Earlier this morning the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center announced the recipients of the 2026 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg (MLG) Award: Cassie Chase (Staff), Becca Bowman (Supervisor), and Zack Elisio (Trainer).
Named in honor of Dr. Marion Lindblad-Goldberg, creator of Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT), the MLG Award recognizes individuals who embody the values, principles, and spirit of the model through their commitment to systemic thinking, relational healing, professional growth, and strengthening families and communities.
This year’s recipients represent the very best of ESFT in action. Through their leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to growth and development, they have left a lasting impact on families, clinicians, supervisors, and systems.
Cassie Chase – Staff Recipient
Cassie Chase has become a powerful example of what it means to embrace the learning process with courage, humility, and determination. Throughout her training journey, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to growth, consistently challenging herself to deepen her understanding of the ESFT model and strengthen her clinical practice.
Cassie is known for her ability to see the strengths and potential in everyone around her. Whether working with families, collaborating with peers, or participating in training, she brings warmth, authenticity, and encouragement that inspires others to stretch beyond their comfort zones. Her dedication to deliberate practice, curiosity, and systemic thinking has made her a leader within her cohort and a trusted voice in the training room.
Most importantly, Cassie embodies the belief that meaningful change happens through relationships. Her work reflects a deep respect for families, a commitment to collaboration, and a belief in the capacity of people to grow and heal. Through her presence, she has strengthened not only the families she serves but also the clinicians who learn alongside her.
Becca Bowman – Supervisor Recipient
As a supervisor, Becca Bowman exemplifies the balance of support, accountability, and authenticity that lies at the heart of effective systemic leadership. She consistently creates environments where clinicians feel visible, valued, and worthy while simultaneously challenging them to recognize strengths and capabilities they may not yet see in themselves.
Becca approaches supervision through a systemic lens, helping clinicians maintain awareness of the larger ecosystem while thoughtfully addressing the developmental needs of individuals and teams. Her leadership is grounded in relationship, yet always focused on promoting competence, confidence, and meaningful professional growth.
Through her deliberate authenticity and unwavering commitment to the ESFT model, Becca fosters spaces where learning thrives. She transforms moments of uncertainty and intensity into opportunities for reflection, growth, and second-order change. Her ability to assess complex situations while communicating with clarity and simplicity has had a profound impact on the clinicians she supervises and, ultimately, the families they serve.
Zack Elisio – Trainer Recipient
Zack Elisio has dedicated himself to advancing the field of family therapy through exceptional training, mentorship, and leadership. He possesses a remarkable ability to help others think systemically, understand relational patterns, and make meaningful connections across training, supervision, and clinical practice.
Throughout every training experience, Zack creates an atmosphere of safety, challenge, and collaboration. He skillfully balances validation with accountability, encouraging clinicians and supervisors to engage in self-reflection while remaining grounded in the principles of ESFT. His commitment to cultivating growth extends beyond teaching concepts—he helps others integrate systemic thinking into the way they understand themselves, their work, and the systems they serve.
Zack’s influence can be felt across countless clinicians, supervisors, and organizations. His ability to distill complex concepts into accessible and practical applications has empowered many to deepen their practice and strengthen outcomes for families. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to learning, connection, and the belief that transformation occurs through relationships.
Honoring a Legacy
The Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award celebrates individuals who carry forward Dr. Lindblad-Goldberg’s vision of strengthening families through systemic, relational, and trauma-informed practice. Cassie Chase, Becca Bowman, and Zack Elisio each embody this vision in unique and meaningful ways.
Their dedication to fostering competence, cultivating belonging, and creating opportunities for growth reminds us that lasting change occurs when people are seen, supported, and challenged within the context of meaningful relationships.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s recipients and our gratitude for the impact they continue to have on families, communities, and the field of systemic family therapy.
Congratulations, Cassie, Becca, and Zack, on this well-deserved recognition.
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