their service and to encourage a continuous momentum of strong leadership within the Section as it renews itself from year to year.
Forensic Chairpersons take on an extraordinary commitment by volunteering for a three-year term as Chair Elect, Chair, and Past Chair. Bob Paré, who has served in various roles on recent Forensic Section Boards, offered to interview each of the past leaders and bring to you their reflections.
Interview # 3: Ann Wallace, PH.D., LMFT, ABVE, CLCP, CRC
Term of Service: 2008-2009
Bob Paré: It looks like you were the twelfth person to take the lead in our organization’s development around the topic of Forensics in litigation, Ann.
Ann Wallace: Really? I remember that the Forensic Section first attracted me because I was seeking mentors for my own development. I would identify people and get on the telephone and call them with questions about employment law, family law, life care planning, and all the things that I was not yet doing; sometimes I could arrange to meet in person at the Forensic or IARP Conferences to follow up on earlier discussions or to start new ones. Everybody was so helpful. They still are. It was not long ago, was it that I attended my first Forensic Conference in Las Vegas and got onto the listserv. It’s been good.
BP: It seems to me that your mentors have resulted in influencing you quite well. As we know, I served as Co-chair and worked with you in all of your 3 year commitment to the Forensic Board. I got to see quite a few things firsthand, including the Conference’s return to Vegas. I consider you one of my mentors.
AW: Actually, the mentorship was not only about forensic casework, but also included a lot regarding leadership style. I had wanted to learn, and I still do, and there certainly is a lot of talent in our group. As I watched and listened to others, I quickly came to say to myself: "I can do this." People may not realize that some of us did or still do share more of the intimidation factor than is obvious. Often times, it is a mentor that will bridge where one is to where one wants to go. A little bit of self-confidence does not hurt either.
BP: I know that you have been active in the California chapter of IARP, and volunteered on earlier conference committees before running for the Forensic Chair position. It seems that you have had many good experiences in running large conferences as well. You now serve IARP as an At-Large Board Member, are on the Membership Advisory Committee, and others. How do you fit the many contributions that have made and still make to IARP into your schedule?
AW: There is a very basic premise that most volunteers have a very busy life and job, and that certainly includes our group. The key to any volunteer commitment starts however was a very small one, and that is in forecasting all future planned meetings onto a calendar as soon as they are announced. Unless one puts the future date and time of volunteer commitments and meetings onto a calendar now, the chance of having other things crop up and become more important have very high probability, if we can use forensic language here. It certainly works for me. I can also see why not doing so lessens accountability and the active contribution, and ultimately lets others down. I feel that volunteer commitments need to have a close priority to work commitments.
BP: I say it for you, Ann, you have a strong sense of follow-through, too. The Professional and social network that you have built around you seems to be one you well deserve.
AW: You know Bob, what is great about IARP is that every one of us is a peer to others. Even though this one gets published, someone else has different credentials, another one has many years of experience, some make very good presenters, etc., somehow there is very little "professional jealousy" that channels us into bickering and tearing each other down. The sense that we share in being volunteer and professional peers is one that I don't think is easily replicated elsewhere. Going back to the Forensic Section, I have to say that that was the smoothest and most cordial group I have ever worked with. Actually, I can also say that about the IARP Board now. We are all caregivers as our start.
BP: Is it fair to ask you if there is one thing that stands out more for you than others in your view of the historical development of the Forensic Section?
AW: Yes, there is. A few years ago IARP made a concerted effort to build a sense of "community" and not limit itself to merely being a functional organization for its members. About that time, several things started to happen, but I do single out Paulette Freeman as someone who infused boisterous energy with her auctions, raffles, hospitality talents, fundraising creativity, and selfless commitment not only to help raise money, but also to insure that we have a good time when getting together. It’s also been great to see us able to raise private funds for speakers like Dick Pimentel and Elizabeth Edwards- all things that were not part of our “culture” in the earlier years.
BP: Where do we go from here?
AW: We need to prioritize the reaching out to younger members. To do that, we need to fast-forward ourselves in the world of hi-tech. I know, we may be resistant, don’t have time, and need other to show us “how,” but we have no choice. Right now, I don’t think we speak their language. Is that a barrier that is making things even worse than they are for our future? The recent upgrade of our Web page is just a start. There are many reasons for young persons not joining the ranks of Rehabilitation Professionals in the great number that our profession and society needs. For me, the technical disconnect is a wake-up call. “IT” is the tool to attract new blood! Even mentoring the new people that we do generate is already hard because of our archaic approach to technology.
BP: So you mean that I should once and for all get rid of my overhead transparencies that I saved? (laugh) You are so right-on, Ann. Thank you for all you do!
