Carla Gerber is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Clinical Research Director for the Influents Center. For decades, Carla's passion has been to provide early intervention and prevention for schizophrenia and other major mental illnesses, so that young people can maintain healthy, successful lives. She has a rich history of providing direct clinical care, developing new innovative programs, and participating as a local principal investigator for large multi-site research projects. This blend of clinical and research experience fuels her commitment to actively bridge the divide between groundbreaking research findings and their practical application, ensuring that best practices are accessible to communities in need. Carla believes that people with lived experience and their families bring a unique perspective and expertise, and she is committed to supporting opportunities for program participants to pursue careers in research and treatment of serious mental illness. In her free time, she loves traveling the world, hiking, and supporting women’s soccer.