Insights From Our Clinicians: What the NorCal Meeting Meant to Us

Originally published in the May 2, 2026 Newsletter.

I sat down with CEO and President of Remarkable Services, Dr. Paul Kramer, EdD, LMFT, to discuss the importance of creating opportunities for colleagues to build supportive in-person relationships while working remotely in a post-COVID landscape.

“We operate virtually for the most part,” said Paul. “We have a fair number of staff that meet in-person, but even with that, it's not like you get to see your colleagues. You meet in-person, and you're oftentimes two ships passing in the night. You're getting your client, they're getting their client.” 

Because of the inherent privacy required from therapists coupled with the isolating nature of working remotely, it was that much more important to Paul to create meaningful in-person meetup opportunities for his staff. One such opportunity was the Northern California in-person team meetup on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Art Wagner, AMFT, noted that this was his first time meeting most of the team, including Paul, in real life. He observed how quickly natural conversations emerged that would never have been able to happen through a screen. Chatting with one another over food and drinks in-person, Art and I discovered we both went to graduate school at Saint Mary’s College of CA, and that we had both lived in Minnesota. Neither of those similarities between us, we both agreed, would have ever surfaced on a Microsoft Teams call.

“It was great to see people in flesh and bone and actually show up for something like this, because I think it's a completely different experience than it is when we're all behind screens or in Teams meetings. I think that sort of sharing of personal space was great,” said Art.

Fiorella Calenzani, AMFT, felt similarly. “I feel like everyone got along really well, and there were a lot of side conversations that would integrate into bigger conversations. It was a good flow and mix of people. And it was a comfortable environment, very laid back. You didn't need to show up as a professional or as a therapist. It was very much: We are all humans. We all have this profession. And every now and then, we'll get together and talk about it. So, it was a great experience.”

Fiorella and I recognized each other when we met in person for the first time at the meetup. We had only met in a professional context — group supervision — but at the meetup, we found ourselves talking about our graduate school experiences, career paths, and personal life in a different way than had been possible for us virtually.

“Because we're so clinical, I feel like we don't get to [show our personalities] too much. These types of outings … build so much more community. And especially with a company that's online, I feel like that's very important. It felt like a great balance between talking about cases and also being humans and having our little jokes, asking questions outside of work. [It is so important to] especially provide a space where you can break away from that professionalism.” 

Art emphasized how rare this type of genuine peer connection is outside of supervision, and how valuable it felt to him. He compared meeting in-person to what we do in therapy and emphasized how real connection happens more deeply when we’re physically present with one another. Although he had always received a positive vibe from the organization, the in-person gathering made the company’s culture feel real for the first time.

“I always feel like I get more out of someone just in terms of connection and relationship when I‘m there live with them,” said Art. “It wasn’t just somebody behind a screen. It was a human being … I would say that that is the first time that I really felt a sense of culture within the organization because it was a live event… those kinds of live events, that’s exactly what builds culture. [This experience reminded me that] there is no replacement for personal contact.”

“Even though we're remote,” said Fiorella, “I definitely don't feel alone. I feel like it's such a collaborative experience. Everyone is so, so open, so willing to contribute, so willing to help. Collaboration is such a huge part of this company’s culture. I feel very supported.” 

Art acknowledged the benefits of virtual work, including access to clients across the entire state, but stressed that in-person moments are what create something irreplaceable. He even requires some of his Bay Area clients to come into the office every fourth session in order to strengthen the therapeutic relationship.

“It's not like telehealth is going away,” said Paul. “It's not. I mean, it's here to stay. But the big need right now is in-person. That's what we keep hearing about. The individuals that showed up [at the meetup] were really intentional about it. And so I think that intention gives me a lot of confidence, but also it gives me some peace too, because I think that a lot of our folks will meet the need. They'll be willing to travel, to put on real clothes again, and go back into the office.”

Fiorella explained that her intentionality stemmed from the same energy reflected towards her. “I liked how Adam and Dr. Paul opened up the floor for us. Like, do you have any questions? Do you have any concerns? Is there anything that we can talk about? They were very open and welcoming to any and all feedback, any kind of conversation. And so it was great to see how willing our leaders are, because they also flew in and drove in from SoCal. It's just great to see the effort, and refreshing to have a space like that, because I feel like it helped me feel like I'm part of this company and like my voice and feedback matters.”

Fiorella and Art also expressed hope for more frequent in-person events and greater integration between the Northern and Southern California teams — including opportunities to meet Southern California colleagues, like Clinical Supervisor James Parker, LMFT.

Paul is already planning more meetups across the state. “It’s not on the calendar yet, but we're going to do an Orange County, Los Angeles area thing. And then in July is San Diego.” 

When I asked my peers what they would like to share with our fellow colleagues who were not able to attend, Art said, “You missed out … make sure that you don’t miss the next one because it becomes a lot more valuable than you might imagine it is.”

Fiorella echoed Art’s sentiments, and said, “I just wish to motivate you if you're on the cusp. I hope we can kind of push you, just a little nudge. Like, you know what? You can come. I know it's after a tiring day, but it's chill. It's so fun.”

Paul’s goal was simply to remind clinicians that if they have the time or capacity, they have the opportunity to meet up with the team in-person. Diverse clinicians attract diverse clients, and he emphasized the importance of meeting his staff members where they are at. 

“It’s not required for everybody,” said Paul regarding attendance at the meetups. “We all have a voice.”

He continued, “This meetup has reinforced my confidence that we can continue to scale Remarkable in order to to meet those needs and increase our and go back to in-person, because that's the thing, prior to COVID, at the time, we had about maybe 15 therapists, and everybody was in-person. And so I'd like to see a little bit more balance. I think that's what shifted for me. It feels good that we will be increasing in-person services.”

With the increase of company meetups, in-person services, and opportunities for trainees, associates, licensed clinicians, and admin/staff to collaborate and cross-pollinate ideas, Remarkable is entering a new chapter in its journey.

“Our greatest strength is our people,” Paul said. “It's where the innovation comes from.”