“Today is a day of celebration for the work that our members do,” said Raul Garcia, the UFT chapter leader for social workers and psychologists, at Clinicians Appreciation Day on Jan. 12. About 400 members gathered in Shanker Hall at UFT headquarters, and another 900 joined remotely, for a day of professional development. Melanie Gonell, a bilingual school psychologist at three Manhattan schools, said the workshop on implicit bias was timely and useful. “This is a topic that is not really talked about,” she said. “We have to have these uncomfortable conversations to move forward.” The clinicians appreciated the chance to meet colleagues who are also struggling under the twin burdens of post-pandemic mental health issues and the influx of new immigrant families. “It’s important for support — so we can share what we’re going through,” said Maya Tsekenis, a social worker at MS 936 in Brooklyn.