For Dr. Sara Salkil, a 16-year career dedicated to marriage and family therapy has led to an opportunity to help shape the future of the field on a national level. The Abilene Christian University (ACU) faculty member was recently elected by her fellow Commissioners to serve as Chair-Elect of the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) in 2027, followed by a term as Chair in 2028.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Dr. Salkil, whose career has centered on educating future marriage and family therapists and strengthening the profession that transformed her own life. In her new leadership role, she’ll have the opportunity to help guide the organization responsible for setting the accreditation standards for marriage and family therapy education across the country.
“I felt extremely honored to be selected,” Dr. Salkil beamed. “The COAMFTE accreditation is the gold standard. To be involved is so deeply humbling.”
Giving Back to Marriage And Family Therapy
For Dr. Salkil, this new achievement carries personal significance. Before building her career as an educator and therapist, she was an ACU student and graduated with a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT).
“Earning my degree with ACU has changed my life,” Dr. Salkil beamed. Over the past 16 years, her work has given her opportunities to return that investment by supporting students, colleagues and the broader marriage and family therapy profession. Her upcoming COAMFTE leadership role will allow her to continue that commitment on a larger scale.
COAMFTE establishes accreditation standards for marriage and family therapy education programs, helping to ensure that students receive an education that prepares them with the knowledge and competencies needed to help couples and families.
Dr. Salkil will serve one year as Chair-Elect before assuming the role of Chair. As part of the leadership team, she will work alongside fellow Commissioners and COAMFTE staff on strategic operations and priorities for the organization. Part of the work will include helping develop the commission’s annual charge, which identifies areas of focus for standing committees and helps determine what the organization wants to accomplish moving forward.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to give back to the discipline and tradition,” Dr. Salkil shared. “It also means a lot to me to give back to the people I work with.”
That responsibility comes at an important time for marriage and family therapy education. As educational models and students’ needs evolve, Dr. Salkil believes programs must find ways to expand opportunities for future marriage and family therapists without sacrificing the rigor that prepares them to serve their clients. She sees the future of MMFT education and accreditation as a balance between increasing access for students, encouraging innovation and maintaining high standards.
“We always think about the best practice for the field,” Dr. Salkil reaffirmed.
Looking Toward the Future of MMFT Education
As marriage and family therapy education continues to change, Dr. Salkil sees both opportunities and challenges ahead. One of the most important parts of her new role will be finding the right balance between expanding access to education, embracing innovation and maintaining quality and professional competencies expected of future MMFT therapists.
Dr. Salkil’s role with COAMFTE will give her the chance to contribute to those conversations and work alongside her peers as they consider how accreditation can respond. This role is also relevant to Dr. Salkil’s responsibilities as the MMFT program director at ACU. The university’s online MMFT program is undergoing reaccreditation, and Dr. Salkil is helping to ensure the program is prepared for review. Reaccreditation for MFT programs occurs every seven years to ensure that their programs continually meet established standards for quality and academic rigor. Her involvement gives her a unique perspective as both an educator working directly with students and Chair-Elect to the COAMFTE.
Ultimately, Dr. Salkil views her election as another way for her to serve the profession and future generations of therapists. From earning her own MMFT degree at ACU to teaching future therapists and now preparing for her new role, Dr. Salkil’s career reflects a continued commitment to strengthening the MMFT field and education.